Why do folders still use linerlocks and framelocks?

EDIT: Nevermind.
 
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shecky said:
This is a ridiculously skewed definition of a properly executed framelock. Minimal tolerances, heat treatment, geometry, retention with minimal parts, are all trivial for a modern manufacturer, and can be found on a $8 framelock. Titanium is a material used, but claiming the best is pretty subjective.
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I'm not going to waste time or energy responding to this laughably incorrect post. You're missing the simple proposition that framelocks that incorporate those features are some of the few non-axis/compression/triad locks that retain a unique function and purpose, and will not be gradually phased out anytime soon. The features listed are notoriously difficult to design and manufacture, especially to exacting tolerances, and are not found in "a $8 framelock." Minimal research into the knife design process will affirm this.
 
EDIT: Nevermind.
 
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...Anyway, if you guys are done turning some guy's uninformed post into a reason to crucify him, the discussion should probably shift back to locking mechanisms instead of surprisingly vitriolic ad hominem.
 
dragonist2 said:
For the purposes of this discussion, I am going to ignore lock strengths for a few reasons.
1. There does not seem to be a general consensus on the strength of each lock type. (of course I could be wrong)
2. All modern locking mechanisms are secure enough for the kind of tasks a folder is likely going to do.


With the invention of newer locks such as the Axis lock, compression lock, triad lock, etc., why are so many folding knives still being designed around the liner/framelock? People make a huge deal over the importance of one-handed opening, both righty and lefty, and 4-position pocketclips. Essentially, liner locks are righty only. Yes, you can do it with your left hand, but it's difficult. Plus, I don't like putting my fingers in the way of the closing blade. I think this last point is the main problem I have with what I think is an obsolete locking mechanism.

Is nostalgia? convenience? cost? just the way you do it? I don't know.
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They do make lefty friendly frame and liner locks. The Spyderco Military and Sebenza come to mind. As for your fingers coming in the blade path, well...God/nature/evolution/whatever gave you eyes for a reason. Watch what you're doing or you may get a Darwin award for cutting your own fingers :p
 
If I'm to be honest. The ONLY knife I've cut myself while closing the blade was a.................Benchmade Griptilian :eek:
 
dragonist2 said:
with what I think is an obsolete locking mechanism.
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Obsolete. Really ??? Far from it, and they'll be around longer than I will.

The liner, and RIL are by far my favorite locks, and have been since they came out. For me nothing else even comes close.
I have some traditional lockbacks, and a couple of Para 2 compression locks, but all of my other locking knives are liner, or RIL.
Unless I buy a traditional lockback I dought I'll ever buy another knife thats not a liner, or RIL.

They are simple, fast, and I've never come close to cutting myself using one. I guess I've just used them so much thats its second nature to me. Kinda like breathing,lol.
 
So yeah, I was using my Opinel #8 today to cut the rind off an orange....didn't feel outdated...
 
matt1987 said:
As for your fingers coming in the blade path, well...God/nature/evolution/whatever gave you eyes for a reason. Watch what you're doing or you may get a Darwin award for cutting your own fingers :p
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You don't even need to look. I can open and close them behind my back with no wrist action just as fast as I can with the knife in front of me. Years ago when liner locks came out I would play with them like the were worry beads or something,lol.
I don't do that anymore, but could open and close many liner locks over 30 times in 30 seconds. I had surgery on my right thumb, and can no longer do it that fast.
 
hardheart said:
It would be nice if the frame lock was stronger, but I don't believe one exists that can hold more weight than a lockback, axis lock, or triad. At least nothing has been shown.
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Still flogging this dead horse eh!

Why do you think it needs to be stronger? Not sure why you keep spreading misinformation on frame locks being weak, I know your not a fan but let it go.
 
The horse isn't so dead when someone posts that the frame lock can "achieve one of the highest forms of lock strength".

I think it needs to be stronger to justify the weight. I'm not sure why you call it misinformation when it is actually documented by knifemakers. And don't feel the need to tell me what to post about, because you won't get what you want. Don't like my opinion, don't read it.
 
hardheart said:
The horse isn't so dead when someone posts that the frame lock can "achieve one of the highest forms of lock strength".
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Technically it can, the knife may weigh 30kg and can never be disengaged but those are just details.


hardheart said:
I think it needs to be stronger to justify the weight.
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Huh? you have some need for lock strength against silly abusive tests to weight ratio? It is a nugatory point at best, the lock strength of a quality frame lock will far exceed the strength requirements of the hardest user provided of course that the knife is not being used as an axe, a wood splitter, a chisel or any other task which knives are not designed for.


hardheart said:
I'm not sure why you call it misinformation when it is actually documented by knifemakers. And don't feel the need to tell me what to post about, because you won't get what you want. Don't like my opinion, don't read it.
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Because it is misinformation - frame locks are not weak as you appear intent on conveying and the documented tests were abusive tests to destruction which have no bearing on knife use.
 
You should really email all the knife makers and the manufacturers and tell them that their destruction tests with calibrated equipment or repeatable methods have no bearing on knife use, so then maybe they will stop. I do not break knives, but the people who make a living designing and manufacturing these things do. If it matters to businesses doing several millions of dollars in sales every year, then they can test as they please and advertise all they want, they can afford it.
 
Liner lock = Frame lock

Some differences, but basically the same thing. Just saying. Not that it matters when pressure is only going against the edge of the blade, or the tip.
 
Well besides the fact that they are not patented, people like these locks and like have multiple choices. They are not obsolete. Second the whole lock strength fight is ridiculous. All of those locks done right will be strong enough to do what 99% of people use them for. And if its not buy a fixed blade really.
 
Bugout Bill said:
The compression lock isn't going to see the general market unless Spyderco relinquishes its trademark on it. There are some Chinese domestics that use the compression lock, but that's about it.
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Please learn the difference between a patent and a trademark. The compression lock is still under patent, as is the axis lock, although that one should be expiring soon. The Chinese knives you refer to are patent violations and illegal, not that the makers care.
 
I like frame-locks quite a bit.:) Liner locks, not as much.

I've used my frame-locks in ways which according to many "internet experts" should have resulted in missing fingers...yet here I am, merrily typing away with no digits missing.:thumbup:
Simple, elegant, and strong enough for even most idiots = good.
 
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