Who makes a good lock back?

justsomedude

justsomedude

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I'm looking to have a custom/hand-made lockback made.

What I really want is a Jerry Halfrich Rounder but I've come to understand that due to a very unfortunate natural disaster he is not currently making knives. My thoughts are with him and his family, I hope all is well!

I know that lock backs are prone to blade play and it is a requirement of mine that the knife be absolutely rock solid.

Many of the custom makers commonly recommended in "who's your favorite maker" type threads are already known to me, but don't do lock backs e.g. Davison, Menefee, Dr. T, Dunlap, Ohta etc.

I'm also budgeting up to $1,200 for this but preferably closer to $800 so no elite tier makers unfortunately.

Besides the lock, budget and handmade requirements, my only other is that they are currently accepting orders!

Thanks in advance for your input.
 
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Enrique Pena does lockbacks. I don't have one, but he is too talented for them not to be perfect.
 
Yes, Pena does great work but is unfortunately ruled out as he is not taking orders. Thanks nonetheless.
 
I was happy with the work Willem does from South Africa. I don't believe he's a member here, but if you google his screen name (K'Roo) you'll find him. Nice guy to work with. Does various styles and does lockbacks.

And have you checked the makers sub forums here? Lots of good makers on here to get with.
 
excellent production lock backs are the Buck 110, Uncle Henry LB7, and Old Timer 7OT. I have two of the Buck 110, and one each of the new made Taylor-Schrade LB7 and 7OT. None of them have any blade play, open or closed.
While I do not have any personal experience with them, the German made PUMA lock backs have a good reputation.
The Buck Custom Shop 110 can be had with the standard 420HC blade, or S30V, a choice of brass or nickle silver bolsters, with or without pins, with or without finger grooves, and a variety of handle materials, including Rams Horn, Elk Stag, and G10.
 
ISKski said:
If I was in a spending mood I would holler at Craig Brewer and see if he is "taking orders"...

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I was not familiar with Craig Brewer's work before but it looks fantastic, I have contacted him. Thank you!

Thanks for the recommendations afishhunter. I am familiar with all of the patterns you've mentioned and they are great suggestions. Unfortunately I've spoiled myself with hand-made slipjoints and am looking to add a lockback or two to my growing collection of custom slipjoints.

Markesharp... In my dreams man, in my dreams.

Thanks to you as well Joe! Going to do some more research into this maker.
 
The work of Rick Genovese is absolutely out of this world. I need to add another stipulation which is a budget of <$1,200 because yes, I am aware and in awe of makers such as Genovese, Bose, Steigerwalt, etc. but not looking for that type of piece just yet.
 
In addition to those mentioned, Ken Erickson makes a superb lockback.
 

I'm partial to my pair of Pena's. Other than the above mentioned makers, Joel Chamblin is one who may still be taking orders.
 
I will second the recommendation of Ken Erickson. I have a lockback that Ken made years ago and it is Perfect in all regards. Ken is one of the very best makers of Traditional style knives and is also a very kind and helpful person. I'm sure he has a waiting list but it is worthwhile to ask. He might just feel like making a lockback when your inquiry comes in. Nothing ventured, nothing gained; i.e. it never hurts to ask.
kj
 
My Grandfather carried WR Case knives. I have owned just about every "tactical" knife out there, and I had issues with them all. I have had the best luck with WR Case and Sons knives. My EDC is a "Rough Black Trapperlock w/ pocket clip (#30113/ 6154LC SS). It is a liner lock knife. WR Case and Sons are still hand made and aren't too pricey.

I am a police officer and carry the mentioned knife for my duty knife as well. They make other lock back knives too.
 
Give GEC a look, I just got a #83, and though it is a bit small it is very well made. If you do some looking you might be able to find some others, I know collector knives has a few others in stock. it really depends on what you're looking for though. You could get a GEC at 1/10th the price of your budget, but that might not have the same level of satisfaction for you if you're in to totally custom knives. GECs are hand made awesomeness (made in the old way), it could possibly quench your thirst until one of the custom guys is available again...just food for thought.
 
Since I see production knives getting in here a bit I would also second the custom shop Buck knives. I'm crazy about my 112! Another I don't have but my knife buddy at work who can afford knives I can only dream of has a Fallkniven amber bone TK3C he lets me handle. This TK3C lock back tortures me for worse then his Tony Bose knives and Seebees! I can't get use to folks at work calling me Peter Parker LOL!
 
Lhpanther said:
I'm partial to my pair of Pena's.
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Me too Rob. Sorry to hear he is not taking orders at this time.

penalockbacks1.jpg
 
I really dig my 1970's browning lockback. The handles are milled out as opposed to peened or riveted together. They are also more contoured and feel better in the hand than the Buck 110's. You might snag one up for around $30-60 if you get lucky enough to find a good listing.. I lucked out and picked up mine at a pawn for just $10. Turned out to be the best traditional lockback I ever bought. Never getting rid of it.
 
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