Opinion: Frame Locks are Ugly

From experience, sand and other detritus tends to get into liner locks more than frame locks (actual frame locks, not hidden or "sub" ones), so for harder use around the garden I use framelocks or fix...much easier to clean. Open back design is always a plus here.

Yes, I think linerlocks are prettier than frame locks, but I dont think framies (there I coined it) are ugly...I think my ZT0707 is pretty sexy.

In my opinion, lockbacks and linerlocks offer the most versatility in design (creatively speaking) for knife designers.
 
Dimashkieh said:
Do we really need a less esthetically pleasing knife in our pockets for our daily chores?
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"We" don't. You've done a fairly good job of framing this opinion of yours as just that, save for the above sentence. I have no issue with the aesthetics of the frame lock. I do prefer other locks for functional reasons but if a design I like is a frame lock I have no problem buying it for aesthetic reasons or otherwise.
 
The frame lock is a brilliant design. But it's just that. I prefer my folders with no lock, or a strong spring or an effective back lock. But that's just me. I eventually prefer a pocket fixed blade, anyway. Very personal opinion here, again.
 
The asymmetry of a framelock serves a purpose.
If I valued the aesthetics of symmetry over function that highly, I'd carry a traditional knife that didn't have a pocket clip.
Even a non-titanium show scale has a practical purpose (weight reduction, in many cases by a significant margin).

kobold said:
I like symmetry, mainly because it is beautiful, and also because it is ambidextrous. Back locks, able/axis locks, CBBLs are preferable in case of an injury to the dominant hand.

The use of different materials on different sides of a knife is also something I vote against with my wallet.
Apart from being asymmetrical and therefore aesthetically less pleasing, to add insult to injury, these knives automatically feel and look cheaper too. G10 is used the most, which is just a piece of plastic after all.

But a more practical reason against the use of different materials is that they have different properties and they react in different ways to different environmental conditions. Eg UV will do nothing to metal, but deteriorate G10.
Or the blade on the Para 3 LW is prone to be off center after a while, because the lopsided construction.

Lastly, I prefer a liner lock to a frame lock because it is less exposed and there is less chance of accidentally disengaging it in hard or gloved use. Eg, I really appreciate the Spyderco GB2 for how concealed its liner lock is.
For the same reason I prefer a frame lock with a secondary lock more than one without, even though it looks less elegant.
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Is there a normal use scenario where the UV stability of G10 would ever matter on a pocket knife? It takes years for UV to start breaking down G10 in marine applications, and that's with hours of direct sun every day. If you take minimal care of it (an occasional wipe of 303 or similar product), it'll last even longer. Unless you're leaving the knife laying around in the sun for hours a day or storing it under UV lights, UV deterioration would likely never come into play.
 
Dimashkieh said:
Hello knife lovers,

I own many knives of all shapes and forms and from different brands and budgets. I totally appreciate the safety and functionality of frame locks. After all, who am I to question the great Chris Reeve’s design? But, I really find them ugly, especially on cheaper knives. I also hate the asymmetry with the scales of frame lock knives, especially when you have CF or Micarta on one side and titanium on the other.

For a sub 3.5” EDC knife, when was the last time that a well built liner lock failed you? Do we really need a less esthetically pleasing knife in our pockets for our daily chores?

I would love to hear your opinions.
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I like your style!
You joined 8 years ago (2013) & have 19 posts in all that time & just one short of half (9) of those posts are devoted to the topic.

LOL! I guess someone could say all you've done since you got here 8 years ago, is go on and on about how you don't like a frame lock! :D :D

Anyhow - no offense intended - the low post count & number of years here reminded me of the old joke about the monk that took a vow of silence. Hw was only allowed to speak once every 10 years. His first ten he said "food cold", second, "bed lumpy" third "I quit". The head monk told him, "No wonder you quit, all you've done since you got here was complain"!

Back on topic - I'm not a fan of a frame lock in the least. If a knife has one, it has one, if not, I don't mind. I think all locks are a solution looking for a problem.
 
Bes
Hal said:
I like your style!
You joined 8 years ago (2013) & have 19 posts in all that time & just one short of half (9) of those posts are devoted to the topic.

