Why All the Compression Lock Love?

wintermute

wintermute

Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
3,018
Let me lead off by saying I've never had the chance to handle a compression lock knife, but why do people love them so much? I understand they're more generally more reliable than a liner lock (not that it would matter much for most uses, especially in a well-made knife), but do they still have the "stickiness" of a liner lock? Plus, to me, it just doesn't seem as elegant as a back lock, BB lock, Axis lock, etc.
 
I like the Comp lock beacuse it is strong and very easy for me to manipulate one handed. Plus, it helps that they use the comp lock on some of their best models, in my opinion of course.
 
Once you handle a knife with a compression lock, you'll understand why folks like 'em so much. They allow for very fast and smooth blade opening and closing. They're reliable and strong. They're easy to use. Your finger doesn't get in the way when you're closing the blade. What's not to like?

And no, they don't have the "stickiness" of a linerlock. The engage and disengage smoothly. At least on all of the knives with the lock that I own or have handled. It's a great locking system.
 
The compression lock on my Paramilitary 2 is very sticky. It's like an Emerson knife that needs to be broken in. Otherwise it's a very solid and strong lock.
 
I'm sorry but can anyone show me how this locking mechanism works and what improves the strength of it?
I thought it's just like the liner lock :P
 
Dao.Hung_105 said:
I'm sorry but can anyone show me how this locking mechanism works and what improves the strength of it?
I thought it's just like the liner lock :P
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i happen to have some pics in my photobucket:

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its not a reversed liner lock. the liner on the compression lock is compressing the stop pin between the blade tang (sorta like the triad lock) it may look like a liner lock, but it is much stronger.
 
gundude73 said:
its not a reversed liner lock. the liner on the compression lock is compressing the stop pin between the blade tang (sorta like the triad lock) it may look like a liner lock, but it is much stronger.
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oh now I get it.
thanks man
Hey are you the guy on youtube? I've watched a lot of your videos. Good job man
 
BAyee.jpg


Here is a picture I found online. The little liner tab wedges between the blade tang and the blade stop. The only real way for it to fail is for the handles to break apart or the blade stop to crack or something.
 
mongomondo said:
BAyee.jpg


Here is a picture I found online. The little liner tab wedges between the blade tang and the blade stop. The only real way for it to fail is for the handles to break apart or the blade stop to crack or something.
Click to expand...

now that's what I call close-up, thanks a lot man, it's definitely stronger than liner lock.
 
gundude73 said:
its not a reversed liner lock. the liner on the compression lock is compressing the stop pin between the blade tang (sorta like the triad lock) it may look like a liner lock, but it is much stronger.
Click to expand...

I was on Bram Frank's site and he described the triad lock as, "actually a compression lock rolled onto its side."
 
wintermute said:
Let me lead off by saying I've never had the chance to handle a compression lock knife, but why do people love them so much? I understand they're more generally more reliable than a liner lock (not that it would matter much for most uses, especially in a well-made knife), but do they still have the "stickiness" of a liner lock? Plus, to me, it just doesn't seem as elegant as a back lock, BB lock, Axis lock, etc.
Click to expand...

It beats me.

moonwilson said:
Once you handle a knife with a compression lock, you'll understand why folks like 'em so much. They allow for very fast and smooth blade opening and closing. They're reliable and strong. They're easy to use. Your finger doesn't get in the way when you're closing the blade. What's not to like?

And no, they don't have the "stickiness" of a linerlock. The engage and disengage smoothly. At least on all of the knives with the lock that I own or have handled. It's a great locking system.
Click to expand...

Well, I only have two Yojimbos, three Paramilitaries, a Li'l Temperance, a Salsa, an S and an ATR to go by, but I find the lock awkward to operate right-handed. I set up my Para 2 for left-hand tip down carry and find it tolerable but not spectacular.
 
Basically it's as if a liner lock and an AXIS lock had a child.;)
Simplicity AND strength=awesome.
 
As far as I can tell it is one of the most reliable locks out there, if not the most reliable, that's the first reason I like it (the Tri-Ad will probably end up being king for overall durability and reliability, but it's still relatively new). Secondly it's easy to clean. Most of the other locks have some small spaces for dirt to collect that you might have a hard time getting to, the Compression lock is mostly open. Ideally everything would use a Integral Compression Lock (like the ATR), like a RIL (framelock) those are exceptionally easy to keep clean.

I also like manipulating it. It takes some getting used to, but it's easy enough once you get used to it.
And as far as the "sticky lock" problem goes, I actually prefer my knives with a bit of stick. That bit of stickiness helps ensure the lock won't move under pressure, if it slides smoothly you're more likely to get an unintended closing (just a little bit).
 
The CL is about as strong and reliable as a folding knife lock gets. Failure modes, which are ridiculously unlikely in as-produced knives with this lock, would be: shear the stop pin, blow the stop pin out of the liners, crush the lock tab. Ain't happenin' any time soon. It's also hugely unlikely not to lock up safely, basically unaffected by any wear that might develop, and has no small moving parts or springs to fail. I like the lock, but a lot of them seem to be sticky (for what that's worth, not much IMO but YMMV) and I personally don't find it very ambi-friendly. It's a truly ingenious lock.
 
I really like the simplicity of it. Essentially the same number of moving pieces as a liner/frame lock but stronger. I personally find it easy to manipulate with either hand; my Paramilitary is extremely easy to open and close one-handed while keeping my fingers out of the path of the blade.
 
yablanowitz said:
It beats me.

Well, I only have two Yojimbos, three Paramilitaries, a Li'l Temperance, a Salsa, an S and an ATR to go by, but I find the lock awkward to operate right-handed. I set up my Para 2 for left-hand tip down carry and find it tolerable but not spectacular.
Click to expand...
I felt the same way, luckily the knives I have with the lock do not require too much force to (pinch) close. I've also turned the knife sideways and pressed the tab with my thumb. Works well, but takes a little getting used to. Wish I had a Yojimbo. At least the yo2 is coming up. ;)
gundude73 said:
its not a reversed liner lock. the liner on the compression lock is compressing the stop pin between the blade tang (sorta like the triad lock) it may look like a liner lock, but it is much stronger.
Click to expand...

+1 gundude73 nailed it.

This lock type is probably in the top 5 of best locks (it should be anyway)
 
I also have never had a comp lock knife. This is mostly due to the fact that I carry larger knives and the Comp lock is not available on any of them. To me though the placment of the comp lock would seem to cause a hot spot that would eventualy make it uncomfortable to use over longer periods of time. My favorite lock is the Ti Frame Lock because its reinforced by your grip and does not have anywhere to realy cause a hotspot.
 
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