Traditional Lockbacks

I'm not a huge fan of lockbacks, since I often seem to have substantial difficulty releasing the lock to close the knife. :confused:
But I do have several of them. :o

My most recent is a Buck 110 that one of my brothers gave me a couple of weeks ago. He had it in his toolbox for years, he says. I don't know how old it might be (but the sheath is still very supple and high quality IMHO).
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I'm not even sure of the accepted definition of "lockback". Several of my knives that I call "lockbacks" have the release lever positioned further forward than a Buck 110 does. Are they still lockbacks? My favorite lockback by far so far is the Mercator Black Cat; I've never had any problem releasing the lock on that knife (the release is far forward):
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I have a couple of Rough Riders with lock release positioned forward of mid-spine. One is a lockback canoe:
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The other is a small cannitler:
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I've owned several small (3"-3.5"?) "lockback hunters" such as this Rough Rider. I keep buying them and then trading or giving them away! I don't have any idea why I keep doing something so illogical! :eek::confused:
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- GT
 
Yah , 5K QS, those are all lockbacks. You are looking at frontlocks, midlocks, and backlocks or sometimes butt-locks. Al Mar is pretty well known for front locks and midlocks, and let's see, I can't recall the makers name , but he is/was pretty famous for his interframe buttlock knives(where the lock is actually right at the rear of the top). They all fall into the category of lockbacks though.
Neal
 
I'm a fan of traditional lockbacks myself. I have an AG Russell large folding hunter, Sunfish, and gun stock. I also have three GEC lockbacks: 99, 72 (not Shown), and 83.

I know that one of the "concerns" commonly raised with regard to the GEC traditional lockbacks is the vertical blade play. My GEC knives do exhibit slight vertical play (not a concern to me personally). This is often explained as an inherent result of the traditional nature of GEC manufacturing. I see many on this forum state that if the lockup is too tight it's impossible to disengage the lock. (I understand this, my 83 is pretty tight).

On the other hand my AG Russel lock backs are rock solid with no blade play and disengaging the locks is smooth as butter. I'm curious, is there a manufacturing nuance between a "modern" lockback and a "traditional" lockback? Why are the AG's tight and easy to disengage vs the GECs that have slight verticle play while being a bit more stiff to disengage?

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Don't take my question as a blast on GEC. Genuinely curious.
 
neal70 said:
Yah , 5K QS, those are all lockbacks. You are looking at frontlocks, midlocks, and backlocks or sometimes butt-locks. Al Mar is pretty well known for front locks and midlocks, and let's see, I can't recall the makers name , but he is/was pretty famous for his interframe buttlock knives(where the lock is actually right at the rear of the top). They all fall into the category of lockbacks though.
Neal
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification, Neal. :) I learn something here almost every time I log in! :thumbup:

- GT
 
5K Qs said:
My most recent is a Buck 110 that one of my brothers gave me a couple of weeks ago. He had it in his toolbox for years, he says. I don't know how old it might be (but the sheath is still very supple and high quality IMHO).
0IReBhn.jpg
Click to expand...
There is a sticky on dating Buck 110's in the Buck Forum:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/612901-revised-110-112-data-sheet-as-of-gt-5-1-08

110's made after 1985 have a date code stamped on the tang. There is a sticky with a list of the codes in the Buck Forum
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/716179-Buck-Date-Codes
 
Joelsm-A.G. Russell actually uses a different type of locking mechanism, one he designed himself(?)(maybe). At any rate he explains the differences on his website much better than I could, but I believe it was created at least partly to eliminate blade "rap", wherein the blade can make contact with the back spring or part of the lock, IIRC. Anyways they are actually a different mechanism. Supposed to last a long time, again according to A.G., who is a legend in the world of knives. It's actually kinda nice to hear some feedback like that from someone. I've been curious about whether the locks measure up to his claims, and it seems that they do.
Thanks, Neal
 
neal70 said:
Joelsm-A.G. Russell actually uses a different type of locking mechanism, one he designed himself(?)(maybe). At any rate he explains the differences on his website much better than I could, but I believe it was created at least partly to eliminate blade "rap", wherein the blade can make contact with the back spring or part of the lock, IIRC. Anyways they are actually a different mechanism. Supposed to last a long time, again according to A.G., who is a legend in the world of knives. It's actually kinda nice to hear some feedback like that from someone. I've been curious about whether the locks measure up to his claims, and it seems that they do.
Thanks, Neal
Click to expand...

Very interesting, I'll have to research the AG locking mechanism a bit more. Thanks for the info. All 3 of my AG lock backs are rock solid - yet easy to disengage.
 
blademan 13 said:
Will,

Just fantastic stag on that #83. Hard enough to get stag right on a big knife, nearly miraculous to find it on a small knife anymore. Treasure that one.
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Very kind Jamie :thumbup: The pile side is the same in thickness and very interestingly gnarled too. I hadn't thought about it, but you are correct, hafting Stag on to a small knife must be really challenging actually. The shield inlet is masterclass on this one, such a pity they decided to give them up. Naturally, I would be very upset to lose this 83 but the fear of losing it is out weighed by the pleasure of carrying and using it. If it's not in my pocket or bag, then it's on my desk with the Chosen Few :D

Regards, Will
 
Here is 1 other, not actually mine though. I bought this for my wife to carry in her purse, and she loved it.

 
I am also a fan of lockbacks. I have a couple of Bucks, a 500 and a 501, both with micarta covers.

My favorite is my GEC model 83 Tascosa. It has developed some vertical play in the lock but I still love the size and pattern.
 
knarfeng said:
There is a sticky on dating Buck 110's in the Buck Forum:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/612901-revised-110-112-data-sheet-as-of-gt-5-1-08

110's made after 1985 have a date code stamped on the tang. There is a sticky with a list of the codes in the Buck Forum
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/716179-Buck-Date-Codes
Click to expand...

Thanks for the informative links, Frank! :thumbup:
I should be able to make a good conjecture about my knife's age when I get it in hand this evening at home.

- GT
 
Oh gosh. I feel bad posting these on the same page as so many really nice knives.
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& I have a li'l Buck 506 on the way to me, but he's not here yet for photos.
 
Shipwright-what are you doing, trying to actually hear my jaw hit the floor!?! Man those two are some of what it's all about. I can't imagine why they would be favorites 🙄 What is that color of...bone(?)called? Or is that a very well torched stag? Micarta on the other? Modified Wharncliffe blades. Steels? Say ats-34. Go on, I dare you 😎 If I haven't been clear those are very nice examples of why I, at least collect knives. That little bump of a choil on the top one, just enough to know it's there but not get in the way. Headshake. I have to quit posting late night . Well done sir, well done.
Thanks, Neal
 
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