What's your favorite locking mechanism and why?

I like a wide variety of locks, but when I pared down my collection to focus on three knives...all three were frame locks. :D

I'm also a big fan of the Axis, compression, and Tri-Ad locks, and a well-done liner lock always makes me happy.
 
I have a slight preference to button locks, just because they feel more natural to use, and you dont have to put your hand in the cutting path when closing. But I don't dislike any lock mech really. I like liner locks, frame locks, back locks, compression locks, axis locks, bearing locks etc. Some I think have strenghts over others. I think button locks are just slightly more pleasant and even enjoyable to use.
 
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I too would love to pick up an AD20 but they are not too many around. Right now I've been into compression locks and the Axis lock on my BM Anthem. I also think Hinderer XM-18s are nailing the frame lock lately especially with the flipper. When closing the XM-18 with my thumb the flipper tab stops the blade before it closes and slices my thumb so overall it's a great design.
 
Managed to score two AD20s. The shark lock is great! My index finger is a little sore simply because I can't stop messing with the knife but that is to be expected. The way it locks with authority is impressive combined with the ability to close with one hand has moved it to the top of my list.
 
tomsch said:
Managed to score two AD20s. The shark lock is great! My index finger is a little sore simply because I can't stop messing with the knife but that is to be expected. The way it locks with authority is impressive combined with the ability to close with one hand has moved it to the top of my list.
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I liked you until you mentioned that you got two...

:cool:
 
^^... LOL. That's what happens when you bid on two at the same time in the secondary market. I haven't told my wife yet. :)
 
I’m pretty much content with any well made lock, but prefer something ambidextrous if the overall knife design checks the other boxes for me.

The only lock I’d say legitimately failed on me was a 3” XM-18, when the lock slipped.
 
I like, and trust Frame locks the most. I like the novelty of button locks.
I don't really like the stiffness of the triad lock, but I prefer that type of lock on my Xl folders.
 
In Order:
Axis, back lock and finally trying to like a frame lock CRK. Will not carry a liner lock.

Axis ergonomics just cannot be beat.
Used back locks for many many years, used to them and trust them.
Working on getting muscle memory for an Inkosi. Still a little clumsy with it. Still worry about the closing ergo's.
Liner lock is only knife I ever cut myself closing. Leek. No thanks once bitten twice shy.
 
I really like the simplicity of frame locks. I am also a big fan of the Axis lock and the old Rolling Lock that REKAT used. I still have a couple of REKAT knives sitting around.
 
After having carried a Microtech Ultratech for over a year now, I'm pretty spoiled by its one-handed operation. Thus, when I don't carry an OTF knife, I gravitate toward my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 with its compression lock because of its easy one-handed closing. Axis locks are a close second favorite, but I've had some detent problems with knives having this locking mechanism, so I tend to avoid them.
 
I do not have any preferences however I do mind if the lock sticks. My rotation consists of axis, frame and compression locks.
 
Backlocks, The lock on the (Sadly) discontinued CRK Ti-Lock, and the ring-pull locks of traditional Spanish Navajas.

I'll admit a fondness for unique and unusual locks, as well as very old-fashioned ones, hence my preference for Backlocks in locking folders.
 
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