The liner lock

[Razor]

The first liner lock I had was a Benchmade Panther I think it was called. I put that knife through hell. The lock never did fell. I like like liner locks, Millitary, great knife, and also frame locks. I don't really see much is wrong with a GOOD liner lock. I used one for years farming and never had a bit of trouble. I wonder how many people have used a good liner lock hard?

 

[K.O.D.]

The lines of what constitutes a liner lock and a frame lock has become blurred in my opinion.

I see nothing wrong with any lock that works well. I generally dislike metal handles, thus prefer liner lock. However, I will take spyderco's caged ball bearing lock and compression lock all day over anything else.

 

[Chronovore]

... I shouldn't have to put a digit in the blade path. I've got enough scars and there are enough options to avoid them. ...

I've tried a lot of different liner and frame locks. I've gotten a couple of cuts but usually under two conditions. First, it's early in my relationship with the knife and I haven't gotten used to it. Second, it doesn't have a flipper tab that doubles as a guard.

That second point is a big one. Flipper tabs are my favorite way to open a knife. On many of my flippers, the path of the tab when closing moves across the lock bar access such that the operating digit is protected. For many of those, everything lines up such that the tab stops on the digit with the detent ball just past the hole. Those knives give me a seamless two-step closure, safely clearing the lock and then moving the digit to drop shut safely.

 

[000Robert]

I've tried a lot of different liner and frame locks. I've gotten a couple of cuts but usually under two conditions. First, it's early in my relationship with the knife and I haven't gotten used to it. Second, it doesn't have a flipper tab that doubles as a guard.

That second point is a big one. Flipper tabs are my favorite way to open a knife. On many of my flippers, the path of the tab when closing moves across the lock bar access such that the operating digit is protected. For many of those, everything lines up such that the tab stops on the digit with the detent ball just past the hole. Those knives give me a seamless two-step closure, safely clearing the lock and then moving the digit to drop shut safely.

Not me. I love the simplicity and sleek lines of the auto. I hate thumbstuds, thumbholes, and flipper tabs. And if auto's were illegal here, like they used to be, then I would prefer the back lock.