linerlock vs. framelock - I need comments

[spyken]

help! I am now faced with two options - a Mike Obie small framelock with 0.125 thick ti scales (sculpted, moulded handles) and a Mike Obie small linerlock (ti bolsters, blasted carbon fibre scales, 0.055 thick liners).

it would seem natural that the framelock is stronger, but how do those of you with Mike Obie's linerlocks feel? is the linerlock strong enough for anything in any case? is the lock-up just as strong as anything in the market (barring 0.125 liners/framelocks)? is it as strong as, say, a strider?

how do you feel about the bare framelocks? I'm not immediately taken in by framelocks as they seem quite sterile and plain, whereas the linerlock has ti bolsters and carbon fibre scales. what do you guys think?

what about resale value? which would have a more ready and willing market? I'm not thinking of selling the Obie but just like to know...

please, please, give me your views....I have to make a decision urgently.

thanks y'all...
which do I choose?

 

[ARtsig1]

Hi Spyken. I've had both, but in the large size, not that it would make a whole lot of difference. I am real partial to framelocks and Mike O. builds a GREAT one. I also would not hesitate to carry and use one of his linerlocks as they are also done to perfection, after all his father-in-law is Kit Carson......a master of the linerlock! I would say it probably comes down to personal preference. The linerlock model will have micarta, G-10, or CF scales, along with a ti bolster; while the framelock will be a satin finished titanium handle. The straight ti handle may pick up a few more "character marks" than the linerlock will, but afterall knives ARE to be used!!

Btw I solved the bare titanium handle issue with some 3M Stair Tape. This is a great product and can be found at most hardware stores. It is a medium gray in color and matches up well with the finish on the titanium frame. It is self-adhering and can be cut with scissors to match to sculpted contours of the Mike O. framelock, which by the way are extremely nice!

Either way you go you will be pleased and you will be getting a heckuva' knife.

 

[made2cut]

I have a small model 1 (liner lock) and an extra small model 2 (frame lock). I got the model 1 first and found it too large to carry as an EDC. The extra small is a shade shorter in length than my small classic sebenza and carries just right. Nice and slim and very light weight. The workmanship on both knives is outstanding. Either way you go I'm sure you will be happy but if you're like me the framelock is better as an EDC. It's not as pretty as the model 1 with its nice bolsters and micarta though.

 

[Stumpy]

Spyken,I only own one of Mike's knives and it is a large model 2 linerlock.In a word....Fantastic.The lock up is rock solid and very well executed.No slip yet easy to disengage.You have a tough decision to make but on sheer strength you would have to go with a framelock but I feel there is very little chance of my liner lock failing.I will also be looking to pick up a large frame lock in the near future. Here is a pic. of the lock up on mine.

 

[Sid Post]

I have owned 3 Obie Framelocks. I think they were all from Artsig1 but, the small one might have snuck in from somewhere else

The non-sculpted knives were really thin and handy for pocket carry. In the end, I kept the thicker Sculpted large model and sold the other two.

The plain sculpted model is great for everyday utility. It is easy to clean with no nooks or crannies to hide gunk. Liner locks in general can get clogged up with pocket lint and other stuff and are a little harder to clean out. Liner locks do offer a chance to dress them up with the scales and bolsters. Which do you prefer? Clean sterile lines and utility or, the fancy wood and bolsters?

 

[92degrees]

I've owned a couple of each and they were all fantastic. There may be a performance difference at the extreme (and that may be important to you) but for normal tasks I don't think you'll approach limits of one of Mike's linerlocks. Framelocks are all the rage, and some prefer the very understated look of the all Ti framelocks, but I think the bolster and scale look is classic. You can't go wrong either way, though.

 

[notdos]

I agree,,the bolster and scale look is classic and in my opinion, is easier to keep looking new. You won't go wrong with either choice.


Phillip

 

[Megalobyte]

I doubt that Mike's framelock is any stronger than his liner locks because the framelock is relieved a bit at its base, allowing it to bend and retain spring force, so, when all is said and done, the liner lock which is not releived should be at least as strong, what matters much more than the thickness of a liner or framelock is the geometry that particular lock has, Mike does a good job on his locks, so, choose the style you like, it should be strong enough for whatever you have in mind for it. Mike's knives are VERY well made, and a bargain.