What constitutes an MBC rating?

[Trailing Point]

Hi everyone.

What factors are generally considered before specifying that a knife is approved for MBC? Spyderco knives with mid-locks (endura), ball bearing (P'kal) and compression locks (PM2) all carry this rating but what about knives like the upcoming mamba? It obviously has the heart of a fighter but will its linerlock also be suitable should it ever be necessary to stab a rampaging zombie in the eye before it eats my brain?

Just curious, I am already a major fan!!

 

[twinboysdad]

The lock strength. If I understand it correctly the design can be of a SD orientation but the lock strength being able to handle SD applications is the determining factor of MBC rating. As far as the Mamba, I do not know if it will be MBC rated or not. The Millie is a liner lock and I would trust it in MBC type applications just as much as an Endura. I am not MBC trained so take this for what it worth from a hobbyist

 

[Chinook3]

I'm pretty sure that "lock strength" is one major factor for the MBC knives, something like 200lbs per square inch.

 

[Trailing Point]

The lock strength. If I understand it correctly the design can be of a SD orientation but the lock strength being able to handle SD applications is the determining factor of MBC rating. As far as the Mamba, I do not know if it will be MBC rated or not. The Millie is a liner lock and I would trust it in MBC type applications just as much as an Endura. I am not MBC trained so take this for what it worth from a hobbyist

I think there is a big difference between a liner lock and a liner lock done right. The Millie being a great example.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[The Deacon]

It definitely was based on lock strength, was measured in inch pounds, and was the highest of the lock ratings Spyderco gave to its knives. My only question would be whether Spyderco still uses the term "MBC rated", or publishes strength ratings for any of its locks, anymore?

 

[Spectre]

AFAIK, Spyderco never published the specific strengths of their various knives, though they were willing to share with users which were the strongest.