Lock back vs. Frame lock

snwbrdr202

snwbrdr202

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Mar 9, 2009
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Just wondering what everyone's preferences are and why? I have lots of buddies that swear by the old school lock back design, but Blade Forums has made me a bit of a frame lock fanatic. I am treating myself to a new Spyderco for X-mas, and I can't decide between the Sage 2 (ti frame lock) and the Sage 4 (lockback). Just looking for some more insight from those of you with significant experience with both. Thanks in advance!
 
I have to say that I am growing to like frame (and liner) locks more and more these days, since with most of my knives that feature those locking designs, I can manipulate the knife closed with one hand. All of my lock-backs, I have to use my other hand to depress the lock button and close the knife. For me, that makes a big difference.
 
Ultimate easy use is Axis Lock and Button Locks. But between the two listed, I prefer frame lock, as it is easier to close the knife one handed. But I think that the Triad Back Lock is stronger than most frame and liner locks.
 
I like Spyderco lock backs better personally. But I'm left handed.

I have a Mini Manix, Chaparral, Delica and Endura. All lock backs.

I also have a Tenacious and had a Sage I (I recently sold the Sage I) which are liner locks.
 
Framelocks are okay, but I'll go for a lockback every time...especially if we're talking about a Tri-Ad lock, which I'llttake over anything and everything else. If not though, I'll still go for the lockback, especially if done by Spyderco or Buck.
 
Given a choice frame lock due to one-handed operation (as long as you're right handed).

Thread begs to have a poll.
 
I know is blasphemous and/or heresy, it seems, in this overbuilt, titanium day...but "lockback." Just never quite "got" framelocks/linerlocks.
 
RamZar said:
Given a choice frame lock due to one-handed operation (as long as you're right handed).

Thread begs to have a poll.
Click to expand...

this is why we have the option of the lefty Sebenza :D

I much prefer frame locks over back locks. I actually carry one of each every day, a small Insingo as my main EDC and a Delica as my loaner. I don't want to lend my Seb so need a back up.
 
I prefer a framelock or linerlock on my modern folders, and a lockback on my traditionals.
 
"Just wondering what everyone's preferences are and why?"

I am a very "symmetrical" person and imho Frame-Locks are just asymmetrical and therefore UGLY... I prefer symmetrical handles on both sides of the knife...

So Liner-Lock for me 10 out of 10, even if that is not symmetrical either, but more so than a Frame-Lock ;)
 
I've had terrible longevity issues with Spyderco, Buck, Gerber, and gobs of off brand lockbacks. I much prefer the one handed operation of a liner lock, and that it remains tight up until it fully wears out. All of my lockbacks were slow deploying/closing and became rattlesnakes in short time.
 
Either is nice, so long as they are well-executed. I really appreciate a properly made framelock.


The Triad lock is excellent. It is a shame that only Cold Steel can use it, and it is a bigger shame that they only use AUS-8 with edge retention similar to Velveeta.
 
Of those two, I prefer backlocks from reputable companies. They can be butchered, like any lock can, but if they're both equally well designed and executed, I'd take a backlock. The're ambidextrous and I can work any of them one-handed, even the old Buck 110/112. I have less and less regard for hand-specific things like knives. Much prefer ambi locks like backlock, AXIS, BB, or comp locks.
 
Generally speaking, I like liner locks over frame locks, mostly because of symmetry and the models I own. I'm left-handed and from the time period of lots of forced right-handedness (couldn't cut butter w/ lefty scissors.) Lock-backs were pretty much the only locking folders available during my youth, (God I wish I hadn't traded that Barry Wood Colt scissor lock folder away!) and they still do their job very well. I've outgrown the constant nervous click-clack of the knife boys playing with their frame/liner locks; it is almost like listening to teens popping gum. I'll carry and use any type, with the quality, ergos, usefullness and general aesthetic appeal outweighing any specific locking method.
 
Being left handed the only lock I feel safe closing with one hand is the AXIS lock. So I use two hands to close both lock backs and liner/frame locks. When done right they are both plenty safe.

I will say liner/frame locks open smoother in my experience.
 
Lockbacks for life. I've had a couple frame locks but I just keep coming back to the trusted and tried lockbacks. Ymmv but I just like them better. Both are great. I guess I just own more lockbacks...
 
I'm glad to hear you guys give a lot of :thumbup: :thumbup: to the tried and true lockback, 'cause I'm headed over to Keith Johnson's in a couple weeks to learn how to make - these! -
 
My two favorite knives are my ti military and my pacific salt, so I guess I like both locks styles. One thing I love about the lockback is the resounding "click" it makes when opening the knife. I guess that's a dumb reason to like a particular lock, but I like it anyway. :)
 
For me framelocks are preferable. I like the ease of actuation.

Greenbelt my favorites are frame/liner locks and button locks
 
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