Jake designed this knife, in part, back in 2011. It had originally been set up to be a friction folder and much smaller. But what’s the fun in that?! A few months ago, Jake decided that he would revisit the drawings and make a frame lock out of them. So off to the computer to start playing with a wicked-looking folder that was a complete departure from what Jake had been doing for the last 5 years.
One thing that really helped him with the design of this knife is that Jake spent some time down at NASA’s JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab) talking advanced metallurgy and machining with some of the greatest minds that have ever lived. When Jake was speaking to them, he was working through some problems he has run into as a knife maker over the last 13 years – things like dirt and grime buildup, friction, and weight. So he picked their brains as much as he could and came home and set about testing new theories in the practical application of knife making.
That's when Jake got the inspiration for this lock, “The 270 Lock!” This isn’t a complete departure from the traditional liner/frame/leaf lock that was invented by Michael Walker, but it IS a complete departure from how that lock engages the lock face of the blade! The 270 lock engages 270 degrees of the lock face. Traditionally, only .06-.100 of the lockbar face contacts the lock face of the blade. Any more contact and the lock will stick very badly or it will have lock rock (movement of the blade while the lock is engaged). So how did Jake avoid those problems with this lock? Geometry!!! And, of course, lots of machinery. And maybe a hammer or two. All kidding aside, the lock face of the blade has multiple angles of contact and higher and lower pressure points of contact as well.
Jake wanted to design something totally different for him–a much more complicated knife than he had ever attempted before! Recurves are a pain to grind and the 270 lock is...well just read the above to figure that out! So we think Jake's goal has been met and now it’s on to the next design! We really hope you like this knife! It exceeded his expectations, and we hope it exceeds yours too!!el lock insert, HRD (Hoback Roller Detent), hardened stainless pivot, and stainless pivot bearings. These are just a few of the things you get with a Hoback Knife. The rest you'll just have to see for yourself!
