Choose a lock types for larger folders?

Favorite Large Folder Lock (not a liner or framelock)

  • MATT LOCK (William Henry)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Axis Lock (Benchmade)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Compression Lock (Spyderco)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • ARC Lock (SOG)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Mid-Lock (like a Spyderco Chinook)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Lockback (like a Buck 110)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
A

Architect

Gold Member
Joined
May 31, 2001
Messages
2,215
I recently got a hold of a William Henry Icon folder. It is my first experience with a MATTLOCK.


While I think liner locks are just fine for blades less than 3 inches, but prefer a more potentially secure lock for the larger folders. I like frame/integral/mono locks. but they still keep your thumb in the blade path like a liner lock.

The Axis lock, MATTLOCK, Compression Lock, Mid/Lock, ARC lock and lockback all your fingers out the blade path, which is a nice feature. What is your preference for a larger folder (about 3.5 inches or larger) lock that keeps your finger clear of the blade action?
 
I find the Arc lock and Axis very similar in feel and "security". Of the ones I have handled, I'd give a slight edge to the Arc lock by SOG.

He didn't really call it a Mattlock, did he?
 
I've never had a folder with an arc-lock or axis-lock, and I don't trust liner-locks, but the back-lock on my Spyderco Chinook seems to be very strong and smooth.
 
I agree that the arc-lock and axis are very similar, but I perfer the axis lock. I've had both the night vision and serveral benchmades. The arc lock isn't as solid as the benchmade. I'm not talking about the lockup because both are sturdy but the movement of the lock the sog has a lot of wabble and therefore takes two fingers to pull it back. The benchmade is doable (<-- is that a word) with one hand since it's got two springs. My .02 Sorry Ron!
 
Other = FrameLock. Sorry just had to make this a write in vote.
Now that I know what a good FrameLock feels like (Seb. )
It's all I would trust on a big knife...or any knife!

Sorry, I'd perfer to cut my hand TRYING to close it,
then have it close on me. :rolleyes:

Tho, I think any well made lock will work in real life! :cool:
 
Spydie's Mid lock works well for me as long as you loosen it a bit. It feels very positive.
 
When it comes to locks, the lock-back is still king.
It's very strong, very safe, simple, and reliable.

My second choice is the Bladelock.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Bobby B - you won't believe that Matthew Conable not only calls it the "MATT LOCK" but they have engraved the stinking name on the reverse side of the blade in bold sans serif type with a giant ellipse around it. OUCH!! It is right up there in the top five all time ugliest graphic ever placed on a knife.

Joe and you other framelock characters, the whole point was to focus on lock types that keep your hand out of the path of the closing blade. I have bitten my thumb maybe 4 or 5 times in the last two years - nothing serious and usually because I was distracted, but enough times to make me consider carrying a non-frame and/or liner lock type knife.
 
Most of these locks are new, so not much experience among users yet. But I think simplest and most foolproof of newer locks is the compression lock, as it is used more I think it will begin to surpass others for reliability....... no springs to break and no "pressure point" for failure.......
 
Believe it or not the biggest folder I have is a Cold Steel Twist Lock, this is a giant Opinel lookalike made with a FRN handle.

This Opinel style lock is the strongest I've seen on a big folder, and the nice thing is that the lock is infinately adjustable.

I've chopped down 2 1/2" to 3" sapplings like it was a fixed blade, the Carbon V steel takes an easy edge, and holds it for a long time.
 
Originally posted by Knife11
The arc lock isn't as solid as the benchmade. I'm not talking about the lockup because both are sturdy but the movement of the lock the sog has a lot of wabble and therefore takes two fingers to pull it back. The benchmade is doable (<-- is that a word) with one hand since it's got two springs. My .02 Sorry Ron!
Click to expand...

I had the same problem with my PE...then I tightened the screw on the end of the lock and it is just as solid as my 710. After that I bounced back from thinking the Axis was better to the Arc because of its slightly better ergonomics and the fact it is supported by a pivot bar as well as the springs. But I betcha it wont wobble if you tighten the screw on the end of the thumb peice.
 
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