- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 3,396
I assume when we're talking about locks, we're talking about one hand opening locks, right? That said, there're advantages/disadvantages to each. I think some locks appear to be better because of their nature & that higher quality parts are used for it. As an example, the frame-lock is popular because, at its best, it uses (Usually) a thick Ti lock bar & a high quality steel blade.
Just a quick run-down of the more popular/basic ones:
Frame-lock: Easy to use & is fairly strong. Usually utilizes a thick lock bar & more expensive knives tend to use it. However, it doesn't allow for ambidextrous use as easily as others.
Liner-lock: Also easy to use, but isn't "usually" as strong because the locking liner isn't as thick &/or doesn't have as large a locking face as a frame-lock. It also is not as ambidextrous either.
Back-lock/Lock-back: Can be very strong, depending on how deep the maker makes the lock go into the blade's lock end. If it's shallow, it can easily not engage, hence fail (That's why cheapies usually don't work). It's also very ambidextrous. Unfortunately, although there's pivot to help, a well used back-lock seems to develop blade-play (Vertical as well as horizontal) over time. But it (Or some form of it) is usually considered to be one of the strongest locks for a folder.
Axis-lock (Ultra-lock, or whatever name a copier happens to use): Is usually very smooth, quick, & totally ambidextrous. Also, it doesn't usually develop blade-play through hard use like others can (Unless there're problems with the pivot, too). The only disavantage is that, unlike the other types of locks, the Axis-lock utilizes springs, which can wear out/break.
Ball-lock: It may have or is used by another company, but I don't know if they are. The one I'm thinking of is used by Spyderco (D'Allara, P'Kal, Polliwog, & Manix 2 come to mind). It's not used as much, but the ones I have or have had work very well. They seem to self adjust & are also totally ambidextrous, too. Disadvantage would probably be the open ball locks that'll allow dirt to get into (Like on the D'Allara). Probably not as long term tested, but IMHO, a very good lock.
There're others & also variations of the above mentioned ones, but those are probably the most seen/popular ones.
Personally, I like frame-locks, but that's probably because the ones I have have Ti scales & are "generally" nicer made knives than the others. However, I do have knives with the other locks. Becuase of some of their designs, I tend to also like Spyderco's back-locks. They're usually completely ambidextrous (The back-lock model that can be set-up for left or right hand carry/use).
If it's executed by a "known" & reliable company that's known for the quality knives, I think your needs, feel, & the particular knife is more important than the lock. I've read many times how someone will NOT use a liner-lock. However, Emerson has done very well with their liner-lock knives & most people agree that lock failure is not a known thing for them. I personally used an older Emerson CQC-7 (Satin finish CE, chisel ground tanto) for a good many yrs in the field & it's "saved my bacon" on one occassion, so it can't be that bad.
Sorry about the lengthy post, but as I think someone has already said, they're all good to some degree.
Just a quick run-down of the more popular/basic ones:
Frame-lock: Easy to use & is fairly strong. Usually utilizes a thick lock bar & more expensive knives tend to use it. However, it doesn't allow for ambidextrous use as easily as others.
Liner-lock: Also easy to use, but isn't "usually" as strong because the locking liner isn't as thick &/or doesn't have as large a locking face as a frame-lock. It also is not as ambidextrous either.
Back-lock/Lock-back: Can be very strong, depending on how deep the maker makes the lock go into the blade's lock end. If it's shallow, it can easily not engage, hence fail (That's why cheapies usually don't work). It's also very ambidextrous. Unfortunately, although there's pivot to help, a well used back-lock seems to develop blade-play (Vertical as well as horizontal) over time. But it (Or some form of it) is usually considered to be one of the strongest locks for a folder.
Axis-lock (Ultra-lock, or whatever name a copier happens to use): Is usually very smooth, quick, & totally ambidextrous. Also, it doesn't usually develop blade-play through hard use like others can (Unless there're problems with the pivot, too). The only disavantage is that, unlike the other types of locks, the Axis-lock utilizes springs, which can wear out/break.
Ball-lock: It may have or is used by another company, but I don't know if they are. The one I'm thinking of is used by Spyderco (D'Allara, P'Kal, Polliwog, & Manix 2 come to mind). It's not used as much, but the ones I have or have had work very well. They seem to self adjust & are also totally ambidextrous, too. Disadvantage would probably be the open ball locks that'll allow dirt to get into (Like on the D'Allara). Probably not as long term tested, but IMHO, a very good lock.
There're others & also variations of the above mentioned ones, but those are probably the most seen/popular ones.
Personally, I like frame-locks, but that's probably because the ones I have have Ti scales & are "generally" nicer made knives than the others. However, I do have knives with the other locks. Becuase of some of their designs, I tend to also like Spyderco's back-locks. They're usually completely ambidextrous (The back-lock model that can be set-up for left or right hand carry/use).
If it's executed by a "known" & reliable company that's known for the quality knives, I think your needs, feel, & the particular knife is more important than the lock. I've read many times how someone will NOT use a liner-lock. However, Emerson has done very well with their liner-lock knives & most people agree that lock failure is not a known thing for them. I personally used an older Emerson CQC-7 (Satin finish CE, chisel ground tanto) for a good many yrs in the field & it's "saved my bacon" on one occassion, so it can't be that bad.
Sorry about the lengthy post, but as I think someone has already said, they're all good to some degree.
