Has your lockback ever broke it's lock?

[Blue Sky]

Lockbacks are my favorite, hands down. I've owned and carried many (mostly Buck) and the only time there is any issue with security is when lint or crud gets into the blade notch. That can keep it from locking up properly, but the good thing is when you open it you can hear something is not quite right, the sound is wrong. You don't get a warning like that with any other lock that I know of. Minimal attention will keep it clean and then no trouble in my experience.

They are also very consistent. I've had frame and liner locks that engaged different degrees just by how hard I opened them, LB's don't have that problem.

 

[Leighman]

Never actually broken a lockback. I did come across a lockback knife from a well regarded company that didn't lock very well. Took about the same amount of pressure to close as a Douk Douk. Took it back for replacement, and the replacement was exactly the same. Returned it and gave up on the brand.

Same here.
A liner lock from a company who makes quality folders ($130 and up).
I won't bash them by name as it may have been a period of poor QC but I never went back.

 

[Josh K]

I don't think I was using them any differently than any other knife. I wasn't striking or otherwise abusing them. I figured they were just old and that the lockbar was just "stressed" from so many openings and closings.

This reminds me that I should mention I would prefer to open this new folder by "flicking" it, otherwise one-handed opening is a MUST. Seems flicking would be more stressfull to a lockback than to the linerlocks I'm used to.

You see I'm looking for a "stabby" type self-defense knife (hence my interest in the clip point), but the knife must look to cops like an "ordinary pocketknife" (MO state law wording). Applegate-Fairbairns and TiLites look too pointy.

If anyone can point out a traditionally-styled liner-lock (4 inch blade), this would solve alot.

You guys are great

Spyderco Military or Paramilitary is in your future.

Other then that, Spyderco makes some great lock back designs. Check out the Caly3. :thumbup: