Liner lock vs. Lock back

[stabman]

Well coldsteel has some 300-500 dollar knives that you should just love

I don't buy overpriced knives either.

 

[stabman]

I think you got that backwards it was to my understanding that it is Spyderco who makes lockbacks

Spyderco Military.
Spyderco Rock Lobster.
Spyderco Kukri.
They're all liner locks; there's plenty more as well.

 

[mlanghornes]

Depends on the maker, as many have said before me. Buy from a good maker, and you will get a good lock.

If you're into cheap knives, go for a lockback or framelock. The reason I'll go with a cheap framelock over a cheap linerlock is that, in my experience, if a framelock bar slides over too far, it is probably thick enough to still hold the blade safely open, whereas a liner might be too thin.

Other than that, go with what makes you grin.