Why don't more models use the compresion lock?

[jstn]

I am probably a little biased here because the compression lock is by far my favorite locking mechanism, but I feel like for all the different models Spyderco has, it doesn't use the comp lock all that much.

From my own experience as well as what I have read, it seems to be a very strong, durable, reliable, and long lasting lock. I find it to be the easiest lock to operate, and one of the more pleasurable too. I know there are a fair number of models that use it, but I would like to see more. Maybe something a little more hard use oriented using an oversized version of the lock like the one on the Szabo, but in a more practical package. The Superleaf was close, but is discontinued. Maybe something along the lines of the Tuff?

What do you guys think? Is the lock just not as popular or familiar, generally speaking, as the liner, frame, or back lock? Benchmade uses their patented Axis lock on the majority of their selection, and I wish Spyderco would use their comp lock a little more. Every time I carry a knife, Spyderco or otherwise, that isn't a comp lock, I find myself wishing it were.

 

[Twindog]

I like the compression lock, but it's not as easy to open and close with one hand as other lock types.

 

[jstn]

I can see how some people may find that to be the case, although not for me. But I like that it keeps my fingers out of the way of the blade when closing, and it is difficult to accidentally disengage.

 

[The Deacon]

What do you guys think? Is the lock just not as popular or familiar, generally speaking, as the liner, frame, or back lock? Benchmade uses their patented Axis lock on the majority of their selection, and I wish Spyderco would use their comp lock a little more. Every time I carry a knife, Spyderco or otherwise, that isn't a comp lock, I find myself wishing it were.

Know how you feel although I prefer hand-neutral locks to handed ones. Every time I see an otherwise halfway interesting knife with any lock other than the midlock, I find myself wishing it was a midlock. A midlock Superleaf would be great.

 

[Officer's Match]

I like the compression lock, but it's not as easy to open and close with one hand as other lock types.

Just the opposite for me. Sal, a compression lock Stretch would be cool.

 

[jalcon]

I like the compression lock, but it's not as easy to open and close with one hand as other lock types.

Really? I think it's the easiest to use.

 

[Twindog]

This is my favorite compression lock – the ATR Ti plain edge (discontinued, of course, because Spyderco kills all my favorite models). It’s no axis lock, but it’s fairly easy to use with one hand because the blade will fall into the half closed position when the lock is released. But what’s really cool is the size of the lock bar -- 0.1250 inches thick (3.2 mm). By comparison, my desk knife – the Super Hawk (yes, discontinued) – has a compression lock bar that’s 0.0505 inches thick (1.3 mm).

 

[Twindog]

Really? I think it's the easiest to use.

Try to open and close your compression lock 10 times, and then I'll show you how much faster and easier that I can open and close my axis lock 10 times.

 

[B.F.U]

Try to open and close your compression lock 10 times, and then I'll show you how much faster and easier that I can open and close my axis lock 10 times.

Everything is compromise.

 

[jstn]

This is my favorite compression lock – the ATR Ti plain edge (discontinued, of course, because Spyderco kills all my favorite models). It’s no axis lock, but it’s fairly easy to use with one hand because the blade will fall into the half closed position when the lock is released. But what’s really cool is the size of the lock bar -- 0.1250 inches thick (3.2 mm). By comparison, my desk knife – the Super Hawk (yes, discontinued) – has a compression lock bar that’s 0.0505 inches thick (1.3 mm).

Aww, thanks for posting this. I thought I remembered seeing something about this knife awhile back but I couldn't remember for sure. Now I will be on the search for one. Looks like a really cool blade!

 

[A Justice]

Try to open and close your compression lock 10 times, and then I'll show you how much faster and easier that I can open and close my axis lock 10 times.

I don't think you know just how fast a compression lock can be operated. I can open and close the PM2 as fast as the blade will swing back and forth. In fact, it's similar to how someone might hold the compression lock and flick the blade back and forth - but I tend to use 2 fingers with the axis lock, and only need one for the compression lock.

 

[B.F.U]

Aww, thanks for posting this. I thought I remembered seeing something about this knife awhile back but I couldn't remember for sure. Now I will be on the search for one. Looks like a really cool blade!

They are a true marvel of design. I just got the black stainless serrated version. Just unbelievably smooth and sturdy. And just amazing ergonomics.

 

[DenverEdge]

To close my axis lock all i do is pull down the lock and gravity does the rest. But it took a year to get that smooth. I imagine my compression pm2 will be the same. My secret you ask? Rem oil.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Try to open and close your compression lock 10 times, and then I'll show you how much faster and easier that I can open and close my axis lock 10 times.

I don't notice much difference in speed or ease of use, honestly. Those are my two favorite locks, with the compression lock having a slight edge for the nice, stiff detent that comes with it.

 

[B.F.U]

Let's not have an argument about two totally different locks from two totally different companies, this thread is about the compression lock.

I didn't think it was that great on the paramilitary I got, but it is amazing on my new atr

 

[B.F.U]

I don't notice much difference in speed or ease of use, honestly. Those are my two favorite locks, with the compression lock have a slight edge for the nice, stiff detent that comes with it.

I agree. Can't shake a compression lock out. Also, very few parts to fail, I like that.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

To close my axis lock all i do is pull down the lock and gravity does the rest. But it took a year to get that smooth. I imagine my compression pm2 will be the same. My secret you ask? Rem oil.

I've honestly had examples of both locks come that smooth out of the box, others not so much. My Para 2 and Benchmade Bedlam both just drop when the lock releases and have since I got them. My 710 took quite some time to get there and my Superleaf always needed just a bit of wrist action to close it without touching the blade.

 

[Twindog]

I think only Spyderco could tell you why the company doesn't use the compression lock more. It's on one of the company's most popular knives, the Para-Military, so consumer acceptance isn't the issue.

The odd thing for me is that the compression lock on my Super Hawk is better suited for one-handed closing with my left hand than it is with my right hand. If the blade fell out of the locked position easily, which it doesn't, it might not matter.

 

[SlippyShayne]

The compression lock is my favorite lock, with the axis right behind it. I actually find the compression lock easier to use then the axis (by a very slim margin).

 

[Cereal_killer]

I have yet to own a comp lock (played with several) but I'm really looking forward to the new compression lock Sage, it'll probably be the first I care to buy.