Tell me about button locks?

mitchnola said:
Well I’d say you got the best button lock ever created by the great Les George!

I’d say it’s strong enough for anything you throw at it.
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I've seen you tout the Les George folders before; if you could only have one, would you get the framelock version or the button lock and why?
 
Tsujigiri said:
I've seen you tout the Les George folders before; if you could only have one, would you get the framelock version or the button lock and why?
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Ooh, that’s a tough one. Honestly both are absolutely worth having, I wouldn’t recommend only having one of either but if I had to choose I would probably go with the frame lock because I prefer flicking open with my thumb anyway rather than just pushing the button and flicking with the wrist, which is still enjoyable.

The button lock has the edge on closing the blade cause it just falls shut but probably the deciding factor is I absolutely love the acoustics of the frame locks when that blade just flys open with the slightest flick of the thumb. Acoustics on the button lock aren’t bad but just different. The frame locks almost sound like racking a gun. And I love it.

May sound like a silly reason but that’s how hard it is to choose that it would come down to something so insignificant.

I do bring him up often cause I find it beyond belief that so many long term collectors have never had one and haven’t had the experience of one. Fact is I’ve convinced a few guys to try him out and all of them didn’t stop at just one and were equally blown away.

Hopefully you’re next!! 😂
 
I don't know about the others, but I'm sure button locks with deadbolt or similar mechanisms are as strong as shark locks.
 
I have a Malibu and it has been reliable so far so I think the button lock can work very well

In general I prefer knives to be as simple as possible so I really trust framelock and liner locks better than button lock but that is really more about personal preferences here
 
Something else to consider is the liability of a company selling a poor designed locking mechanism. I would imagine there is a lot of research into any new lock before being released to avoid that liability of a poor design. Considering the knives are being used as intended.
 
I have one for work and the importance to me is speed.

So I can pull it out of my pocket cut the thing and then put it back in my pocket.

And that way I haven't left a sharp knife lying around in between cutting jobs.

And the button lock flicks open and flicks closed.
 
K.O.D. said:
It really depends on the knife IMO. I'm not much of a button lock guy, but my Heretic Medusa (automatic) is incredibly solid. My ad20.5 is just as solid.

The main reason button locks are becoming popular is for the "drop shut" action, which the shark lock and compression lock also offer.

I'm not particularly a fan because they are very difficult to close left handed, and I'm ambidextrous.
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I'm surprised at that last bit. I don't have any high end button locks (just a CJRB pyrite and a Kizer original, which I like for lightweight <3" edc lately) and use the only right handed. I just assumed that lefty would be similar ease, just using index finger instead of thumb to actuate the lock release. Is the difficulty with auto button locks having to close against the spring, or something I'm not considering?
 
norcalAF said:
Personally they are both great, you will be thrilled with either.
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Beautiful knives, I forgot about that dagger looking one!

mitchnola said:
Ooh, that’s a tough one. Honestly both are absolutely worth having, I wouldn’t recommend only having one of either but if I had to choose I would probably go with the frame lock because I prefer flicking open with my thumb anyway rather than just pushing the button and flicking with the wrist, which is still enjoyable.

The button lock has the edge on closing the blade cause it just falls shut but probably the deciding factor is I absolutely love the acoustics of the frame locks when that blade just flys open with the slightest flick of the thumb. Acoustics on the button lock aren’t bad but just different. The frame locks almost sound like racking a gun. And I love it.
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They're definitely on my radar now! Thanks for the detailed reply. It sounds like they look really simple but you have to handle one to appreciate it; maybe not enough people have had hands-on experience. Kind of like how the Sebenza is so plain that I might not have tried it if people didn't speak so highly of it, but now it's one of my favorites and I love the minimalist design.

I guess what I'm asking is, is there a bigger difference between a Les George button lock and an average one, or between his framelock and an average one? Being new to the brand, I'm trying to figure out what he's known for in particular. I'm sure they're both great and I get the functional distinction between the two locks, so I'm trying to nail down a good starting point.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Beautiful knives, I forgot about that dagger looking one!



They're definitely on my radar now! Thanks for the detailed reply. It sounds like they look really simple but you have to handle one to appreciate it; maybe not enough people have had hands-on experience. Kind of like how the Sebenza is so plain that I might not have tried it if people didn't speak so highly of it, but now it's one of my favorites and I love the minimalist design.

I guess what I'm asking is, is there a bigger difference between a Les George button lock and an average one, or between his framelock and an average one? Being new to the brand, I'm trying to figure out what he's known for in particular. I'm sure they're both great and I get the functional distinction between the two locks, so I'm trying to nail down a good starting point.
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His button lock is the only one I have so I don’t have anything to compare it too but has a free spinning blade when the lock is disengaged. Also, lighter than the other models.

His frame locks are comparable in fit n finish of Hinderer, CRK’s etc. but those brands do have tighter tolerances.

What stands out for me is the blade is a competent slicer for being a hrd use blade with a thick blade stock. But most impressive is the action he achieves on pb washers that could compare to other knives on bearings. It truly is amazing how his knives fly open with the slightest flick of the thumb. I haven’t come across anything close on pb washers, which I prefer over bearings.

To sum up, they’re extremely well made, with excellent ergonomics and possibly the best action ever achieved with pb washers!

All just my opinion of course but those who have them, generally agree.
 
mitchnola said:
To sum up, they’re extremely well made, with excellent ergonomics and possibly the best action ever achieved with pb washers!

All just my opinion of course but those who have them, generally agree.
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That gives me a better idea, thanks! I do like the idea of a knife that's as smooth as ball bearings but not as finicky.
 
mercutio99x said:
I'm surprised at that last bit. I don't have any high end button locks (just a CJRB pyrite and a Kizer original, which I like for lightweight <3" edc lately) and use the only right handed. I just assumed that lefty would be similar ease, just using index finger instead of thumb to actuate the lock release. Is the difficulty with auto button locks having to close against the spring, or something I'm not considering?
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I have large hands and the Malibu was difficult to actuate left handed.

Most of the button locks I see (that aren't made in China) have thumbstuds or otherwise have design features I don't like.

The button on the Spyderco Smock I briefly owned stuck way out, was uncomfortable in hand and caught on anything in my pocket.

I may try a button lock again, maybe a Brian Tighe custom.
 
From my personal experience button locks tend to suffer more from sticky action during the depress usually by the administering of food.
from my case it was after eating an apple ( no I didn't cut it) it was on my hands, even after washing
So my imput is as such, be careful around food when using it
 
Tsujigiri said:
That gives me a better idea, thanks! I do like the idea of a knife that's as smooth as ball bearings but not as finicky.
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If I didn't know better I'd swear my MK3 was on bearings. Drops shut when the frame lock is disengaged, flies open when the thumb disk is touched. Oh and I should mention it spydie flicks with ease.
 
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K.O.D. said:
I have large hands and the Malibu was difficult to actuate left handed.

Most of the button locks I see (that aren't made in China) have thumbstuds or otherwise have design features I don't like.

The button on the Spyderco Smock I briefly owned stuck way out, was uncomfortable in hand and caught on anything in my pocket.

I may try a button lock again, maybe a Brian Tighe custom.
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Ah, I understand better now. Thanks for the insight!
 
The button lock on my VECP sits nearly flush while the blade is closed, it stands proud while the blade is open, and is a tactile joy to actuate. I enjoy the thumbstuds on my example and use them more for blade deployment than I do the wrist flick. I find the slow roll opening more satisfying than the flick, but both are extremely intuitive.
 
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