Folder Mechanism Review

U

user24

Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
223
Well, this is just based on my personal experience and general feelings - I haven't put all these through rigorous tests or anything, so it's probably not too useful, but I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Here's my experience with the various locking mechanisms I've come across:
(the pictures don't show off the locks as best they could, but I'm sure you don't need to see the pics anyway)

1) 'traditional' Lockback
as in this one
One of the only mechanisms I trust completely. I've never been able to get one of these to fold without meaning to. It's unobtrusive and easy to use.
Pros:
  • Safe
  • Doesn't impinge on handling
  • Doesn't impinge on design
Cons:
  • sometimes hard to press the button
  • no one-handed opening/closing

2) Opinel Ring
as in this one
A very good mechanism, again I've never been able to close one of these without meaning to. I do think that with enough pressure (and I'm talking insane amounts) you might be able to get the ring to 'pop' off, but I wouldn't worry about it.
Pros:
  • Safe
  • Very easy to use
  • Can lock open and lock closed
Cons:
  • only found on opinels

3) 'side lock'
as in this one
Depends heavily on quality of knife. Sometimes I've managed to close the knife when supposedly closed by wiggling the blade up and down while pushing into handle. I wouldn't trust it.
Pros:
  • Easily incorporated into one handed opening knives
  • Can unlock and close with one hand
Cons:
  • sometimes dangerous/untrustworthy
  • sometimes damages knife (scratches, etc)

4) pantograph
as in this one
Very very very safe mechanism; I can't see how it could possibly fail, ever.
Pros:
  • Safe
  • Can lock open and lock closed
Cons:
  • only found on the 'paratrooper' type of knife linked above
  • impringes design
  • slow complicated way of opening/closing

5) balisong
as in this one
very safe; even if the latch becomes undone, you're holding the two parts of the handle! Having said that, if the latch does come undone, you won't know until you let go of the knife and the handles come apart.
Pros:
  • Fairly Safe
  • Once proficient, can open/close in less than 1 second.
Cons:
  • illegal in some areas
  • only found in butterfly knives



Edit:

other mechanisms I don't own and would like opinions on:
  • victorinox/wenger SAK locks
  • Benchmade 'axis'
There is also another knife I've seen in a book which involved a sliding bar that locked the blade in postion, I've never seen anything like it, and will try to get pictures.
I also haven't mentioned automatic knives, again because I don't own any.
 
The only lockback I have a bit of trouble closing one handed are my older Buck 110 and 112 style ones with the longer lock bars. The mid locks I close one handed all the time without any more struggle than a liner or frame lock.

STR
 
Well, I've never had trouble closing a lockback, but it's definitely slower than other locks. I can close a liner lock faster than anyone can close a lockback, no doubt. Even without unique techniques.

Locks are all about hype, I think.
 
My only lockback (midlock really) is a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter, and that thing has one stiff spring in it which I cannot close with one hand safely. I can do it, but it is very slow and clumsy. Perhaps that particular example just has a really stiff lock though.

As for the Axis lock, I like it. It's very quick and easy to flick open and closed while holding the lock open. Very quick to close since your fingers never have to be in the path of the blade. I have found it to be safe, though I've never done anything to any of my knives to close them accidentally. Also allows for a very smooth action since you can hold the lock open and the only friction on the blade is against the washers. If you don't hold it open, then I've found it to be less smooth than a nice liner/frame lock.

One lock you didn't really mention is Spyderco's compression lock. It's similar to a liner lock, but it engages at the back (spine) of the knife. I personally like this lock a lot. No fingers in front of the blade, so closing is very quick and simple. It's been safe enough for my uses. I dunno about other Spydercos, but the Paramilitary has no ball detent so it's not very smooth. You can hold it open just like an Axis lock though.
 
Hi User,

Here are a few more. I'm sure I'm missing some, others can fill in I'm sure.

