Why do folders still use linerlocks and framelocks?

Tried to do a weight hang today... I need to get some light chain, because doing this with 550 is just frustrating. I had 120 lbs from a bag of lime and quikrete, and the weight was almost off the jack and fully supported by the PM2, but my knots slipped. It was my third attempt to get everything balanced. Will try again on the weekend. The PM2 lock still functions, but it has gone to about 50% engagement.
 
Why are there 10 different kinds of ketchup when all you need is one? Variety, and personal preference.
 
Great designs last.

Why is it still being made en masse? Because people buy them.

I for one will be buying more in the future.
 
hardheart said:
Tried to do a weight hang today... I need to get some light chain, because doing this with 550 is just frustrating. I had 120 lbs from a bag of lime and quikrete, and the weight was almost off the jack and fully supported by the PM2, but my knots slipped. It was my third attempt to get everything balanced. Will try again on the weekend. The PM2 lock still functions, but it has gone to about 50% engagement.
Click to expand...

When you blow the pivot/stop pin on that thing, sell me your blue scales. :p;)
 
hardheart said:
Tried to do a weight hang today... I need to get some light chain, because doing this with 550 is just frustrating. I had 120 lbs from a bag of lime and quikrete, and the weight was almost off the jack and fully supported by the PM2, but my knots slipped. It was my third attempt to get everything balanced. Will try again on the weekend. The PM2 lock still functions, but it has gone to about 50% engagement.
Click to expand...

What was engagement before testing?
 
Don't have access to an engine hoist at the moment. I might be able to pull one out of storage, but I haven't yanked a motor in over a decade. I had the blade between a pair of 123 blocks, which were in a vice. I tightened down as much as I was comfortable with, no cheater pipe. It wasn't enough, I need to put something across the top to bind the blocks and prevent turning in the vice jaws. Or I need some other jig to hold the blade, as the width of the blade with the opening hole restricts the ways I can fasten the blocks together.
 
hardheart said:
Don't have access to an engine hoist at the moment. I might be able to pull one out of storage, but I haven't yanked a motor in over a decade. I had the blade between a pair of 123 blocks, which were in a vice. I tightened down as much as I was comfortable with, no cheater pipe. It wasn't enough, I need to put something across the top to bind the blocks and prevent turning in the vice jaws. Or I need some other jig to hold the blade, as the width of the blade with the opening hole restricts the ways I can fasten the blocks together.
Click to expand...

123 blocks should give you a dang near perfectly flat surface to hold the blade between, but that doesn't help if the blade isn't perfectly flat too. Do you have interchangeable vice jaws that could conform to the blade more?
 
I've not read through all the replies, but I'll chime in with some thoughts. Forgive any redundancy.

Companies that produce knives, as well as custom makers are not all about designing the latest and greatest locks the world has yet to see. Not everyone in the world needs a tacticool lock that can support the weight of a small farm before failing. If that were the case traditional pocket knives would only be found in museums and history books.

Most of the "heavy duty" locks are currently either patented or trademarked, so by definition that puts a limit on who may and may not use them. The Triad lock is a Demko and Cold Steel thing, and I'm pretty sure hell would break loose if some company just randomly started selling folders with it. Same goes for the compression lock and the Axis lock. I recall Sl mentioning something about Chris Reeve not patenting the RIL to allow knife makers more versatility (statement may or may not be accurate).

Some knife makers that learned what works and what doesn't like to keep things on an even keel, and do not want to get caught up reinventing the wheel. No need to get too complicated or fancy with springs or other extra parts. Some folks just stick to what has worked over the last 25-30 years.
 
bpeezer said:
123 blocks should give you a dang near perfectly flat surface to hold the blade between, but that doesn't help if the blade isn't perfectly flat too. Do you have interchangeable vice jaws that could conform to the blade more?
Click to expand...
No, but I'm not too concerned with that. If I could get a bolt above and below the jaws, then the blocks couldn't turn out. I just need to work with it some more, maybe switch to angle iron pieces.
 
RevDevil said:
I've not read through all the replies, but I'll chime in with some thoughts. Forgive any redundancy.

Companies that produce knives, as well as custom makers are not all about designing the latest and greatest locks the world has yet to see. Not everyone in the world needs a tacticool lock that can support the weight of a small farm before failing. If that were the case traditional pocket knives would only be found in museums and history books.

Most of the "heavy duty" locks are currently either patented or trademarked, so by definition that puts a limit on who may and may not use them. The Triad lock is a Demko and Cold Steel thing, and I'm pretty sure hell would break loose if some company just randomly started selling folders with it. Same goes for the compression lock and the Axis lock. I recall Sl mentioning something about Chris Reeve not patenting the RIL to allow knife makers more versatility (statement may or may not be accurate).

Some knife makers that learned what works and what doesn't like to keep things on an even keel, and do not want to get caught up reinventing the wheel. No need to get too complicated or fancy with springs or other extra parts. Some folks just stick to what has worked over the last 25-30 years.
Click to expand...

Good post Rev:thumbup:

And the springs are one thing I don't like about the axis. I know a couple that had theirs come out.
I like slipjoints as much as locking knives, and when I do want a lock a good simple liner lock, or RIL is hard to beat IMO.
 
Planterz said:
...And the lock on an SOG Flash? Overly complex, and there's this tiny little ball that you're probably going to lose...
Click to expand...

That's just too funny, that's exactly what happened to mine, I gotta find a replacement. ;)

In regards to the OPs post, basically because it works, most modern Liner Locks© are not based on the old liner locks but on Michael Walker's design. Actually the old knives aren't called Liner Locks© anymore because IIRC Walker copyrighted the name they're called side locks, leaf locks and a few other names so it's really like comparing apples and oranges.

Framelocks are a relatively modern design so I wouldn't consider them outdated or antiquated and again they work for most people, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just my 2¢ worth.
 
I've owned tons and tons of folders using all sorts of different locks. The ONLY two I ever had fail were a Spyderco liner lock and a Buck frame lock. I could also force an Ontario RAT 1 to fail with hard spine whacks. The only folding knife I ever cut myself with was a frame lock (quite a nice one actually).

I'm left-handed and as such, use both hands but mostly my left. Most liner and frame locks are setup primarily for right-handed use. I love the ambidextrous abilities of the AXIS lock and so it's my favorite lock in a folding knife. It's fast and reliable as well. I've never had one fail or break in any way.

As for why manufacturers still use liner and frame locks, I am sure it has to do with ease of manufacturing and simplicity compared to heavily machined/precision fitted locks such as the AXIS lock.

But they aren't for me.
 
Ken44 said:
And the springs are one thing I don't like about the axis. I know a couple that had theirs come out.
Click to expand...

I've never had any come out, but I have had a few snap! So in the end pretty much the same failure.

Appears I'm not the only one... just a few examples.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/575734-Broken-Omega-spring

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/684748-BM-943-Broken-Omega-Spring

http://edcforums.com/threads/benchmade-axis-lock-omega-spring.58760/
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top