custom folder locks?

[harms]

Ok, here's one.

Why, with so much technical discussion about various lock mechanisms, do many of the high-end folders not have lock systems at all? Perhaps, since most of these knives are not really meant to be used, they really don't need to lock up. That would make sense.

Still, on a fine collector's piece, I would think that the maker would want to show his craft with all the bells and whistles. So, except for tactical knives, are lock mechanisms really all that important? A very nice extra, to be sure, but really necessary?

Cheers, Bill

 

[Architect]

Ok, here's one.

Why, with so much technical discussion about various lock mechanisms, do many of the high-end folders not have lock systems at all? ...

I don't know what "high-end" folders you are talking about. Although I know of no survey of the types of mechanisms used in "high-end" folders (I assume you are referring to folders costing say $400 or more), my guess would be that 90% or more of these folders have some kind of locking mechanism, with lockback designs and liner-locks designs constituting the vast majority.

In fact, regardless of the all the pining and nostalgia associated with non-locking folders, and the fact that they can be quite beautiful, I use locking folders exclusively. It is finding the right combination of safety, ease of operation and simple maintenence that makes my knife obession fun.

 

[ErikD]

I don't really know what knives you are talking about in particular, but I think for the most part custom knives have locks too. The only exception to that would be custom slipjoints, whihc naturally don't have any lock other than the back sping.

I don't really know about knives not meant to be used. I use all of my custom knives, and they all lock. I have other customs on order, and plan on using them when I get them. I honestly can't see any reputable maker making any knife that won't lock at all. Part of making a knife, even a fancy art knife, is a combination of form and function. The tricky thing is making a knife that is great looking, but will also function as a knife if desired.

As for what locks are used on custom folders I would say mostly liner locks, frame locks and lockbacks. As for if a lock is really needed on a knife, I am guessing you are talking a user knife here, well obviosuly people got along just fine before the invention of the locking blade. Any type of lock is just an added saftey measure that helps keep the fingers on the hand. It also allows for the knife to used a bit harder without worry that the blade can easily close.

 

[harms]

Well, after a bit of (tardy) homework, I've seen that my early assumption about high-end folders without lock mechanisms was faulty. Indeed, the vast majority of folders apparently do have lock systems of one sort or another. It's a problem of being a newbie, I suppose, and having a great deal more enthusiasm than information.

The back and button-locks are easy enough to detect, but what I began to see as I surfed around some of the better galleries is that a great many photos show collectable folders whose linerlocks can barely be discerned (not to mention folders with discrete, automatic handle-locks). I had not been paying close enough attention, and assumed all those knives were just slipjoints.

Happy to be wrong, here, as a lock-up makes all the sense in the world to this newbie.

Cheers, Bill