Perhaps, but I'm having a hard time trying to imagine what real world scenarios might equate to spine whack testings. I means, I suppose if we were discussing some fantasy self-defense scenario in which you parry a guy's pipe iron with the spine of your folding knife it might be somewhat relevant, if not exactly on the same planet.
The closest thing I can think of would be stabbing into a tree with your knife, as it would be very unpleasant if the knife closed on your fingers while you were doing that:thumbdn:. However, I still feel that stabbing still wouldn't have the same level of impact in the right direction as a sharp spine whack. Even that Gayle Bradley which presumably to some would have a "faulty" lock didn't close up on me when I stabbed it into compressed cardboard.
My daily use has never caused the lock to fail on any of my folders. And if my coworkers can use their SAKs without a lock for years, I don't see it becoming an issue for EDC use. To me, I feel the lock is simply there to keep the knife open. Anything else is really just extra.
Because finding a knife with premium steels and decent handle materials and also has a slipjoint is so rare that you quite literally have to go out of your way to find one for whatever reason(i.e. legal status).I understand your view of the spine whack/tap not testing any real life function. But if the lock is really that irrelevant, why aren't we just using slipjoints, as you said?
The compression lock was created to be a strong lock. They could have used a simple liner lock, but they chose to make a lock that can stand up to more use/abuse. So if you're going to make a lock and tout it as being able to hold x amount of weight, then it ought to impress us.
In case anybody missed that: this isn't a criticism of the Para 2; this is for those who say, "But I wouldn't do that in real life..." I sure hope you wouldn't. I wouldn't.
Get a friction folder. YOU are the lock.
I can think of a number of real world scenarios where you may inadvertently hit the spine of a knife fairly hard against something when trying to remove the blade from material in which it is stuck. I cannot think of a single reason any creature with intelligence higher than that of a gorilla would hold a folding knife at the extreme rear of the handle when attempting to chop wood. So, to me, over-strike tests are totally meaningless and, if they induce a condition which later causes the knife to fail when spine whacked, then the whole test series was BS.
Paul
Spyderco friction folder... Intresting concept... but where would you put spidy hole?
I can think of a number of real world scenarios where you may inadvertently hit the spine of a knife fairly hard against something when trying to remove the blade from material in which it is stuck. I cannot think of a single reason any creature with intelligence higher than that of a gorilla would hold a folding knife at the extreme rear of the handle when attempting to chop wood. So, to me, over-strike tests are totally meaningless and, if they induce a condition which later causes the knife to fail when spine whacked, then the whole test series was BS.
Paul
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Where would you hold it Paul? Oh, you wouldn't use a folder to chop.
Oh, and I use my SG E4 to chop half inch diseased mango branches often. I guess that makes me as smart as a gorilla. I would never have thought I was as smart as that.
as its the only one case of lock-fail (yes, i'm sure - everyone who owns para2 tested it after my video), i think the discussion is over.
I have a pretty good grasp of physics. I also have some common sense, which sometimes tells me that the "most efficient" way to do something may downright dangerous, both to the person and the tool. To me, this would be one of those times. A grip that far to the rear of the handle is inherently insecure. Even without creating the perfect environment for an overstrike, the insecure grip, coupled that with the higher velocity it allows the blade to attain is a recipe for disaster. You, of course are free to continue doing things your way.Interesting....
I guess you don't quite understand Physics then.
The farther back you hold the knife when chopping the more power you have chopping.
It's basic common since also.
Trying to chop with a 4" folder holding it right up by the blade would be pretty useless, almost no power. Move your hand back and flick your wrist while chopping and it takes much less effort.
Personally I wouldn't chop wood with a 4" folder unless I had to, but then I have large FB's for that.
In a situation that I had to make cuts through wood with a small folder I would baton the knife through it, not chop with it because it would be faster.
Please, don't go out and try spine whacking your knives repeatedly at home. One whack will do enough to satisfy your curiosity. Doing this repeatedly will definitely increase the wear between the liner and the tang and basically advance the age of the knife.
I chop wood with an axe or hatchet.
I chop wood with an axe or hatchet.
You hold it at the end of the handle? I would think that that implies letting the blade pivot where you grip it-is that right? Just doesn't seem as secure. Although it is more forceful.
I also have a friction folder made by Filip. The Spyderco Hole does work, kinda, but you have to find the right technique.
I chop wood with an axe or hatchet.