What is a folder with a good locking mechanism?

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SBaker34

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Jun 16, 2010
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I found a BK-9 for less money then I originally found it.. 70$ is anyone knows one even cheaper let me know, well that leaves me with some extra money that I would like to spend on a folder, however my biggest isssue is the lock on most likes to fail which can mean loss of fingers, this has not happened to me yet but it has came close. Can anyone recommend some folders less then 40$ that have a reliable lock?
 
If you're pushing your knives so hard that you're afraid of them closing on you, then you need a fixed blade.
 
Pretty sure anything from Spyderco that isn't a slipjoint would be considered reliable. Also I would probably recommend Kershaw. I've never owned one, but the lock on the Ken Onion designed knives I've messed with seem good.
Also, I think I have seen Benchmades with the axis lock for a few bucks more online...maybe save up another 10-20 and grab one of those?


-Freq
 
al3xd4gr34t said:
If you're pushing your knives so hard that you're afraid of them closing on you, then you need a fixed blade.
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The issue is probably more along the lines of cheap knives, Ive owned folders that would fold after smacking them on my hand.
 
freq18hz said:
Pretty sure anything from Spyderco that isn't a slipjoint would be considered reliable.
-Freq
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I'd personally consider Spyderco's slipjoints to be more reliable than Tenacious' liner lock, since they have half stop and finger choice. Aslong your fingers are choil its impossible to make blade fold onto your fingers.

But Spyderco lockbacks are pretty much fool proof and its extremely unlikely to have Tenacious' or Persitences liner lock fail either, unless you really, really, really try it.
 
Kershaw has a couple of framelocks that would do well for you. I think the JYD is on closeout. The Barrage or Vapor would be some other good picks. Boker has the Hyper, Trance, and M Type. There are a few good ones for the money. Good Luck. Kevin
 
thejamppa said:
I'd personally consider Spyderco's slipjoints to be more reliable than Tenacious' liner lock, since they have half stop and finger choice. Aslong your fingers are choil its impossible to make blade fold onto your fingers.

But Spyderco lockbacks are pretty much fool proof and its extremely unlikely to have Tenacious' or Persitences liner lock fail either, unless you really, really, really try it.
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Using a slip joint lightly and in a way to not risk the knife closing is one thing. Using it in a manner that could close the knife and relying on your finger being in the choil is, well, dumb. It doesn't require that much force to snap a slip joint closed if you aren't expecting it, and it can easily push your finger over out of the choil area and cut your fingers. Recommending someone use a slip joint knife in the same way as a locking knife is just bad advise.

I would think your mishap with a knife closing is probably because it was a cheap knife. Do you know what it was? AXIS, compression, ball bearing, Tri-ad, are the strongest types of locks. Back locks are also good and frame and liner locks can also be strong but can also be iffy and need to be checked out on a knife by knife basis IMO. However, a knife from a quality company is going to have a much higher chance of being strong and trustworthy. You pretty much can't go wrong with a knife from Spyderco, Benchmade, or Kershaw. For about 40 bucks I would personally track down a Kershaw RAM as it is an awesome knife at any price.
 
Basically, any of Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lock knives...I have a Spartan and the lock up is so solid, it feels like a fixed blade. I've even chopped with it with absolutely not an ounce of play. I am generally a Kershaw fan but when it comes to just damn good lock up, the Tri-Ad lock is the way to go! The Spartan is a little bit above your price range but there are other knives that feature the Tri-Ad such as the American Lawman and Recon 1 that can be had within your $40 range.
 
Just get a Victorinox and learn not to cut yourself.

Flippers prevent the blade from cutting your fingers off though, as do large choils.
 
SBaker34 said:
The issue is probably more along the lines of cheap knives, Ive owned folders that would fold after smacking them on my hand.
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If you have a quality folder, you can out it to hard use. If you like your fingers, a quality knife is a must. No need to drop $300-$1000 on a knife either. However, cheap knifes are not an option

I would recommend, in no particular order:
Spyderco Military
Benchmade 710
ZT 0200 or 0300 series
Cold Steel American Lawman or AK-47

Medium Folder:
Spyderco Paramilitary
Benchmade Grip or mini grip
ZT 0350
Cold Steel Mini Lawman or Mini AK-47
 
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