Most reliable locking folder?

shootist16

shootist16

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There have been many posts asking what the strongest, toughest, etc., folder is. I am curious about the most reliable locking folder. What do you think?
 
My preference is for the Benchmade Axis lock. I have never been able to get one to release, and making folder locks release is practically an obsession with me. Second would be integral frame locks, but if the lock bar is too exposed, counter clock-wise torqueing can release the lock bar. My third choice is the Spyderco Compression lock. The Compression lock my one day be my favorite, but right now it is not available on a wide enough variety of knives, only the Vesuvious, which is very nice, and the Gunting, which is odd. The SOG Arc lock should be nearly as reliable as the Axis. After that comes the REKAT Rolling Lock, but I have read an unsettling number of reports of lock releases on the big Sifus lately, so its reliability is somewhat in question at the moment.
The back-lock on the Spyderco Chinook is mighty impressive.

The most reliable is the butterfly knife if it works for you.
 
Originally posted by Steve Harvey
My preference is for the Benchmade Axis lock.
Click to expand...

I knew you were going to say that!:D

There has been discussion in another thread about the axis lock not being a good choice for a defensive folder due to the ease of accidental release in certain grips.

Personally the axis lock is my favorite. I have a Gunting and think the compression lock is promising. It does have a tendency to pinch you when you open the knife though.
 
Originally posted by shootist16
There has been discussion in another thread about the axis lock not being a good choice for a defensive folder due to the ease of accidental release in certain grips.
Click to expand...

You're right. I remember that thread. I challenged them to prove how an Axis lock could easily become disengaged unintentionally. They couldn't even try. The fact is the Axis lock makes a darn good defensive blade, especially the 710 with the longer handle. It would be extremely difficult to accidentally close this blade, whereas a liner lock would have a much better chance of closing just by making contact with an arm or a bat or what have you.
 
I would have to say from the models I've handled, that the Spydie Chinook and BM Mel Purdue(sp?) Axis are close...

The Chinook is build like a tank, and sounds like chambering a round into a 12 gauge. The BM axislock is smooth, but doesn't fly open for speed draws(like the spydies).
 
I trust my REKAT folders 100%. I have not had any problems with the REKAT rolling-lock...Even on my Sifus.:).
 
I have found that integral lock folders are very reliable under even adverse conditions.
 
Strider GB
This may only be a liner lock, but there is NO WAY that it will fail -you have to see the size of this thing to understand.

This not a subtle, sheeple friendly knife! But I love mine.

Regards,

Ed
 
IMO is the most reliable locking folder, the folder you have tested.
I trust in my Microtech SOCOM Elite-M because it has passed all recommended tests by Joe Talmadge/A. T. Barr as well as my own test criteria.
 
axis lock #1?? CJ himself said the AL was not in his opinion suitable for CQB - what can i say to add to that(and YES i understand what he's talking about, WHY dont YOU)?? w/the button release its liable to release at a bad time imho - couldnt come close to disputing this? read the thread again........

nothing wrong w/a well designed/executed liner lock, if so, why is emerson so popular w/the spec ops community?? nuff said on this one imho - wont even mention the rolling lock....shoot, they, imho, arent as good as a liner.........

in an earlier thread i said last post on gunting vs all other knives, this is my last post on axis locks too - flame me !!!!!!! i am tired of the same old stuff over and over and over again - no matter what ya say some dont get it, so whats the use??? BYES on this subject, its been ran into the ground imho


sifu
 
I do understand where CJ is coming from. I can see where it could be easy in a defensive situation for your thumb or something else to disegage the axis lock. Overall it is still my favorite lock.
 
The Sebenza's frame lock is the most reliable. I KNOW this lock will never fail because it takes more effort to release the lock under normal conditions then most liner locks.
 
The Sebenza Integral Lock is the one I would trust. What you see is what you get. I am sure the Axis on my 710 M2 is good, but I can't see what it is doing and it worries my that it attracts a lot of lint and pocket fluff in and around the working parts. Will it lock up covered in fluff? My Benza's will.
 
Since the term "most reliable" indicates a well documented history of satisfactory
performance I'd say that title belongs to the venerable Buck 110 lockback. While
not the most popular knife today it still is the most reliable locking folder on the planet.
Everything else came later.
 
Originally posted by Tightwad
Since the term "most reliable" indicates a well documented history of satisfactory
performance I'd say that title belongs to the venerable Buck 110 lockback. While
not the most popular knife today it still is the most reliable locking folder on the planet.
Everything else came later.
Click to expand...

Good point!
 
Sifu,

You have still done NOTHING to prove your lazy point. A point raised by an individual whom had a great deal to do with the development of one of the most successful LINER LOCKS in the world: the AFCK. It was soon overshadowed by the development of the 710 Axis. Hmmmmm.....

Dennis,

Do not buy into this. If the operator of an Axis lock does not wish to disengage the button, it is not going to happen. The operator's hand or thumb has to be on the button. Is this a normal grip? It isn't for me. Even then, the thumb has to pull backwards on a small button that is fairly recessed. These are movements that need a conscious effort, not an unintentional one, to complete.

I keep asking for proof or a demonstration of how it is so easy to accidentally close this knife. All I get is "the button is on the handle, therefore it is easy to close." Just a lazy attempt that proves nothing.

I've heard lots of stories about liner locks closing accidentally. I haven't heard a single story of an Axis lock closing by the button being disengaged unintentionally. Even if there is one or two stories out there-- after all, I never said it was impossible--they are still totally outnumbered by the many liner lock failures.
 
The only locking blade folders I have ever heard of fail under nornal conditions were cheap, poorly constructed knives anyway. I can't think of a single lock mechanism on the market today that will not stand up and perform when the knife is used as intended. All locks will fail if gripped wrong or stressed beyond the intended design use of the knife. Perhaps a better question would be: Does anyone know of an unreliable lock that is currently in production? Does anyone have any horror stories.

Just my 2 cents.

-Al-
 
Frame lock. I know, all frame locks are not created equal, but if you can torque the lock on my Apogee, it's all yours. I can't budge it even with the blade in a vise, and I'm not average:p
 
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