Liner or Framelock questions

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pedalinbob

Joined
Jan 10, 2004
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I did Google some info, but what I found was pretty non-specific.

I have always preferred lockbacks, not due to any perceived superiority in strength or reliability, but because they felt more natural to me, and seemed a bit safer (as your finger would momentarily be in the path of the closing blade).
The mechanism felt awkward, but I believe I may have been using it in an awkward manner (I saw a video somewhere online where a guy was demonstrating closing a frame/liner lock knife one-handed, and it appeared smooth and fairly safe, but I don't recall where I saw the video, and I also don't recall the technique used.)

Regardless, my preference has limited my choices a bit. I am interested in some Kershaws and the little Boker Subcom line...so, can anyone extol the virtues of the liner/frame lock? I don't want to start a war over which is best, I just wanted some more specific "kudos" on this type of lock.

Thoughts?
 
I can easily close a liner or frame lock one handed, but I agree with your opinion that a lock back feels more natural and a bit safer IMO. Particularly a mid lock back which is easier to use one-handed. The lockback is also ambidextrous and holds the blade closed more positively. Sorry, I am not a big fan of the liner/frame lock. But I do own a frame lock and don't plan to get rid if it.
 
Here it's the opposite. I started with a cheap linerlock, which felt very natural to operate..
After that my first backlock felt very awkward to operate, same goes gor my first axis and my first compressionlock. After a while you get used to them, and after another while they all feel natural to operate..
 
Often liner/framelocks are more "smooth" in opening and very easy one hand closing is big plus IMHO.
 
Thanks a bunch for the replies...I see a Subcom/Subclaw in my near future....

All comments are still welcome!
 
When closing a frame lock folder, at least the way I do it, the blade might toudh my thumb nail but that's all. You are in control of the closing process.
 
Now that I have criticized the ergonomics of these locks, I guess I'll answer the question: the best attributes of the frame lock, IMO, are it's strength, simplicity and compactness. They are compact because a frame lock takes up no space along the back of the handle like a lock back and it has no protrusions on the side of the knife for operating, so they can make for a knife that is especially narrow, flat and smooth in the pocket. A liner lock has similar advantages, but the strength is less certain when thin liners are used.
 
I have knives with the liner, axis, frame and back locks....
They all work fine. However I have always like the solid click when a back lock engages :D
 
My preference IS for frame locks. I find them most secure, and comfy to use. I CAN close them one handed. The majority of the custom knives I own ARE frame locks, I do have a few liner locks though.
 
I have a Delica midlock, and a KISS framelock. To me, the Delica's lock is much better than the kiss FL. The kiss was smotth in the beginning, but after a few time of use, the small ball on the spring "dug" his track on the blade. I have no explanation for that. But anyway, now it feels very rough. I had a M16 too, but sadly i lost it. Strange, what happened to my Kiss. If someone have the same problem, or knows why it's so (though the blade is hardened), it's a possible flaw to add to frame- liner-locks.
 
The KISS is a cheap knife, and you get what you pay for. Please DO NOT judge ALL frame locks by that knife, you would be doing yourself a great disservice!!
 
My personal preference is with a "frame lock". I tend to avoid "liner locks" because they just don't seem as strong to me. As someone else said, I like the reassurance of the "thunk" when a frame lock engages. I don't own an "axis" lock, so I can't comment. I always close my frame lock one handed. It has become habit with the knife laying on my open right hand, spine to palm, I use my right thumb to dis-engage frame lock & my four fingers to close the blade. Trying "ninja" moves here would probably get you cut, but I'm never in a big hurry to close my knife, (or open it for that matter, although after 40+ yrs., I can almost beat an "auto" if I have to.)
 
I do not judge the frame- liner-lock concept only on my experience with one knife, of course, and never ment it. I just said that this ball problem might be one of the flaws of this kind of lock, that's all.
 
I ordered a Boker Subclaw...should be a real sweethear of a knife!

Thanks for all of the info, it is very much appreciated.
 
I received the Subclaw today--sweet little knife!

I only had a minute to check it out, but I noticed that the frame lock only engages about half-way. I can push the lock over to align with the blade, but it does not snap completely over without assistance.
Is this normal?

If not, will it loosen up a bit and begin to enagage completely?

I am quite enamored with this sweet little knife (I'm also considering the wharncliff), yet the lock has me concerned.
 
Pardon my ignorance but can someone explain the difference between a liner lock & a frame lock. I always tought they were the same.
 
joh said:
Pardon my ignorance but can someone explain the difference between a liner lock & a frame lock. I always tought they were the same.
Click to expand...

Same principles of action, different execution. A liner lock uses a thin, pretensioned liner that, as the blade deploys, springs over to lock up behind the tang. The liner is the locking component, usually a thin piece of 400 series stainless steel, but not a true structural framework of the knife.

In a framelock, the frame itself is tensioned on one side to spring over and lock behind the tang. As the entire locking surface is integral to the structure of the knife that is holding the blade open, and is usually three or four times beefier than the typical liner to boot, framelocks are considerably more robust than are liner locks.

I generally don't buy either one. I don't trust most liner locks, and framelocks are usually for right handed people only and if i find or order a left handed one, my resale market is small.

I like lockbacks the best, for all the reasons previously mentioned.
 
pedalinbob said:
I received the Subclaw today--sweet little knife!

I only had a minute to check it out, but I noticed that the frame lock only engages about half-way. I can push the lock over to align with the blade, but it does not snap completely over without assistance.
Is this normal?

If not, will it loosen up a bit and begin to enagage completely?

I am quite enamored with this sweet little knife (I'm also considering the wharncliff), yet the lock has me concerned.
Click to expand...

That's completely normal and desirable. The amount that it's currently engaged is PLENTY to prevent the knife from closing, and it also allows for both surfaces to wear a little and have a firm lock-up down the road (instead of if it already moved all the way over, if things wear, you'll be left with a gap between the lock and the blade.)
 
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