What's the point in torsion bars?

M

maxegb

Joined
Apr 17, 2000
Messages
108
Hi all,
I had the chance to try some torsion bar operated Kershaw knives and ,frankly,i do not like them at all....c'mon why anyone should need a spring operated one handed folder? it looks like a toy for the dumb knife opener...
It also prevents a use that i think is fundamental : when i am in a place where is not advisable to flip open a 4 inch folder(that is the kind of knife i usually carry) , i can open the blade just a fraction of an inch and use the point to open a letter, or to cut a plastic bag.If the knife jumps open in your hand this is not possible.
Maybe i haven't understood the benefits of the system, so tell me your opinion!


[This message has been edited by maxegb (edited 08-20-2000).]
 
I think it's mostly a neato factor kind of thing. I think they're neat, and might buy one just for that reason. I also know other people who feel the same way as I do. I don't think it's a toy for a dumb knife opener, as that combination seems like a recipe for blood. I think it's a toy for a gadget freak knife opener, and/or someone who really wants to carry a switchblade and doesn't want to get arrested.

For sheeple infested situations, I always open my knife with two hands, very slowly, which I could do with this one as well. I've never tried that "fraction of an inch" opening. I guess if that's what you want to do then this is not the knife for you.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I am of the opinion that the assisted opening folders have a definite place.
Police and other emergency workers as well as the handicapped benifit from this one handed opening-grey area-not auto yet not manual design.
In the case of Kershaw, looks good, good duty sizes available, and the price is right, I think it's a winner!

recoil


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stay alert/stay alive
 
It's all about the need for speed. If your so concerned about the Kershaw drawing to much attention in public places then carry a smaller more sheeple friendly knife like a Sifu...er...I mean like a Buck Prince or something to use when them kinda folks are around.

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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
 
Maxegb,
In this overloaded with different goods and gadgets world the only reason which can justify production of something is that people want to buy it. No one justification more is needed! Didn't you observe something like this?

However Ken Onion - Kershaw knives with assisted opening (Speed Safe mechanism) have somewhat more justification to be made. In high stress situation (no difference emergency or defensive) you do not need to take care about your knife full opening and firmly locking up. In real life-saving action you will have much more important things to care about although this is hard to imagine in normal circumstance.

Another reason: Speed Safe mechanism holds the blade closed incomparable more securely than conventional liner lock. I have described this reviewing some Speed Safe equipped knives like Ricochet, Avalanche and Boa.

In my honest opinion these justifications are quite enough. Please also take into consideration the man's normal desire to do something what nobody did before him. Especially if he is really able to do it like Ken Onion.




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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
Originally posted by maxegb:
Hi all,
c'mon why anyone should need a spring operated one handed folder?
Click to expand...


Why would someone need automatic knife instead of regular folder?? Or maybe automatic gun instead of black powder one??

It also prevents a use that i think is fundamental : when i am in a place where is not advisable to flip open a 4 inch folder(that is the kind of knife i usually carry) , i can open the blade just a fraction of an inch and use the point to open a letter, or to cut a plastic bag.If the knife jumps open in your hand this is not possible.
Click to expand...

You can open it slowly if you want - hold it with your thumb and use it the way you described.

But so far I have not found a place where I could not use my Kershaw.


David

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DIVERTI NESCIO

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Mikov Knives

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Why would someone need automatic knife instead of regular folder?? Or maybe automatic gun instead of black powder one??
Click to expand...
It's not the same : a semiautomatic ( or an auto) gun is a definitive improvement from a black powder revolver. Are you trying to say that a torsion bar opening is a tecnological or tactical advantage in comparison with a thumbstud ? If so, Why?
 
Originally posted by maxegb:
Are you trying to say that a torsion bar opening is a technological or tactical advantage in comparison with a thumbstud ? If so, Why?
Click to expand...

IMO it is. I have two knives with the torsion bar and others without. And those "with" will open much faster. Slight push to the thumb stud and the knife is open. When you have only one hand available (and it might be your weak one) - this is an advantage.

And if your hand is smaller or you have problems to open regular folders (like my girlfriend) the torsion bar definitely helps.

Also please realize that in US it is nice alternative to autos - for people who could not legally carry one.

David

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DIVERTI NESCIO

---------------
My Photopoint pictures

Mikov Knives

Visit our region
 
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