Locking mechanism?

S

SPC_rex

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Nov 2, 2008
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So, which locking mechanism do you prefer and why. Lockback, linerlock, Benchmade axis, framelock, the folksy Opinel ring? Sound off with what you like.
 
SPC_rex said:
So, which locking mechanism do you prefer and why. Lockback, linerlock, Benchmade axis, framelock, the folksy Opinel ring? Sound off with what you like.
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Well it really depends so I will give you my opinion of each lock that i have experience with

Lockback: I have always felt that lockbacks are secure and strong, they are rarely unsafe because of their design, this is my overall favorite lock.

Linerlock: linerlocks for the most part make me nervous, many of them only engage 30%-60% when I believe they should engage at 80%-100%. Many companies also make them too thin so that under pressure they flex and potentially fail. I feel a thick and well designed liner lock is stronger than a lockback.

Axis Lock: I feel that this lock is innovative and strong. I do not believe this to be as strong a lock as the lockback lock judging by its construction I can see in my Benchmade 556, it looks as if under pressure that it will move and disengage due to its fully rounded

Framelock: I feel that most of the time this is basically an improved linerlock in terms of thickness; however I find that most framelocks do not engage as much as I like, most of them from my experiences engage less than a linerlock

I do not have any experience with Opinel ring lock.
 
I'm french so I well know Opinel, the ring is a very good system but the handle is un wood so when it take humidity and when the knife live the ring take some play and the lock lost of his security.
I like liner for one hand use, I have some microtech (LCC and CMTX5), MOD Hornet, Lone Wolf and the liner engage to 100%
The Arc lock of Sog is very smooth and like axis but more smooth I find.
So for me axis lock and Arc lock are the best, following by liner, ring and lockback.
One hand use is the critary that put lockback at end but lockback is very strong and secure but you need 2 hand to unlock it.
Hope it help you.
 
I very much prefer the frame lock. In my opinion, it is the strongest, and what works best for ME.
 
Yea I too prefer the framelock , I own one or more of each type listed. Some of the linerlocks I own I would not trust under heavy use , others I have confidence in such as my Timberline ( cant recall model ) the liner is so thick it would qualify as a framelock.

My Opinel , I cannot foresee the lock failing as it is more of a gentle use knife IMO and the ring engages nicely.
 
Ok here is my thoughts on type and why as of this writing. This can always change but right now this is my feelings. Anymore I am leaning more and more toward and find myself carrying more of something in a frame lock personally. My old pref was lockback which is still up there too but even though I have two axis locks and find them flawless I just don't carry those for long before I'm opening the safe looking for something else. Not sure why really. Theres nothing wrong with em, they just don't last on my pocket like a frame lock. Now some frame locks don't seem to wear as good as others so I'm a bit picky about them but when they are done well like I like they seem to hold up as well and function as reliably as any lock type I've used. The design makes me feel better about them too so I find I trust them more.

The whole concept of the lockback is appealing and the ambi appeal is there for me since I do so much left handed in life. I guess I've always been an odd ball about left or right. I mean I write left or right depending one which hand grabs the pen but I shoot bow and arrow left, have my computer mouses set up for lefty and basically do a lot of the normal things in life that way but my knives are RH most of the time, probably just from life long habit more than anything else since thats what has been available and I've just learned to live in a right hand world for that but I make my own lefty frame locks too and have done that and bought some. To me though as appealing and versatile as the lockback is and as hard to make correctly as it is which I respect and admire in those doing it the whole reliability thing is about based on faith hope that it was done right ya know? I mean its not like you can see how well or how bad it connects, at least on some of them like the pinned ones I seem to zero in on most times and having worked on more than few of em now some of the ones are outright scary I've seen for how precarious looking they seem to me at times.

Spydercos and a lot of the Cold Steel models and some of the better more 'upgraded' models all seem quite nice to me from the other manufacturers but personally I avoid the cheaper lockbacks and find that even a cheap frame lock can at least be checked visibly to see how well or how not so well, or what objects or blocks are in the way of the lock making it a hard knife to discount whether you like the design or not. I remember the first time I saw a frame lock I thought something like, 'what an ugly knife, it looks like its missing a scale' but over time I've noticed they grow on folks and now I build them so surprises do happen I guess.
 
