Help me understand locking mechanisms

kirch · Sep 28, 2000

I'm primarily a collector and user of fixed blades, but I've accumulated a few folders over the years. I've never understood the distinction between the different locking mechanisms. Can anyone direct me to a place that gives a good side-by-side comparison of the most common locking mechanism to be found on today's folders?

Chang · Sep 29, 2000

If you are really interested in learning about locks, you might try checking the search function and trying searches for "axis lock", "rolling lock", and "liner lock". Search the review and general blade discussion forums.

kirch · Sep 29, 2000

I've actually tried that. Do you know how many search results I found? Rather than slogging through all those looking for the information, I was just wondering if there's one spot I could turn to that does a quick comparison/contrast of the axis, rolling and liner locks. I looked in the FAQ section but couldn't find anything specifically on locks.

alfalfa · Sep 30, 2000

For a short comparison of the axis-lock, liner-locks, and lock-backs, check out the following link:
http://www.benchmade.com/complete_product/catalog_index.htm

Click on "Complete Product" on the left menu bar.

[This message has been edited by alfalfa (edited 09-29-2000).]

kirch · Sep 29, 2000

Thanks alfalfa, that cleared things up a bit for me. I now have a pretty good understanding of the distinction between the Axis lock, liner lock and lockback. I've also seen references to a "rolling lock." What's that?

Sergiusz Mitin · Sep 29, 2000

Paracelsus · Sep 29, 2000

The Rolling lock invention is the property of Rolling Eye Knife and Tool company (REKAT). They make the large folder pictured above, the SIFU.

All knife locks are attempts to fix an otherwise Broken knife. I will never understand why so many companies and individual knifemakers keep breaking their blades and then attempted some sort of half donkeyed mechanical repair job. And usually, they design these things so that will fail if they detect stupidity. Some people seem to enjoy playing with some of the 'better' broken knives just to hear the sound they make as you snap the blade back into a more or less useful configuration. Marvelous mechanisms really.

I also collect fixed blades. But I have production folders with liner-locks, inlaid liner locks, axis locks, lockbacks, bolt-action locks, friction locks (slip joint), and integral side locks. I recently bought a custom folder (all damascus with mammoth ivory scales) in a lockback configuration, but I was compelled to own that knife by some sort of evil and uncontrollable urge.

I still prefer a good unbroken knife for actual use, but if you Must carry a folder, get it Fixed.

Paracelsus, making no sense at all.....again

My Custom Knives

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 09-29-2000).]

Matt Shade · Sep 29, 2000

Take a trip over to www.spyderco.com and look for the section titled anatomy of a spyderco or something like that. haven't been to that site ina while so I can't remember waht section its undr, but it gives a detailed side by side layout of exactly how their linerlocks and lockbacks are designed. Pretty much an exploded view, where all the peices are seperated with arrows shwoing where they fit up together.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.