What is your favorite locking mechanism?

What is your favorite locking mechanism?

  • AXIS lock

    Votes: 19 18.1%

  • Ball Bearing Lock

    Votes: 4 3.8%

  • Liner Lock

    Votes: 5 4.8%

  • Frame Lock

    Votes: 27 25.7%

  • Compression Lock

    Votes: 17 16.2%

  • Lockback

    Votes: 9 8.6%

  • Tri-Ad

    Votes: 11 10.5%

  • Button Lock

    Votes: 9 8.6%

  • Other

    Votes: 4 3.8%
  • Total voters
    105
Cow51

Cow51

Joined
May 6, 2016
Messages
662
I've seen other threads on this before but never a poll. I think it'd be interesting to see the numbers. So, what's your favorite locking mechanism and why? I think I got all the big ones but if I missed some let me know.

Thanks for looking.
 
A good frame lock is my favorite. But I also like every single lock system you chose for the poll! They are all great when done well.
 
You didn't make this easy did ya? Haha. I was trying to pick three, ended up going with the axis though. In reality, I'd be more than happy with the ball bearing and compression lock as well.

The choice between the CBBL and axis comes down to which one is easier to disengage. From my limited experience the axis wins that 90% of the time.
 
Tri-Ad lock and compression lock for strength, frame lock for simplicity, and the Axis lock for ambidexterity use. Overall, the frame lock is my favorite, though.

Honestly, it depends on what I'm going to do with the knife. The ones on the list are all great locking mechanisms.
 
Have to say I like the Axis or similar locks (like SOGs) the best. But I do like Spyderco's back locks for a simple knife. My least favorite are the liner locks. Just bought a knife that has one, but I liked the knife.
 
ATJ999 said:
A good frame lock is my favorite. But I also like every single lock system you chose for the poll! They are all great when done well.
Click to expand...
I'm a serious lock junkie to the point I don't think I can answer this poll. However, frame locks are my least favorite among this selection. :) I consider them only better than those locks which despite not working at all somehow made it into production. :)
 
Personally, I would have to say BB lock and frame lock for me. Spyderco's BB lock is solid in every single way and CRK's frame lock is what other frame locks strive to be.
 
If at all, lockbacks all the way.
I'm a lefty and they just work the best for me.

As a teenager I once noticed I had a handful of them, and
kept acquiring but not carrying them.
I didn't carry these 2 handed lockbacks because me and my friends had those dumb knife deployment races with our cheapo linerlocks, so I had no clue why I was drawn to lockbacks until I realized it's because they're most ideal to me as a lefty.


Ask me what my favorite brand, blade grind, blade shape, or blade steel is and I'll tell you I'm not sure I have one in particular, but hands down no questions asked without hesitation I'll always tell you my favorite locking mechanism is the humble lockback.
 
A good frame lock that is not impossible to disengage is the pick for me. It's tried/true and has always worked for me. My second choice would be a liner lock. :)
 
I don't hate any locks but I don't prefer using the new fads compression lock and old fad axis locks.

Just give me a frame lock. I've got some bad frame locks like the broker excellabur. And some really good frame locks like the sebenza and ti/cf ril military. But overall just like the frame locks better.

Tho it is annoying when frame locks have lock stick and poor lock geometry. Or just not a nice accessable area to disengage.. So it's not all flowers on this side.
 
I'm not obsessed with lock strength, more ease of use as a leftie. So BBL and Axis are first, then a good back lock. Then everything else in no order.
 
I personally like compression and axis locks, never tried a ball-bearing lock but I would like to.. don't really have any qualms with a good frame-lock.

Not to derail this thread too much, but now that the AXIS lock is public domain, would other large manufacturers like ZT or Spyderco be frowned upon by the knife community if they were to use it, since its always been BM's thing?
 
I said Compression lock but it is a very close thing with an Axis lock with a light action like the Griptillian or 940. I would almost prefer the Axis because there is no cut out in the grip part of the handle of the knife but there is the Omega spring thing in the back of my mind meaning I can just use the compression lock free of any concern that it might break a spring; not so the Axis lock.

I've dropped a knife with the compression lock a couple of times because of taped up fingers and the Axis lock is my fall back when I have to wear tape. So yeah I like and need both.
I have little experience with the ball lock, one knife . . . put in a lighter spring and I might be all about it.
 
Actually, my first choice would be Opinel’s Virobloc, for elegance and simplicity. After that, Axis.
 
Thanks all, I'm really not surprised by the results. I have to go for the Axis lock myself, with the frame being a close second.
 
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