Favorite locking mechanism?

AXIS lock.

And this
T. Erdelyi said:
... Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a well fit liner lock or the snickin' sound ya get from a lock back, the complexity of the Paul Lock, the rachetin' sound of a Navaja(?), or the rock solid thunk, almost like the sound of a vault closin', that ya get from a perfectly executed frame lock.

I guess they're all my favorites when I have 'em in my pocket.
Click to expand...
 
I like a good frame lock, I haven't tried all the locks. The compression lock looks good.
 
Fixed blade, Compression, Axis (really 2 and 3 tie), ball bearing (I'd put it with 2 and 3 if it had a steel cage), back lock, liner lock, slip joint.

I don't mind a liner lock, if it's done right, it's a very elegant durable solution that works if it's fit right. However, most production companies don't do enough QC to ensure consistent engagement, lock bar tension, and detent pressure from knife to knife. Every knife I've had to send back had to do with liner lock fit/tension related issues. Manufactures like it because it's cheaper, less parts and you don't have to pay anyone a lock license fee. Obviously it's not really a issue, most locks of any design are not failing under normal use or we'd see people running around without fingers. I still think it's amusing how people will drool over a Ti handle slab on a $200-250 production knife that engages too far, not far enough, sticks, has weak lock bar pressure, has no detent, etc. just because they equate that feature with high dollar custom knives.
 
Without a doubt, Andrew Demko and Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lock. No contest. In my mind, nothing else compares.
 
Did I mention lock back, any day, all day long? I will make one exception, well two...I have a Lum Chinese and will pick up the frame lock ESEE Izula folder in the year 2299, or maybe a bit later.
 
I had recently acquired a microtech socom from '99. I don't know if you call it a liner lock as it is made differently from other liner locks I owned. Functions the same but its has a huge liner that is screwed into the aluminum frame from the back, whatever it is its my new EDC. I have tried all pretty much all the standards my new/old socom and the para 2 are my favorites, lightweight fast and rock solid lockup.
 
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