Strongest folder lock

E

excranium

Joined
Feb 24, 2006
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As I search for my first quality folder (about $125), I notice there are several types of locking mechanisms. This knife will be for EDC. I do a lot of camping so there will be some hard use. What do you consider to be the most reliable and strongest type of lock. Thank you for your insights.
 
Lockbacks, framelocks, and axis locks are some of the strongest. Linerlocks are some of the weakest, although some innovative designs, such as the LAWKS system, have made them better.
Also, the very cheap Opinel has a strong lock. The blade would have to shear through a steel ring for the lock to fail.
Don't discount slipjoints.
Fixed blades are stronger than any folder, and should be legal to carry for camping.
 
I agree with Jim. Frame locks are inherently strong. I have not had too much trouble with linerlocks but I will admit I am a little afraid of them. Spyderco's lockback (Manix) is one of the strongest locks around imho. Also the compression lock of spyderco seems pretty tough.
TC
 
You need to differentiate between "reliable" and "strong".

The weakest point of a folder is not usually the lock but rather the pivot.

What most folks are actually after is the most reliable lock. There have been more reports of reliability problems with linerlocks than with others, but part of that is that many cheap knives are linerlocks. A well made linerlock is quite reliable. And there have been reports of failures with almost all lock types.

Bottom line: want a reliable lock? Get one from a reliable maker.
 
Depending on how hard the use, you might want to get a fixed blade.

There are very nice AXIS (Benchmade) lock folders in your price range.
 
I ordered a green manix yesterday, so I'll have to recomend that because it fits all your needs to a T. It is priced at 125, is the strongest lockback available according to many people, and is perfect for camping utility tasks. Get a manix, axis, compression lock or frame lock--they're all quite good.
 
The Axis locked Benchmade is my favorite. Utterly reliable and backed by a bombproof warranty if not. :)
 
Thanks for information, it will be a big help. I will look at the axis locks from Benchmade, they seem to have a huge selection. I have been using a Buck Ranger for about 10 years and its beat, I must say it has been very reliable, just not easy to use with 1 hand.
 
IMO a well made framelock is strongest. A good lockback will be generally less expensive and provide tried and true reliability. Benchmade and Sypderco both have a good selection of folders that are well made and reasonably priced. Good luck!:thumbup::)
 
excranium said:
Thanks for information, it will be a big help. I will look at the axis locks from Benchmade, they seem to have a huge selection. I have been using a Buck Ranger for about 10 years and its beat, I must say it has been very reliable, just not easy to use with 1 hand.
Click to expand...

Why not send it back to Buck for a refit. It would be a shame to part with an old friend.
 
In my humble apinion I go for the frame lock, while the axis lock is good, the frame lock is all about simplicity, ease of maitenace. Its a simpler with less moving parts apartus, and I like that. The less parts and the simpler the design the better, for me.
 
So far the Compression lock by Spyderco has the best track record of any lock produced. I've never heard of one failing.
It's also easy to clean.

For overall ease of use and top strength, I'd go with the Axis lock. It has an impeccable track record, and is extremely reliable (though one or two failures have been reported, it's very uncommon).

excranium, good choice with the Axis lock.
 
As has been pointed out already the top three for folding knives would be a good BenchMade Axis lock. Something like the HK 14205 comes to mind. This is a great knife and certainly would be among the first choices for me if I were tossing things up for what to use.

A good solid performing lockback is a good choice. Something along the lines of a Spyderco Manix or Mini Manix or a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter are what I'd go for. Cold Steel UH is a steal at the price and the lock is second to none but these are all big folders.

The frame lock would probably be my first choice since I'm growing fonder and fonder of this style of EDC everyday, however, most of the ones I like are going to exceed your price limit. You might look at the Bradley Alias which comes in two sizes which is a very very nice little frame lock made for them by BenchMade and it is price a bit more than your limit though but its a great value if this is the style you want. If you like asssisted opening there are some from Kershaw but most that I'd recommend are beyond your price. You won't find a custom made for your price so I'm not going there.

For your limit in the budget you have allotted to me the BenchMade mentioned first is the best one to shoot for.

STR
 
I have the Benchmade Elishewitz-designed "Dark Star" and it has the most amazing liner lock I've ever seen. Rock solid, and the way the end of the blade is designed (where the liner engages) is such that the liner always goes to exactly right distance and hits a machined-in stop. The liner is a fairly thick piece of titanium and, although not quite as beefy, it give that same "bank vault" thunk and feel as my Sebenza. I don't know if all of Benchmade's liner locks are of this design, but it is a big step up compared to, say, my Kershaw Leek's liner lock.
 
A well made liner lock is just as strong as most framelocks. Your eyes see the thick beefy looking lockbar and think "tough," really the failure points can be the same.

Most framelocks have a cut out in them, making that the point where it would fail. Strider SNGs have a huge cut out, and they are known for being "tough." Most liner locks are just the liner bent over with no cut out. Thus making the failure points not all that different.

Really all in all a lock depends on how its made. ALL liner locks are not the same, ALL frame locks are not the same, ect....

What uses do you have on mind for this new knife?


IMHO a high quality lock of any type is more than enough for me. But, then again I would get by fine with a nice slippie :D
 
One advantage of the frame lock over a liner lock, is your hand presses the frame lock toward the locked position when you grip the knife.
 
knarfeng said:
You need to differentiate between "reliable" and "strong".

The weakest point of a folder is not usually the lock but rather the pivot.
Click to expand...

You sure? Can't say I've ever heard of a pivot failing. Heck... the blade would probably break before the pivot. The whole knife would have to come apart for this to happen.
Anyhow I'd say a lockback or axis lock is the strongest lock available. Always a chance because the locking mechinisim is close to the front of the handle where your fingers are, that the axis lock could be disengaged by accident. Not likely but possible. Frame locks are pretty strong, but still a version of the liner lock. I'd trust the lockback first.
:thumbup:
 
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