What's your favorite locking mechanism and why?

Back lock.
Safe, strong, ambidextrous (symmetrical), good detent, can be operated in thick gloved hands, introduces no hot spots (looking at you compression lock!).

Second place:
Able lock, Axis lock and CBBL. They can be described pretty much the same as the back lock above.
 
The Demko "Shark Lock" is very impressive. I don't like folders so it's the button lock autos for me. I also love lock backs.
 
Axis locks and frame locks dominate my collection. I like the Spyderco Compression lock also.
 
A solid half-stop suits me fine. Otherwise, lock back and versions thereof are my preferred. Simple, time tested, strong, ambidextrous. The Tri-ad is also a favorite by extension. I do have or have had a few liner and frame locks, but they’ve never inspired the same confidence.
 
I prefer the frame and axis locks, and I've started liking the Back Lock on my Chaparral. All for their ease of one handed operation.
 
Back locks/tri-ad locks are my favorite. Probably more habit then anything else. First few knives were Bucks in the 80s.

Axis would be my 2nd.
 
1. Anything that's not the compression lock
2. Because all locks work fine if executed correctly and I hate the compression lock
 
I'm mostly familiar with frame locks and liner locks and I've used them the most over the years. Although there are many folders I like that wind up in these catagories, I have completely fallen in love with the axis lock. The clever design and strength of the lock coupled with ease of use (for me) and the fact that you need no opening aid features on the blade help to make it my favorite lock on a folder. I know there are others that could have these characteristics, but I just like the axis best. Sadly, I don't like many of the knives I've seen with axis locks either in design or "style" or execution. If Benchmade would do an Emerson tribute and make an A100 with the axis lock and no opener on the blade, it would probably be my favorite folder of all time.
 
Of everything I own and have owned, I've decided, after much thought, that the Nirk lock on my Brian Tighe custom Tighe Rod mini was my favorite. Why? Well, the thumb naturally rests on the forward portion, increasing lock strength and stability, somewhat like a friction folder.
 
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