liner locks

deltablade

deltablade

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Jul 29, 2006
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how strong and reliable are liner locks compared to other locking systems?
 
Personally I'm not a big fan of linerlocks.It really depends on the company.For instance Emerson's LL's are probably some of the toughest around.They're not really comparable to framelocks(much tougher)though.I prefer the axis/arc lock myself.Now I see STR is veiwing this thread,so I'll step down & let a real expert answer this question.:)
 
Strength is not a problem for liner locks and in many regards a liner lock is stronger than a lot of lockback folders. Where they differ is in reliability during use in the hand under the varous forces exerted by use. Reliablilty is somewhat over rated by most end line users regarding liner locks because most tests have always been static load tests but in real world use in the hand no one uses their folder in straight line only forces like shown in these tests where one simple straight line vertical force is exerted on the lock with the blade open. These tests do not begin to duplicate what takes place in the human hand and cannot account for the additional forces from the leveraged lateral (sideways forces) and twisting type torques for something as simple as the type stresses associated with cutting down a card board box.

So, in the end a lockback with what is technically a lock that is not as strong as a liner lock sitting right beside it that is basically the same size and weight actually works out to be strong enough to hold up in most all uses and yet far more reliable because it makes up for any lacking in strength by being able to hold up to both the lateral and twisting torque movements of the wrist without defeating from the leveraged stresses associated with those movements.

Generally speaking the longer the folder is the more leverage you will be able to exert on it and easier at that. Also, the additional leverage means its that much more weight that translates to your lock at the pivot and contact area. In other words a 5" handle and 4" blade model with 100 pounds of force on the lanyard end of the folder will translate into more weight at the contact than the same 100 pounds of weight applied to a 3.75" handled folder with a 2.5" blade. If both are liner locks and both sport .050 thickness locks the additional length of the liners and handles on the bigger folder also make it that much easier to apply extreme twist and flex in the body of the folder during use.

Even with all these factors taken into consideration the liner lock folder works for a lot of people and they have for many years proven that in most normal uses they are preferred by a large number of end line users where they usually perform admirably.

STR
 
Good points STR. I have owned dozens of liner locks and I have found their quality and functionality varies like anything else. Several I've owned would loosen with just a tight grip of the handle, while others won't budge under stabs into wood with twists added. The best production linerlocks I've used at the Blade-Tech MLEK and Pro Hunter. These are very good linerlocks, and this from a guy who normally carries a Sebenza or some other framelock.
 
I have only ever had a problem with the cheaper knives that use it. None of my Kershaws that have a liner lock have ever failed. I have had other knives fail with different locks the more traditional tyupe but they were all cheap knives too except for a PUMA that came that way (They are taking care of it).
 
Spyderco's linerlocks are very reliable and smooth, even on their cheaper Byrd brand.

The one on the Military is just incredible.
 
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