Lockbacks, Liner Locks, and Frame Locks....

Framelock
Linerlock
Lockback

By sight, it looks like my HEST 2.0 has the strongest lock of my folders. The Grayman is probably right there with it but I like the RotoBlok feature on the HEST. I know the Hest lockup is solid because of the smidgen of lock stick that gives tactile confirmation each time. I like it. Spare me the negatives, please.

The Sebenza's in a drawer but it's probably strong too. I also know my Buck 110's lock is incredibly strong but I'm still going to pick a linerlock as stronger on average.

Do I think about it? No. I just use the freakin' knife.
 
I first logged on here about 14 months ago, but I'm not terribly active.

I'm trying to understand why there's this tone of contentiousness in threads like this.

The question is a good one. No need for pompous demands or sarcastic answers. But you guys will have to work it out.

I appreciate the info I've found here. . . . . but wading through this cr*p is tedious. I wouldn't think it's good for the forum.
 
MaestroGustav said:
I first logged on here about 14 months ago, but I'm not terribly active.

I'm trying to understand why there's this tone of contentiousness in threads like this.

The question is a good one. No need for pompous demands or sarcastic answers. But you guys will have to work it out.

I appreciate the info I've found here. . . . . but wading through this cr*p is tedious. I wouldn't think it's good for the forum.
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The problem is that he is asking people to make a factual statement knowing the answers will be based on assumptions and opinions. That never goes well. You can't answer strongest without more specific parameters. If he had asked what is your favorite lock type, or which lock type do you own the most of, this thread would have taken a very different tone.
 
Will someone please tell me a few lockbacks to look at that are supposed to be the strongest, those stronger than other locks?

And then educate me as to why said lockback IS stronger.....
 
Alnamvet68 said:
I would do a poll, but I'm not able to post one, so tell us which of these three most common folder locks are the strongest in lock strength?
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Can you name the particular knife maker for each lock you are inquiring about? Who makes the knife has a lot to do with the strength of their lock, steel, construction, etc.
 
SunOfAtom said:
The problem is that he is asking people to make a factual statement knowing the answers will be based on assumptions and opinions. That never goes well. You can't answer strongest without more specific parameters. If he had asked what is your favorite lock type, or which lock type do you own the most of, this thread would have taken a very different tone.
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GatorFlash1 said:
Can you name the particular knife maker for each lock you are inquiring about? Who makes the knife has a lot to do with the strength of their lock, steel, construction, etc.
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Again, and for those who missed it, or choose to ignore it, read Post #10.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
Again, and for those who missed it, or choose to ignore it, read Post #10.
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I read post #10. You reiterated exactly what I pointed out that was wrong with your initial question.

Alnamvet68 said:
I'm not aware of anyone's post here suggesting there's a worry about lock failure...the premise is simple, which lock type, in the objective opinion of the respondent's, is the stronger. You can state so based on stylistic preference, subjective data, opinions of your friends, or base it on scientific testing; make the choice and back it up as best as you can.
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The fact that you pretend to not see the inherent problem with the question is why some seem to think that you never intended this to be a serious thread.
 
SunOfAtom said:
I read post #10. You reiterated exactly what I pointed out that was wrong with your initial question.



The fact that you pretend to not see the inherent problem with the question is why some seem to think that you never intended this to be a serious thread.
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It's not a serious thread Bud, and it was not intended to be an esoteric doctoral dissertation on metallurgy or physics; again, re-read Post #10.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
Again, and for those who missed it, or choose to ignore it, read Post #10.
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Ok, since we're discussing what I feel is the strongest lock without anything objective to back it up, I'll say that I believe a thick lock bar on well ground frame lock would probably be the strongest. The question becomes who makes the best framelock, or who makes the best backlock, or the best liner lock. And do you want strong? Or reliable day after day, year after year? I am interested in Spyderco's power lock.

There are so many variables it's hard to answer and even if someone had a good experience or bad, it could really be chalked up as a good or bad example from that specific manufacturer or maybe the person was using the knife incorrectly or something.

So my answer is a framelock, as long as it's ground well at the face and tang, followed by a liner lock, as long as it's from a reliable manufacturer, followed by the other examples. And that's based on the fact that I know that most people only test locks through high weight slow loads, twisting and torque tests, and spine whacks. I'm much more interested in whether a knife lock can handle severe and repeated stabbing since that's the only thing I can think of doing with a knife that a knife is supposed to do that actually requires a lock. Jamming a knife into a piece of wood and twisting it while trying to get the lock to fail isn't what the knife is for. Stabbing a knife into something and then standing on it isn't what a knife ifs for. Smacking a workbench with the spine of my knife isn't what a knife is for. So as long as I can stab the hell out of something and the lock lasts as long or longer than the blade and handle, I'm ok. And that means most lock styles by most reputable manufacturers are good enough. After that it becomes personal preference. And if that's the case, a liner lock or the hybrid liner/frame lock or a subframe lock would be my personal preference.

