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Liner locks?

K

kidcutlery

Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
39
What's up guys, I was just wondering if I'm the only person who doesn't care for liner lock knives. I own a few but for some reason I don't like them as much as a lock back or axis lock. I am a lefty so it is a little awkward for me but that's not even the reason I don't like them. So many great knife designs have them but I just don't care for the lock style. I know they are strong and reliable so I'm really not sure why I don't like them. Does anyone else share the same thoughts. I think the reason I don't like them is because there not symmetrical. I think I have OCD with symmetry or something lol
 
They're definitely not my favorite lock style. I strongly prefer axis, spyderco ball bearing, or compression locks. I like a knife that I can readily flick open and closed with one motion. That said, I don't mind liner locks; a well made liner lock is very solid. My Emersons have tighter lockup than any of my other knives. I would much rather have a liner lock than a frame lock though, as I don't care for the "unfinished"/asymmetrical look of frame locks.
 
I'm a lefty too. Im a little upset that there aren't many left friendly line locks out there but I've gotten used to. My favorite liner locks I have are the Spyderco Tenacious, buck vantage, and kershaw skyline. But I find that 99% of the time, my custom shop buck 110 is on my belt. I love a good old fashioned lockback. They are lefty friendly
 
I have no problem with well made liner locks (I'm right handed). I will say that in my case, I prefer them over lockbacks.

Tom
 
I actually prefer liner/frame locks over Axis locks. As a lefty it really makes a huge difference having a left handed lock. If they are still around, the discontinued left handed Spyderco Military is a great choice--I picked a back up left handed Military up for ~$100.

You could also go higher end: CRK offers left handed versions of all of their knives (though I have yet to see a left handed 25). If I recall correctly, Emerson occasionally makes left handed versions of their knifes, and Lionsteel also makes left handed frame locks.
 
I love a well built linerlock. Currently my collection is small and I am in the process of rebuilding it. Right know I have an Axis lock, a Compression lock, 3 framelocks, and 3 linerlocks. My next two buy's, unless something I have preordered comes up, will be linerlocks. The linerlock has gotten a bad reputation due to the influx of cheaply made knives using this lock. A linerlock is easy to manufacture compared to other locks, so it was/is used on those cheaply made service station, convienence store, farmer's market/trade lot, etc, knives you can buy from $1 to $5, or more if you are a sucker!:eek::D A well made linerlock is a very usable and safe knife as long as you use a knife like it was meant to be used.

The symmetry of linerlocks is one of the reasons I like them! Framelocks, the ones I have and the ones I buy, are going to have the same material on each side be it steel or be it titanium. I have bought a few with the G-10 on one side and titanium on the other, two ZT0560/ZT0561, and a ZT0550. They are all gone now.

But anyway, I like the linerlock because many of the knives I am drawn to use this lock. So what is a knifenut to do........:thumbup::)
 
I like slipjoints and fixed blades. But if I had to choose a lock, it wouldn't be a backlock or button lock. I'm happy with almost any other lock. Liner is in one of my favorite folders the Gayle Bradley.
 
For me the liner lock is my least favorite lock so far.

to me it doesn't feel as solid, doesn't have that confident snap that a framelock has.
 
For hard use I trust liner and frame locks more than over locking systems
But for EDC the axis and spyderco compression are my favorite
 
It's my favorite lock. As it wears it doesn't lose tension, if made right they're buttery smooth opening, and it doesn't require two hands to open or close. It may not be the toughest lock, but it's definitely one of the most durable.

I hate framelocks unfortunately. Metal scales suck in tye summer and winter, and when wet/greasy. And I hate the looks of one good looking scale and some flat uncontoured metal on the other side.
 
The axis lock is my favorite. It is followed by the frame lock, the compression lock, and the liner lock. The back lock and ball bearing lock are my least favorite.
 
I do not like the AXIS lock.....but in reality any lock that is well designed is fine with me. As for the liner, well it is on two of my favorite knives, the Gayle Bradley and Military.
 
Don't like 'em. Liner and frame locks remain my least favorite locking mechanisms. It won't stop me from buying a knife if there are enough other factors I like, but I'd prefer something else.
 
Being a lefty, I've gotten used to frame/liner locks but a much prefer axis or even the button lock from hogue
 
I'm ok with all the standard locks in the market. It's however concerning how frame and liner locks get a bad rap on youtube and in the forums. I haven't had locks fail on me but then again, I don't buy knives specifically just to see if I can break them. I don't mind liner locks at all when done right. Typed this while fondling my S90v Millie.
 
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