Why isn't the button lock used more often?

Senator · Nov 10, 1999

The button lock on my Speedtech Synergy is sweet. Allows for a great detent and a super strong lockup. More importantly, it's a consistent lockup. Why isn't this style of lock more common?

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Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice

stjames · Nov 10, 1999

I have been wondering the same, for the exact same reason. I see it used mostly on automatic knives, of which I own very few. What other manual knives, production or custom, are using it currently?

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA

misque · Nov 10, 1999

Excellent Q!
Someone in the know, please ring in!
Enquiring minds need to know!

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.

Kdarmy · Nov 10, 1999

I have two Queen Hunter pattern knives which both use the button lock design, they have been around for quite awhile. Ive never had any trouble with either.

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~Keith~
"War to the knife and knife to the hilt"

JoHnYKwSt · Nov 10, 1999

Great Question. Now someone answer it.

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Johnny
[]xxxxxx[]=============>

Mike Turber · Nov 10, 1999

A good one costs to much to make and they are not as strong when you have to make them at a price point anyone can afford.

I also have a SpeedTech and it is very strong. However most manufacturers do not make there buttons to the same tolerances as SpeedTech.

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sing · Nov 11, 1999

I wondered the same. Love that Speedtech lock. Just saw an ad for the new MOD "Dieter CQD" which uses the buttom plunge lock. I like the looks of it if came other than black and perhaps losing the built in cord cutter on handle butt.

sing

AKTI #A000356

shivey · Nov 11, 1999

Mike, don't you think BM might be able to
produce a good cost-effective button lock?
Lord knows they probably have the capabilities to do so if they chose. A good
BM button-lock knife for under $200? I'd
buy one.
Good thread!

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Tom Pilotti

Brian C · Nov 11, 1999

The Fox "Easy Open" folders utilize a button lock. While it is not a high end knife, I've had one for a little over a year w/no problems except for a small paint chip that was the result of my dropping it on a hard surface. Specs: 420C(?) spear point blade, what appears to be a one-piece cast aluminum handle, decent CF-looking paint job, very smooth action, and adjustable pivot. The Knife Shop www.knifeshop.com has them for < $25 + s&h.

Any others?

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Cheers,

--+Brian+--

I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, Babe, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride.

JohnR7 · Nov 11, 1999

>>What other manual knives, production or custom, are using it currently?

I have a knife sold by Fury, that looks just about exactly like some of the automatic knives out there. But there is no spring in it at all. It looks like it was made to put a straight spring in it, like the switchblades use to use. But the auto model just like it, has a coil spring.
Kershaw makes a very nice lever lock knife with the sharpest blade I have ever seen in a knife. It is flat on one side and sharpened and honed on the other. Its very sharp. It does not cost that much either.
Also, Swiss Buck makes a button lock knife that is very nice. It has a Philps screw drive on it which could come in handy, I am always needing one of those. The Kershaw is much better though. They both wholesale for around $10.
So, if anyone knows where I can get a straight spring for my fury, or have one made, let me know. Thanks

[This message has been edited by JohnR7 (edited 11 November 1999).]

netcruiser · Nov 11, 1999

Speedtech does an excellant job on their knife construction. Their system works because of good solid engineering. I have personally not seen a stronger or more positive lockup! I only wish other makers would put as much design in their knives as SpeedTech...

shootist16 · Nov 11, 1999

Doesn't GT knives use the button lock on their autos and manuals? I have a GT auto and I have to say that they are very underrated. Good knife at a decent price.

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-Dennis

misque · Nov 11, 1999

You know,
I have a CAS Iberia Citizen knife with a button lock. It's not a one hander by any means, but it does have a 1.75" 440C spear point blade and is in the style of Ron and Roy Appleton. Not sanctioned by them, methinks, just resembles their style of work. That lock is much stronger than one would expect on a knife of it's size. It has the added advantage of locking in the half open position to become a push knife.
Totally cool knife of solid steel with Damascus inlays and it costs around $40.00. This shows me that a reasonably priced button lock is possible. Now who's gonna step up to the plate and give it a whirl?

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If a person with multiple personalities threatens suicide, is that considered a hostage situation?

Jim O'Young · Nov 11, 1999

Mikee T. hit the nail right on the head! It all boils down to the cost of executing the tight manufacturing tolerances this particular lock design needs to provide a rigid, no play lockup on a consistant basis.

SPEEDTECH uses some of the finest CAD/CAM equipment available, operated by sharp, experienced machinists and we still have to fight demons every time the parts are run.

Variances in material lots, ambient temperature, machine and cutter conditions can all add up to a tolerance stackup nightmare. Dealing with these issues is part of what seems at times to be the "black magic" portion of building a high quality production knife that is assembled without the need for individual fitting (i.e. filing & hacking).

Stay sharp!

Jim

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Jim O'Young
www.speed-techknives.com
Home of the Speed Tech "SYNERGY" (tm)
1999-2000 BLADE Magazine "Most Innovative American Design"

Frantium · Nov 11, 1999

This is a question: would the Gerber Paul fit into this category? If not, what did they call the lock in a Gerber Paul?

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Reynaert
Fayetteville, AR

RKnight · Nov 11, 1999

I used to wonder the same thing.

But, now that I know more I would rather have a well fitted custom leaf lock.

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Regards,
Ron Knight

Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it

MTF3 · Nov 11, 1999

All this time I thought Jim had Melanie in the back room with a hacksaw and a file.

I really like the lock on my SpeedTech, it has never failed to lock up.

Jim O'Young · Nov 11, 1999

Ron-
Good point. Any type of lock which is well designed and executed should be equally as good as the next (IMHO). I like blondes. How about you?

MTF3-
Actually, we give Melanie a Dremel and belt sander (don't forget, SPEEDTECH uses state of the art tools!).

Stay sharp!

Jim

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Jim O'Young
www.speed-techknives.com
Home of the Speed Tech "SYNERGY" (tm)
1999-2000 BLADE Magazine "Most Innovative American Design"

[This message has been edited by Jim O'Young (edited 12 November 1999).]

ghostsix · Nov 12, 1999

The button lock is the best,ambi also.You can have your liner locks.The worst pain in the neck is the AFCK;forget left hand free closing.Forget opening,if you let your nail get too long.I have heard that some are hollow.This would not be safe.

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JoHnYKwSt · Nov 12, 1999

Ghostsix,

You can close right handed liner locks with your left hand by pushing the liner over with your index finger and letting the blade drop. Works great.

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Johnny
[]xxxxxx[]=============>

Why isn't the button lock used more often?

Senator

stjames

Sebenzanista

misque

Kdarmy

JoHnYKwSt

Mike Turber

sing

shivey

Brian C

JohnR7

netcruiser

shootist16

knife law moderator

misque

Jim O'Young

Frantium

RKnight

MTF3

Jim O'Young

ghostsix

JoHnYKwSt