Victorinox moving away from sliding locks?

[Shuya]

Hey folks,

while scrolling on the victorinox website I notived that all 111mm knives shown there are now made with the liner lock.
Even the older models (Outrider, Workchamp etc) no longer have the slide lock.
https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/c/SAK_LargePocketKnives
Anyone else has information about that? And why they did that?

For me I never had issues with the sliding one, and dont know the reason behind that.

[captain spaulding]

Interesting. I'm guessing it's because the sliding lock is not as safe as the liner lock and they don't want ANY possibility of a lawsuit. Just a guess though.

[Steinar]

I can't see any compelling reason for Vic to keep producing both, and the are contractually obligated to both the German and Swiss state to produce the liner lock. If I were in charge up in the Alps, I'd do the same thing, simplify the production line. Especially since the pin stock has different diameter for the liner locking knives vs the slide lock. Also, the liner lock is stronger and more reliable. As a consumer, I view this as a win, since I now get a more dirt resistant lock and thicker pins on all 111 mm knives. I'll probably end up getting the new version with liner lock for some of the knives I already have. 

(I know not everyone will agree, but that's why this is an opinion. )

[Singh]

I don't think they switched those models from slide lock to liner lock.

The slide lock button is on the opposite scale (the scale without the logo),  and not shown in the pictures online or in the catalog.

[Steinar]

Take a look at the new WorkChamp, https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Work-Champ/p/0.8564 , the liner lock for the screwdriver is clearly visible. Also, the shape of the locking screwdriver is different enough that you can tell it's the Soldier frame that's in use. Even this Hunter https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Hunter/p/0.8573 has a visible linerlock for the main blade. I think the big change was when they adapted to making the locking liner available for just one of the ends, e.g. like on that Hunter or the new Sentinel. The liner locking Sentinel no longer has protruding liner at the opposite end from the blade.

[Shuya]

Take a look at the new WorkChamp, https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Work-Champ/p/0.8564 , the liner lock for the screwdriver is clearly visible. Also, the shape of the locking screwdriver is different enough that you can tell it's the Soldier frame that's in use. Even this Hunter https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Large-Pocket-Knives/Hunter/p/0.8573 has a visible linerlock for the main blade. I think the big change was when they adapted to making the locking liner available for just one of the ends, e.g. like on that Hunter or the new Sentinel. The liner locking Sentinel no longer has protruding liner at the opposite end from the blade.

This, plus the linerlock models no longer have the hole in the awl.
Ive seen some Linerlock Outriders on amazon recently, so they really sell them now.
Will have to buy a black linerlock Outrider and check the weight. Suspect them to have added some grams since there is need for steel liners in those models.

[Grass]

I think they have merely gone with the stronger and arguably better mechanism. No point keeping both locks in production. Still stacks of slide lock models around for fans of it to stock up...

Re Weight; Victorinox themselves have the Outrider going from 132 grams to 156 grams... so yes... almost 20% more weight there; I have both and it's noticeable.

[sir_mike]

I don't think they switched those models from slide lock to liner lock.

The slide lock button is on the opposite scale (the scale without the logo),  and not shown in the pictures online or in the catalog.

It looks like they have on the Hercules model.  I selected it to see and you can see the liner lock lever right under the can opener in their pic.

[marduk]

Vic's 2017 catalogue notes all 111mm knives come with a liner lock system (mit Platin-Verriegelung). In the process they no longer list the following models:
Fireman
Atlas
Parachutist
Jumpmaster
Helmsman
Rescue Tool (Black)
And possibly others I may have overlooked.

[Singh]

and here I was thinking it was too good to be true. 

Ditching the slide lock for the liner lock is fine by me.

[gregpost]

So no more Outrider?

[Grass]

So no more Outrider?

The Outrider is now with a liner lock. Red or black scales.

[sir_mike]

So no more Outrider?

The Outrider is now with a liner lock. Red or black scales.

I am still looking for an Outrider or Hercules but now I would like to find either with the liner lock to check out! 