1. Balisong lock
2. Rotating Circle lock (Opinel)
3. Lock-back (rear)
4. Lock-back (mid)
5. Bolt action lock (Blackie Collins)
6. Linerlock (Michael Walker)
7. Integral lock (Chris Reeve)
8. Axis lock (Williams / McHenry)
9. Rolling lock (Bob Taylor)
10. Arc lock (SOG)
11. Disc lock
11. Toggle lock (Hawk)
12. Compression lock
13. Integral Compression lock
14. Ball bearing lock
15. Stud lock ( Onion)
16. Stop-lock
17. Button lock

Might as well check 'em all. ;)

While some locks may be easier to use, I believe in the end you will find than any of the locks are reliable if made corrrectly. Not fair to knock the lock design if the maker didn't do it right.

sal
 
I like framelocks the best for using knives. In a firm grip, it's not likely to fail even under strenuous use.
 
Artfully Martial said:
Well, I've never had trouble closing a lockback, but it's definitely slower than other locks. I can close a liner lock faster than anyone can close a lockback, no doubt. Even without unique techniques.

Locks are all about hype, I think.
Click to expand...

I agree fully with the first paragraph. I always close my lockbacks one handed.

No comment on the second paragraph. All of my knives are either slipjoint or lockback. So I have nothing upon which to base an opinion.
 
user24, nice commentary, a couple of notes;

-lockbacks can have issues with accidental releases in a tight grip due to hand pressure on the lock and debris can cause partial engagement,

-the opinel has very low strength compared to most but also has issues with speed of open/close, especially with gloves or a slippery grip

-Cliff
 
Let me add the Vault lock by Ken Onion.Produced about 5 or more yrs.ago by Kershaw.It was a limited edition of I believe 250 straight edge & 250 serrated.
 
thanks for the comments everyone - I never realised there were so many different types - this is turning out to be a very informative thread for me. Your experiences are valued :)

Definately taking on board Sal's comment that it's "Not fair to knock the lock design if the maker didn't do it right", but still I think it's fair to say that each design has its strengths and weaknesses.
 
Maybe this little bit of clarification isn't really necessary, but just in case...

What original poster user24 called 3) side lock is the same as what Sal Glesser called 7. Linerlock and what some people call a Walker lock.

What user24 called 2)opinel ring is the same as what Sal Glesser called 2. Rotating circle lock.

What Sal called 7. Integral lock is the same as what brandon and STR called framelock.

Sal's 17. Button lock... is that the lock found on those Lone Wolf/Paul folders?

Hope that helps,
Mike
 
outlaw918692000 said:
Funny, I have never had a lock back that passed a spine whack. Maybe not the best test but I hate all failures.
Click to expand...

Wow, I've never had a lockback fail. BM's, Spydercos, Klein, Bucks... gosh even my Gerbers pass.

What brand did you test? Amd just how hard did you whack it?
 
There's some research going on about lockback failure on spinewhack. I haven't really looked into it too much, but counterintuitively, it looks like the beefocity of lockback internals doesn't help it resist the spinewhack test. Don't quote me on that though.
As per the KO vault lock productions, I think they were all 50/50 serrated...hmm...can't really remember. The vault lock was really simply though, but I think inferior to stud lock. I'm betting it inspired the stud lock...the stud actually locks the knife, if I recall--it's just the spring isn't place where the stud can move, just something that pops up from the handle.

I think the button lock is the lock that a lot of autos have. The button you press to fire the auto is also what unlocks the knife.
 
MSCantrell said:
Sal's 17. Button lock... is that the lock found on those Lone Wolf/Paul folders?
Click to expand...

I have a button lock on my MOD ATFK. It's basically a button that simply clicks into or on the bottom part of the blade inside the handle. A very very tough lock that I could never see failing as long as the blade steel is good quality and the frame is put together tightly.

Just out of interest, what is the lock classed as on a CRKT Rollock? I picked one up today, and it's kind of a cross between a linerlock and a traditional spine lock.
 
Just out of interest, what is the lock classed as on a CRKT Rollock? I picked one up today, and it's kind of a cross between a linerlock and a traditional spine lock.
Click to expand...
I think the Rollock is basically a lock-back with an out-the-front opening method.
The best thing about the Rollock is that since it does not actaully fold it simply cannot close on your finger.
 
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