What is your favorite locking mechanism and why?

B

Baphomet

Joined
Jul 31, 2006
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146
I apologize beforehand if this is a repost.

I've recently been looking to buy a new folding knife, but I am curious about what the benefits and drawbacks of each type of locking mechanism are, and which are the most popular. What is your favorite locking mechanism (on folding knives) and why?
 
Axis (except where it could be considered illegal).

Allows generally for the easiest/quickest opening and closing, great "feel", I've never heard of it failing, and the mechanism just plain makes sense.
And should work indefinitely

It's not perfect, but it's the one I like best

and the one people seem to be doing their darndest to copy without stepping on the patent
 
I concur, the Axis lock is the kind of lock that made me think out loud: "Why did it take so long for somebody to invent this locking mechanism?!?". It is also the lock that enables me to open and close my 710 with just a flick of the wrist, and combined with adequate safety so that my fingers are out of the blade's travel.
 
I am enjoying the lockback on spyderco knives. It is strong and secure, and is easy to operate. Simple mechanism that has been around for a while and works very well.
 
Another Axis vote.

For general carry, it is hard to beat IMO. Easy one hand operation (left or right), strong enough, and in a position that is natural to use.
 
My favorite is lockbacks. I dont really have any specific reason why, I just like it because its simple and strong.
 
I have a few lockbacks, and I like them as well, but I'm looking into buying a good tactical folder with a very strong lock that is easy to open with one hand. The only lockback I own thats easy to open and close with one hand is my Byrd Cara Cara hehe.
 
Another Axis vote.

Totally ambidextrous. Totally secure. Faster and more positive than any other lock I have owned.

I have white knuckled lockbacks into failure. I had some pocket lint defeat a lockback. I have worn liner locks into jiggly uselessness. I'll keep using the Axis until something better comes along. I am not holding my breath.:D
 
I haven't used many types of locks. Framelock, linerlock, lockback, slipjoint, balisongs and Opinel locks. I think that's it.

A good lockback is my favorite out of those. Reliable and sturdy, simple to operate. The Opinel locks are nice because they can lock the blade closed.

I have a hunch I'll enjoy the Axis lock when I get around to using it.
 
A well built lockback such as spyderco's lockback is my favorite because it is strong, rugged, and has a quick opening.

I also like the Axis lock as a lock on my EDC knives because of their strong, smooth, and sleek design. I don't take them out in the field much because I find dirt and other particles can break the spring in Axis locks which does not affect the performance much but bothers me (OCD I guess).

With that being said I have had plenty of tactical folders with liner locks and they performed very well. I think the company plays an important factor as well because after all they're the ones making it. Lockbacks, Axis locks, and Frame locks are my top pick for a tactical folder.
 
What I don't understand in respect to linerlocks is why any knife would ever be designed with a liner thin enough to slip between the tang and the opposing handle scale. It seems very irresponsible, because in the event of the liner slipping past the tang the knifer is very likely to fold when it could of easily been prevented.
 
Spyderco and other Seki City made lockbacks, as well as the Spyderco BB lock.

I love lockbacks for the reasons people have listed, and love BB locks because of all the locks I've ever used, none have felt as strong, unwavering, never-ever-ever-gonna-develope-any-play as my Spyderco Dodo.

Axis locks are fun to use and very flashy, but I've handled way too many that felt shakey and had play in both directions that couldn't be adjusted out. This may have to do with BM's recent decline in quality that I've noticed, as my older 806 and 732 were perfect and solid, but every newer Axis has been shakey and unimpressive. I've also read some testing that suggested serious weaknesses in Axis design. These are just my experiences though.
 
I love frame locks. next would be lock back. Im surprised that no one has said frame lock yet.
Today 09:50 PM
Axis, frame, twist lock, lockback, and liner in said order.

Matador-

14 min. before your post.
 
my only real complaint on framelocks is that it's hard to close lefthanded

i like the Axis lock a lot, but it's a little complex, i'd worry about it breaking over time
 
Put me down for a framelock. It is simple, fairly solid, I can see it working and I can easily open and close my knives one handed.

Greg
 
I have very limited experience with knives. Benchmade auto 3550, 9050, and various linerlock knives. I have owned a balisong before, and I couldn't get used to it. However, I did not try to learn it, because I felt better served with a conventional folder. I have only tried the axis lock Benchmade's at the local shops, and I wasn't comfortable with it. I guess I have spent too many years with the same knives, that I have trouble adapting to different styles.
Linerlocks seem strong enough and easy to manipulate for what I need a folding knife for.
 
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