Lockback VS. Linerlock

Shadow213

Shadow213

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Joined
Jan 5, 2005
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I've been wondering about this since receiving my Manix a couple of weeks ago. In the case of this Spydie, which is rated in the very heavy duty(MBC) range, would the lockback be superior to the linerlock on say, the Military?

I'm not sure what the rating is on the Millie, however, would the nested liner be stronger than the solid lockback on the Manix/Chinook, in your opinion?

For instance, in a survival situation where some kindling/saplings for a fire need to be produced with a knife and a baton, which would be the lock type that would be preferable to use? Would the linerlock be stronger than the lockback, or vice versa?

I know that I've been hanging around here on the Bladeforums for a good while, but I've never really thought about this comparison.

Which would you pick and why?
 
for utility,self defense, and millitary use, linerlock. fast draw and easy one handed operation. but ive found that they will close on you because the index finger unlocks the blade during extended heavy work. for survival lock back is problly better.
 
i dont like liner locks at all....with the variety of lockbacks and framelock and axis lock knives out there there's no need to go liner

i can close a framelock or lockback one handed....plus i've read too many horror stories on this forum about liner locks cutting fingers

seriously, if someone could tell me the advantage of liner locks, i would be all ears

i think the reason some people buy liner locks is because they like the particular knife and it only comes in liner lock......notice i said SOME

i have never read a post here that said the buyer would only select a knife from among the liner lock category because they think its the superior solution


people are probably tired of me saying this....but...folders are not for survival.....they are urban/suburban.....if you think you might remotely need to baton that day or weekend.....carry a FB : Dozier .. Ingram .. Swamp rat ..Bark River.......and a host of others

between your 2 choices...definitely the manix.....i'm pretty close to buying one myself....BTW on Spydercos site you can pick up a calypso jr for $34 with free shipping!! sweet knife.....not in place of the manix but as a complement to it



good luck.........Bill
 
I can think of one place where my Spyderco Military (liner lock) is a better choice than my Manix and that's around the beach and gritty sand. The precise tolerances of the manix make it gum up far easier than the Military, which will keep working well in almost any conditions. Having said that I've noticed that the lockback on my Pacific salt doesn't seem to mind the sand.

I dropped my Manix in the sand once and I couldn't open it without hearing all kinds of horrendous grinding noises and it wouldn't open beyond half way without considerable force. It was fine after a rinse and a re-lube though.
 
bill G,
I agree with most of your post but there is an exception,only liner lock that defies your opinion would be the Tops Magnum folder(no longer made)!Brian caused me to hunt one down! :D I can't get this SUCKER to close on me & I've tried!! Just to prove your theory(& mine)about liner locks being crap,this "one" is an exception. I even asked Brian,if he still had his,answer was "YEP",NO problems!
Be safe,
Jim
 
CRKT puts the LWARKS (sp) lock on thier floders making them safer since the lock wont slip. My M-16 has it and it works great. For survival i would either use my M-16 or lock back since they can take more punishment than liner. check the lock at www.crkt.com .
 
I'm not a fan of liner locks for survival or otherwise.Lockbacks,axis locks,frame locks,plunger locks are more what I would be purchasing.
 
I was pondering this this afternoon. What if liner/frame locks had come first. Then I think now we would all be raving about the amazing revolutionary lock back design that has solved so many problems inherent in folding knives.
 
Liner locks AND lockbacks both have their inherent possible closure problems duing use. Usually not due to failure, but to accidental triggering by the user.

The TOPS Magnum as never ben a problem as Jim said.

If you DO go with a liner lock, avoid titanium -- it flexes too easily. The TOPS has a stainless steel liner that is solid as a rock, as do some othr knives out there -- can't remember which others -- I think Strider is one.

Lockbacks that have the release button forward on the grip -- i.e. closer to the blade -- can be released accidentatlly during use. I've found that ones with the release mechanism farther back towards the pommel are safer.

Emerson knives have a liner lock that does not have a recesed (or open) handle near the liner release. This makes it less likely as well that the lock will be accidentally pushed during use.
 
bill_G said:
BTW on Spydercos site you can pick up a calypso jr for $34 with free shipping!! sweet knife.....not in place of the manix but as a complement to it

good luck.........Bill
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. Mine just arrived. You're right. It's a nice little knife.
 
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