Liner Lock...Obsolete?

I don't think liner locks are obsolete at all. Most locking folders coming out today feature a liner lock.

On the issue of lock strength, a (good) liner lock is fine for me. If your using a knife for its intended purpose (to cut), then the force should be on the stop-pin, not the liner.

That's not to say I don't appreciate/want a strong lock. My edc is a sebenza and I got a knife on order with A.T. Barr, who gives his knives a pretty thorough run down before he ships them. (his tests are in the knowledge base section of BF if anyone hasn't checked them out)
 
Dan,

OFten, when people talk about lock strength, the term is used a bit sloppily, and we're really talk about strength and reliability. I agree that a good liner lock provides plenty of strength.

I also agree that if what's in new products determines what is or isn't obsolete, then the liner lock definitely isn't obsolete. The liner lock has some advantages from a manufacturing point of view: they're easy to manufacture with fewer tools (though difficult to manufacture well), they provide for a very smooth mechanism, they don't mar the aesthetics of the knife. That doesn't mean there aren't much better locks out there in terms of reliability and strength, but as long as it's easy to manufacture and consumers are buying it, we can expect to see plenty of them.

One thing I'd disagree with is that a knife's "intended purpose" is "to cut", if by that you mean any pressure that does not go perfectly from edge to spine is misuse. Any knife being sold as tactical or defensive better be able to withstand torques, etc. -- knives get stuck in things, that's the way it is. In fact, knives meant for anything other than light-duty gentleman's folder use better have torque and spine pressure in mind. Hey, even just pruning bushes or cutting cardboard, the blade can get stuck and torqued. In short, in my opinion, there's no bigger myth (or bigger cop out by a manufacturer) than "a knife is only meant to cut", if by that they mean there should never be spine pressure or torquing, because such things happen in knife use, with the exception of light gents' use.

Joe
 
I have a couple of Pat Crawford folders that have liners that might give many around here the "heebie-jeebies", yet they hold like crazy and the liners are also recessed below their adjoining scales so that torqueing, at least from finger contact, should not be a problem.

I agree with Joe T's comments that a big, fat liner does not always make for safe lock-up. The subtle geometry at the point of liner/tang contact is what it's all about. This may be difficult at times for a manufacturer. The true masters of this art like Pat Crawford, Darrel Ralph and others can get it right because they just know now to do it right.;)
 
I haven't read the whole thread, but here's my 2 cents.

Get a liner lock from CRKT with the LAWKS safety. This is a FANTASTIC idea. The "problem" with liners is that a twisting motion with pressure on the spine can unlock the liner, in certain circumstances. The LAWKS safety puts a piece of metal behind the liner after it is engaged, so that it CAN'T fold back. Incredibly simple to use. See if you can get a CRKT in AUS-8 or better for EDC with the LAWKS system.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top