Favorite Lock Type

ejames13

ejames13

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Joined
Mar 30, 2015
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What's your favorite lock type and why? Not trying to get into which lock is best, strongest, etc. Just share your personal preference.

I'm a sucker for a good liner lock and also enjoy the compression lock on the Spyderco PM2, but I think my favorite might be the good old fashioned lockback. I really enjoy the resistance when opening and the strong detent. I compulsively open/close my Spyderco Delica more than any of my other knives!

Also, feel free to include pics!

2015-07-15_125413.jpeg
 
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I'm used to the lockback and I like it a lot. I have developed an appreciation for the liner and frame locks and really enjoy them (some prefer one to the other but for me they're pretty close) but all in all yes, probably the lockback.

Axis lock is pretty cool and handy though.
 
Compression, Axis and Triad in no particular order. Strength, reliability and ease of use are the three main attributes I prize in a lock and each of those is a bit of a compromise, but offers a good mix of the three.
 
I prefer a well made liner lock over anything else. Easy and quick to use with or without gloves. Probably mostly because I'm used to them.
 
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Insipid Moniker said:
Compression, Axis and Triad in no particular order. Strength, reliability and ease of use are the three main attributes I prize in a lock and each of those is a bit of a compromise, but offers a good mix of the three.
Click to expand...

I love the Tri-Ad, but depending on the model, it can be very stiff. I can press as hard as I possibly can on some models and still need to use my other hand to carefully grip the blade spine and guide it closed. Could probably never do it against the pants leg, etc. Some are much easier. But I need to find a way to make it easier on some models or I'll be afraid to close the darn knife. My Voyager works well but my Spartan is a dickens to close.
 
I actually think about this frequently, but my favorite lock is the H.A.W.K. Lock on the Kershaw R.A.M. As far as I know it's only been on two knives: The ZT M.U.D.D. Kershaw R.A.M. The lock assists with opening the knife, so the knife is technically a manual, but the lock throws the blade out like an assisted knife. Closing is easy like an AXIS lock, but I actually don't close it like an axis lock. Instead of holding the lock back and flicking my wrist down, I hold the lock button back and give the blade a push with my index finger to swing it in closed.
 
From my experience, the PM2's compression lock is excellent in pretty much all regards, and I've liked the lockback on the Endura and similar knives too, except for the for the slight awkwardness when trying to close it one-handed. My overall favourite is the frame lock, mostly due to the simplicity and elegance of the design. Sure, the frame lock may not be as sturdy as some other lock types (arguably, I know), but it does the job well, especially on knives like the Leek that aren't meant to be used as prybars.
 
Oh, and a honourable mention goes to the DPx Gear HEST folder with the integrated framelock and RotoBlock system which locks the blade in place after opening it. I don't have one of those yet, but it does seem like a good idea, adds even more security to the lock.
 
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