Yojimbo Lock Pinch

Charlie Fox

Charlie Fox

Joined
Oct 3, 2000
Messages
1,001
Hi all! I've searched to see if this has been addressed here but couldn't find anything, so here goes; I love my Yojimbo 2 but find that when open it my fingers get slightly pinched by the lock. Am I doing something wrong or do I just have fat hands:rolleyes:

Love the knife and carry it in my weekly rotation!
 
One of the main reasons I avoid the compression lock. I've been pinched too many times by too many models to think it's just a fluke or model specific.
 
I own a lot of compression lock Spyders.

I've never been bitten by any of them but I have skinny fingers ;)
 
it happens to me on my Yojimbo 2 also. But I don’t have the problem on my para 3. So it will depend on knife and hold your hand land on it.
 
yablanowitz said:
One of the main reasons I avoid the compression lock. I've been pinched too many times by too many models to think it's just a fluke or model specific.
Click to expand...

I also don't get along well with the comp lock for similar reasons. Great lock, just not for me.

I also prefer locks easier to close from the hand position I used to cut something. The comp lock takes more hand movement than some others, but it does get the fingers out of the way. Backlocks and liners tend to be my fave these days. Plunge locks are simple too, just not as common unless it's an auto. I should get around to trying a spyder smock someday.
 
Hey, Charlie Fox:

For me, the primary gripping strength during the opening stroke is a pinching of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. If you carry tip-up, this pinching force hooks firmly on the side of the pocket clip and allows the index finger to remain straight. That keeps it away from the lock well and avoids pinching. If you grip the handle tightly with all four fingers and press your index finger against the top of the lock, when the blade begins to open, it clears the ball bearing detent and moves slightly toward the scale as it does. That's where the pinching may occur.

I hope this helps.

Stay safe,

Mike
 
I too am not fan of the compression lock because of this issue on my Yojimbo. Awesome knives and great company, I just stay away from more compression lock models.
 
I carry (and use) a Yojimbo everyday and after reading this I tried like hell to get mine to pinch me and I just couldn’t do it.
One of us is doing something wrong.
 
It may have something to do with how taut or fat your “pads” between the knuckles are on your fingers. It took me a few times to figure out what was happening but it’s definitely a thing that happens to me most times I open the Yojimbo. I can also easily close my Military model liner lock by just squeezing my grip. Maybe I have fat fingers?
 
I was never able to reproduce this pinching with any of my compression lock. It is an awesome lock.
 
I can't reproduce it on demand, but I've sure been bit a bunch on times. The most consistant offender is the Li'l Temp. It always pisses me off too much to invest the time and effort into figuring out what causes it aside from the compression lock being the only one that does it.
 
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Thanks everyone for the input! I’ve been working with the knife this week and have gotten the pinch down to once in about every 7-8 openings.
 
karnaknives said:
I carry (and use) a Yojimbo everyday and after reading this I tried like hell to get mine to pinch me and I just couldn’t do it.
One of us is doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
I think it's just a matter of, like, finger-fatness. I have to distinctly try to do this, too, and I was able to pinch myself with the comp lock, but it doesn't happen naturally.

I can tell that if I had a certain type of hand, it could pinch. Instead, it's more likely to "bump" for me, and prevent full closure unless I hold my finger properly. Same with a Shaman. It is no big deal, though, and they're some of my favorite knives.
 
Well I was very concerned with this-VERY CONCERNED.

Backstory-I have transitioned to ALL lock back and back lock folders-I literally own no NO liner locks anymore (or any other lock systems) because I like the proven track record of the lock back system and my personal experiences with the knives (both positive with back lock and negative with liner locks). I feel that I have rubbed some on the forums the wrong way because of my strong stance against liner locks, having been able to cause them to fail simply by gripping them tightly (another brand especially that is known for having a particularly... shall we say... "enthusiastic" fan base?) ☺️ I then tried the AXIS lock, which I did not "bond with" even though I can't fault the knife, lock, or maker. I was planning on going the rest of my life-contently-with nothing but lock backs. I have been told over and over about the ergos on the Paramilitary but I was guilty of thinking (and admit to saying) that the compression lock was "just another liner lock but on the top" (even though I know there is more to it than that.)

Then-a few weeks back-I began wondering about the benefits to Wharncliffe blades. That led me to the videos on YouTube with Michael Janich... Holy Cow! Then I began wondering why I was so late to see the need and justification for what I formerly believed was one of the ugliest Spydercos ever-the Yojimbo! :) Not that I doubted Janich's knowledge or ability, but the knife (if you don't understand aggressive use of the Wharncliffe) never appealed to me. And I've been carrying Spydies since Jesus was a lance corporal (or at least the late 80's)!

So I went from thinking the Yojimbo/Yojumbo was an abomination to wanting one badly! I had already decided to pick one up when I saw this thread. Then I became aware of the "pinching" and found many other references to it on YouTube vids and forums. Since I have meaty fat hands, and was doubly worried...😨

So Friday I drove to NC Blade in Waynesville NC (plug!) with the intent on buying EITHER the Yojimbo or Yojumbo IF they did not "pinch" my fat fingers. I opened and closed a Yojumbo about 15 times in the store and not ONCE did it pinch or otherwise bother me. I told Brandon the owner to "wrap it up" On the 90 minute drive home, I decided to open and close it some, just to get my hand and fingers used to opening and closing the new knife and lock system and begin to build some muscle memory. THE FIRST TIME IN THE CAR I OPENED IT AND THEN CLOSED IT, it did slightly pinch me. I had let the knife twist slightly around in my hand and the "meatiest" part of the base of my index finger had gotten in there a bit. I continued opening and closing it for about 10 minutes on the drive home, and it only slightly got me a couple more times.

SO-conclusion: I have learned to appreciate the Yojimbo/Yojumbo, and the compression lock, although i don't see it FOR MY NEEDS ever becoming more than the lock back. Lock pinch ON THIS MODEL in MY HAND, is only a very minor thing, enough to pretty much overlook. However, please don't assume that since its not an issue for me or you that it's not for someone else.

(Also, I've ordered a Watu since its ALMOST a full straight edge Wharnie and I know I can love the compression lock. I think it will make a great backup to the Yojumbo AND a great standalone "Gentleman's" folder in light or dress clothes.)

Thanks for reading my opinions-I get a little long-winded... 🤠
 
To be clear, mine only pinches me when I open it. I also think it has to do with just how much the compression lock travels when you open the knife and how fat my fingers are. My compression lock locks at about 75% over so it goes over quite a bit. I get pinched about 3 out of 5 openings. It’s not a huge deal, but it is an issue that happens without any special maneuvering or even trying to make it happen.
 
Ok ouch! I figured out how to pinch myself after reading this. NO it’s not been an issue until now.

So.. I normally hold my yojimbo (or other similar) with the pads of my fingers on the scales (just over the belt clip). As long as your finger pads are pressed down I do t think you’ll ever get pinched.
But if you have a fat grip on The scales and the pads f your fingers are not upright the meat of your fingers press into the frame lock.

Anyhow, SOLUTION: grip the knife scales with the pads of your fingers like your supposed to fret a guitar or play a piano. Bueno! No problems.
 
Yes its happened to me. My Yojimbo lock seems very aggressive. I've handled other Spydie compression locks that were milder.
 
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