- Joined
- Feb 19, 2021
- Messages
- 193
Kind of a repetitive discussion as I'm sure it's been argued ad infinitum. But I'm just chilling and wasting time here on the day after Christmas. So, just considering all the folding knives I have and their different locking systems and if I had to narrow down just one to carry from here on out. Of all the lockback, liner lock, frame lock, Axis lock, push button lock, ram lock, ball bearing lock, auto and Tri-ad lock systems I might just stick with the traditional lock back. I usually have a 3 dot Buck 110 in a sheath in my rotation and I might just stick with that and a Leatherman K502X (I've had since 2005 or 2006). I guess I'm to the point that I like the simplicity of the lock back and there are no inner moving parts or loose springs in the 110 and the Leatherman K502X has steel liners and solid lock up. In the case of the 110, it's just a solid spring bar with an all metal handle and no screws. Don't get me wrong I love the Axis lock on my Benchmade's but again there are small moving parts with the Omega springs. The Ram lock is solid, especially on the Cold Steel Bushmaster but kind of dangerous when closing. The Tri-ad lock is obviously one of the strongest but I hate the fact that Cold Steel makes their stuff in Taiwan especially in an era when Made In USA stuff is such a rarity. I generally will always stay away from liner lock and frame lock knives. Another thing to consider is I don't abuse folders, I use them for cutting and slicing meaning I don't beat on them or baton with them when I know the stress is not good on lock systems. Just thought I'd rant on this as I've been thinking about lock designs and what the perfect lockback knife is to carry daily.
