Which type of knife is easiest to maintain?

[TK]

Hello,

I've got a question regarding maintenance of different types of knives. When you think of the following types:

» FRN Spyderco, rivet construction (e.g. Endura 3)
» SS Spyderco, rivet construction (e.g. Police)
» FRN Spyderco, screw construction (e.g. Endura 4)
» Liner Lock Spyderco (e.g. Military)

And now think of a dirty environment and your knife is full of dirt. Which one would be the knife, that is easiest to maintain without taking it apart? I usually take compressed air, WD-40, soapy water and a brush.

Your opinions, please :D

[The Deacon]

Fixed blade with a good comfortable handle. IMHO, carrying and using any folder in that type of environment is foolish.

[naggalowmo]

I personally think the Military liner lock would be most hassle free. Liner type locks kinda clean themselves while lockbacks can build up gunk and foreign material in the locking area. Plus the Military has open construction for cleaning and such.

[dialex]

Compression frame lock, open construction (ATR). :)

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha TK,

I agree with all of the above posts before me! :p

I have had lockbacks fail to engage due to pocket lint, or sand getting into the lockwell...however, I have never had this problem with liner locks or framelocks. I would assume Compression locks would fall into this category also regarding trouble free maintenance. Our very own Thombrogan once expressed his thoughts to me about this. Of course, as the Deac' pointed out, a good FB would alleviate a lot of maintenance issues. However...

IF you are talking about overall maintenance and not necessarily lock up matters, I have found the good old school riveted FRN and SS Spyder's to be hassle free. Not sure about these E4 screw types yet...especially in a dirt environment as the liners are skeletonized, so they will hold crud, and screws can always loosen.

FWIW, this is why I appreciate the rivet method. ;)

Anyway, take care and God bless :)

[224477]

Shortly,


PACIFIC Salt, based on the E3, but using rust proof H1 steel.

Real Glock of the knives :cool:

[Mr Blonde]

Theoretically (for my experience at least) the integral and linerlocks are best. However, the knives I've personally neglected the most are FRN spydies. I used them for digging up , cutting and sawing through roots and stored them afterwards with no cleaning. A month or so later the knife is gritty and noisy but still locks up and no rus either (VG-10). My current travel/abuse knife is in fact a Salt. And I have a D4 SE in my toolbox.

Wouter

[vampyrewolf]

Based on the abuse I've put em through, I find:
*compression lock the easiest to clean(compressed air)
*liner lock/frame lock easiest to strip/clean(fewer parts to mess with, can clean and re-assemble in under 5min)
*riveted lockback most durable(bladeplay? hammer ;) )
*fixed blade all that and more :p Just wipe em down and keep em sharp.

Even with all I put my knves through, My usual cleaning is simple. Take a pick through the lock areas(both the lock well and spring inside), and then use compressed air on both spots, and finally give em a good dose of lube and work it in. 10mins of cleaning every few weeks, and they'll work forever.

[Zac]

The Manix. I say that with first hand experience. The lock will not fail when exposed and even burried in dirt or sand and also happens to be the strongest on the market. The G10 is easiest to clean and wears the least. In that enviornment, I imagine you wears gloves. I do. The 14mm hole over the 11 means a lot more out in the field than on paper. It takes a few minutes to clean and lube but it always comes out nicely.

[druid]

there's a Chris revies style titanium frame lock and works that would be great.that titanium salsa would work well if you can find one for a reasonable price.also the titanium or steel ATR or the velope if you don't mind the wood scales getting a little scuffed up. basically first and foremost, you want some type of liner or frame lock that will positively engage in this environment, consistently.open construction is a definite plus, if not necessity. I would steer away from back locks, because when partially jammed the give a false positive lock that can give out,despite the fact that in my opinion spyderco makes the best back locks in the business. Again, if you can find one I know a couple people through the forum who used or are using little temperance is in Iraq. also think about using a spot or swick and just keeping it in your pocket.

and personally I is a non-spyderco titanium frame lock in these situations. :eek: it's my redheaded stepchild and I love to abuse it.

[HoB]

Shortly,


PACIFIC Salt, based on the E3, but using rust proof H1 steel.

Real Glock of the knives :cool:

Couldn't agree more!

Aside from that: compression lock with (completely) open back.

[Qship]

Fixed blade salt water diving knife in a synthetic sheath.

Qship