Favorite locking mechanism?

Axis, no competition. And even if one Omega spring breaks, it works fine with just one spring until you get the chance to send it in. The axis lock is just so smooth and easy to use...and easy to clean, if you know what you're doing.
 
The axis and compression locks are head and shoulders above everything else in my opinion. However, there is something very satisfying about a well fitted back lock (and that includes the triad lock for all you cs fanboys-its just a back lock with a stop pin...)
 
jcrain said:
I'm a big fan of the compression lock. It may not be the strongest but it's plenty strong for me and easy to close one handed.
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Actually, it IS one of the strongest...

In order for the compression lock to fail you would either have to crush the lock bar (in which case there would still be a piece of metal between the tang and the stop pin so the knife, while broken, would not necessarily close on your fingers), or sheer the pivot or stop pin through the steel liners and g10 scales.
 
triad lock, i am convinced it is the strongest folding knife lock out there, possibly with the exeption of a balisong
 
Wouldn't say its the lock so much as the knife. For me, the best is the tri ad. But if I see a slip joint I like, ill buy it
 
Armedtetrapod said:
triad lock,I
am convinced it is the strongest folding knife lock out there, possibly with the exeption of a balisong
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You're right, the triad lock is probably the strongest locking mechanism. But strength is not the only important aspect of a lock. Heck, in my opinion, it's not even the most important. To me ease of use and smoothness of the action are FAR more important than absolute strength. The triad lock, while very strong, is typically very stiff, often somewhat sticky, and harder to both open and close than several other alternatives. In a massively overbuilt hard use folder such as some of the Andrew Demko customs, the triad lock seems appropriate, but on anything less, I feel there are far better choices.
 
I really like the compression lock on my para 2 the best...i could take the knife out and put it back in my pocket very easily and quickly. I like the axis lock too but I need more practice with it lol.
 
I keep hearing about compression locks... one day I'll check 'em out.

Axis, completely ambidextrous design, well thought out design, easy on the hands to open and close. I'm a lefty, so those ambidextrous designs appeal more to me. CBBL is in second place, followed by a button lock.
 
Ringlock/Twistloc, the lock used in Swedish Barrel knives, Swing Lock,, Barry Woods Swing/Swivel Lock, Lever lock...
 
I prefer well executed RIL Frame-Locks ( which seems to be the difficult part for some MFG's) then a beefy, well executed Walker Liner Lock. If I had to go deeper than that it would be Hogue's Button Lock, then Spyderco's rendition of the Compression Lock even though they can tend to have slight vertical play sometimes.

I don't really care for back locks because of the spring tension and possible lint build up in the lock, although I have had several and still have one I'll never get rid of (Pacific Salt)

The Axis lock would be dead last for me, primarily for the feel. I have a slight aversion to how an Axis Lock feels when the blade closes, I don't like the feel of the detent and I don't like the notion of lint build up inside the Omega spring pocket.

Honestly, I could be perfectly happy if all I had was a well excecuted frame lock then a nicely done liner lock.
 
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Chipped Karambit said:
the compression for me. I never have to put my hand in the way of the blade, It can one hand open and close. Its easier to hold open for long periods of times than axis IMHO
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+1, Followed by the Axis lock and third caged ball lock, all of them are easy to close one handed without repositioning your hand out of the way of the closing blade.
 
Skimo said:
I keep hearing about compression locks... one day I'll check 'em out.

Axis, completely ambidextrous design, well thought out design, easy on the hands to open and close. I'm a lefty, so those ambidextrous designs appeal more to me. CBBL is in second place, followed by a button lock.
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I Want to try the compression lock but can't bring myself to buy a para2 or a military
 
rbaker11 said:
Now I know there is no exact determination of what lock is the best but we can determine our favorite. Post your favorite locking mechanism and how it's strength has been tested in your experiences. One of my favorites is the ball bearing lock on the spyderco manix 2. I've beat the he'll outta that thing and it is solid as a rock!
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My favorite is frame lock also like frame lock with the footlock by lion steel
 
The frame lock on my SRM 710. It's perfectly done. It's my first frame lock. Didn't realize how nice it was until I tried it.
 
I'm suprised no one has mentioned it; for me, Bali-Song, with the latch. Won't open or close by accident, two pins to shear for failure. If made right, stronger than anything short of a non-folder.
 
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