Am I the only guy pining for a CRK lock-back? Some reasons

kidcongo

kidcongo

Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
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OK, for starters I like CRK, and I like framelocks, and I know Chris Reeve is famous for popularizing the frame-lock design. I do not expect CRK to stop using the frame-lock design on their flagship products......I also understand that the frame-lock concept works perfectly with the CRK philosophy of no-nonsense designs.....however......

I like lock-backs as well for a couple of reasons:

1 - lockbacks are often more comfortable due to the closed-in back of the handle
2 - lockbacks can look more finished due to the finished spine of the knife. They look like someone made you a nice folding knife as opposed to a tool. Lockback are classy and traditional in a way that the utilitarian design of a framelock really can never be. A "flow-through design" framelock, no matter how fancy the sides are, will always have that blatant look of utility, and only can be so comfortable in hand.


Why do I wish CRK would make one when there are so many other makers options?

1 - I would love to see a lock-back design with CRK levels of fit and finish, robust design, and fine tolerances.
2 - Lockbacks are rarely smooth due to the dragging of the steel lock springs on the blade tang. If CRK applied their ceramic ball interface to a lock-back you might have a very interesting and smooth knife.
3 - I would love to own a lockback that benefited from the great warranty, customer service, and spa treatment options etc that CRK offers.

Anyways......very unlikely to happen, but I thought I'd put the idea out there anyways. CRK made those few Opinel style pivot locks back in the day, they make the Ti-Lock of course, and they have that amazing Lock 45 in their history books as well, so it's not like CRK can't make other locking systems. It would be great to see a CRK with a closed-in handle IMHO.
 
I can't say I have any reason not to want one and I, like you, can think of a few reasons why I perhaps would. That said, being from Scotland and spending at least a few months of each year back home I would probably have more interest in something more slip joint-y. I can and do "get away" with carrying standard CRKs back home but a non-locking CRK folder would be nice to have. I think something like the Mnandi would be a good starting point for a lockback over the Sebenza, perhaps slightly larger though. :):thumbup:
 
I love a lockback myself. I would like to see it, but I doubt it will ever happen.

Have you ever tried a Moki or Fallkniven(Moki makes these) lockback ?
Of all of the lockbacks I have, or have had/seen, Moki is as close to a custom as you'll get(IMO).

A slip joint like Haze mentions would be a must for me have as well, but I don't think that will ever happen either.
 
It's funny you mention this, as I've been really wishing for something like this over the past little bit. I'd love to see a CRK back-lock.
 
Anything CRK puts out is pretty much golden. Sure some designs end not being as popular as others, but they are ALL sound designs. In the two instances I had the honor to speak to Mr. Reeve, we spoke about other folders. I mentioned flippers, slip joints and lockbacks. He said the goal of his company is to make things that have not been done before and to perfect his own designs and innovate new ones. He stated that flippers, slipjoints, lockbacks all have already been done and there was no deed to rehash them. So I took that as to not expect anything like that in the future from them.
 
I have known Chris a long time and I have never seen a custom Lockback from him. Ergo I doubt you will ever see a production one.
Chris has always been about bringing new ideas to the market and perfecting them in production.

That said I love lockbacks and I would be all over that.
 
Steven65 said:
I have known Chris a long time and I have never seen a custom Lockback from him. Ergo I doubt you will ever see a production one.
Chris has always been about bringing new ideas to the market and perfecting them in production.

That said I love lockbacks and I would be all over that.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you are right, but I would argue the framelock is no longer a new idea, and the Ti-Lock is really a Hawk design. Many would argue that the frame-lock itself is simply an evolution of the linerlock which is an even older concept. Maybe if there are no lock backs in the future, something else could be developed. I would love to see a folding knife from Chris that was something other than straight slab and stand-off construction.
 
kidcongo said:
I'm sure you are right, but I would argue the framelock is no longer a new idea,
Click to expand...


Yeah, but its his idea :p
When he said "new idea" he was referring to a lock that has never been made that would be his idea.

The RIL is best lock on the market. If he ever does come out with a new lock it will be his idea also, but I can't imagine any lock being as good as his RIL.
 
I'm not the biggest fan of lockbacks (and am a big fan of framelocks)... so I can't say I've ever pined for a CRK lockback... BUT... if CRK built one I'd sure as heck give it a good look! :)
 
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