CRKT Van Hoy Snap Lock 2

[UnknownVT]

I got this on sheer looks and cleverness.

When closed it looks like a piece of jewellery - even when open it still looks interesting.

I like the size of the Snap Lock 2 it seems just the right size as a "show piece" - it is probably less practical than the full-sized (original) Snap Lock - but then I didn't really get this for its pure utility. However having said that this smaller Snap Lock 2 is still usable as a knife and doubles a a "cute" piece.

The design by Ed Van Hoy is very clever. Utilizing the frame handle as a wishbone like spring for the locking mechanism of the Snap Lock 2.

With a bit of practice I was able to open the and close the knife quite easily one-handed. It is not a particularly fast operation, for me - but it is quite easy and reasonably safe. I could not open and close the knife well left-handed - I'm sure it's not impossible - but I could not find an easy and safe way for my rather clumsy left hand.

The frame handle is both the pivot and the locking mechanism for the knife. On the insides of the frame handle the holes are rectangular and the blade pivots have the corresponding rectangular profile to fit into the holes so the knife blade locks both open and closed. The button actually rotates the floral/leaf shaped "lever" that levers apart the spring frame to allow the blade to rotate and the spring frame then closes on the rectangular piece of the pivot to lock the blade open (or closed)

Scan of the included display card -

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
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[Gryffin]

I could not open and close the knife well left-handed - I'm sure it's not impossible - but I could not find an easy and safe way for my rather clumsy left hand.

I have the original full-size one, and yeah, it's not exactly ambidextrous... but, if you want to use it left-handed full-time, you can switch the pocket clip to the other side, then it works just the same as right hand.

 

[GoodGuy]

Agreed. For the price, it's a decent knife. I've had a Snap Lock 2 for several months now and, while it's not the most effective EDC folder, it does what I need it to do (light cutting chores... mostly opening packages, cutting cord, etc.). It's been my experience, too, that it's "acceptable" office atire. I've had a couple of critical comments from co-workers when I've carried my CRKT EDC M16 (too dangerous looking), but those same co-workers seem to think the Snap Lock 2 is OK.

Interestingly... I actually met a rather attractive woman because of the knife. She saw it, inquired about it, and we struck up a conversation. It's the first time a knife ever contributed to my "flirting" at the office.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Interesting design, carrying knives like that sometime makes it a little easier on non-knife people as it appeals to the gadget factor some people have.

-Cliff

 

[UnknownVT]

Gryffin wrote:
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QUOTE: I have the original full-size one, and yeah, it's not exactly ambidextrous... but, if you want to use it left-handed full-time, you can switch the pocket clip to the other side, then it works just the same as right hand. UNQUOTE
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oh DoH! - I didn't even think of changing the clip side . Thank you!

One of the suggested uses of the original Snap Lock was as a money clip.
I think the Snap Lock 2's smaller size may actually make it better for that purpose - it's very good for US $ bills folded in half -

but even better if one prefers the 1/4 fold (where the original Snap Lock would be too big) -

The 1.75" blade steel is nothing to write home about - it's AUS 4(!) I knew nothing about this until I looked it up in the CRKT catalog - it has less than 0.5% carbon content - close to 420HC.....

Another small point that's worth noting there is the possibility of some up-down play - it's inherent in the design of the spring frame. But if one were to hold the knife pinching the frame together (a natural hold for me on this knife) - then any play is eliminated.

[sorry for the unconventinal QUOTE - the QUOTE tags are still acting up for me - locking IE when Submitting the reply - this time it did it on both QUOTE=username form, as well as the plain QUOTE, if you've experienced similar problems PLEASE report it in this thread in BladeForums.com Service and Support:
Preview and Submit Post Locks up
or
IE locks up BAD when posting! ]

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/

 

[Bob W]

I just bought one of the full-sized models. Very cool. I do need more practice though to open and close with one hand.

-Bob

 

[Gryffin]

Interesting design, carrying knives like that sometime makes it a little easier on non-knife people as it appeals to the gadget factor some people have.

Definitely, especially with non-knut *guys*!! Overall, it's "cute" enough to be extremely sheeple friendly. And even us knuts are invariably fascinated by the mechanism.

As for the blade play, it's sorta self-correcting: the tighter you grip it, the less play, and the more secure the blade is. Pretty clever, really. Although the size of the pivot pins precludes the sort of uses YOU like to put knives through!