[jaya_man]

Just thought I'd share a similar discussion a few months back on another thread:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=70550.150

I guess they wanted to slim down the range and eliminate similar models like centurion/adventurer and nomad/picknicker...

I too have no problems withe either slider or liner lock... But liner locks look promising... Imagine a more robust cap-lifter which locks... and more possibilities like one hand opening (OHO).... OH Outrider sounds cool...


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[Syph007]

Remember its not just the lock that was different.

The slide lock version had different backsprings, and tools vs the liner lock.  So they were making 2 separate sets of parts for the same size knives.  Going with the liner lock only makes tons of sense! 

Heres the openers from both types.  The mm values were how thick the steel was for that part.  The pivot hole sizes were also different.

[jaya_man]

Looking at the catalogue, there are definitely some other noticable differences.

1. Blade position is now just behind the opening layer...
2. Bottle opener is bigger (similar to pre-2017 liner locks like the OHT)
3. Blade profile on metal saw and wood saw is slimmer (inherited from pre-2017 models)
4. Nail nick position on scissors is the same as that on the Pioneer X.



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[Don Pablo]

Remember its not just the lock that was different.

The slide lock version had different backsprings, and tools vs the liner lock.  So they were making 2 separate sets of parts for the same size knives.  Going with the liner lock only makes tons of sense! 

Heres the openers from both types.  The mm values were how thick the steel was for that part.  The pivot hole sizes were also different.

(Image removed from quote.)

Again I marvel at the monster bottle opener on liner locks... 

[Steinar]

It's a thing of beauty. 

[Ron Who]

Too bad the Fireman's gone. I have an old and hard used one, linerlocked, and I think it's one of the best outdoor SAKs ever.

[AndyTiedye]

Too bad the Fireman's gone. I have an old and hard used one, linerlocked, and I think it's one of the best outdoor SAKs ever.

Though an actual fireman might have more use for the Rescue Tool.

My favorites for outdoor use are the 130mm Rangers
because of the awesome saw.

and an even better liner lock than the 111s.

[jaya_man]

Too bad the Fireman's gone. I have an old and hard used one, linerlocked, and I think it's one of the best outdoor SAKs ever.

Am soo glad I got a couple of them... even turned one into an OHF-PE... I might even convert an Outrider to OH once I get my hands on it...


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[Valkie]

Just received my brand new Hercules.

It has an inner lock on both the large blade and the large screwdriver.

It is reasonably normal for me, but the blade has some slight movement.

Most disappointing is the scale, it's stamped not metal insert.

[Valkie]

Got a couple of pictures of the Hercules
This is the lock from a visible position, clicks in behind the blade. This is similar to many locking blades I have at home.


The second picture is the locking mechanism from the side, you can see the PRESS on the lock, its stiff but functional.


The third is the scale without a slider


The last is the same locking mechanism on the screwdriver, great idea.


Typical Victornox quality, everything nice and tight, well made and polished to death.
Still a little dissapointed with the logo on the scale though.

[Don Pablo]

The logo has always been done like that on these scales, to the best of my knowledge.

[Huntsman]

Remember it's not just the lock that was different.
The slide lock version had different backsprings, and tools vs the liner lock.  So they were making 2 separate sets of parts for the same size knives.  Going with the liner lock only makes tons of sense! 
Heres the openers from both types.  The mm values were how thick the steel was for that part.  The pivot hole sizes were also different.
(Image removed from quote.)

Bit of a necro qustion Syph - if you see this - But how come the can and bottle opener for the liner lock models are not the same width - As they share a layer? 
- Does this mean they use a washer? - Or you got the measurements wrong?           Unlikely knowing you!!

@Valkie - Nice pics - Thanks for the post

@Valkie and Don - Yes the nylon scales are always hot printed not metal inlays

@ All we updated all the 111mm Wiki pages with all this info earlier this year - And the 111mm model comparison tables are pretty nice and usable now too   
http://sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Victorinox+111mm

[toolguy]

I like the models with the side activated lock.

They are lighter than the liner lock models.