Button lock longevity?

[jstn]

I really like button locks and there are a lot out there now including higher-end knives. My question is: do button locks last a long time in terms of the lock wearing? Do they develop play over time? Locks like frame locks and compression locks move over to account for wear so the mixup stays solid. So button locks do the same in your experience? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bob Denman]

I
i bought a used Benchmade 665, and everything is still "tight & right".

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Most William Henry knives have button locks. My oldest is maybe 14 years old, I carry it a lot, and the button lock is like brand new and it is solid with no play. I'm kinda amazed.

 

[tiguy7]

My William Henry B-15 Button Lock is as tight as a drum after over 20 years of EDC.View attachment 1790145

 

[115Italian]

My only experience with button locks are with Hogue knives. Looking at the lock mechanism I can see plenty of room for the lock to move and wear in. There’s a slight ramp added on the tang where the lock engages. Looks like there’s plenty of longevity to the lock.

 

[Bob Denman]

The only thing that was "worn" on mine; is the spring that assists with the opening.
It must have been left closed-up, for a long period of time...

 

[jstn]

My only experience with button locks are with Hogue knives. Looking at the lock mechanism I can see plenty of room for the lock to move and wear in. There’s a slight ramp added on the tang where the lock engages. Looks like there’s plenty of longevity to the lock.

Thanks for the reply. That's what I was really wondering, whether the lock can move and wear. That should put my mind at ease.

 

[Silent H]

It depends on the design of the lock interface. Some have the buttons lock up in a straight channel, some just lock into a divot in the blade, and others lock into a channel that narrows the further the button goes into it. I know that Spartan recently updated the Pallas' lock to the last one to make it last longer. Essentially, as it ages and the button pushes deeper, the channel narrows so the lockup is always tight. I tried to get some pictures, but the camera on my phone and the lighting weren't good enough to get clear pictures.

I
View attachment 1789690i bought a used Benchmade 665, and everything is still "tight & right".

The 665 is essentially an axis lock actuated by two buttons, rather than a traditional button lock.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

Every ProTech plunge lock I've looked at has a button that's slightly flared toward the bottom, allowing it to sit deeper into the blade if there is any wear.