Who is the fundamentally finest custom maker today?

MTeague: I missed your description in post #3. I was unfamiliar with this style lock. Apparently Spyderco produces a few models?

compr_lock_01.jpg


There are variants, but here's a basic idea.

(Aside: When I think of the STRONGEST lock out there, the first name that comes to mind is Andrew Demko. His test of HIS lock with weights is worth noting.)

Good luck.

Coop
 
Hi Coop,

Yes, that's the one. I chose it for a few reasons.

1) Most importantly, in a functional sense, the lock is incredibly strong. It bears a passing resemblance to the liner lock, but on closer examination it's clear the physics are very, very different.

2) The design is simple. Demko's lock is impressive. Massively so. But it involves more parts and, I suspect, some dedicated jigs if not full machinery. The compression lock, on the other hand, seems — to my layman's understanding — accessible by just about any skilled maker with liner locks in his repertoire.

3) Licensing. I've spoken with Spyderco's R&D department and they have been fantastically helpful and friendly. They are open to licensing the lock, for a fee I can cover.

So the compression lock seems like a winner, to me. I just need to find someone who can make one.
 
I watched a few youtube videos on how it works and it seems simple enough. The current design is different than the picture Coop posted with a detent ball in the lock.

This has given me some ideas! ;)
 
So here's a question. I hope appropriate for this forum and thread. I too really like the Compression lock. I too agree that the physics of the thing would seem to be very solid. However, unlike the Axis at Benchmade (or even the CS Triad lock) the Compression lock doesn't seem to be catching on even at Spyderco. Now a lot of people will argue that the Paramilitary II is actually their flagship model. Availability would seem to back that up. They must sell millions of them.

But I wonder why it has not caught on. It seems no more complicated to execute than a liner lock and only a tad bit more than a framlock, pretty much the industry standard lock.

Why?
 
HQ- The same reason the balisong is overlooked. Who knows??
The balisong is one of the strongest folder designs ever.
rolf
 
That is a great question....and I agree that the answers will be completely based on subjective judgement calls from each member. For me, I'm pretty much just a custom guy now and I go with Pohan Leu, Les George and Andrew Demko on the folder side. On the fixed side I'm pretty much down to OTK, Matt Lamey, Mason Leeth from Leethal Cutlery, Joe Hoover and White Feather blades. Through trial and error these are the best for me.....hope that helps!!
 
Agree on Leu and I'll throw Mikkel Willumsen into the mix.
Fixed blade, Nick Rossi.
 
Hoosier, I don't understand it either. It seems like basic advancement in lock development that simply isn't being broadly used. I wish it were.
 
I think the fact that you have to get a license to build it might be a reason for it not catching on. When there are other more popular locks with less hassle, and more potential financial gains available, since you do not have to pay a royalties fee to use it.
 
egally08 said:
I think the fact that you have to get a license to build it might be a reason for it not catching on. When there are other more popular locks with less hassle, and more potential financial gains available, since you do not have to pay a royalties fee to use it.
Click to expand...

Well this would hold up better if Spyderco themselves used it more. But indeed, having to pay for the design would surely keep its use low elsewhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top