Slip joints vs lockbacks

Personally I love the walk and talk of a good lockback, but when it comes time to close it and put it away I prefer slipjoints.
There's something about the simplicity of a good slipjoint, just pull it open to use it and push the blade closed to put it away.
It's not enough to keep me from them, but having to deal with disengaging the Lock-bar to close the knife is less noticeably less convenient.
 
not2sharp said:
I enjoy variety. The modern knife with its larger dimensions and easily deploying blade has advantages over the old nail yanking nail-nick slip joint. But, my early knives were slip joints and I have EDC’d the same old stockman knife for over 23 years. So while I will often add a modern knife to my carry, I will use it in the same way I use my slip joint, so I don’t let the lock get in my way. It may even be a safer knife; but, only for so long as I continue to use it as a folding knife, without confusing it for a fixed blade.

Btw, other than as a fidgeting device, and in the absence of a physical handicap, why would anyone need to close a knife with one hand?

n2s
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I have been in countless situations where I have only one hand free and need to close my knife. Up on a ladder, scissor lift, forklift safety cage, under a car, I’m sure lots more but I think you understand. Can’t risk dropping an open knife on someone, certainly don’t want to roll over on an open knife after perhaps putting it down and bumping it where I can’t see it.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
When piercing, I tend use the knife in such a way that there is always pressure that'll keep the blade open. If I need more than that, I'll get a different tool.

I do see your point though. ;)
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I do the same, but all it takes is, for example the package to buckle a little unexpectedly to change the angle faster than one can compensate for. Also I’ve got a large dog that likes to be near me all the time. She doesn’t understand the concept of going around, always through lol! If I’m cutting something when she decides to go through where I’m standing, I prefer a blade that won’t accidentally close. Most of my tasks don’t require a fixed blade and although I’ve got one in the mail, I usually find them bulky and awkward to carry.
 
not2sharp said:
I enjoy variety. The modern knife with its larger dimensions and easily deploying blade has advantages over the old nail yanking nail-nick slip joint. But, my early knives were slip joints and I have EDC’d the same old stockman knife for over 23 years. So while I will often add a modern knife to my carry, I will use it in the same way I use my slip joint, so I don’t let the lock get in my way. It may even be a safer knife; but, only for so long as I continue to use it as a folding knife, without confusing it for a fixed blade.

Btw, other than as a fidgeting device, and in the absence of a physical handicap, why would anyone need to close a knife with one hand?

n2s
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As for the why.... sometimes my other hand is doing something else when I realize I need to cut something. Maybe holding something, or keeping a line taught. Maybe that hand is dirty and doesn't need to be holding a knife.
 
I guess I’ve used so many different types of locking folders and slip joints I always find a way to use one hand to safely close them. The only type I don’t like is ones that have half stops. For me a half stop is a design flaw almost certain to cause injury. That jerking dang stop in the midst of closing is obnoxiously annoying! And the same for opening!
I’ve used 110 lockbacks for so long I just automatically close them without much hesitation. The few mid lockbacks I’ve used took me a little getting used to but after a few days I was one handing it as well as a slip joint. Now when I switch from a lockback to a flipper liner lock or vice verse I find myself trying to release my 110 slim pro like a liner lock. Lol then I feel stupid lol.
 
I have carried a GEC model 78 and a S&M gunstock for quite awhile but I have been really happy with my Buck 501 from the custom shop. I forgot who said it but I try not to do anything stupid with my knives because stuff happens and locks fail for one reason or another.
The presence of a backlock or if a knife is a slipjoint doesn’t really matter to me. I have carried and like both types.
 
Yes, stilettos have a certain coolness factor but the only time I’ve seen them in use is to threaten or stab someone.

This is an interesting discussion though. I routinely carry two folders, often in one slip. I use a slip because that keeps them in my pocket better than the knives in the pocket alone. So, I have to remove the slip, remove a knife, put slip back in pocket or set it down, then open the knife with both hands. Even if was interested in closing it with one hand, so what? It’s going back in the slip, back in my pocket which requires two hands.

Other folks have other requirements. I’m just stating that this works all right for me.
 
Eli Chaps said:
There's nothing wrong with lock back knives. I like lock backs. I like slip joints. I like fixed blades. I don't do stupid things with my knives regardless of type.

I don't see any reason to rain down on folks who like and use locking knives. Good grief.
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I like them too. I have several Buck 110's and use them as oft as I do the slipjoints I've paired with it for the week or month.

My sincere apologies if you thought I was coming down on, or giving grief to those who prefer a locking blade.
 
Mayonardo said:
Yes, stilettos have a certain coolness factor but the only time I’ve seen them in use is to threaten or stab someone.

This is an interesting discussion though. I routinely carry two folders, often in one slip. I use a slip because that keeps them in my pocket better than the knives in the pocket alone. So, I have to remove the slip, remove a knife, put slip back in pocket or set it down, then open the knife with both hands. Even if was interested in closing it with one hand, so what? It’s going back in the slip, back in my pocket which requires two hands.

Other folks have other requirements. I’m just stating that this works all right for me.
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I only have one one-hand-opening knife right now: a switchblade my father-in-law gave me. It doesn't cut very well, and I don't carry it, but it's fun to play with. (I'd like to get a stiletto, though, if only for the "coolness factor"!)

My main carries are my Laguiole and Opinel, and when I carry something else, it is usually a trapper, stockman, lambsfoot, sheepsfoot, or SAK. They all require me to use two hands to open, although I can close some of them one-handed if I want to. It just takes a second or two, and I have never felt handicapped. The knife I carry most (Laguiole) I carry in a pocket sheath/pouch, similar to your slip. Works fine for me.

[Your Monty Python allusion was funny. :D]

Edit: I have a few lockbacks, too (including a Buck 110), and I love them.
 
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I prefer a slipjoint generally. I just like the simplicity and being able to close it one handed. I like a lockback on a big knife like a Buck 110, and I really dont like a lockback on a small knife at all (too fiddly and I dont need a lock). For me, they can be good but I always seem to find slipjoints in my pocket instead. You really dont need a lock for 99% of things you do with a knife, and locks tend to give people false confidence and sometimes dangerous habits. I have cut myself more with locking knives actually. Slipjoints make you a bit more careful since you know it can close on you, and they take a second longer to open than many more modern knives, so you have a second to think "Am I about to do something stupid with this sharp object"?
 
Eli Chaps said:
I don't see any reason to rain down on folks who like and use locking knives. Good grief.
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I don't think anyone was intending on raining down on anyone. There's obviously going to be differences in opinion on a topic such as this, it's why marketing departments and different brands exist
 
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