Flavio Ikoma / CRKT "Deadbolt" Lock

[SpySmasher]

We've talked about it a few times but this is the first time I've seen it explained in such detail. Blade HQ did a very good job debuting it on their "Knife Banter" web show on YT. (Full episode here.) I edited the full video for Deadbolt-related content and took a few screengrabs.

I've got to say that at first glance this looks really promising. I feel the exact same way about CRKT as the rest of you (the place where cool mechanisms go to die ...) but I'll be damned if I haven't gotten my hopes up.

[UPDATE]

New video here.

 

[khopesh]

Very cool.

 

[cali]

Interesting design for sure. I do not understand how it keeps the blade closed and how it deals with blade play, I would like to examine it myself.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I was also really excited after seeing the video. The price listed on BladeHQ of $150 seems a bit high for 1.4116 steel, but the mechanism is beyond cool.

 

[SpySmasher]

Interesting design for sure. I do not understand how it keeps the blade closed and how it deals with blade play, I would like to examine it myself.

I was wondering about blade play too. My guess is that the lock wears in the axial direction and we just can't see that geometry in these diagrams. At least, that's what I hope.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I was wondering about blade play too. My guess is that the lock wears in the axial direction and we just can't see that geometry in these diagrams. At least, that's what I hope.

Based on my limited understanding of how this works, it seems like side-to-side blade play is more likely than up-and-down.

 

[marchone]

The spring on the push button release looks, well, like a weak spot in the operation.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Interesting design for sure. I do not understand how it keeps the blade closed and how it deals with blade play, I would like to examine it myself.

I don't know for sure but if you look at the odd-shaped hole just behind the thumb stud and the long stud that enters it, it looks as if it's designed to settle in up or down. I'm guessing it pops in when the blade is open and closed.

I'm always leery of locks that appear too easy to accidentally open with use. Not saying this one will be, just saying I would need to satisfy that concern for myself. The Smock button lock is another example.

 

[marrenmiller]

It's listed at $150 MSRP for extremely soft 1.4116 steel and foreign construction. I'll admit I'm a tiny bit interested in the mechanics of the mechanism but not at all interested at anything approaching that price, considering the specs.

I might be missing something but it appears as though their exploded diagram shows the pivot barrel is in the wrong spot? It should be to the right (outside) of the clip-side liner.

Also, what is that leaf spring that's bolted to the show side liner? It looks like the detent mechanism?

Edit: Yet more questions. How does the locking piece return to position when the button is released? There's no obvious connection between that piece and the button. It looks like it might be affixed to the end of the plunger, which I would think might prevent disassembly.

Edit: I should have watched the video all the way through, as it explains the disassembly question.

 

[DocJD]

This and their new karambit , fascinating designs !

But I don't have much hope that the actual products will function properly as designed . CRKT : turning innovation into

 

[cbrstar]

Cool design. Even though they are completely differn't it kinda reminds me of the old Gerber Paul knives from the 70's with the push button lock.

 

[spyderg]

I don't know for sure but if you look at the odd-shaped hole just behind the thumb stud and the long stud that enters it, it looks as if it's designed to settle in up or down. I'm guessing it pops in when the blade is open and closed.

I'm always leery of locks that appear too easy to accidentally open with use. Not saying this one will be, just saying I would need to satisfy that concern for myself. The Smock button lock is another example.

I thought accidental disengagement of this lock might be an issue as well. I often hold my knives with a pinch grip over the pivot area for detailed cuts. I guess this won’t be a lock type for me but if you don’t hold it this way should be fine.
As far as the Smock is concerned, I have his custom SK23 (lefty) and it’s not an issue. I have used it plenty hard and for different tasks with different grips too. I’m waiting for the Spyderco to see if having the button on the other side is lefty problematic or not...

 

[SpySmasher]

It's listed at $150 MSRP for extremely soft 1.4116 steel and foreign construction. I'll admit I'm a tiny bit interested in the mechanics of the mechanism but not at all interested at anything approaching that price, considering the specs.

This and their new karambit , fascinating designs !

But I don't have much hope that the actual products will function properly as designed . CRKT : turning innovation into

The CRKT conundrum.

 

[PirateSeulb]

It's listed at $150 MSRP for extremely soft 1.4116 steel and foreign construction. I'll admit I'm a tiny bit interested in the mechanics of the mechanism but not at all interested at anything approaching that price, considering the specs.

I might be missing something but it appears as though their exploded diagram shows the pivot barrel is in the wrong spot? It should be to the right (outside) of the clip-side liner.

Also, what is that leaf spring that's bolted to the show side liner? It looks like the detent mechanism?

Edit: Yet more questions. How does the locking piece return to position when the button is released? There's no obvious connection between that piece and the button. It looks like it might be affixed to the end of the plunger, which I would think might prevent disassembly.

Edit: I should have watched the video all the way through, as it explains the disassembly question.

I think that leaf spring is for the detent in the closed position based on what I can see. It looks like a torx screw goes through the pivot to secure the button and the lock so should work for disassembly.

I thought accidental disengagement of this lock might be an issue as well. I often hold my knives with a pinch grip over the pivot area for detailed cuts. I guess this won’t be a lock type for me but if you don’t hold it this way should be fine.
As far as the Smock is concerned, I have his custom SK23 (lefty) and it’s not an issue. I have used it plenty hard and for different tasks with different grips too. I’m waiting for the Spyderco to see if having the button on the other side is lefty problematic or not...

I think the lock piece would try and push out on the opposite side so if your pinch grip pinches both sides it should remain locked from what I can see but can't say too much until people have them in hand.

 

[AF]

Good vid showing some cool innovations including this and the new karambit with Kinematic design. The prices on both seem absurd to me.

 

[Silent H]

How different is this from other pivot lock knives like the Paul knife?

When I was learning CAD in college I tried to design a pivot lock for an assignment, mine turned into a complex mess of parts that didn't work. This deadbolt is simple and looks pretty strong, and that's why Ikoma is a well respected knifemaker, and I am not! Props to Flavio Ikoma for coming up with this, it's pure genius!

I've also seen reports that CRKT is going to release a different limited edition knife with higher end materials that incorporates the deadbolt lock. They recently released the Motley, which was a limited edition made by LionSteel, maybe the higher end knife with the deadbolt will be made by another respected manufacturer like LionSteel.

 

[ponykid]

I don't like depending on those thin coil springs for lock security . seems like a modified button lock . But its good to see new ideas and designs coming to the spotlight.

more interested in that cool cam mechanism Karambit !!!

 

[evltcat]

The lock looks interesting, and if they offered the Seismic in D2 for $150, I'd probably try one, but no way for AUS-8.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Reminds me of the REKAT rolling lock.

 

[NoF]

I think that leaf spring is for the detent in the closed position based on what I can see. It looks like a torx screw goes through the pivot to secure the button and the lock so should work for disassembly.

Is it just there for thumb flicking?
The knife shouldn't need a detent since the deadbolt lock will hold the knife closed as well.