What's Your Favorite Type of Lock on a Folding Knife??

#1). Tri-Ad. A self-adjusting lockback that's solid as a rock.

#2). Arc-Lock. Smooth one-handed opening, easy to maintain. I actually like it better than the Axis, though the Axis is pretty cool too.

#3). Plunge/button lock. It's a shame only expensive knives seem to eliminate the up-and-down play, because these locks are simple, easy to operate one-handed and has potential for great strength, IMHO.
 
My favorite is a frame-lock with Roto-Lock as on some Lionsteel and DPx HEST folders. It allows you to lock the blade fixed when desired with zero risk of an accidental closing or release of the lock during use. Wish more of my knives had it.

My least favorite is a lockback. Too easy to disengage it during use and usually a loose blade upon disengaging which can swing down on fingers.

I don't mind liner locks if there is good thickness to the liner. The best/thickest liner locks I have seen are on some of the original Masters of Defense folders. At the other end the Emerson locks seem awfully thin to me but they are a good grade of titanium so I tend not to fret over it.

I stay away from locking mechanisms that may require any kind of cleaning, maintenance, periodic service or employ separate moving parts. IMO a frame lock operates on simple physics, moreso than any other.
 
1. Axis/Arc. Arguably the easiest to open/close, and the lock mechanism isn't near your grip while using the knife. It makes me feel secure.
2. Pushbutton (I'm thinking of Hogue here). Similar to (1). Not quite as smooth, though, at least not on the example I have.
3. Ball Bearing. Similar to (1), but a bit stiffer as implemented on the Spyderco models I've got. As others have mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of the plastic cage.
4. Compression. Easy to open/close. I really like the fact that there is very little opportunity for you to get bitten when closing the knife since the lock operates from the spine side.
5. Frame. Easy to close one-handed. Gives the opportunity for a stronger lockup than a liner lock.
6. Liner. Easy to close one-handed.
7. Lockback. I list it under the liner lock only out of its relative lack of convenience - I actually feel more secure with a lockback vs. liner. Don't know if that's true or not but that's how I feel. But the main issue is that I'm spoiled by the ability to close my other knives one-handed and this has caused me to "develop technique" that allows me to close my lockbacks one-handed. This reminds me, I need to buy band-aids next time I'm at the store. :D
 
Last edited:
I am partial to frame locks. I like the aesthetic, which is good, because it's the lock used on my favorite ZT models, and CRK models. Liner-locks are ok, if there's enough meat to the liner. I also love the Triad lock for its strength. Benchmade's AXIS is ok, if only because you can close the knife one-handed with it.

But, if I had to pick a favorite, the frame-lock would be it for me.
 
I like the axis lock a lot for the strength and I like the frame lock because it's so easy to take down and put back together.
 
I apologize if this has already been posted, I didn't read the thread lol, but im not overly picky about which type of lock a folder I like is equipped with. I try to treat all my folders like slipjoints because I don't think any of them have proven to be 100% reliable.
 
I really like the Caged Ball Bearing Lock. Specifically because its designed for heavier loads, the cage holds the ball bearing more secure than the Axis lock. I don't see any flaws in having a bit too much wieght on the lock either, with frame and liner locks, the lock can tighten by bending farther. In the CBBL lock there's not a whole lot you can bend that isn't an inch or 2 thick of steel.
 
Liner locks are by far my favorite, i absolutely hate frame locks though, i find they take too much force to unlock the blade and i just dont like how they look.
its always a shame when i see a knife that looks awesome at first glance and then to find out it has a frame lock. ive tried a couple in the past, i tried my best to like them but in the end i just couldnt
 
I don't know that I have a favorite lock, I pretty much like everything. I do fancy a well done button lock though, a la William Henry.
 
Their are more then a few I want to try. Of the ones I have I like a good frame lock. Strong & simple.
 
I've got a big mix of folders with all sorts of locks. As long as they are well built, they all have some good qualities.

For instance, I like how simple titanium framelocks can be. I'm fond of open construction knives, too.

Fully ambidextrous locks are always a good thing, since I often carry my folders in my left pocket. Lockback, AXIS, Tri-Ad.

Balisongs are fun to flip around, and quite secure (and, again, very simple in design which appeals to me).

I could go on and on. I guess I'm sort of a locking mechanism slut, I like them all as long as they are well made.
 
rogerxd45 said:
Liner locks are by far my favorite, i absolutely hate frame locks though, i find they take too much force to unlock the blade and i just dont like how they look.
its always a shame when i see a knife that looks awesome at first glance and then to find out it has a frame lock. ive tried a couple in the past, i tried my best to like them but in the end i just couldnt
Click to expand...

I know what you mean for the most part, in my experience, as far as frames are concerned. I've had a few frame locks impossible to close with a thumb, and I had to use two hands (two thumbs) to unlock it, especially a Kershaw Cryo. I've also had a Schrade that was a frame and closed very easily like every liner lock that I've handled. Frames might become my new favorite if I get my hands on some higher end ones, such as most titanium frame locks. People seem to open and close them with ease while watching reviews on youtube. I really like the simplicity of them. I've handled a Strider, & that one was smooth, easy to close, and solid.
 
1. TriAd Lock
2. Titanium frame lock with steel insert.

And hate thin liner locks. Especially titanium ones.
 
I like the strength and ease of use of the Axis and the simplicity, and slenderness, of the frame lock.
 
The better question is... Why aren't more folders made with the compression lock?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top