But I stopped worrying about it by carrying a fixed blade for jobs where I'm worried about a lock failing and I carry a folder for smaller more delicate jobs. Problem solved.
 
SunOfAtom said:
The problem is that he is asking people to make a factual statement knowing the answers will be based on assumptions and opinions. That never goes well. You can't answer strongest without more specific parameters. If he had asked what is your favorite lock type, or which lock type do you own the most of, this thread would have taken a very different tone.
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This debate has always irritated me because people are deliberately ignoring the other option: fixed blade. If you have to ask yourself the question about lock strength, you should be considering a fixed blade.
When I buy a folder, all I want it to do is not close on my under normal use and a little extra thumb pressure. The only ones that have done this for me is the cheap folders like my ESEE Zancudo (frame lock)

Besides, frame lock's inherent problem is that when the lock bar finally wears out, you have to replace a huge portion of the knife. Companies like strider have a cheap fix for it when they could be using a lock bar insert to avoid the unsatisfactory fix)
 
My choice will also be rather subjective but, I enjoy lockbacks the best and because I've used them the longest, I tend to put more confidence in them than others (although it's worth noting that I don't really feel less confident using a liner or frame lock, either. Never had any of the 3 fail on me, yet.)

I also hear that by the nature of the design, lockbacks tend to have a bit of vertical blade play. I may not be testing hard enough but for whatever reason, none of mine ever have. I'm either fortunate or ignorant. Likely both.
 
EChoil said:
Will someone please tell me a few lockbacks to look at that are supposed to be the strongest, those stronger than other locks?

And then educate me as to why said lockback IS stronger.....
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As you'll see from my post above, my choice is lockback but, it's a pretty subjective choice with almost no data to back it up. In my daily use of liner and frame locks, I've never found myself thinking "this knife feels so much weaker than my preferred lockback knives."
 
I personally have no knowledge of which style of lock is stronger, or better, or whatever. What I do know is that I prefer the lockback style for purely aesthetic reasons...it makes for a more appealing folder, with a pair of scales that match, and a lock that is essentially out of the way. While I am fairly certain that each lock style offered will offer benefits unique to their design, I have noticed that I am not a fan of frame locks...again, for purely aesthetic reasons, what with the single scale, a slab of metal on the other side, and a rather quirky lockup that each knife brand displays. Liner locks don't do it for me as well, as I prefer the liners to be a non moving and integral part of the scales. Then there's the compression lock on the Spyderco PM2...I like that lock if for no other reason than it's different.
 
SunOfAtom said:
I read post #10. You reiterated exactly what I pointed out that was wrong with your initial question.



The fact that you pretend to not see the inherent problem with the question is why some seem to think that you never intended this to be a serious thread.
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The fact that you need to make the thread about the question is the problem. People could just post their answers - whether they are scientific, subjective or anecdotal - and the thread would be more informative and interesting then what you're turning it into.

This isn't a scientific journal or a college course in rhetoric writing, so why not let the OP and everyone else have their poor, misguided and imprecise questions and answers? It might not be "right", but it would pleasant.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
I personally have no knowledge of which style of lock is stronger, or better, or whatever. What I do know is that I prefer the lockback style for purely aesthetic reasons...it makes for a more appealing folder, with a pair of scales that match, and a lock that is essentially out of the way. While I am fairly certain that each lock style offered will offer benefits unique to their design, I have noticed that I am not a fan of frame locks...again, for purely aesthetic reasons, what with the single scale, a slab of metal on the other side, and a rather quirky lockup that each knife brand displays. Liner locks don't do it for me as well, as I prefer the liners to be a non moving and integral part of the scales. Then there's the compression lock on the Spyderco PM2...I like that lock if for no other reason than it's different.
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Check out the Spyderco ppt for a unique take on a full framelock. And check out the power lock and triad lock if you haven't already.
 
The cow said:
This debate has always irritated me because people are deliberately ignoring the other option: fixed blade. If you have to ask yourself the question about lock strength, you should be considering a fixed blade.
When I buy a folder, all I want it to do is not close on my under normal use and a little extra thumb pressure. The only ones that have done this for me is the cheap folders like my ESEE Zancudo (frame lock)

Besides, frame lock's inherent problem is that when the lock bar finally wears out, you have to replace a huge portion of the knife. Companies like strider have a cheap fix for it when they could be using a lock bar insert to avoid the unsatisfactory fix)
Click to expand...

People who answer with oranges in a what apple question have no right to be irritated in a what apple discussion.
 
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