How does button lock compare to other locks

J

jhokie

Joined
Sep 21, 2002
Messages
44
I just recently received my new automatic Microtech Mini Socom Elite, and I'm just wondering how the button lock stacks up against the other locking methods. It would seem to me to be in this order... liner lock < button lock < axis lock < frame lock. I would like to hear any commentary on the strength of the button lock, and also if anyone has put any button locking auto through hard use (specifically the mini socom if you have it).

BTW, I really like the Mini Socom Elite, it's so thin and light, and still has a respectable 3.4 inch blade length. Great EDC. It's just a bit smaller than what I'm used to (my EDC has been a BM 806D2 for about 6 months, and the 806D2 is still my favored self defense folder), but it's still a great and easy to carry knife.
 
I've always wondered the same thing. In all the religious debates we have here on lock strength, the button lock common on autops never comes up. For what an auto costs, I would hope it's a decent locking system, but if it's real good, why hasn't it been available on manual folders?
 
Button locks on autos work very well. Some knifemakers use them on manual knives. I think William Henry has a line with a button lock. I've read that alignment is hard on a button lock, but once it's good it stays good. I've had a Benchmade auto stryker, within 3 months of purchase it got loose, and I couldn't take care of it myself. It needed factory adjustment to assure a solid lock-up. However after factory repair, it's been solid for 5 years.
 
I had a M/A TiNives with a button lock and I liked it. Very tight lock with no play whatsoever. The only thing that I didn't like was that it was difficult to close onehanded.
 
Quality button locks are built with a slight taper to the locking button that adjust for wear over a period of time. Due to the nature of how the button lock works it has always seemed to be very similar to an axis lock, although only 1/4 to 1/3 of the blade tang is engaged by the lock.
 
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