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Locking Methods: What do you like or find convenient? What seems most secure?

V

VorpelSword

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Joined
Dec 27, 2007
Messages
1,594
OK, I like the back lock mechanism of the Buck 110/120 series. I have doubts about some liner lock kn ives I'e had and find some to be inconvenient to release. The button lock on the one William Henry that I have handled seems weak . . .but that knife will never see any use harder than opening an envelope!. The frame lock seems solid . . .Then there is the unique lock up of the iconic Italian stiletto. Any others?

What is your preference and evaluation of these locking systems?
 
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VorpelSword said:
OK, I like the back lock mechanism of the Buck 110/120 series. I have doubts about some liner lock kn ives I'e had and find some to be inconvenient to release. The button lock on the one William Henry that I have handled seems weak . . .but that knife will never see any use harder than opening an envelope!. The frame lock seems solid . . .Then there is the unique lock up of the iconic Italian stiletto. Any others?

What is your preference and evaluation of these locking systems?
Click to expand...
120 is a fixed blade knife. think ya mean 112.

im with Blues on this. the Demko designed locks are the best to come out in a long time. like it or not the tri-ad is the strongest lock hands down.

a well made liner/frame lock is decent too though. problem is most arent well made with correct angles.
 
*Helicopter blades whirring*
*Repels down rope from above*

“The TriAD lock is the strongest lock on the planet!”

*Ninja smoke bomb deploys*
*Disappears into the ether*


:) I don’t actually own a tri-ad lock knife, but I do like Demko’s Shark lock. Most carried for me are frame locks.
 
Demko triad most secure. shark lock is the most convenient while also very secure.

Buck does the good old backlock better than anyone. Strong, secure and easy to operate but it is two hands.



I like crossbar locks but can't get over the tiny little springs that operate the bar.
 
Keyopp said:
*Helicopter blades whirring*
*Repels down rope from above*

“The TriAD lock is the strongest lock on the planet!”

*Ninja smoke bomb deploys*
*Disappears into the ether*


:) I don’t actually own a tri-ad lock knife, but I do like Demko’s Shark lock. Most carried for me are frame locks.
Click to expand...
it is the strongest lock. when the patent expires, soon....I imagine you'll see a flood of tri-ad lock copies by many makers. they all know it's better than most of them got in their stable including their axis lock copies.......

what i am looking forward to is Demko to be able to make his own knives with his tri-ad lock again......
 
The tri-ad is really, really hard to beat when you want your folder to behave like a fixed blade. Not the "fastest" to use, but man it is the style of lock I gravitate toward when I DO NOT want to risk my folder failing. The way they get tighter as they break in is really remarkable.

I really like the Axis lock and the Compression lock for ease of use yet hell for stout. Frame locks are always welcome if they are done well.
 
I've got a few Cold Steel Tri-Ads but like Lock backs better. For my level of use, either would be more than "secure" enough for me.

For convenience, I like Compression Locks & Axis locks the best, because I can release the lock & quick flick the blade open faster than I can open an auto.or remove a fixed blade from a sheath.
 
Last edited:
VorpelSword said:
OK, I like the back lock mechanism of the Buck 110/120 series. I have doubts about some liner lock kn ives I'e had and find some to be inconvenient to release. The button lock on the one William Henry that I have handled seems weak . . .but that knife will never see any use harder than opening an envelope!. The frame lock seems solid . . .Then there is the unique lock up of the iconic Italian stiletto. Any others?

What is your preference and evaluation of these locking systems?
Click to expand...

I grew up using slip joint knives. So lock strength is not an issue to me. I use every knife as if it were a slip joint.

I've never had a lock break on any knife I've used over the last 65 years. And in 19 years here on the forums, I honestly don't remember a thread about a lock which actually broke in service. I have seen threads on knives with locks which failed in service due to ill fit and finish such that the lockup was poor and allowed slippage, but nothing where so much force was applied to a properly fitted lock that it actually broke. I don't count el destructo testing threads. I'm talking about using a knife in the field and the lock actually broke.

All that being said, my general preference is a well made liner lock or back lock. Demco's locks are good, too. I don't care for the aesthetics of frame lock knives. And I'm not a particular fan of Axis type locks because they are too close to the edge of what is legal for me to carry in the sunshine state.
 
I am sure many locks are good. But I have gone all fixed bladed. Many makers make great ones on this forum.
 
knarfeng said:
I'm not a particular fan of Axis type locks because they are too close to the edge of what is legal for me to carry in the sunshine state.
Click to expand...
Here in Texas, we can openly carry about any blade except for maybe a Katana or Gladius.

I hear that it is worse in the UK though.
 
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Compression, liner, and axis are all good for me. Don’t have a triad lock but I must get one.
That said I don’t care much for frame locks as they always seem prone to lock stick or rock.
 
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