Folder Locks

I like lockbacks and linerlocks, but my favourites are SOG's Arc-locks and Benchmade's Axis locks. The old Gerber Bolt Action is another favourite.
 
I think that people place too much importance on the type of lock their knife has. It is only one aspect of the knife. Don't pass on a knife if you like everything else about it, but doesn't have the newest superlock. I tend to use my folders rather lightly, if I need some heavy duty cutting then I grab a knife more suitable to that task. Fixed blades don't have to worry about lock strength. I tend to treat the locks on my folders as I would the safety on one of my guns.It is nice to have but it doesn't replace proper safety habits or common sense. People have had slipjoints for many years without problems, I don't understand the obsession over knife locks. I have liner locks, lockbacks, Axis lock and Rolling Lock. I never had a problem with any of them, then again I don't really beat on them either. I tend to buy knives I like regardless of the locking system. :)
 
I'm with Easyrider, use the right knife for the job, use knives with common sense and an eye to safety and but what you like.

I just happen to like titanium handles, BG-42 and frame locks. :)


Steve-O
 
"Buy what you like" is a fine motto. But I think locks are worth thinking long and hard about -- although not to the exclusion of other components of the knife. If you believe, like I do, that at least one popular lock format is unsuitable for hard-use folders, absolutely you should rule out any knife with that lock format if you're looking for a hard-use folder. If you believe all the popular lock formats are close in their capabilities, then "buy what you like" without worrying too much about lock format is perfectly sound. I do think that a whole lot of folks see major differences between the lock formats, hence the perfectly reasonable attention on locks. As customers have become more knowledgeable about steels, you see tons of posts focussing on steels as well -- which is good, if you believe, like I do, that the steels have significant performance differences that separate them.

Buy what you like, but also buy what you feel is appropriate for the job. Buying strictly on whimsy will end you up with a bunch of knives that don't quite perform the way you want.

In my case, the knife has to meet my lock format requirements. Once it meets those requirements, it has to meet all my other requirements as well, regarding aesthetics, ergonomics, fit and finish, steel selection and heat treat, etc.

Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top