Lockback Questions

A

AirLand&Sea

Joined
Mar 19, 2005
Messages
130
Just ordered a Manix. I was first put off by the lockback likely because I don't know anything about it. The knife itself seems like exactly what I'm looking for so I did a lockback search and it seems all good. A search already came up with some good info, but is the Manix lockback about as good or better than most liner locks? "Better" in this case means less prone to failure. Anyone like lockbacks more than liner locks? Thanks.
 
Lockbacks, and particularly the Spyderco "front lock" variation on them, are considered by most to be stronger than liner locks. The Manix is one of the strongest front locks out there, and is an extremely rugged and reliable knife. The one "issue" some have with lockbacks in general is that they can fail to lock due to dirt clogging the locking notch in the blade. How serious this issue is to you would depend on intended usage. On the other hand, one hardly ever hears of even the least expensive lockback closing if the blade spine is tapped, a failure mode that is extremely common among liner locks. Personally, I prefer front locks over all others, but, being left handed, my preference is influenced to some extent by the fact that they are fully ambidexterous, while liner locks, frame locks and compression locks are all "handed" to some degree and, aside from custom made knives, normally only available in right hand versions.
 
The Deacon said:
The one "issue" some have with lockbacks in general is that they can fail to lock due to dirt clogging the locking notch in the blade.
Click to expand...
Of course, this is moderated by the ease of seeing that dirt and clearing it quickly. Liner locks can also collect dirt near the lock, and the problem is hidden inside the blade channel of the handle, invisible until it jams.
 
Many times the issue of a 'one handed' knife comes up with a liner or frame lock. It is true that you can pull the knife out, open it, use it and then close it and put it back with one hand very easily. But in truth you can open and close a lock back with one hand too.

On my Spyderco stainless models this is a very simple matter of depressing the lock and keeping your finger where you normally hold it and letting the blade fall just enough to release it. Then you let up on the lock and simply close it. On the zytel handled ones the blade is a bit less likely to fall because the zytel, or G10 or whatever man made material is in there is a bit more tacky and holds the blade in place better than polished stainless. So you just bump the knife on your leg while depressing the lock and it is a done deal.

Personally, I like and own both but when it comes to strength I don't think there is any doubt the lock back is stronger. The Axis lock is also very strong though and probably worth a look but I'm not sure if it can be closed with one hand like a lock back can.
 
I have a couple of axis lock benchmades and they can be easily opened and closed one handed. One of mine had even gone through the washer unscathed. Lint and other crud had failed to render the lock useless. I can't imagine a stronger lock, once that bar goes into it's position it would seem like it would be impossible for it to fail.

I have a delica and endura that lock up nice and tight also, I've had no problems from either of they - yet. I had an old kabar brass bolstered lockback that was prone to failure when it got dirty. That thing is so heavy it could be used as a weapon without even opening it! I use knives to cut with though and I'm so glad folding knives have evolved into the high tech lightweight things they are today.

Just wanted to sing the praises of the axis lock.
 
Lockbacks, in general, are MUCH more secure than liner locks. It's not even a contest. A Spyderco-made lockback just widens the gap even further.
 
gitarmac said:
I can't imagine a stronger lock, once that bar goes into it's position it would seem like it would be impossible for it to fail.
Click to expand...
Unless the omega springs break, leaving the bar to flop around like a fish out of water, something that has been reported on at least a few occasions in General. ANY lock mechanism CAN fail and all will do so on occasion. So, while the Axis may be every bit as reliable as the front lock, I really doubt it is any more so. For a number of reasons, I'll stick to, and continue to trust my front locks.
 
One of my concerns is those springs breaking. I think that's the soft underbelly of the axis lock. So far mines been fine though. I think in an emergency situation a person could wedge something in it and make it like a fixed blade. I have a few knives of different varieties to make sure I have all my bases covered. In fact that's my excuse for having so many knives!! "but I NEED a {insert knife type here} in case the world comes to and end and my {insert other knife type here} fails" ;D
 
The springs were part of the reason the one I got in for repair was needing attention but they only failed because the owner got a bit carried away with a sander/grinder and started trying to take off the little point right behind the choil of the blade and exposed them in the process.
 
My Manix came today. It is a great knife. The thing is made like a bank vault. Don't worry about the lock.
 
Shoot. I got a tan limited edition Endura today along with a Native and I must admit. I'm very impressed with the Endura. The Native does not have the deep cut out in the lock or the two stage lock that the other lock backs have. What is that all about?

I'll be selling the Native. I thought I'd like it but the position of the thumb hole is all wrong for me.
 
The Deacon said:
Unless the omega springs break, leaving the bar to flop around like a fish out of water, something that has been reported on at least a few occasions in General. ANY lock mechanism CAN fail and all will do so on occasion. So, while the Axis may be every bit as reliable as the front lock, I really doubt it is any more so. For a number of reasons, I'll stick to, and continue to trust my front locks.
Click to expand...

i have bever seen a case were both omega springs broke, have seen were 1 did, but not both. the knife still works w/only 1.

that said the spyderco lockbacks are pretty good, axis lock, compression lock, frame lock, lock back, they are all good and all better than the std liner lock imho. now as far as custom knives thats another story....

i am looking for a manix myself......
 
Both my springs broke on my 710. I sent it in and got a new handle.The early knives (which mine was) had springs the rubbed the inside of the handles,this is why they replaced the whole handle not just the springs.

I still love and trust the 710.

For those that say,well when one breaks the second still works and buys you time to send it back,I could not tell at all till both were broke.

I too am going to get a Manix btw,maybe tomorrow!
 
I have used my Manix for 2 days now. I think they should have called it Excaliber. You could hunt dragons with it.
 
I think it needs a little brother. What would you pick among:
Al Mar Shrike
Buck Mayo TNT
William Henry T12-CF ?
 
I bought the Manix as a big brother for my Ritter grip. If you are going into the wilderness take the Manix is my opinion. It is a heavy duty all purpose cutter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top