Locking systems

Any lock from a good maker will be strong but like all mechanical things they all can fail. I personally like liner and frame locks but have no problem getting a knife with other types of locks.
 
Dan, this question gets asked at least every other week. I don't think there has ever been a definitive answer. One thing you can count on is that very few will say liner lock. Compression locks and framelocks rate high because of their simplicity, and the axis (and similar) are also usually well-regarded.

One thing most usually agree on is that the quality of manufacture is as least as important as the lock design: a liner lock from Spyderco, Kershaw or Benchmade is probably safer and stronger than a lockback from Mtech, even though most members think the lockback is a stronger lock design.
 
elkins45 said:
Dan, this question gets asked at least every other week. I don't think there has ever been a definitive answer. One thing you can count on is that very few will say liner lock. Compression locks and framelocks rate high because of their simplicity, and the axis (and similar) are also usually well-regarded.

One thing most usually agree on is that the quality of manufacture is as least as important as the lock design: a liner lock from Spyderco, Kershaw or Benchmade is probably safer and stronger than a lockback from Mtech, even though most members think the lockback is a stronger lock design.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

I agree 100%, frame lock is the strongest.
 
I like my buck 110's lock back, and my benchmades axis. But also the CRKT m16 I have has a liner and a secondary lock to block it from being shut. It's an older model. The newer ones have auto lawks which engages the secondary lock automatically. I think the CRKT is most secure out of those 3 but i trust all of them more than a linerlock.
 
when I thought I couldn't find anything better than the axis lock, I found the compression lock. Both are stronger than you will ever need.
 
All locking systems are designed to lull you into a false sense of security. ;) They are all small bits of precisely formed metal, and all of them can break or fail to engage under the right circumstances. Treat every folder as if it were a slipjoint, and use a fixed blade for tasks where a non-folding blade is called for.
 
Generally I buy knives to collect perhaps resell later..i always carry a folder on me "just because"..been doing it ever since i was a kid...I am not a mountain person, nor do i hunt..so my need for a knife is in the category "EDC"..but knowledge is power...after 24 hours on being on this forum i realize i made a lot of bad knife purchasing..but i think u for the advice of knie buying!!!
 
i have used individual liner locks hard for years - other than very occasionally needing pocket fuzz cleaned out of their mechanism - they worked for me. I've also picked up a pile of very low dollar liner lock knives ( ya know - the kind that sit in a plastic tub on the counter at the hardware store) - opened and closed 'em once - brand new they weren't safe to use if you had any need or expectation of a "locking" blade. Very easy nosale decision.
Basically I think it comes down to a lot of folks have purchased a real POS liner lock out of these buckets over the years - can't blame 'em for a deciding they weren't going to try that type of lock again.
In my limited experience Kershaw , Joe Caswell,Dave Mosier ,and Emerson all make liner locks that i have complete confidence in.
And in the end - it does all come down to craftsmanship.
 
Best for what? cutting? or using the spine to try crush something in half?

If cutting, they all work. If you're using the spine to hammer things, then maybe an axis lock.
 
Every lock has advantages and disadvantages.

Many people don’t like Liner Locks but when they’re well made I don’t see them to be problematic, Spyderco is a great example of this. The Liner Lock on the Military has been proven to be quite reliable.

The Axis Lock is very strong, smooth, fast, and fun to play with. Though it can be a PITA to clean out when you get mud or gunk into it. Also the Omega springs have been known to break requiring your knife to make a trip back to Benchmade.

Frame Locks are my favorite for their simplicity. For the most part a frame lock is ridiculously easy to clean They can be very strong and the harder you squeeze the handle the better the lockup.

You could go on and on about every locking mechanism and never find a universal winner, just one that fits your needs and personal preferences.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top