What's your favorite locking mechanism and why?

S

shameless98

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Mar 20, 2021
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Whether it's because you feel it's the safest/strongest, easiest to use, or just fun to handle, what's your preferred lock? I always find myself preferring liners, just because they're reliable, easy to keep clean, and are the most aesthetic (imo).

If I were in an outdoor survival situation I'd opt for a frame or back lock. Maybe it's my bias, but I'd trust a good back lock over something fancier, like an axis lock, for long-term durability. I still have my dad's old Buck 110 from 50 years ago that works just fine. I'm sure an axis lock could withstand more pressure than the Buck, but I wonder if they're as durable for regular use. I don't use my folders as pry bars or to chop wood.

But in reality I carry a couple fixed blades and multitools (with liner locks) in my survival kit. :D
 
For strength and simplicity I prefer frame locks.

In recent years, I also have grown to really like axis locks. I'm not sure they are as reliable in the long run, but they are fun to use, ambidextrous, and you don't have to worry about your thumb being in the path of the closing blade.
 
I like a good liner lock. I prefer it to a frame lock because I prefer unbroken scale to the edges and breaks of moving parts against my grip. I specify "good" because not all liner locks actually deliver on this preference. Sometimes, the lock bar on a liner lock can be proud, aggressively jimped, or have sharp corners. So it really has to be done well. (I also like when the interior scale edges and such do not have rough or sharp transitions.)

While other mechanisms such as a button or axis lock can avoid these issues completely, those mechanisms are less widespread or more common to specific brands. (I often subconsciously find myself going for the lockbar when one of them pokes into my EDC rotation.) I try to keep an open mind. I'm still waiting for an excuse to try Spyderco's compression lock.
 
I have had no issues with the Triad lock. It works for me and has never needed maintenance or had a broken part in my uses. Just a standard (and occasional) rinse in warm soapy water and a drop of oil in the friction points, is all I do. They don't even get the water and oil unless they worked on meat or fish. No guts or blood, no clean and oil. Lol.
 
Tri-Ad lock. I appreciate the strength and self adjusting properties. I have no doubt that the blade will stay locked if I need to stab something really hard, and that is important to me.
 
I would really like to see more of the button-activated compression lock (like on the Smock or PM2 Ultra). Plenty strong enough for any scenario you're reasonably likely to encounter, but much easier to activate than the normal compression lock. Plus you don't have to ergonomically compromise prime handle real estate or deal with the blade trying to share space with your finger while using the lock.
 
Axis lock, no contest, for all the reasons stated above. Liner just strikes me as cheesy, frame lock more of the same. And you have to be sure to catch the flipper tab or some other protrusion if you don’t want the closing blade to descend on your thumb.

I finally got a knife with a Triad lock. It may be strong, but it is wearing a notch in my thumbnail. A normally balky back lock will be fine.
 
Frame locks for sure. It’s easy to operate, easy to clean, stronger than you’d think, and is probably one of the least susceptible to getting gunked up to the point where it won’t function.
 
I love the comp lock nad carry one most days. When I feel like I need something more robust, I use a Triad lock.
 
For EDC I like the axis lock or compression lock about the same but for hard use I would want a Demko lock like the scorpion lock,Tri-Ad lock and shark lock(if I didn’t have a fixed blade)
 
Spyderco CBBL and Powerlocks. Real easy to open/close, never stick however hard I use a knife, blade is pulled close, symmetric/ambidextrous, no pocket clips required.
 
Alberta Ed said:
No favorite, they all pretty much work, as long as you respect their limitations as you would any mechanical device.
Click to expand...
I agree it mostly boils down to preference. For all the different knives I've used, I've only had a couple locks seriously malfunction.
 
Henry Beige said:
I finally got a knife with a Triad lock. It may be strong, but it is wearing a notch in my thumbnail. A normally balky back lock will be fine.
Click to expand...

Have never used my thumb to disengage a TriAd...I shift my grip a bit and use the middle of my index finger, while bracing my thumb on the bottom. Having the thumb there also protects from the blade swinging too far and biting a finger (if closing one-handed).

IMG_0482.jpg

If I were to use my thumb, I use the pad, not the nail.
 
Haven't given the Tri-Ad lock a try yet, Cold Steel designs are a bit too tactical for my areas of use. But maybe I'll pick up an Espada one of these days just for the heck of it
 
I'm with the basics.. Lockbacks, Reeve Integral, Liner locks, and SlipJoints.
I've not had a quality lock fail me nor the slip joints I own.
 
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