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Any Valid Reason to Dislike Frame-Locks?

this_is_nascar

this_is_nascar

Joined
Jan 17, 2004
Messages
735
I don't care for knives that use a frame-lock. I don't know why, I just don't like them. The problem is that recently, I've seen some knives utilizing the frame-lock design, that I really like and would get, if not for the frame-lock. Is there any reason at all that I should let the presence of a frame-lock sway my purchasing decision?
 
Personally, I don't think all frame locks are created equal just as not all linerlocks or back locks, etc are created equal. I've had some liner locks and frame locks I've loved and some that annoyed me. Maybe you just have to find one that works for you.
 
Personal preference doesn't require justification. I prefer a good liner lock to a frame lock, yet my favorite knives tend to have frame locks. For me, the lock type isn't going to be a deal breaker, unless I was really on the fence about that particular knife to begin with.
 
Perhaps you don't like them because the ones you've had aren't any good? Just look into framelocks that are known to be particularly smooth (like an Endura), particularly strong (like a Recon 1), or particularly easy to close one handed (like a Dragonfly). What are these knives that you have in mind?
 
I know some people have issues with them like anything else I guess but I have 7 and never had an issue other than sticking. but that's usually a very quick fix. I have more issues w liner locks
 
Frame locks knives can be too thin for my tastes. I tend to avoid them just because they are a bit too finicky for my tastes, although the proliferation of steel lock bar inserts seems to have made things a bit better.
 
jfalkos said:
Perhaps you don't like them because the ones you've had aren't any good? Just look into framelocks that are known to be particularly smooth (like an Endura), particularly strong (like a Recon 1), or particularly easy to close one handed (like a Dragonfly). What are these knives that you have in mind?
Click to expand...


Those all have backlocks (and a triad).

I have avoided backlocks for a while because I tend not to like them. I've been trying out more backlocks though because I felt like I was missing out on some great knives. Just got a sage 4 and superblue delica and I'm liking them a lot.
I say try a few out if you like everything else about them. You may end up with some new favorites.
 
I don't care for frame locks because they aren't any stronger than liner locks. Not that any body really NEEDS a particularly strong lock, that's what fixed blades are for right? I just don't see the point. Then again, most folks here don't buy a knife because they NEED it.
To sum it up, I think that frame locks are way way over rated. Not to say that there is anything wrong with them. But I've been pushed away by the rabid fan-boi-ism that too often accompanies them.
That being said, I generally carry a TriAd locking knife because, you know, they're just so strong :)

JFalkos, the knives that you mentioned are all back locks, except for the recon which is a triad lock. Am I missing something?
 
I mostly dislike them because I think they're ugly and uncomfortable in the hand, and I don't like metal handles. Too slick for my taste, even if they're textured. I also generally avoid lock systems that I cant flip closed as easily as I can flick them open. I rarely need to have my knife deployed for more than 5 seconds at a time, so anything that is slow to open or close is a significant inconvenience. Give me an axis, compression, or spydie ball bearing lock any day.
 
It is all personal preference. I like framelocks and see nothing against them, but a bolster lock is still my favorite so far. I have not found a problem with the majority of locks including liner locks if made from a quality manufacturer.
 
spketch said:
Those all have backlocks (and a triad).

I have avoided backlocks for a while because I tend not to like them. I've been trying out more backlocks though because I felt like I was missing out on some great knives. Just got a sage 4 and superblue delica and I'm liking them a lot.
I say try a few out if you like everything else about them. You may end up with some new favorites.
Click to expand...

I do like spyderco lockbacks, delica, caly.
I've been eyeballing the fantoni Hyde lock back. I'll get one when work picks up. I like frame locks also. Sebenza 25 hinderer xm 18 3.5, strider sng . But I can't get into liner locks. Don't know why yet. I do want to try the fantoni hb 01 or 02 liner lock, but I did see one video where they said the lock could fail? Who knows, I still want one
 
I don't like frame locks because they aren't ambidextrous. At least with a liner lock, the leaf isn't likely to be compression closed when using the "wrong" hand. There are better choices out there for southpaws.
 
this_is_nascar said:
I don't care for knives that use a frame-lock. I don't know why, I just don't like them. The problem is that recently, I've seen some knives utilizing the frame-lock design, that I really like and would get, if not for the frame-lock. Is there any reason at all that I should let the presence of a frame-lock sway my purchasing decision?
Click to expand...

My daily carry knife, a Dakota folder, is a frame lock. All metal frame, very rugged. My other favorite, a SWAT assisted opener, is a liner lock, within a plastic frame. Both are equally reliable in my opinion. As long as they lock the blade in place firmly, and does not cause it to snap back on my fingers like a guillotine when I am working then it is all good and well :)
 
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