Copy Cat compression lock.

[Cletus]

There is a copy of the compression lock new on the market. From China. I don't know if it is patented, but figure y'all should know. It's basically a copy of the Smock.

[Guts]

The patent on the compression lock ran out 2-3 years ago iirc, so probably going to be seeing a lot more copycat designs.

[araneae]

It's not really a copycat, being it's open for use now by the knife world. That's the way patents work. Also, it isn't really new on the market, Vosteed has been doing them since this time last year.

The real question is what should the non-Spydie version be called? I believe compression lock is trademarked as a name. Just as crossbar lock has come to be pretty accepted as a generic term for the Axis style lock. Glesser compression style lock doesn't roll off the tongue, maybe CTL- compressing tab lock/CT lock.

[jdw]

It’s such a popular style of lock it’s surprising to me that the market isn’t flooded with knockoffs.

[jwbnyc]

That may have to do with cost and ease of manufacture.

[Cletus]

I was concerned, because I thought that Spyderco still had the patent. I suppose that we will now see many more variations of Sal's lock out and about. It really is an excellent design.

[James Y]

One of the big considerations for me about a compression-style lock from another company would be: Have they put enough attention into the details that make the lock as good as it is? Meaning materials, tolerances, etc., etc., in the same way that Spyderco does. I'm not saying they can't; I'm simply asking, would they, or could they?

Jim

[phaust]

One of the big considerations for me about a compression-style lock from another company would be: Have they put enough attention into the details that make the lock as good as it is? Meaning materials, tolerances, etc., etc., in the same way that Spyderco does. I'm not saying they can't; I'm simply asking, would they, or could they?

Jim

If the market options with the "cross bar" lock post patent expiration are representative, I'd say the answer is a big yes. Much better versions of that lock came out after the patent expired.

--
It seems the market isn't flooded with comp locks like it became post patent with "cross bar" ones because it isn't that popular. That shows how special designs like the PM2 are to be so popular despite the lock.

[Wartstein]

If the market options with the "cross bar" lock post patent expiration are representative, I'd say the answer is a big yes. Much better versions of that lock came out after the patent expired.

--
It seems the market isn't flooded with comp locks like it became post patent with "cross bar" ones because it isn't that popular. That shows how special designs like the PM2 are to be so popular despite the lock.

I figure overall crossbar-lock-style folders have going for them the total ambidextrous nature of the lock and the potentially better ergos (no cutout at the top of the handle).

I do prefer a Spyderco comp.lock over a Benchmade axxis lock, but only because on the latter (in my particular knife) the omega springs broke on me and the knife came open in pocket twice and cut me.
If there are more durable crossbar-style locks with better/stronger closing bias, I´d take that over a comp. lock personally.

[nerdlock]

That may have to do with cost and ease of manufacture.

I don't think it's easy to manufacture. IIRC, Sal himself said that the tolerances for the compression lock is much higher and tighter than other locks.