Which lock Really lasts longer....?

batosai117

batosai117

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Which lock really lasts longer, liner lock, frame lock, axis lock, arc lock, or lockback?

In my opinion the lockback and frame locks seem that they would appear to last the longest. The lockback knives from buck have lasted the test of time, and frame locks just seem like they are thick enough to last forever. So what do you guys think?

The axis locks and arc locks look like the springs would give out sooner or later, just my opinion.
 
Axis as long as you don't have defective springs. And lockback springs wear out too. At least with the Axis, you can make new springs out of piano wire.:thumbup:
 
i dunno, the liner lock in my blur are starting to go after minor use. I know the arc lock can survive a ton of abuse, but IMO, axis is the way to go. I would never recommend a sog to anyone, as i think they are crap. (well, at least most of them):(
 
I have a lockback that's 17 years old and has seen hard use pretty much every day of its existence, it's still going strong. It'd definitely have to be my bet.
 
My lockback Spyderco Endura gave out after 14 years of daily carry. I promptly replaced it with another Endura and hope to get another decade or so out of the lock. Looking at my axis lock Benchmades, I'd have to say they appear as though they may never wear out:)
 
Which lock Really lasts longer....?

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Which lock really lasts longer, liner lock, frame lock, axis lock, arc lock, or lockback?

The type of lock alone is not the most important factor in determining the life of your lock. Materials and craftsmanship are just as critical, sometimes even more critical. The lockback is a fairly strong mechanism regardless of what it's made of, but a well made framelock is stronger, and an axis lock will certainly live longer.
My point is, no lock is going to outlast another lock simply because of what kind of lock it is. You have to consider what it's made of, and by whom.
 
I would think something like the Spyderco D'Allara's ball lock would hold up a long, long time...that's a pretty low wear lock engagement.
 
missin_hobo said:
Which lock Really lasts longer....?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Which lock really lasts longer, liner lock, frame lock, axis lock, arc lock, or lockback?

The type of lock alone is not the most important factor in determining the life of your lock. Materials and craftsmanship are just as critical, sometimes even more critical. The lockback is a fairly strong mechanism regardless of what it's made of, but a well made framelock is stronger, and an axis lock will certainly live longer.
My point is, no lock is going to outlast another lock simply because of what kind of lock it is. You have to consider what it's made of, and by whom.
Click to expand...

I think its pretty reasonable to assume, for the sake of discussion that all things are equal. I mean, no ones saying "wahts stronger, a defective lock type A or a poorly made lock type B"

That being said, I'd tend to agree with the thread starter, I think frame locks and lockbacks are the most toughest. I dont think more small moving parts and springs will ever equate to a stronger more rugged lock.
 
I have 35 + year old Buck lockbacks that have been used hard and they still work fine.

Frame locks should have 'hand me down' longevity also although the contact may wear. Overall they tend to wear pretty well though.

Liner locks should last a long time as far as the function of the spring of the lock itself but generally speaking a liner lock that is used a lot is old at 10 years and will surely need at least one adjustment for overtravel or vertical play probably long before that. There are exceptions but usually its just that the knives are not used much in the way of doing things that really stress the lock a lot or cause it undue wear.

Jury is still out on the true longevity of the Omega springs in the Axis lock folder. I seriously doubt the springs will go 20 years between breakages. I'll be suprised if they make it ten on average but anything is possible. So long as the springs are still available or someone is around to repair them should they stop making them I would say its also going to last quite a while otherwise. I'd put the Arc lock in this same category of the jury still being out.

The coil spring set up of the ball lock from Spyderco is one that will last a long time I think compared to the omega spring. But even those can weaken I'd think. However adjusting one of those may be quite simple actually by comparsion to the BenchMade springs where you'd have to either fabricate your own or send it to the company to repair for you.

STR
 
Frame locks, Walker Liner Locks, Axis Locks and I'm presumming Arc Locks,(I've never owned one) are all self adjusting if done correctly, Lockbacks are super strong but by their design become looser as they wear.

All things equal I'dput my money on a properly executed Axis Lock, by design the lockup will keep adjusting towards the pivot pin until the lockbar couldn't move further due to the restriction of the liner and scale cutout.

Keep this in mind though anything that requires a folder lock so strong that you fear a failure under heavy loading, maybe you might want to reconsider and use a nonfolding blade just to be safe.;)
 
listen to Steve and Hobo:D

I think generally all of these locks are pretty good, and as Hobo stated, I think the manufacturer is very important.

For example, a well made linerlock could last and be very strong. While a linerlock on a cheap ccc will probably break in a week.

Same goes to all locks, if it is defective or have bad quality, it wont last at all.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I still believe that the lockback is one of the longest lasting locks out there, but I wanted to find out what you guys thought. I love my axis lock knives, but I wouldn't consider one for extended outdoor use because if the lock poops out (the little springs rust out) then that's it for that knife. The lockbacks have withstood the test of time and the frame locks and liner locks seem simple but effective. Most liner locks and frame locks are open back so they are easier to clean. In case you guys are wondering, I'm not much for fixed blades, I've always loved folders and that's how it's always going to be. So if ya'll have any more input about lock duration and not weight capabilities feel free to post, thanks ahead of time, J.
 
All I can talk about is lockbacks because that is what I have owned long enough to see how they last.

I have a Buck 110 I got in about '69 that still locks up very securely.
I have a couple of gerber lockbacks from ~80 that lock up tight
I have a Japanese lockback from ~80 that locks up tight.

All have seen fair usage. None has ever failed to lock or hold.
 
Well, anyone from south Texas has got to know a good knife lock when they see one! ;)

Out of all the different lock styles I have used, I'll trust the lockback on a Buck 110 over anything. It's hard to argue with history.
 
A.P.F. said:
Well, anyone from south Texas has got to know a good knife lock when they see one! ;)

Out of all the different lock styles I have used, I'll trust the lockback on a Buck 110 over anything. It's hard to argue with history.
Click to expand...

LOL, thanks for that piece of info :D. I just really depend on folders 'cause I like the fact that I can carry them in city limits and out in the Bush (no pun intended even though he hunts nearby all the time). The Buck 110 is probably one of the longest lasting folders that I've ever heard of, and it cleans hogs fairly well too, might I add.
 
In my opinion the Axis lock is still the best there is.
Yes the springs can break, but they can be replaced as well. When a frame lock goes, you retire the knife. when a back lock is used heavily, it develops tons of play.
I have yet to hear of an Axis lock wearing to the point that the bar can no longer self adjust, and if that were to happen the lock would probably still function.

Spyderco's Ball lock comes close, but doesn't have as much contact surface as the Axis and would probably wear out a little faster.
The Compression lock is another that should work until the knife literally falls apart, even if it develops a little play.
 
Joshua J. said:
When a frame lock goes, you retire the knife. when a back lock is used heavily, it develops tons of play.
...The Compression lock is another that should work until the knife literally falls apart, even if it develops a little play.
Click to expand...

What is the definition of a frame lock "going"? Wouldn't it simply lose the ability to self adjust thus develop play -- much like a lock back and compression lock?
 
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