Are you still buying liner locks?

I really enjoy a well-made linerlock. I have never had problems with well-made/well constructed examples, and I think the deficiencies of linerlocks are exaggerated. Of course a poorly made one is going to fail, but that doesn't speak to the failings of the design.

Nitin
 
a lefty Benchmade 800. I trust their quality control. Also, I'm not that hard on my knives. I wouldn't get one from China, though.

Frank
 
hardheart said:
Haven't ordered one in quite some time. With the variety of designs using both the old school lockback and the newer lock innovations, I feel I can do without even the coolest looking liner lock.
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I'm with you hardheart. I was enamored for a short time with the liner lock. I don't tottally eschew it as there are some knives I like, such as the Military, that use it, but my EDCs tend to be other types of locks.

Really it comes down to that I just don't like it.
 
My urban EDC is a BM730 or 806.I carry liner-locks when hiking and climbing.I just received a BM910HS from New Grham Knive,and I'll carry it when hiking,climbing and for extended travel.
 
My favorite knives happen to be liner locks. I love bolstered liner locks made by a number of makers (JW and Chris Smith, Obenauf, JL Williams, etc.) I've had a number of frame locks and they just don't appeal to me as much as a nice bolstered liner lock. I think it's a little more difficult to build a great liner lock like these but these makers can do it really really well. I have no doubts in the security of the lockup on these knives.
 
I've actually never owned a liner-lock knife. My EDC is a BM Griptillian, and I am happy with the axis lock. Its only downside, as far as I'm concerned, is the difficulty I have cleaning it. Lockbacks are a nice tried-and-true lock, and I prefer a well-made lockback to a liner. I am really liking frame locks right now, too. When properly executed, they are such a simple yet effective means of locking the blade. So, that's where I'm at with folding knife locks :)
 
I would depending on the maker (custom and production). But I like the framelocks so much better and the choice on them is almost unlimited.
 
Yep. Just got a Strider and Emerson, both LL. If their made right, they're the best.
 
I have absolutely no problem carrying and using a well made liner lock--especially the ones made by the true craftsmen out there, like Kit Carson, Bob Terzuola, Pat/Wes Crawford, etc. I've never had a problem. :cool:
 
I confess to having a number of liner locks, and stgill buying one occasionally. I really do prefer other locking methods, since I sometimes like to carry a knife for use with my weaker hand, and I don't find the liner lock to be particularly useful for ambidexterous use--. Still, so many nice liner locks are made that I can't resist......
 
I don't have a problem with liner locks per say, it is just that the knives I like don't come with that type of lock. Liner locks can be excellent if made properly.
 
Recently purchased an Obenauf model 3 linerlock. Have a Model 2 all CF model 2 due to arrive in a couple of weeks. I like Mikes linerlocks.
 
The original premise that a liner lock is somehow inferior to another type of lock is interesting. Any type of lock can fail under the right circumstances, and any particular knife within that category of lock type may fail based upon its quality of manufacture and materials used. Two frame locks made side by side in a batch may fail from different amounts of abuse. The bottom line for me is that any knife that "can" fold, "may" fold and anyone that believes any particular lock type turns their folder into a fixed blade better buy some bandaids. If a knife can fold, it will, given the right circumstances -- so we bet those circumstances won't happen to us.

I treat all folders as though they may potentially fold. If I want the security of a fixed blade, I use a fixed blade.

Bruce
 
bruce said:
The original premise that a liner lock is somehow inferior to another type of lock is interesting.
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Okay I got this one:

#1. Rocker bar lockbacks are just as reliable if not more reliable than any linerlock if both are of the same quality. They are also of similar strength. However rocker bar lockbacks are cheaper and easier to make. Why pay extra for a liner lock?

#2. They wear out. Even when properly designed, they wear out. I don't mean it'll wear out after 2 lifetimes of service either like any lock will, I mean it will wear out.

#3. Just as they don't offer exceptional reliability, they do not offer exceptional strength. A well made tank of a liner lock holds a fraction of the weight that something like the compression lock will withstand.
 
The last liner lock I bought was about 20 months ago. I have no intention of buying anymore. I think many are O.K. but like others have said, why go liner lock when other better locks are available...
 
I always belived that a lock that "blocks" a blade from closing, is far superior than a lock that tries to "pull" a blade from closing. Hence this is the reason I feel comfortable with liner locks. On the other side, from day one, I've felt that liner locks are way to easy to disengage. Making them less reliable yet very strong.
 
i have a cold steel ti-lite as my usual EDC, i've found the lock to be very strong and durable. It's designed to hold 100 lbs, and since i don't plan on stabbing people with it or using it as an icepick, it's strong enough for me.

i also have a cuda maxx stiletto which has one of the stongest locks on my folders save my benchmade 9100s and my balisongs.
 
i have nothing against awell-built linerlock. my last purchase was a duncan aftershock, which i special ordered in S30V with green canvas micarta scales. it's a linerlock, & it's one of my favorite folders. check out brad duncan's aftershock:

http://duncanknives.com/gpage7.html

woof woof baby.
 
I was searching threads about the AFCK and came across this bit from CJ Caracci who designed the original Benchmade AFCK.

The thread did bring up some interesting points about why the (well-made) liner lock is a good thing, namely if the assembly is strong it's very difficult to accidentally close it. With no buttons, levers, or thingies sticking out it's difficult to disengage accidentally.

With that said, I'd still like to hear the story of how Planterz' knife failed (and which CRKT it was).

I currently carry a Benchmade axis lock (921 limited in grey and BT) and like the majority I have had no problems. I have had smaller production liner locks that did not hold up to heavy use but the majority did their job quite well.

I do have some hesitation buying liner locks sight unseen since knife nuts will always want to test the lock mechanism of a liner lock first ("white knuckle", maybe a spine whack if noone's looking) where an Axis or frame lock I know that several factors are working to keep the lock strong within wider tolerances. But a reputable knife with a liner lock=no problem for me.

(Note I have cut out various comments about other lock mechanisms to prevent tedious flames in reference to a 3 year old thread, link below if you want to read the rest)


10-01-2001
"...
I am a user not a collector, therefore if a liner lock is made properly it will always be my favorite for a combat folder.
...
I do not mean these locks fail under pressure they fail by your hand or fingers inadvertently hitting or depressing a release.
Blood is an excellent lubricant and grip is paramount in use of the knife.
Before I designed the AFCK I have never seen a liner lock that was completely cut away as a finger groove. That was essential as far as I was concerned.
Even Mr. Emerson politely but truly unnecessarily asked if I minded him copying the idea.
What other kind of locks does Mr. Emerson use?
I wonder why? He uses the liner lock, because for real operators there is nothing better, yet.
That is why real operators like his product.
..."

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-171286.html
 
My question is - why are they still making them? I keep hoping the fad wears out. My using knives are all lockbacks. The only liners I own (and carry on occasion) are 2 Delta Z gent's folders with wood scales. They are classy and show off a feature not found on lockbacks - an open spine with spacers connecting the handles.
 
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