Lock mechanism types

[Hogums]

Hello everyone. Came here from the bladeforums and finally decided to register here. Anyhow, I have a question about the LB7 lock springs. I noticed there are three types. Type one is a flat stock piece single that I have in my LB8. The second type I found is a two piece spring riveted together at the end and you can visually see this such as in the 6OT. The third type is a round stock that I had in one of my LB7's and Buck uses this too. My question is: Which type of spring type has the best longevity and retention? In any one's honest opinion I would like to know what you guys think and from your experiences owning one that failed. I love these knives and now I am learning more about 'em and havin' fun. Thanks for all your replies.

[orvet]

Welcome to AAPK!

I am not sure I have seen the single flat spring you describe, though I think Camillus used it on one of their lock backs. The other two types I am very familiar with.

The springs in these two pics are from a couple LB-5s, but they use the same type springs in all the LB series.

IMO, the best is the older type spring, which is the upper one in both pictures.
The advantage is that if the spring breaks you can replace the bar spring with another bar of spring steel.
The two flat springs would have to be cut and tempered. This could be done at home, but it is MUCH easier to simply replace the bar with another bar of spring steel. Apparently the flat springs are hard to make and get them properly tempered. Schrade had a lot of problems with those flat springs breaking. The 3OT used the flat type springs and they are notorious for breaking springs.

I hope you stick around AAPK.
We have a lot of Schradeaholics here.

Welcome aboard!

[Hogums]

That upper one you show is the round stock bar type. The picture of the one underneath is the single piece flat type. The one I mentioned is two flat pieces that are riveted together. The 6OT had this as well as the 9OT. Thanks for the pictures and info. Do you have any LB7's for sale with the round bar type spring? And yes, I'll be here for a good long time. Thanks for the welcome.

[orvet]

The lower flat springs lay side by side and are held together by the rivets through the rear bolster/handle depending on the model of the knife.

PM inbound.

[garddogg56]

Wow Orvet I like the cutaway to show the differances,it clears up a lot... Now is Bucks simular??

[orvet]

Wow Orvet I like the cutaway to show the differances,it clears up a lot... Now is Bucks simular??

The Buck 110 uses the top type lock, though I think Buck used it before Schrade did.
IMO, it is the more dependable method.