Lock-Up: Which Lock Do You Like? Which Lock Do You Avoid? Why?

[flipe8]

I like well designed locks. I avoid locks that are not well designed.

To make the choice, I look for manufacturers I trust and feedback from knowledgeable people in the forums.

This is pretty much my take on it as well. While I'd prefer an ambidextrous lock, it's only one feature I'm looking for. The total package is more important than the lock itself.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I'm one of the few Spyderco fans that prefers frame-locks, probably. It's hard to explain the appeal, or why 75% of the custom folder market is made up of frame-locks and liner-locks. The R.I.L. isn't necessarily the strongest lock around, but a well-executed titanium frame-lock is still plenty tough, and I'd wager a knife like the K2 could stand up to all the Demko-designed abuse a Cold Steel does, and hold a lot of weight. The Slysz Bowie is a perfect example of a frame-lock done right; strong, not a hint of galling, a snappy detent, and most grips reinforce the lock (I'm not sure what kind of vicious twisting you'd have to subject the knife to for the lock-bar to be accidentally disengaged, but I wouldn't say it's impossible). It's also allows for a very smooth, free action, which is why it's so often paired with flippers.

While I prefer the titanium frame-lock as an all-around combination of smooth action and snappy detent, simplicity and aesthetic appeal, strength and reliability, I don't think it's the top performer in terms of brute strength. The spine-lock and close relatives like the 'power-lock' or 'triad-lock' have proven themselves to be incredibly tough and reliable. The Endura, Stretch and Caly 3.5 are all great knives, but I find the placement inconvenient for quick one-handed opening, and the action is stiff and slow. You can still flick them open, and it's not a concern for some, but it's not really for me.

The compression-lock is a design I like as much as the Ti frame-lock, and in some ways more -- you get the same near-frictionless deployment and snappy detent, a flow-through construction, and very quick, very easy one-handed opening and closing; but I believe the compression-lock on the Paramilitary 2 and Yojimbo 2 could be the strongest available. Could be. The ball-bearing lock on the Manix 2 is another great Spyderco innovation, but I feel the compression-lock is their most impressive design.

I'm a big Spydie fan. I prefer franelocks...as the great majority of the knives that I carry and admire are just about all framelocks. Sure, the Triad lock is great, and I love my PM2's with the compression lock...it's just plain fun to operate.

 

[whp]

My favorite locks are 1.compression 2. triad 3. axis. I m a big fan of a tight lock up and good (perceived?) lock strength.

 

[Cynic2701]

I like liner and frame locks (when "properly" handed, as I am left handed) and lock backs. I'm not a big fan of Axis and compression locks.

 

[Brock O Lee]

I like most locks, and prefer the compression lock and caged ball bearing lock.I try to avoid the following (I sometimes make an exception):
- liner or frame locks that locks up very early or very late
- Ti frame locks without a steel insert AND where the lock face is not treated/hardened to minimize wear and galling
- a liner lock paired with a very thin blade stock. To fit a liner lock on a narrow blade tang requires very precise manufacturing, even if they get that right it does not allow much room for future wear.
-back locks with a reputation for up/down play. I tolerate minimal play on certain sprints like my Superblue Stretch because I like the steel and rest of the knife so much. I have a few that lock up solid, like both my Caly 3's.

I usually err on the side of caution, because it's not really an option for me to send a knife halfway around the world for warrantee work.

 

[jstn]

The compression lock is by far my favorite. I just wish it were used on more models. Many more models.