Speak Up! Frame Locks Vs Liner Locks

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I have both but don't really have a preference.

I suppose if I HAD to choose, I would go with framelock, as there is no way the lockbar will move when you are gripping the knife (not that it has ever been an issue for me even with liner locks, however).
 
Uncle Timbo said:
Like many others have already posted, I have both. It depends on the task but if I could only choose one from now til the end of time, it would be a frame lock like here in my Buck 110.
If I want convenience and speed it would be my Syderco Sage I or II. I can hold something needing cut in one had, pull the knife out, open, make the cut, close it and slip it back in my pocket. All with one hand.
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That buck 110 isn't a frame lock.
 
Uncle Timbo said:
Like many others have already posted, I have both. It depends on the task but if I could only choose one from now til the end of time, it would be a frame lock like here in my Buck 110.
If I want convenience and speed it would be my Syderco Sage I or II. I can hold something needing cut in one had, pull the knife out, open, make the cut, close it and slip it back in my pocket. All with one hand.
Click to expand...

To avoid possible confusion, that Buck 110 is a back lock. :)
 
I have a military and a spydiechef and enjoy both.

both open and close one handed and thatd be the most important thing for me going forward in a folder
 
No preference. I have several frame locks and zero liner lock knives but that's just a coincidence. The locking mechanism isn't something I use to base my knife purchases on. The only exception to that would be a shark fin Demko and scorpion lock CS that I bought mostly out of curiosity.
If I saw a knife that I was interested in, blade steel, handle material, shape and size and it had a liner lock, I wouldn't hesitate.
 
Sorry for the Dr. Frankenstein move. It came down to a resurrection or not again thread. This one didn't digress into a mud flinging, so here we are. lol

I'm way heavy on frame locks. One spydie with a back lock. A few buttons and autos.

Currently have my first two liner locks inbound.

After reading everything I can find over time. I'm in the camp that feels any lock can be good or bad, depending on how well it's executed. As long as mechanical limits are respected.

When inspecting a liner lock assembly for proper design and implementation. What specifics do you look at/for that show or hint towards a well done example?

Is it basically lockup percentage, face contact, tension, etc like a frame. Or are there more finely tuned tells one should consider on a LL?
 
Danke42 said:
Unless your eyes are calibrated to a few thou what will an inspection show?

Just get knives from reputable makers. Then use with common sense.
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Yeah, I'm pretty sure those boxes are checked already. I'm not concerned about deciding if I should buy these or worried about them. They're made by reputable makers. So most of that advice has already happened.
 
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Hope to hear from some horse traders, not the pay full retail and it will work out stuff.

There must be some smart methods for this type of due diligence.
 
scorpnsnake said:
Hope to hear from some horse traders, not the pay full retail and it will work out stuff.

There must be some smart methods for this type of due diligence.
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Only buy from people you know and or / trust based upon their rep online.

Decide and agree up front that the knife is returnable to the seller if it is not up to snuff.

It used to be hereabouts that "a deal is not final until both sides are satisfied". That ship sailed with the increasing tide of members who are not here for much more than making a quick buck.

The bright side is that if you can get the agreement up front in a PM or in the thread, we will hold their feet to the fire...and if they don't live by their words, we will ban them.

I've done it more times than I care to...and it will be done again if folks can't or won't keep their word.
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
I prefer liner locks because I like both sides of the knife to look the same. And I've never had a linerlock fail.
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I thought I was the only one with that strain of OCD. 🤣

I also like liner locks because they typically don’t interfere with opening operation. At least I haven’t run into any that do. There are some well-designed frame locks that behave similarly, but not many in my experience. Even many of my higher end frame lock flippers have to be held just right so that there’s no pressure on the lock bar.
 
Either can work fine and, IMO , depends more on the brand / maker and exact model, than the lock type per se .

Of course , for ultimate strength and trustworthiness , there can be only one !

The fabulous Cold Steel Demko Tri-ad Lock ! 🥳
 
This one's going back to sleep.

scorpnsnake scorpnsnake there is no way to know until you have the knife in your hand if it's going to be up to snuff. If you buy one here, get the seller to agree to the terms I mention above. If they don't fulfill their end of the bargain, then they'll deal with the consequences and no longer be selling here.

That's about as good a way to insure that you're getting a reliable lock as any if you're not buying from the maker or a respected vendor.
 
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