LOL! I guess someone could say all you've done since you got here 8 years ago, is go on and on about how you don't like a frame lock! :D :D

Anyhow - no offense intended - the low post count & number of years here reminded me of the old joke about the monk that took a vow of silence. Hw was only allowed to speak once every 10 years. His first ten he said "food cold", second, "bed lumpy" third "I quit". The head monk told him, "No wonder you quit, all you've done since you got here was complain"!

Back on topic - I'm not a fan of a frame lock in the least. If a knife has one, it has one, if not, I don't mind. I think all locks are a solution looking for a problem.
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Brside being so far away from being a monk, spot on! I hope I will not quit any soon though.
 
When I am King, they will be banned! Fully automatic sub machine guns will be available in vending machines BUT do NOT get caught with a frame lock in my Kingdom!

For real tho, YES, the blatantly asymmetrical models (ZT 0562cf) have a type of ugly (imho) that one has to work hard to achieve. The whole "show side" and "lock side" reminds me of the tournament only folks, in BJJ, who would only train on their "Jiu Jitsu side". They drove me nuts and so do one scale knives.

That said - the ZT 0562ti almost made it into my cart as it minimizes the difference by having the same material on each side.

But deep down, I think we all know there are two types of locks: (1) cross bar (2) everything else :D
 
I used to think frame locks were ugly when I first got into knives. Then after a few months it grew on me and its now my favorite lock. Another reason I love frame locks is most of my favorite designs have frame locks.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I much prefer a framelock to a linerlock...
Linerlocks look like they couldn't quite make the grade to be a good framelock.
The linerlock mechanism is thinner and just isn't as robust...does NOT inspire confidence.
IMO
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You realize about 3/4ths down the frame lock is a cutout where it is much thinner so you can actually engage/disengage it right? This is typically equal to or even thinner than a good liner lock.

Im not shitting on frame locks, as they are my favorite lock type but lets be real....its equal to a well made liner or even less so.
 
Dr Rez said:
You realize about 3/4ths down the frame lock is a cutout where it is much thinner so you can actually engage/disengage it right? This is typically equal to or even thinner than a good liner lock.

Im not shitting on frame locks, as they are my favorite lock type but lets be real....its equal to a well made liner or even less so.
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I've explained this many times on this forum, so I really CBA to explain it again. So as TLDR; your statement is incorrect.
 
I don't mind framelocks and I've owned a few. I don't like the styling where they put a sculpted/colored scale on one side and the other side is a flat slab of Ti. That does look unfinished to me. One of my framelocks was a ZT 0561 with sculpted G10 scale on one side, and identically sculpted Ti frame on the other side. If you're going to do some styling then to me that is the way to do it.
 
Gideons said:
I've explained this many times on this forum, so I really CBA to explain it again. So as TLDR; your statement is incorrect.
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Great post buddy. Its wrong but I wont tell you why...Classy.
 
I like the look, and heft of frame locks.
I despise late lock-up, jamming against the tang. This seems to be the most common problem with 'made in China' knives, IMO.
 
Dr Rez said:
Great post buddy. Its wrong but I wont tell you why...Classy.
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No need to get upset "buddy". My dilemma is, your post shows that having a solid understanding of science is not one of your strengths. As your assumptions and conclusion are both highly flawed. So, what is to be gained from a scientific argument in response? It would take multiple paragraphs and citations to underlying scientific facts that the arguments are based on - in which your post didn't follow. So, to keep it brief I just wanted to inform you that your conclusion was incorrect. This should make you happy, as your "favourite lock" is actually stronger than you think, which any quick and non-scientific research on your end would show that the general consensus on knife forums is that a well-made framelock is stronger and more durable than an equally well-made linerlock..
 
Gideons said:
No need to get upset "buddy". My dilemma is, your post shows that having a solid understanding of science is not one of your strengths. As your assumptions and conclusion are both highly flawed. So, what is to be gained from a scientific argument in response? It would take multiple paragraphs and citations to underlying scientific facts that the arguments are based on - in which your post didn't follow. So, to keep it brief I just wanted to inform you that your conclusion was incorrect. This should make you happy, as your "favourite lock" is actually stronger than you think, which any quick and non-scientific research on your end would show that the general consensus on knife forums is that a well-made framelock is stronger and more durable than an equally well-made linerlock..
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What a douchey unhelpful response. People like you should have no place on this forum.
 
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