Which knife locks do you trust the most?

Kaizen1

Kaizen1

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Crappy made knives will be a risk to our fingers, regardless of the type of lock used. And an FYI for the newbies out there looking at folders and locks for the first time- lock strength isn't the most important thing to look for in a lock, you want lock security. Let's get some specific models. Which knives do you trust the most with your fingers?

Hinderer XM-18 frame lock with flipper
Spyderco Mini Manix back lock
Spyderco ATR & Paramilitary compression lock

Edited: Notice I'm not asking "which knife would you spine whack with no hand protection?".
 
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I do trust my Large Sebenza. The way I use it, I seriously doubt it would ever fail on me.

northernlight
 
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My Benchmade 32 Morpho is the most secure lock I have. Nothing compares to it except fixed blades of course.
 
I think of a lock on a folding knife as a fail-safe if I get sloppy in using it, although I try not to use it unsafely. I use any folder as if I was using a slip-joint. That said, the knives that I have personal experience with, AND trust the locks on are:

1. Buck 110 (lockback)
2. Spyderco Delica/ Endura (both lockbacks)
3. Gerber Parabellum: (bolt action)
 
slipstickLibby said:
Which knife locks do you trust the most?
None.
I always use a knife as if the lock is faulty.
Click to expand...

Personally, this approach seems over the top. There are plenty of fixed blades that have broken, but that doesn't mean we should treat them like they're going to fail under reasonable usage. I don't drive my car around like it's fundamentally flawed and prone towards accidents. To each his own.
 
Of the ones I have had or have now the XM 18, Sebenza, and the STR Framelock Spyderco Millie! It would take one heck of a WHACK to close that Millie! I think the Axis lock on the 940, and other Benchmades are good to but I think Framelocks are the toughest. Kevin :thumbup:
 
I'm another of the old-school "treat them all like slipjoints and the lock doesn't matter" crowd. I drive defensively too, so I don't have to worry about my seatbelts and airbags working. If I do my job, they'll never get a chance. Same thing with a folding knife.
 
I do not trust linerlocks. I feel the most reliable locking types are a well made framelock, lockback, or axislock.
 
I tend to trust manufacturers more than lock styles. I have yet to have a lock failure on a knife from a top line manufacturer no matter what style lock style is used.

But, I am also careful with my cutting technique so as not to be entirely dependent on the lock not failing.

And my favorite lock style? A lockback. Not because it is "safer" as far as failing, I just find it easier to use and I do not have to put my fingers in the path of the blade when closing one-handed.

add: The axis lock has a very high "cool factor" and I don't have to put my fingers in harm's way when closing it. But, there are those springs that have been known to fail. I have lockbacks from the 60's that have never failed. Axis locks have not existed long enough to prove their durability.
 
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mongomondo said:
My Benchmade 32 Morpho is the most secure lock I have. Nothing compares to it except fixed blades of course.
Click to expand...

Yup, Balisongs are certainly the best "locking" mechanism.

Aside from those, the Kershaw ET ist built in such a way that it also can never fail. Great piece of design.
 
My Sebbie integral framelock has proven trustworthy. And I have to say the CS leaf lock on the Ti-Lite series seems very durable. I trust it over some of my other name brand production folders.

Matador-
 
I'm a huge fan of the Axis lock.

I have never owned or operated a frame lock. I've heard plenty of good things about them though.
 
I'm with knarfeng, it's the maker and the materials that make more of a difference to me. I trust a Kershaw liner lock more than I trust Smith&Wesson lockback.
 
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