Lock failure test

Many of us know that cheap folders (specifically the lock) mean ineffective/danger in respects to the operator. I purchased several cheap folders and did a unscientific test, open each folder, hold it in a manner where I could not be cut and hammered each one on a table. Every single one of these cheap “no name” folder failed to stay open. Beings I have no equipment to measure the force it took to close the folders with the lock in it’s proper position I can not document the test and knowing full well that beyond the shadow of a doubt that these knives are simple accidents waiting to happen.

To be fair I took several name brand folders and did the exact same test, not only did they stay open but upon closing them there was no stiffness from the lock being forcefully hammered on as some of the cheap knives exhibited.

So now I wonder if anyone here knows of any actual documented test which might be found for public view. I heard but not sure that at least one major manufacturer of tactical knives may have done this type of test but not sure.

Just thinking out loud, so to speak, but what about setting up a platform, basically just two supports which would be bridged by the open knife with its blade edge upward, onto which a consistent weight could be dropped from a consistent height, or perhaps a weighted bar swung down. It ought not to be too hard to calculate the force, and you could then test a bunch of knives with the same force. Of course that's easy to say since I'm not buying the knives!:smile:

Cold Steel Has video that shows various test on their knives.

I believe Benchmade has some ft.lb. ratings on some of their lock mechanisms in their literature.

Thanks for the information on Cold Steel, Benchmade and home testing. I am going to research more and hopefully in the end I can fully document a "home test" which I want to show how well made knives stand over cheap knives.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=669

Do a search on the subject, several have scientifically tested the force generated and force needed to fail.

Brownie