Manual Buttonlocks

[Insipid Moniker]

I gotta be honest, I'm really starting to dig a nice, beefy buttonlock on my folders. It started with Hogue and the EX-01, then I picked up a Freeman 451 BLF that goddamn well blew me away, followed by a a Real Steel Griffin E775. Now, well it remains out of my price range, I'm lustfully eyeing the Spartan Pallas as I really dig the blade shape and, maybe someday, even one of Brian Tighe's custom pieces.

I'd honestly love to see a ZT/Emerson collab buttonlock, as I love the Wave, but have an unreasonable prejudice against liner and framelocks.

Heck, when Spyderco finally drops the buttonlock Sage it will be an automatic buy, not even for me, but for my father as he has some peripheral neuropathy and the Spyderhole and buttonlock combo would make opening and closing an absolute breeze.

Anyone else want to see more of these pop up in the knife world? We've seen the testing showing they're plenty strong enough and, much as I love the Axis, Compression and Triad locks I think the buttonlock has overtaken them as my favorite. And, as an added bonus, it's not patent protected.

 

[AmosPaul]

Agree 100%. I love the Hogue EX-01 so much due to the buttonlock that I bought two of them.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Agree 100%. I love the Hogue EX-01 so much due to the buttonlock that I bought two of them.

I'm really hoping it's a trend that continues. As unattractive as I initially found the blade shape, I'm honestly finding myself looking forward to the release of the Hogue EX-05 just to see another buttonlock flipper hit the market. And, since they've mentioned there will likely be more than one blade shape it may make its way onto my list.

Oh, also, the Real Steel E775 is a great, inexpensive buttonlock if you're jonesing for a bit smaller, classier option than the Hogue.

 

[Czechmate]

Brian Tighe's button locks are the best I've ever felt in terms of function; same goes for Rod Olson's so check out his work as well if you're not familiar.

I love my Hogue 4" ex01 tanto and gave the smaller drop-point version I had to my father as a birthday present and he loves it as well.

A button lock done right is a joy to handle and use IMHO. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Another I'm interested in is a Protech TR4 manual or the new, smaller TR5 (even if it is assisted!) :thumbup:.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Brian Tighe's button locks are the best I've ever felt in terms of function; same goes for Rod Olson's so check out his work as well if you're not familiar.

I love my Hogue 4" ex01 tanto and gave the smaller drop-point version I had to my father as a birthday present and he loves it as well.

A button lock done right is a joy to handle and use IMHO. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Another I'm interested in is a Protech TR4 manual or the new, smaller TR5 (even if it is assisted!) :thumbup:.

Thanks for the tip! I'd heard Mr. Olson's name mentioned before, but never seen his work. I'll check it out.

 

[craytab]

I just started to look hard at the Spartan Pallas. It is clear I will end up with one at some point.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I just started to look hard at the Spartan Pallas. It is clear I will end up with one at some point.

Your comment also reminded my of the Benchmade APB. They haven't put out a straight manual with it yet, but I'm definitely hoping they do.

 

[craytab]

I think they would sell a lot of a manual version. It wasn't hard to de-assist but it was more involved than just removing a torsion bar. It would also be nice to have it tuned from benchmade. It is my most fun knife to play with.

 

[palonej]

I have a Hogue EX-04, a BM 665 and a small William Henry with button locks........want more!
Joe

 

[shinyedges]

I've never had a button lock but always been intrigued by them, what's a good one to start with? I'll look up all the ones mentioned in this thread.

I gotta be honest, I'm really starting to dig a nice, beefy buttonlock on my folders. It started with Hogue and the EX-01, then I picked up a Freeman 451 BLF that goddamn well blew me away, followed by a a Real Steel Griffin E775. Now, well it remains out of my price range, I'm lustfully eyeing the Spartan Pallas as I really dig the blade shape and, maybe someday, even one of Brian Tighe's custom pieces.

I'd honestly love to see a ZT/Emerson collab buttonlock, as I love the Wave, but have an unreasonable prejudice against liner and framelocks.

Heck, when Spyderco finally drops the buttonlock Sage it will be an automatic buy, not even for me, but for my father as he has some peripheral neuropathy and the Spyderhole and buttonlock combo would make opening and closing an absolute breeze.

Anyone else want to see more of these pop up in the knife world? We've seen the testing showing they're plenty strong enough and, much as I love the Axis, Compression and Triad locks I think the buttonlock has overtaken them as my favorite. And, as an added bonus, it's not patent protected.

 

[Czechmate]

I've never had a button lock but always been intrigued by them, what's a good one to start with? I'll look up all the ones mentioned in this thread.

Even Boker has a few decents ones; definitely on the inexpensive side of the spectrum too. I have the Blues & Elegance and they're pretty decent IMHO.


Not my pics:

 

[liamstrain]

I still love my little Benchmade Shoki 480-1

(not my photo)

 

[shinyedges]

Dude warn me before I accidentally spit water all over the place, your location is funny as HELL lol Big thumbs up!

Those bokers look nice, I'll check out their prices.

Even Boker has a few decents ones; definitely on the inexpensive side of the spectrum too. I have the Blues & Elegance and they're pretty decent IMHO.


Not my pics:

 

[Yo Mama]

Jeff Freeman, who used to be with Gerber, is making an AMAZING button lock flipper. He has more options now then when I ordered mine, but worth every penny. He is soooo easy to work with, and always answered my emails quickly. I love carrying it, and the button lock drew me to it. Locks up extremely solid.

edit to add: just went on his website and now he's bringing it with the option to upgrade to S35V !

 

[Yo Mama]

Dude warn me before I accidentally spit water all over the place, your location is funny as HELL lol Big thumbs up!

Those bokers look nice, I'll check out their pricees.

I didn't notice the sig either! Love it.

 

[Misanthropia]

I'm very excited for Allen Elishewitz's detent idea for button locks to start getting implemented across the board. Basically he added a ball detent in the closed position on the new Hogue EX-05, which gives it stronger blade retention in the closed position. This will allow for real button lock flippers, as the current ones all essentially use centrifugal force to propel the blade out out, which is why the flippers are usually canted so far forward in front of the pivot.

 

[Hackenslash]

I love my Freeman 451 BLF! Awesome, small batch production knife! Jeff now has them in titanium frame and I'd love to pick one of those up. When I bought my BLF he confirmed he might have a 3" version in the works. The 451 BLF started my fascination with button locks. I wish there were more. I'm waiting on my Griffin now...

 

[Czechmate]

Dude warn me before I accidentally spit water all over the place, your location is funny as HELL lol Big thumbs up!

Those bokers look nice, I'll check out their prices.

I didn't notice the sig either! Love it.

Not even stirring the pot one bit right?... :thumbup: FWIW, you're the first to comment on it ShinyEdges. :thumbup:


As for the Bokers; I got them both like new off the exchange here as part of a larger group of knives so they were very reasonable compared to the typical MSRP. :thumbup:

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I got the Spartan Pallas. Great blade, really slices. Very comfortable in hand.
Be aware, this is a heavy knife.

 

[craytab]

I got the Spartan Pallas. Great blade, really slices. Very comfortable in hand.
Be aware, this is a heavy knife.

How does it compare to something like a 0560 or 0562cf. Looks like by the specs it weighs an ounce less. Also, how is the lock up? I've seen very favorable reviews of the Pallas I'm just concerned about the lock as I have no experience with this type of lock and it is a rather expensive knife.