WAVE lock failure

[mike21]

i was using the non serated blade to split some ready cut(small) (less than one inch thick) fire wood yesterday. i made the incision with the back half of the blade and gently knocked the front of the blade to make the split. As the blade went down i noticed the front of the blade was tilting downwards. so i tried to corrected it by applying pressure on the back of the handle to level blade again. This was when the lock failed. after inspection it seemed that it buckled and went back into the unlocked position. I was applying a fair bit of preassure, but it was in no way excessive.

the wave is a great product, and i probably shouldnt have used it to split wood for tinder in the first place. but i just though i should warn anyone out there who might think the lock is stronger than it is.




im gonna go and buy an A1 now its hard work trying to split open an rabbit with a swiss army knife



cheers

 

[knifenerd]

Mike:

I don't think the locking feature on the Wave is really intended to stand up to the abuse that we would normally expect from a top quality folding knife. That's just my opinion. Also, by the very nature of a multi-tool, it's intended for "in-a-pinch" type applications.

Thanks for the heads-up. At least you didn't get cut.

 

[KBR]

Originally posted by knifenerd
Mike:

"I don't think the locking feature on the Wave is really intended to stand up to the abuse that we would normally expect from a top quality folding knife."

Ditto.

 

[CD Fleischer]

I don't have mine any more, but tested the hell out of them and was very surprised at how strong the lock was.

I did cut myself badly with one -- I loosened my grip a bit and it slid through my grip, slicing my thumb on the way though.

 

[ExamonLyf]

Hmmm.., I've done pretty similar stuff with a Wave Mike.., and haven't had difficulty yet.., but thanks for the heads up. Sometimes I try stuff with it because I'm too lazty to go get the right tool.., but it doesn't sound like you did anything I wouldn't have tried..

At least your post will make me think about it.., glad you didn't get cut...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"

 

[knifenut43]

Wood splitting is usually a job for a hefty fixed blade camp knife. It just gives you another type of knife to lust for until you fianlly snag one. I try to save my Wave for those tight pinches when I'm without anything else. Might want to send it back to Leatherman though, especially if that lock bent and is fatigued in any way. Those Wave blades are sharp and it would be ugly to have one fold up and take a chunk out of your hand. Good luck!