How Does it Work?

[john]

Hi Bill,
Can you explain to me is basic terms how Mirotech's OTF operate such as the infamous Tony Marfione Masterpiece or a similar knife with the cocking mechanism?
Thank you in advance,
John
PS do have or would you know if any illustrations exist of the guts of that style knife?
Thanks again.

[Bill DeShivs]

Push the button forward and it compresses a spring. Pushing it further trips a release. Spring powers blade for a short way, and inertia carries it fully out. Blade locks.
Pulling the button to the rear does exactly the opposite.

[john]

Hi Bill.
What roll does the cocking mechanism have to do with the operation of the knife? And, is the mechanism you described a generic otf mechanism found in all otf's? I'm asking because a friend of mine asked me and I really could not explain it to him. I told him about a double spring mechanism and extra long rockers kind of like in a regular stiletto. I was hoping for more info do you know of a possible a photo or illustration or a link to one.
Thanks again,
John

[Bill DeShivs]

The "cocking mechanism" puts tension on the spring to either open or close the knife.
Sorry, I don't have pictures.
Wait a minute! Are you talking about a dual action OTF, or a single action OTF?
If Single action, the cocking mechanism simply pulls the blade into the cocked position, where the button locks it. The spring on these only powers the blade for a short distance, and inertia carries it fully open.

[BTB0923]

The "cocking mechanism" puts tension on the spring to either open or close the knife.
Sorry, I don't have pictures.
Wait a minute! Are you talking about a dual action OTF, or a single action OTF?
If Single action, the cocking mechanism simply pulls the blade into the cocked position, where the button locks it. The spring on these only powers the blade for a short distance, and inertia carries it fully open.

Actually Bill, in the Microtech single action otfs the spring travels the full distance of the handle. That's how they achieve such a quick and powerful blade deployment. Here is a video showing the dissassembly and reassembly of a Microtech HALO...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiOsmVehToA

And here is a great video to show someone who is wondering how a dual action otf works...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XMpIJ5AspU

[Krab-E]

Dunno if this is any good to ya:

[Bill DeShivs]

I have actually handled the "Masterpiece" and don't remember what mechanism it used!
If a S/A OTF uses a cocking LEVER, it is not spring powered all the way out. The Halo uses a cocking bar.

[john]

Hello Bill, BTB and Dave,
Thank you all for the info, videos and photos.
I'll pass this along and I found it very educational too.
Thanks again,
John

[BTB0923]

I have actually handled the "Masterpiece" and don't remember what mechanism it used!
If a S/A OTF uses a cocking LEVER, it is not spring powered all the way out. The Halo uses a cocking bar.

Gotcha I can only speak for the standard MT single action otf's. I've certainly never seen a disassembled "Masterpiece" before. I don't think many people have. Might be a whole 'nuther story.