Favorite Lock Type Poll

What is your favorite lock type on a folding knife?

  • Back lock

  • Top lock (ex. A.G. Russell K-31)

  • Liner lock

  • Compression lock

  • Axis lock (or similar)

  • Slipjoint (no lock)

  • Button lock

  • Other

  • Frame lock

Results are only viewable after voting.
As it stands so far, Back lock and Frame lock are tied for 1st, with Axis lock a distant second, with Compression lock and Liner lock just behind Axis.

There are a lot of frame lock knives shown here on a daily basis, so I guess that doesn't surprise me. What DOES surprise me is that Back locks are liked 30% more than Axis! Axis' are so much more flippy and fun.

Anyone else surprised by anything?
 
Smaug said:
As it stands so far, Back lock and Frame lock are tied for 1st, with Axis lock a distant second, with Compression lock and Liner lock just behind Axis.

There are a lot of frame lock knives shown here on a daily basis, so I guess that doesn't surprise me. What DOES surprise me is that Back locks are liked 30% more than Axis! Axis' are so much more flippy and fun.

Anyone else surprised by anything?
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I voted back lock and frame lock is one of my least favorite. As a member of the big hand club, I like having two slabs of G10, micarta, etc on each side of the blade. I personally never look for a sleek, thin knife.

I'm curious what those that picked "other" like.
 
I picked "other" because the Tri-Ad lock wasn't on the list. That said, just because it's my favorite doesn't mean I don't appreciate other locks. But if I want one lock that rules them all on a knife that is very likely the only tool I'll have with my otherwise travel-light self ... so far, that's the one.
 
I mostly have compression and triad locks, but I find myself carrying Comp lock knives the most. I know it isn’t the strongest lock, but it’s strong enough eland fun and easy to use.
 
Liner lock! Frame locks just look incomplete to me. Not fond of metal handles either! A properly tuned linerlock is and absolute joy and perfectly safe! I put bolster lock in same pile as linerlock.
 
insta9ves said:
No need to shoot
Click to expand...
;) For some BF Bully Trolls , their whole game is just this ! "Quality Members" :rolleyes: :p

The Cold Steel Triad lock does sometimes have QC issues on some models , but for me these have all been solved just with wearing-in .

This lock is just inherently very strong , reliable and stable . :)

I've abused these Triad locks with hard use and even used for throwing and have only had to adjust the pivots . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
I voted slipjoint. My ranking would probably be:
1. Slipjoint
2. Axis
3. Ringlock (i.e. Opinel)
4. Friction folder
5. Everything else
6. Liner/frame lock (Do not want!)

-Tyson
 
Although most of my folders are frame locks, my Shirogorov F3 linerlock matches any other for strength. But it's also a half inch thick.
 
craytab said:
And realize that CS sold them not "dialed in" for years. I had one that was unusable until I took it apart and bent the spring. I know they have fixed this "issue" because I had the same knife in a later iteration that was noticeably easier to use. And no, your troubles aren't over for years. There are plenty of reports of issues on the tri-ad lock from CS, just like any lock from any company. Stuff happens, and beyond QC issues, the Tri-ad lock will serve the end user who uses a knife as a knife just as well as any other lock if "troubles" for many years are a concern. let's not use this thread to put our favorite brand on a pedestal, shall we? Topic is you favorite lock....

I've had most but I keep coming back to the back lock that Spyderco does. Simple and effective. Does everything I need and nothing I don't (unlike cold steel with the tri-ad lock, If I need that much strength I'll choose the proper tool rather than a folding knife). Might it be that it comes on the designs I like? Sure I guess. The back lock on the Siren is so smooth. I hate the the "drop shutty" trend nonsense, but on the Siren back lock it really makes one hand closing so easy! I like the button and axis lock as well but I worry about detent retention for my uses. Framelocks are fine but the are so prevalent and require more attention to get them right. Never liked the idea of the lock disengagement being right where the blade will close.

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I like Triad locks the best. I had to return one to the dealer because the lock could not be disengaged without compressing it against the edge of a table. Hard. Some of the rest require good hand strength for one handed closing. That usually gets better with use.
I ve always liked Spyderco lock backs but they develop back and forth blade play more often than I wh for one handed closing. Does it hurt the function of the knife in use. Not that I can tell, but I don t like it when a quality folder doesn't t lock up tight.
My overall favorite, besides the Triad, is the compression lock. Great design.
 
I don't put too much stock in the dependability of a lock, as the tendency is for a folding knife to...well...fold. However, as long as whatever lock is on a knife and it is functioning properly, I'm happy. That being said, my preferred lock is the Axis lock followed by the Compression lock. If for no other reason as they are similar in usage and are fabulous time wasters (just like forums:p).

I tolerate liner/frame locks, but don't go out of my way to acquire them. Back locks are ok but probably my least liked, and have a couple of them. I lump triad locks in with back locks as they both operate on the same principle, but triad locks just seem to be more annoying.
 
Other, thy name is Triad.

(In previous threads of this nature I put Compression, CBBL and Triad on close to the same level but I am more Triad now - but my favorite knives have liner locks, go figure).
 
I might copy and paste this into the Knife Confessions... but I've only handled 1 Spyderco PM2. I'd never seen a compression lock. I hated it so much that I couldn't get it out of my hands fast enough. Given the PM2's huge fan base, I really ought to give it another go. How's that tanto @ScooterG ?!
 
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insta9ves said:
Just because the dude voted for Triad lock doesn’t mean he’s trying to put his favorite brand on the pedestal. Triad lock is patented by cold steel, so it’s only available from CS knives.

The thread is asking people to vote for their favorite lock. Everyone has their preference, back lock is a great lock, but other people prefer Triad lock. No need to shoot other people’s opinion down.
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First, no vote for the triad lock is even possible in this poll. Second, shooting down false information is sort of what we do here. The constant shameless promotion of the triad lock as the best thing ever is tiresome, not factual, and off topic.

If people don't want to hear opinions of their opinions, why share them here on the forum?

Back to the topic, the results aren't really that shocking. I think we all knew frame lock would be right up there given the popularity of the ti framelock flippers these days.
 
DocJD said:
;) For some BF Bully Trolls , their whole game is just this ! "Quality Members" :rolleyes: :p
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If you are going to call me names out here in the regular forum, at least have the guts go quote me so I know. Instead you pull this cowardly passive aggressive bs. Not very becoming doc.
 
DocJD said:
;) For some BF Bully Trolls , their whole game is just this ! "Quality Members" :rolleyes: :p

The Cold Steel Triad lock does sometimes have QC issues on some models , but for me these have all been solved just with wearing-in .

This lock is just inherently very strong , reliable and stable . :)

I've abused these Triad locks with hard use and even used for throwing and have only had to adjust the pivots . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Certain favorite son , quality members have special preference here in BF . I've been burned and have learned . Can't fight city hall ! :mad::thumbsdown::thumbsdown:

Members can hopefully judge for themselves . o_O

Cold Steel Triad (improved back lock ) has some QC issues in some models but is overall the strongest and most reliable lock on the market , IMO . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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