Favorite locks???

barcbsa

barcbsa

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Forgive me if this has been beaten to death... but has anyone found a lock for a folding knife better than the Axis lock? When I say better, I mean ease of use one handed, solid lock-up, and safe on the fingers?

I've been collecting knives for over 30 years (only folders now) and have had a bunch of 'em. Lockbacks, liner-locks, frame locks, Sawby self-lock (my second favorite lock), Barry Wood "swing locks" and Benchmade Axis locks. I'm just blown away with the Axis.

Currently my Axis locks are a Benchmade 705 (silver carbon scales), three 960's with steel frames, one 556, all in my regular roatation of EDC's and just today got my first 930. WOW!!!! is an understatement.

Meanwhile, every time I slip my Sawby CU or a B.Wood folder in my pocket, I feel like I'm at a disadvantage when I go to use my knife... I miss the Axis.

Anyone else care to toss their 2 cents in?
 
Compression lock on the ATR is at least as good.
The compression lock on the other Spyderco's is good, but I feel even more confident with the extra thickness of the frame-lock/compression lock on the ATR.
 
Forgive me if this has been beaten to death... but has anyone found a lock for a folding knife better than the Axis lock? When I say better, I mean ease of use one handed, solid lock-up, and safe on the fingers?
Click to expand...

Stabman beat me to it!

I like the Axis-lock quite a bit, but I think that the Compression-lock trumps it for longevity and ease of cleaning.
And the Compression-lock is certainly easy to use with one hand, offers a very solid lock-up, and is very safe too.
 
allenC said:
Stabman beat me to it!

I like the Axis-lock quite a bit, but I think that the Compression-lock trumps it for longevity and ease of cleaning.
And the Compression-lock is certainly easy to use with one hand, offers a very solid lock-up, and is very safe too.
Click to expand...

Either that or the Ball Bearing lock, also made by Spyderco. It's similar to the Axis, but I like it a bit (actually, a lot) better. Smoother opening and more secure imo. No weird omega springs.
 
I'm perfectly happy with a frame lock myself. I had my axis lock's are the sh*t and I'll only buy them phase, but I realized it wasn't that much worse to open a frame lock. They're great locks but I can't limit myself to only liking one brand of lock type.
 
I like the Axis lock for a light duty folder, but like the framelock for a more heavy duty folder.

Had one folder with the compression lock (on the top of the handle) and it kept biting my hand - don't like those...

Of course, if you look at the trusty ol' Buck 110, those rocker-locks are decent, too...
 
In this order...

1.Frame-Lock(especially Ti)
2.Axis-Lock
3.Back-Lock
 
Framelocks and backlocks are my favorites. Generally, they are not as fast as an axis lock, but when executed properly, they are simple and strong. YMMV of course. Cheers.
 
Who needs a lock? Slipjoints all the way. :p

If I have to have a lock, I like Spyderco's compression lock the best. Followed by a backlock of some kind, then the Axis, then frame lock, and lastly, liner lock.
 
Frame
Compression
Ball Lock/ Caged Ball Lock
Lockback
Axis
In that order of preference. I am at the point I will not buy liner locks anymore, I prefer slip joints over liner locks.
 
I like my lox smoked and on a bagel w/ cream cheese :D:D

I crack myself up :D

Axis Lock
Frame Lock
Liner Lock w/ autolawks (CRKT)
:thumbup::thumbup:
 
My favorite is a toss up between the Axis and Compression locks although I'm dieing to try Kershaw's new Hawk lock.
 
i personally love the AXIS lock with a good sturdy Framelock coming in a close second, ive only ever handled a compression lock once and i liked it but i havent tested it for myself to any extent so ill leave it to you guys to judge it (until i get a Paramilitary) tee hee
 
My favorites in order:

1) fixed :D
2) axis
3) back lock
4) ball bearing lock
5) frame lock (in titanium)
 
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