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.
If you wanted to design an over the top "folding sword " , what lock would you choose ? :):thumbsup::thumbsup:

 
I don’t have enough experience of different lock types to vote, so I won’t.

But can you open the poll so it’s possible to see the results without voting?
 
I looked over my folder collection, and most of my favorites are liner, frame, and compression. I put all of those in the same category. The liner or frame slides in via spring tension to lock open the blade. I have examples of all the other common locks, as well, but liner/frame locking knives are most common, for me. Second place goes to backlocks and their variants.
 
I don’t have a favorite lock type. Each type has it special feature that meets a certain need and for me that changes from task to task. I have several types, mostly lock back but also liner locks, some frame locks and then some strap back locks like the Buck Marksman. Then slip joints.

On my more rugged hard use knives for cutting tough materials I like the back lock but for my edc work knife I like the flipper type liner lock or the marksman back strap lock for easy one hand operation. Then for my smaller pocket knife for lighter duty I like a slip joint.

I believe if a person favors one particular type and avoids another type they are limiting their abilities for certain tasks. I usually have three different types with me for whichever one I need.
 
Back lock/lock back is my favorite by far, probably due to carrying traditional style folders for so long. They have proved very dependable and trustworthy for me. The Tri-ad is my favorite version of it. A little play is almost inherent in lock backs, and a small amount is not a big deal, but none is better, right? It would be great if other makers could adopt it someday.
 
Lesknife said:
I believe if a person favors one particular type and avoids another type they are limiting their abilities for certain tasks. I usually have three different types with me for whichever one I need
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What are you doing with a backlock that you think a framelock can't handle?
 
unwisefool said:
What are you doing with a backlock that you think a framelock can't handle?
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Most frame locks are slim and the same for liner locks. For heavy cutting I want more handle width for a better grip like a standard size Buck 110. And it doesn’t fatigue my hand as much when cutting for extended periods. I know a fixed blade would be more appropriate but I don’t always have the ability to carry one so a stout lock back with a thick handle is the next best thing. It’s not only the lock type but also the ergonomics that can make a difference.
 
My current EDC is a frame lock and while I like it my favorite lock would be an Axis Lock followed by maybe a back lock and frame lock pretty much tied.
 
Lesknife said:
Most frame locks are slim and the same for liner locks. For heavy cutting I want more handle width for a better grip like a standard size Buck 110. And it doesn’t fatigue my hand as much when cutting for extended periods. I know a fixed blade would be more appropriate but I don’t always have the ability to carry one so a stout lock back with a thick handle is the next best thing. It’s not only the lock type but also the ergonomics that can make a difference.
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I've never had a problem cutting for long times with my Umnumzaan or any of my ZT framelocks
 
unwisefool said:
I've never had a problem cutting for long times with my Umnumzaan or any of my ZT framelocks
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I don’t know those models or what they are like. If they are thin my arthritic hands would suffer, if thick and plenty then probably would work. They maybe thick enough but the Buck 110 works great for me. Again it’s not the lock type that concerns me it’s the handle ergonomics.
 
Voted axis because I have more of them than any other. I like the compression lock just as much.
 
My tally:

Back lock 11
Frame lock 10
Liner lock 5
Comp lock 3
Able/CBBL 2
 
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Lesknife said:
I don’t know those models or what they are like. If they are thin my arthritic hands would suffer, if thick and plenty then probably would work. They maybe thick enough but the Buck 110 works great for me. Again it’s not the lock type that concerns me it’s the handle ergonomics.
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Sounds like you haven't looked at modern framelocks much. There are a lot around the same specs, including thickness, as your Buck.
 
Tri-Ad is my favorite - voted “back-lock”.
 
In order of preference:

1-Axxis lock
2-Button lock
3-Compression lock
4-Back lock
5-Other(specialty)
6-Slip joint

Locking mechanism I hate and would not purchase, or use, anymore:

1-Framelock
2-Linerlock.
 
No preference as long as whatever it is "works" under "normal" (not extraordinary) use conditions which describes every folder blade lock device that I am familiar with. For, "extraordinary" use conditions, a fixed blade would be the type of knife that I'd choose instead.
 
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