Tightest locking mechanisms

[Lennyo3034]

I was wondering what locking mechanisms people thought were the tightest and most solid. The Benchmade axis lock got me into Benchmades since it was far sturdier and solid (no wiggle) than the liner lock knives I've had in the past. I was wondering what other mechanisms [from other brands] that people considered extremely strong and sturdy? I've never tried a framelock knife, although it looks similar to the liner.

 

[elchris123]

Just about any locking style can be just as wiggle-free and tight as the next if done right. that's just a matter of quality control. I think the strongest most reliable lock out there is the Demko Tri-ad lock. But how often do any of us really break the lock on a quality knife? I certainly never have . . .

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I think the strongest easily available locks are probably the triad lock, axis lock, compression lock and caged ball bearing lock (although I've heard the CBBL has had some issues). Hogue's take on the button lock, the Xross lock and some of the things G&G Hawk have come up with are also supposed to be exceptionally strong, but a bit harder to find. As far as tightness, any well designed knife should have fairly minimal bladeplay, although backlocks develop a bit of vertical play over time.

 

[jon1all]

Compression lock, triad lock, axis lock...any of those 3 will give you the best results.