Concerns over the Liner Lock

[The Dogman]

I like all the Emerson Models. They seem fine for everyday use. However, I don't see how any liner lock can hold up under extreme use. I would think the Axis lock on the Benchmade knives would be safer. I had a liner lock fail once and I feel lucky I did not get a more severe cut.

 

[nolan raborn]

There are liner locks and then there are liner locks. The liner on the side of my Emerson Commander where the lock is happens to be at least twice as thick as the liner on the other side. As long as it properly engages the blade every time I don't see how there could ever be a problem with the liner lock on my Commander. AS far as the AXIS (I have a Presidio BM) I would never completely trust it because I know there are some small springs in there that I can't inspect without taking the knife apart which voids the warranty. The AXIS works fine and I like it but I will always keep an eye on it because of the springs. In my opinion, the best locks are the frame lock like is on my BM Skirmish, (that lock is huge) and a good lockback, like on the Bucks and specially some of the Spydercos. I certainly trust my Native and would always trust the Manix and the Chinook This is just my opinion, of course.

 

[SIFU1A]

there is nothing wrong w/a well made/well designed liner lock.

some of the best custom folding fighters in the world are liner lock:

*emerson CQC5,6,7,8,etc.

*virtually all of pat crawfords stuff.

*lotsa bob T's stuff if not all.

the list goes on and on.

now a cheapie liner lock like say CRKT, even those are gen'ly ok, ya gotta watch them though.

imho there is nothing inherently wrong with LL knives. compression lock, axis lock, frame lock, they are all good too, probably better than LL for some things.

 

[razorsdescent]

then get an HD model

 

[SIFU1A]

or a '12..........

 

[Hair]

If a liner lock is done right it can be every bit as strong as any other lock.

Brands like Emerson, Strider, Lone Wolf, Microtech etc... do liner locks very well.