Locks, locks, locks... there are so many lock designs.

I don't like liner-locks. Did at one time, but time has shown the error of that opinion. Too many random failures when used in trivial tasks.

Frame-locks are akin to liner-locks, so I treat them with caution. Still undecided as to framelocks, but leaning towards not favoring them.

My favorite is the oft-mentioned axis-lock. When it is made right, and it usually is, it is convenient, reliable, and strong.

I also like the Collins bolt-action lock, the Dalton ambi-locks (he has a few - don't know if they are his designs or not), the Spyderco Ball-Bearing lock (and the caged version), the SOG arc-lock, the plunger lock as seen on so many automatic knives, the Microtech MicroBar, and others.

Lockbacks are a "depends" choice, but usually not a favorite for primary EDC. Usually I avoid them, but there have been some inovations of late - the Triad lock and that pin in the lockbar that Extrema Ratio does make the lockback more appealling.

Balisongs - are they a lock or not? I don't consider Balisongs a lock, but instead consider Balisongs as an alternative design. Capable of great strength and reliability, though.

There are a multitude of other lock designs, some good, some not. Wish some one would write a book, more like an encyclopedia, covering as many as they can find.
 
STR
With all threads about locks I have seen over the years I think people should search more of your posts on that. You give a in depth discussion. I do not care much about the lock. As long as the design and detail is there that I know I can trust it. Its all in how it is made.
 
I’m goona go with the Ti Frame Lock. I’ve also got a soft spot for the Compression lock.
 
So long as it is a well executed design from a quality manufacturer, I'm probably ok with it. Knowing that any lock can fail, their are some that inspire greater confidence than others, and all have their advantages/disadvantages. Lockbacks, especially as executed by Spyderco on the Manix series, are quite secure and strong- if their is a stronger lockback I'd like to see it. Framelocks and the Axis lock are two others I like; the combination of strength and simplicity of the framelock are a real plus. I have seen some framelocks that do not engage as much as I'd like, a trip back to the manufacturer usually solves any such problem. I am ok with Walker type liner locks, so long as the locking bar is of sufficient thickness and their is minimal flex under stress. Benchmade's 690 and 8xx series come to mind, as does the Sage and Military. Opinel types are fine, have a couple of Twist Masters, sometimes they become gunked up but they are decent locks.
 
GhOsT1321 said:
Framelock: I feel that most of the time this is basically an improved linerlock in terms of thickness; however I find that most framelocks do not engage as much as I like, most of them from my experiences engage less than a linerlock.
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You'd really like my Reese Weiland modded Super CQC7 (left) and normal CQC7 (right).
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when i first got into knives, i absolutely hated the backlock and thought the linerlock was the best thing in the world, now i almost never trust linerlocks and buy almost exclusively backlocks and Axis knives, in my opinion, a well executed backlock, framelock or even linerlock can be easily just as strong under normal use as an Axis or BB lock.
 
I wouldn't discount the balisong either. Lockup is as strong as your hand.
 
I forgot to mention the tri ad. It is the most secure lock back I have ever used. Another honorable mention of the ram lock on the Cold Steel pocket bushman. You designed them so tell us a little more. I showed my father in law the vid of you trying to break a pocket bushman and then I gave the knife to him. He absolutely loves it and constantly plays with it.


Edit... Too late. I emailed you about this thread when I saw you lurking. :thumbup: @ Andrew Demko. FTW
 
Meh. I am not convinced that a lock is necessary. Slipjoints work just fine for me.

I don't like liner locks. I don't trust them.

Lockbacks, midlocks, and some frame locks seem ok.

I'm not sure about the Axis lock. Seems like a lot of people have problems with the omega springs.

I also love balisongs.
 
the ram safe lock is very strong and durable. I think the pocket bushman is the toughest knife at its price point, It's not as fun to open and close as most other folders, but for what it is it's good. The tri-ad lock is super tough and strong. ya it does great in weight hang tests but more important than that is it's just long lasting and durable. I've never used any folder including my own frame locks that have been as good as my tri-ads.
 
Also +1 @ Cold Steel for using the Krupps steel on the Pocket Bushman. While I owned it, it was my primary kitchen knife and always cleaned up great.
 
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