Lock preference

Daniel Moore

Daniel Moore

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
2,790
What do you prefer?

I hate liners...I feel like they're going to disengage on me.

Lockbacks for me, thanks.
 
I like linerlocks.
I also like framelocks
I also really like "shortened" liner locks,
like those on MODs and Microtechs.
Axis locks are good also.

What it comes down to for me is if I can open AND close it easily one-handed and it's fairly secure, then I like it.
 
Any locking mechanism is ok with me as long as it is well made. None of the locks in my collection have failed so, they all get the job done. I am partial to framelocks though.
 
Originally posted by Walking Man
I like linerlocks.
I also like framelocks
I also really like "shortened" liner locks,
like those on MODs and Microtechs.
Axis locks are good also.
Click to expand...

Me too.

#1 Axis lock
#2 Frame locks
#3 liner locks
#4 button locks like thos on auto knives

You shouldn't stress too much about locks. It's more about how well a lock is made than which one it is.

Except for convenience....
Lockbacks and button locks take two hands unless you use your leg or be very careful with your fingers.

Liner locks and frame locks are easy with one hand.

Axis locks, when a knife is loose and oiled are flip closed very easily.
 
I like the frame locks. Or liner locks stout enough to mimic framelocks (Strider).
 
Axis lock for me...open it up and close it with one hand...
Though it does mess up if you get some dirt in it...
 
Lockbacks for me too. Although I must admit I've never handled either a BM Axis lock knife or a Spyderco Dodo. Either or both of them might be be acceptable to me, as they both seem to be pretty ambidexterous. The others are all too "handed" for me.
 
Framelocks are o.k. for me. I've bought a few that didn't engage positively enough. You just have tocheck for workmanship and lockup before buying.

I favor the Roto-Lock on the Gerber Harsey Air Ranger II. You can engage or disengage it with one hand and it's located on top of the knife where it's out of the way. Also feels solid. I wish more makers of liner locks would adopt it.

I don't particularly like the location of the Axis Lock although I've only handled it, not used it extensively. It seems like your hand would rub over it under heavy use increasing the possibility of an accidental disengagement. Everyone swears by them, however, so I'm probably wrong.:D
 
I close all my lockbacks one-handed (not like I usually have to). I just push on the lock with my thumb and move another finger (usually index) onto the blade and close it. It's alot safer than it would be on a blade without a detent, or one with an early detent.
 
Preferences: Axis Lock
Compression Lock
Frame Lock
Rocker Lock (or Liner w/LAWKS)
Liner Lock

It should be noted that I reasonably(i.e.rigorously)test any and all of the locking mechanisms on every potential EDC.
 
In general I prefer lockbacks, Ive used liner locks and frame locks and a few others, but not the axis lock. I like a knife with a spring to hold it close in the traditional slipjoint way, lockbacks give me that, as do some traditional linerlocks.

I do find linerlocks easier to close one handed (except for the SAK Trailmaster with its strong spring), but I don´t consider it too important.
 
I prefer the Integral Lock developed by CRK and used on the Sebenza, Mnandi and Umfaan. To me that is a true "fail safe" locking system.
 
Lockbacks for me, all the way. And I can open and close every one of the dozen or so I own one handed, without using my leg, and without looking (OK, except for the 110).
 
OK, My 2 cents on this subject......

Well made lockback....Mucho Grande :D
Well made frame lock ...Mucho Grande :D

ANY liner lock..Mucho Junko :barf:
All the other types of locks..:confused:
 
1. Lockback: Nearly fool-proof and simple in design and function. I prefer ones with the lock-release at the end of the handle (like the Schrade LB7). If the lock-release is in the middle of the handle, then I prefer it to have the "Boye dent" that Spyderco is using.

2. Axis-lock: Pure genius in design but still has a few weaknesses--The omega-springs can break and dirt can foul the lock.

3. Michael Walker's BladeLOCK: Awesome and "bullet proof" but only available from CRKT in a production knife.

4. Frame-lock: This lock design can be awesome strong or total crap. I will not buy one without closely inspecting the knife myself.

Wise men say to "never say never"...
But I'm gonna say it anyway.
I will never buy another Liner-lock again. I just don't feel that I can totally trust them.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
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