What locking mechanism of pocket knives is the best? Why?

Liner locks are most often the cleanest product designs in terms of least detail, that is minimalism. They are my preference but many are flimsy. My Shirogorov F3 is anything but flimsy. Some frame locks get close, like the Ray Laconico EZC. But truth be told I dislike the lock side of most frame locks.

All of the other systems mentioned here have too much exterior detail to be clean designs, much less able to clean them easily.
 
I like just about any locking mechanism if is designed correctly. My favorite is probably the frame lock. I prefer one with a carbide insert, and I don’t like the bottom of the blade to be cut so shallow that I can push the lock all the way to the opposite scale.
 
Liner locks and backlocks are my favorites, with the tri-ad lock being lumped into the backlocks. The axis lock and similar are nice as well but I like the simplicity of liners and backlocks when/if I need to disassemble for some reason. I find them easy to operate one-handed, reliable, and they don't impact ergos much. I love plunge locks but it seems like it's a challenge to get one without a little blade wiggle, or maybe I haven't gotten the right one

The compression lock and framelocks are my least favorite. Compression locks, at least on the PM2 and PM3, pinch hand a bit when I have my hand right on the lock. Framelocks are a nuisance when I occasionally put pressure on the lockbar when trying to open the knife. I have a few framelocks still but far more backlocks and linerlocks.

I also really enjoy slipjoints, but that's not really a lock.

One caveat of my likes/dislikes is that lock strength is rarely a concern for me so ease of use gets the win for my likes. I don't stab very often and I don't use knife spines to cut very often so the lock is added security but I'm far from testing its limits in everything I use folders for.

If I had to stab in an "emergency" situation, I won't care what lock it is as long as the knife opens reliably, so negative point on framelocks on that aspect. I wouldn't trust my life on one if speedy deployment was needed unless I had an Emerson tab or something like that.
 
What is "best" is completely subjective when we discuss pocket knife locks. I think the question should be "What lock do you like best?"

It is hard for me to say what lock I like best. I like most of them quite well, so long as they are done correctly, accomplish the task (locking), and the knife they are attached to is befitting a quality lock up. Most of them have their plus and minuses to me. For example, I love the axis lock but the weak detent always worries me. Frame/liner locks are a bit awkward, force you to but a finger in the direct path of the blade and are the easiest to mess up in making, the compression lock can be pinchy, and the back lock can be stiff. Slip joints don't even lock at all!

I still own and love all those locks though. I guess it is more about the knife than the lock, another example, the collar lock on the opinel seems pointless to me. Might as well be a slip joint or a friction folder. I think I use the back lock the most, as I have a Pacific Salt on me most of the time. Well, unless you count the slip joint lock on a SAK. I use that a billion times a day.
 
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I don’t trust linerlocks or frame locks. My wife hates them, and for good reason. We both prefer a mid backlock with the axis/cbbl coming in second. I use knives. I don’t care two hoots about flicking and playing.
 
I don't like anything on the top of the knife, including axis and its derivatives. Not ergonomic for my hands. Frame locks worry me, they're really nice and easy to use but I worry about accidental disengagement. That leaves me with liner locks and I like a good liner lock. On the other hand, the best 'lock' is a fixed blade, I would love them to be legal carry where I live.
 
Best for what?

For strength it’s gonna be the triad lock no question.

Reliability in a dirty environment? A liner of frame lock might be better.

Ease of operation? Axis lock

A combination of all the above? Spydercos ball bearing lock might be the best.

The truth is, a folding knife is always a compromise. You have to look at how/where you use a knife and what kind of environment you will be using it in to decide what will work “best” for you. A fixed blade doesn’t compromise on anything accept ease of carry so I will always argue that a fixed blade is ultimately the “best”.
 
Best in what way? There are few bad locking mechanisms and a few that are fun. I find most locks fairly ambidextrous but those that aren't are a problem for me ie Spyderco's Compression lock. These less ambidextrous locks can sometimes be remedied like the Smock when the button actuation is added it allows for more secure grip of the knife with either hand while operating the locking mechanism. I do enjoy a fun fidgety lock such as the Smock's button compression or a variant of the Axis lock they can often provide a fun fidget factor while also providing a reliable locking mechanism.
 
My favorite lock for just the cool factor is the Imperial Trick Knife. To open, you point the tip up, squeeze the blade inward and tap the knife on a hard surface. Locking it back up is similar.

However, for EDC, I love the Axis lock on my Rukus 610. That's a big, beefy blade that flies open when flipped. Falls shut like a Shiro. And swings freely like a pendulum when you hold the lever back.

And yet, it's rock solid. I've been chopping with this knife and using it hard for 14 years of homesteading, and it acts like it just came out of the box.
 
Axix lock for me. Second choice is the Opinel Virobloc. Liner locks and frame locks are about the cheesiest possible method. I find it difficult to justify a premium price on such a cheesy system, not only from a mechanical standpoint, but because your thumb is in the path of the closing blade.
 
IMHO:

Best in terms of lock-strength? -> Lock-back; typically the blade snaps or breaks before the lock compromises. (e.g. delica, endura, police)

Best in terms of aesthetics/ergonomics? -> Ti-Framelock; most fun & best looking. (e.g. Sebenza, Reate, Todd Begg steelcraft)
 
I would refer to the locks we now know as "best" are simply the innovations that we also recognize as "modern."

Most of my folders are hitting 20 years old. Not one of them 'wiggle.' And I doubt they ever will.

If you fold my Cold Steel and look into the pivot, you'll find a notch that is 3/8s inch wide. Once the matching spine 'spring' drops into that notch it takes a strong thumb to fold the blade.
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Axis Lock, Button Lock and Frame Lock.

Axis: Quick deployment and closure. Fidget factor and ambidextrous.

Button: Same as Axis. Although it depends on some knives. Some are sticky and requires break-in

Frame: Always been fan of CRK and Hinderer Frame lock. So, im biased.

Strongest would be Tri-Ad... Can't even disengage without using both hand... That's how strong it is.
 
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