Which lock is stronger, compression or ball?

[Lycosa]

Sal---Was that the voice of reason??

 

[gunmike1]

However, I might remind you that reliability is more critical than strength.

sal

The voice of reason has spoken. We all like to "bench race" lock strength, steels, ect., but if your lock isn't reliable it doesn't really matter how strong it is or how good the edge retention is. If your lock isn't reliable your fingers may be lopped off using your super steel, super strong knife, which is another reason to go with a proven manufacturer and maintain your knives.

Mike

 

[shangchi108]

...which is another reason to go with a proven manufacturer and maintain your knives.

Mike

Exactly! A little bit of lint or dirt in the right place and that super lock rating goes right out the window.

 

[Steve Barnes]

OT: Sal, is that a tool in the necklace you're wearing or is that just a necklace?

I believe the necklace you speak of is called a "Values Totem"

You can read more about it at HappyThoughts.com

 

[orthogonal1]

I'm betting a steel lined CCBL is stronger than the compression lock over time, after exposure to multiple high loads.

 

[The Deacon]

From a safety standpoint, mode of failure can be important too. I'll take a somewhat weaker lock that "bends before it breaks" over a stronger one which, when it fails does so suddenly and without warning. I'd also take a knife which, while it's lock is more easily defeated by pressure on the spine, has a blade which is less likely to fold backward from excessive pressure on the edge.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[shunsui]

Looking at pictures of the ball lock on the Manix 2 it appears the compression spring is exposed to the environment. It does "look" like something could get in there and wedge the spring on you. I suppose the same thing could happen to the compression lock lever on a paramilitary though. Gotta keep them clean.

 

[The Deacon]

Looking at pictures of the ball lock on the Manix 2 it appears the compression spring is exposed to the environment. It does "look" like something could get in there and wedge the spring on you. I suppose the same thing could happen to the compression lock lever on a paramilitary though. Gotta keep them clean.

Yep, most locks can get gunk in bad places. If you want a folder which provides the most reliability in the field, then either Reeve or Spyderco compression style frame lock, is probably your best bet short of a fixed blade. Of course in environments like that few, if any, of the usual reasons for carrying a folder instead of a fixed blade apply.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[Snagblade]

MBC is 200 lbs. per inch of blade, i belive Heavy Duty is 100 lbs. per inch.

Mike

Thanks for the correction Mike and sorry for the bad info there everyone else.