Button locks?

B

Burke

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Feb 25, 1999
Messages
3,312
I've noticed that most automatic knives have a button-type lock, rather than a liner or lockback. How strong are these locks? How reliable? Is there a reason they haven't been incorporated in other folding knives (except for GTs)?
 
I owned a Gerber Paul knife with a button lock and it was a great knife. The lock seemed pretty strong, but this was not a knife that was made to work to hard so I can not say for sure how well it would have held up. I sure would love to get one of the custom versions of this knife.
 
Keith,
I do not think the axial lock on the Paul knife is the same as the button lock that Burke is asking about. I am, however, always glad to say how much I like my Gerber Paul knife!!! :D
 
The Microtech Amphibian and the MOD Dieter CQD have a "plunge" lock, but I don't know how these rate as far as lock strength. If I remember correctly, there was a folder from a company called Speed-Tech which had a similar lock.

The only folders I own with a "button" lock are the Meyerco Stingray and the Rascal. These are ok for casual use like opening up envelopes or cutting fruit, etc.., but I wouldn't trust them for serious heavy work. It would be like putting your fingers through a guillotine.
Ouch!
behead.gif
 
Cool smiley, el cid. Yeah, I'm not sure about how the button lock on a Paul knife works; what I'm talking about is the combination firing/lock release buttons on some autos. The Microtech Socom Elite, and the GT Autos come to mind; I know GT made manual opening knives that still used the push-botton lock release. I always thought this lock worked by a cut-out on the blade being engaged by a part of the button, making the firing button an actual physical part of the lock mechanism; is that correct? I guess what I'm wondering about is a) how this style of lock compares to others, and b) if it's any good, why isn't it being used on more blades besides automatics? Thanks for everybody's input so far.
 
Hi,

I remember reading that these types of knives were expensive to put into production, and that is why you don't see to many of them. I always felt they were'nt much better than a good linerlock, lockback,etc...
:D
 
Ti-nives are button locks. Yesterday I had first opportunity handle one - tactical hybrid. Quality did justify the price (about 350$). Lock was secure ... but the knife didn't shake my world. The shop had also the SS Dam handled and bladed knife. I did'nt ask to handle it as it was out of any knife budged I could imagine.
 
I have handled several "button" lock knives. Non-auto Boker Top Locks come to mind. I think that the lock itself is very reliable, otherwise companies like Benchmade, Protech, and MicroTech wouldn't even consider them. As to why they aren't seen on more non-auto knives, I would have to agree that cost of manufacturing is the main reason. Why make a more expensive lock when a cheaper one works just as well.

I would have no problem trusting any knife with a button lock, and I find that if held with just the right amount of blade tension, a manual knife can be flicked just like an auto. (I know, not good for the stop pin, but it's fun:))

Like I said, I don't think they would be any less secure as a lock, or they wouldn't be used so much in autos, especially by MicroTech who prides themselves in the sturdiness of their knives.

Of course this is all based on personal experience and opinion, not on any hard facts that I have collected. It just seems to make sense.
 
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