Merits Of The Liner Lock

[STR]

Actually alot of what you said on the EKI forum is why I put the knife up for trade. I guess I wasn't grasping what you were saying, and took it that all LL's were inferior, and prone to failure for the life of the knife. Your post here really shined the light, and now I understand that after the lock wears/breaks in and is solidly behind the blade, it is much less prone to failures, probably comparable with any other lock out there.
I will still keep the knife on the trade page, mainly because I don't care for the "wave" feature, but I'm not going to be in a hurry to trade it off, and will be patient looking for a knife that I "really" want.

Dave

We owe a whole lot to the liner lock in this industry actually. Believe me I am not an anti liner lock person so much as I am a realist. I simply tell people as I see it based on my experience trying not to let my ego or my emotional attachment to the lock or the person behind it interfere with my objective take on the goings on with it.

As I said, I buy, trade, and own liner locks probably as much as anyone and believe me I am well aware that there are those that disagree with my take on this lock. I have I don't know how many Emersons in my safe now actually. Benchmades, Spydercos, Gerbers, Kershaws, and Bucks too that are all liner locks both old and new! I feel that liner locks are fine when built right. What does that mean? Well, they need to meet certain criteria for me and I'll just break it down for you.

Sure I convert them to frame locks but if you notice its most always thinner ones of a longer build. Its not rocket science what I say and easily proven out most of the time by anyone wanting to test them for themselves. I just got this other satin finished CQC14 in the mail from my best friend wanting me to make it a frame lock side like I did others and the lock on his goes in a bit better to get behind the blade than mine or yours. Its broke in nicely and the lock does not defeat from taps or spine pressure and is worthy of some praise for a liner lock this long with this thin of a lock and liner. At least as much praise as you'll ever hear coming from me for this type lock being used in a hard use folder.

So now you have one you trust more. What do you do? First of all you never drop your guard taking for granted that the lock is always going to be there or always be 100% trustworthy to save your fingers from injury. Its a safety device plain and simple and no matter the lock its never 100% full proof. As I've said time and again knowing the condition and characteristics of your carry knives is key to safety and proper maintenance. Hopefully if all is well once its broke in you'll be fine but the things I've said about twisting and torques laterally regarding this lock we refer to as the liner lock, Walker lock or integral lock still hold true for even the best most secure feeling one in a users hands. So long as you use it never going to sleep at the wheel so to speak it should be a fine user for you.

STR

 

[fleetparadox]

STR,

It has always been enlightening to read your posts on knife mechanics, especially considering how you can break them down methodically and modify them. It's especially fun to hear the personal background of a fellow knifenut because we all come from different walks of life and you can't truly understand someone without knowing the details.

Now that I know you are a retired Dentist, I have an even greater respect for your work. There are alot of knifemakers, both amateur and professional that don't approach the craft the same way you do. My uncle is a dentist as well and for him retirement will probably mean ski trips and golf lessons. Your dedication to the current hobby/work is amazing with respect to the fact that your don't have to toil away in a workshop and was once accustomed to being a medical practitioner. What is especially commendable are your policies of speedy service and great communication, in light of the fact that this is a retirement hobby of sorts.

My hat goes off to you and your services.