Tactical Knives and the Effect of Lock Development on This Industry
Today's folding knives (also called "lock knives") are not the same as they were a few generations ago, one reason being that Michael Walker developed the Walker Linerlock, which provided a new approach to the traditional linerlock, boosting its strength and reliability.
Because the Walker Linerlock kept the folding knife open and rigid, even under extreme stress, its use immediately expanded, and with the broader range of applications can a much broader market.
A folding knife that performed well in combat and in other conditions was valuable for the military and in law enforcement.
And when a tool operates well under the conditions that are most rigorous, industrial design evolution tells us that its use will be expanded to many other markets.
Today, consumers looking for discount knives and outdoor sports enthusiasts shopping for reliable knives can expect results.
Not only is the market expanding, but also the community of knife enthusiasts is growing, mostly online.
To see how, enter "Spyderco knives" at YouTube.
com and you'll most likely turn up a few product reviews of the Delica or some other Spyderco model.
Balance, stability, strength, speed, grip, rust resistance and more are just a given with today's knives, and these admirable features can only get better as manufacturers compete to win customers in both government and civilian markets.
It's all due to innovation from Walker and other knife makers who have advanced lock mechanisms, one pin, liner, tab, angle and measure of torque at a time.
Advances accumulate per model, and online sales growth ensures discount knives that are both affordable and effective.
Some knife locks found on the market currently include the linerlock referred to earlier.
This is a lock, built from the liners found inside the knife, makes the most of options in a small space; by its very design it creates the need for physical force to close the knife.
A variation of the linerlock is the frame lock, in which the handles sides are made of a thicker steel and serve as frame and handle for added strength.
A relic of the 1950s, the twist lock uses a metal ring to stabilize the knife blade.
Though advancements in tactical knives make this type of locking mechanism obsolete, it finds use in affordable or very simple applications.
Manufacturers serious about developing ever better tactical folding knives develop and patent their own locking mechanisms.
For example SOG has the Arc-lock, Benchmade has the AXIS lock, and Cold Steel has the Tri-Ad lock.
Industry development is certainly worth watching.
Because the Walker Linerlock kept the folding knife open and rigid, even under extreme stress, its use immediately expanded, and with the broader range of applications can a much broader market.
A folding knife that performed well in combat and in other conditions was valuable for the military and in law enforcement.
And when a tool operates well under the conditions that are most rigorous, industrial design evolution tells us that its use will be expanded to many other markets.
Today, consumers looking for discount knives and outdoor sports enthusiasts shopping for reliable knives can expect results.
Not only is the market expanding, but also the community of knife enthusiasts is growing, mostly online.
To see how, enter "Spyderco knives" at YouTube.
com and you'll most likely turn up a few product reviews of the Delica or some other Spyderco model.
Balance, stability, strength, speed, grip, rust resistance and more are just a given with today's knives, and these admirable features can only get better as manufacturers compete to win customers in both government and civilian markets.
It's all due to innovation from Walker and other knife makers who have advanced lock mechanisms, one pin, liner, tab, angle and measure of torque at a time.
Advances accumulate per model, and online sales growth ensures discount knives that are both affordable and effective.
Some knife locks found on the market currently include the linerlock referred to earlier.
This is a lock, built from the liners found inside the knife, makes the most of options in a small space; by its very design it creates the need for physical force to close the knife.
A variation of the linerlock is the frame lock, in which the handles sides are made of a thicker steel and serve as frame and handle for added strength.
A relic of the 1950s, the twist lock uses a metal ring to stabilize the knife blade.
Though advancements in tactical knives make this type of locking mechanism obsolete, it finds use in affordable or very simple applications.
Manufacturers serious about developing ever better tactical folding knives develop and patent their own locking mechanisms.
For example SOG has the Arc-lock, Benchmade has the AXIS lock, and Cold Steel has the Tri-Ad lock.
Industry development is certainly worth watching.
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