Defeat it?? Perish the thought. That's where true ETS pros carry a little extra tinder for our Hot-Sparks. If the knife companys find out, they'll charge extra for this "feature".

So mums the word, OK?

Gattcha. That's kind of what happens with the back locks. Not so much failure to engage, but failure to get to engage?

Thank you very much. I will watch for that. It had not occured to me.

It really makes you think about using a Leatherman Wave or such as a primary tool. My EDC is a locker and a Wave. I'll take particular pains to blow out the Wave.

The famed 1911A1 service pistol was built to somewhat loose tolerances and famed for operability in tough conditions. Well, my first handgun was a vintage 1911 Navy. Like a typical neophyte I scrupulously cleaned and oiled it like Mr T's mini 14 on the A team.The next time I went shooting ( this was Kodiak Alaska) the piece froze mid cycle like Ivan Stavinsky- Stavir. The bemused gunner's mate tossed it in boiling water and taught me to detail strip it. Do not over oil your knife! It takes very little to attract lint and even less to properly lubricate <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I use the eye of a needle as an oil dropper for that reason.

This brings up the whole question of pocket lint in general. I have long had concerns about pocket lint. It seems that every time I reach into my pocket for change, there's a little bug of lint there.

Where does it come from?
What is it good for?
Is it contagious, or self-replicating?
Where does it stand in the food chain?
Are there creatures who crave pocket lint?
Would they attack me to get it?
Am I in danger?
Do I need to worry?

I'm with Cliff on this one! Pocket lint is a great fire starter helper, free too. I even save dryer lint and put it in 35mm film canisters to use as a spark catcher. Anytime you need some lint, let me know :-)

There's no doubt in my mind that it's self-replicating. I don't think you're in any danger, but then we used to think cigarettes were good for the nervous system so who knows.

The best way to defeat pocket lint is to turn your pockets inside out before washing them. It'll still collect in there, but this will reduce the amount a little bit by not allowing it to accumulate as much.

Or maybe line your pockets with plastic bags... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />