Question for all you Custom Folder fanciers---Does it have to be a FrameLock?

[Robert Hankins]

Knowing the debates rage on about Framelock VS Lockback Does a custom folder need to be a framelock to spark interest?
Of course the reason I bring this up after having made both recently, I kinda lean toward the Lockback.
Just sounds like a well made weapon when the lock snaps into place.
They are a little heavier but we are talking a few ounces.
Your opinion counts and will help me decide which direction to go

 

[GigOne]

Framelock VS Lockback

I'm into linerlock, slipjoints, and framers. Have seen a few lockbacks that I wouldn't mind tossing into the pocket, but other blade purchase priorities have prevented that from happening.


I would like to add. . . .framers. . . .definitely make me go. . . .WOOT - WOOT !


If you don't mind me asking. . .how difficult are lockbacks to make (vs. other folders) ?

 

[marcangel]

ABSOLUTELY......NOT! A linerlock is almost as strong as a framelock and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with conventional lockbacks. In fact, many of your higher end gents knives are lockbacks.

P.S. Everyone of those Osborne knives in my avatar are lockbacks.

 

[Robert Hankins]

Lockbacks rank about the same in degree of difficulty.
All folders have their points of interest and detractors as well.
Just a FYI there are a number of precise steps that need to all mesh before any folder works right. IMO for someone to plunk down the type of $s involved, the knife should perform to a custom level as well.

So would the concern be that it might unlock and cut you?
Doesn't that go back to the quality of the build to begin with?

 

[Kohai999]

Framelocks are the flavor of the moment. Backlocks are very cool. I don't see Warren Osborne, W.D. Pease or Tim Herman offering framelocks, and they don't seem to be hurting for work.YMMV.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[GigOne]

So would the concern be that it might unlock and cut you?

I've yet to have any knife unlock and cut me. . . .as long as I was using it properly and for its intended purpose.

And I've never heard of a lock back unlocking. . . .uncommanded.

 

[Joss]

For a tactical or a utilitarian, I would prefer framelock. For a fancy, back-lock, bail-lock, tail-lock, etc. Those are prettier, IMHO. Liner lock would be OK too.

 

[shaldag]

Actually, of the customs that I have or have on order, none are framelocks.

For utilitarian pieces, I like something that works well with either hand.

I have a few framelocks, but for some reason, famelocks just don't do it for me, aesthetically.

Of course, if anybody really wants to convince me, they can always send their favorite framelock, and I'll happily try it out. Just don't expect me to send it back. (That's why I don't participate in pass-arounds. Sending a knife away just isn't something that I am inclined to do........)

 

[dsvirsky]

I kinda lean toward the Lockback.

Personally, I like the way you're leanin'.