Locks: lockback vs. linerlock ?

I use lockbacks since 1977, none has failed. The three Spyderco midlocks i use don't have any bladeplay. A well made linerlock will be reliable if used properly: like a slipjoint.
Aside the fact that i don't like to put my thumb (the most important finger) on the edge path, my complaint about linerlocks is this one: a linerlock is not a beautiful mechanism. It's a wedge.
Of course that's a subjective point of view which can be discussed. Some may find the beauty in the simplicity, it happens to me as well, but not in that case.

dantzk.
 
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I like linerlocks.
While it is possible to close lockback knives one handed, I think it is a lot easier to close linerlock knives with one hand.
Still, nothing wrong with lockbacks. Linerlocks are just my preference.
 
knarfeng said:
I have used both liner locks and lockbacks. As long as either is well made it is reliable. Either can be opened one-handed. Either can be closed one-handed. I've used a lot more lockbacks than liner locks and maybe because of all the use, I am more comfortable with them.
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Same here. I've used about everything there is in nearly 55+ years of carrying folders. Lockbacks are still my EDC and my lock of choice if the rest of the knife works for me.
 
readyme said:
I don't see many frame locks. The Spyderco Sage 2 looks like a cool knife, but you have to be kidding me with how much it costs!!! Is there a frame lock knife with a reasonable price tag?
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Böker Trance
CRKT Drifter
 
I also prefer a liner/frame lock system, and had not bothered with a lockback for several years until I bought a Cold Steel Rajah II last summer. I was very impressed with the Demko Tri-Ad Lock on this huge knife. Then I had a chance this past January to get a custom Demko American Lawman with the Tr-Ad Lock and have jumped at the opportunity. Knife should be here by the end of next week.
 
I've got liners, frames, backs, compressions, and Axis knives all from highly-regarded companies. My favorite has been the Tri-Ad backlock system on my CS American Lawman ever since I bought it. Second favorite is Spyderco's compression. I've been nicked by all but the backlock, which can be closed one-handed btw.
 
J_Curd said:
A search will get you the details. Cara Cara, bad sequence of events. I grind all lockbacks to force maximum depression before the lock will release. As in "makes your thumb hurt" to disengage.
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Good man.:thumbup:
 
between linerlock and lockback i prefer linerlocks. they're easier for me to open and close. I dont really put my knives through super strenuous things so i've never had a lock fail.
 
Cold Steel Voyagers can be opened and closed one-handed -- the lock release is in the middle of the back so can easily be depressed with your thumb. The stud on the blade makes them easy to flick open. CS locks are very strong. There's also the venerable 110, which can be opened one-handed (if you're careful), but I find I have to use my other hand to close the blade. Both locks are reliable and strong, although any blade lock can be defeated if you try hard enough.
 
I'm not concerned with lock failure for any type of lock. I just prefer the usability of axis, frame, and linerlocks over lockbacks. I have to change my grip too much on a lockback in order to close it one-handed.
 
I prefer lock backs slightly more than liner locks. Although I don't use knives in such a way that downward pressure is put on the knife that would cause the lock to fail, lock backs just "look" stronger . . . and aesthetics factor hugely into my buying decision.

My favorite type of lock is the axis because I can close the knife quickly by pushing up on the lock and flicking my wrist down.
 
I prefer lockbacks over linerlocks. Some linerlocks can be disengaged by twisting and accidentally releasing the lock, but there is a slim chance you can accidentally release a liner lock as well.
With a lock back you have to be careful of pocket lint or other debris. The lock can't engage if there's junk in the way.
 
I prefer lockbacks over linerlocks because of what gormandu says about torsional and stabbing stress. Also, lockbacks are very easy to close one-handed if they have a decent sized ricasso. Most spydies have good sized ricassos which help with this.
 
The Tri-Ad lock appears to keep the knife from break in the opening direction, but it looks like just a normal lock back prevents it from closing up on your fingers. The Axis style or Ball-lock are my favs, but I can't fault a good linerlock.
 
I find linerlocks easier to close with just my thumb pressing down the liner and
using my index finger to move the thumbstud to close the blade.

In my limited experience (2 linerlocks, zilch lockbacks owned), it is easy to clean a linerlock of lint and dust.

I tried to close Spyderco lockbacks for sale at my local dealer with my right thumb and index finger and I simply couldn't get the hang of it in a few tries.

Wedging the index finger on the blade choil and using the thumb to press down the lever to close the knife seems good but it makes me rather uncomfortable.

My favorite locking mechanism would be the MOD-style plunge (button) lock, not ambidextrous but it's strong and fast once the action has broken in.
 
Between axis, liner, frame, and lockback, I like the axis the most, next frame, then liner. Not a big fan of lockbacks... they seem less ergonomic to me. But I'm not a hard-use knife kind of guy, so my preference is simply from use/ergonomics, not lock security.

I have no idea how secure the axis lock is compared to line, frame, or lockback. Can anyone here illuminate on the security of the axis vs. the other designs?
 
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I much prefer frame locks over anything else. Simple as it gets. No extra moving parts or springs that can break. Very easy to open and close when you want too, and the best part is....the tighter you grip the handle, the tighter the lock is. :thumbup:
 
The strongest lock I have ever seen is the ball bearing lock on the spyderco manix 2. There is no way the lock can fail unless the knife completely deconstructs. It is also basically impossible to disengage as it requires the user to depress the lock tabs on both sides simultaneously to unlock the blade.

Compression locks (spyderco para-military) are also close to bulletproof.

My favorites in terms of design elegance are (in order) frame lock, axis lock, bbl, liner lock, back lock, and compression lock.

I am surprised at how many posters here have said they have gotten a lock to fail. I am curious as to whether these failures were structural failures of the lock or accidental disengagements.

Any comments?
 
I prefer a liner lock greatly because I can prestty much assure myself any liner lock knife will be one handed opening and closing. A lockback will usually be one handed opening, but the closing is usually the tough part for me, depending on geometry.
 
I prefer lockbacks, with experience they're just as easy to open or close to me. The only knives I've had lock failure on both liner and lockbacks were Shrades...both decent, but I learned to treat them as though they had no lock at all, as under even light pressure both locks gave in. I have a Buck Crosslock that has seen better days as the handle insets are falling apart , occasionally jamming it open, but still securely locked. My old Gerbers (Sportsman Model 3's) and new CS Spartan though never give me any problems.
 
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