Why no lockbacks?

Midget

Midget

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Messages
2,810
So... What exactly does everyone have against lockbacks? Seems like the only "tactical" folders out there are always linerlocking or framelocking. The only thing I know is... I dream about lockback Buck-striders...
 
Somehow, I think people assimilate the word 'tactical' with 'one hand use.' You know, you're at a crash scene, the driver has had a heart attack, the gas tank is smoldering, and you are busy. You flick the blade open with one hand, cut the seat belt and then have to secure the knife.

I think most people envision themselves closing a liner lock one-handed to facilitate the quick use of both hands on the victim. If time is not a problem, then the concept is that this is not a crisis 'tactical' situation. To that end, I think lockbacks represent strength, more to a survival or hunting situation. It's perception.
 
I wonder why Buck is moving away from lockbacks also. I'e seen several loose linerlocks, but my lockbacks always seem solid. Lockbacks are also significantly more lefty-friendly. It's gotten to the point where I won't spend anything significant on a knife if it's design doesn't at least make an attempt at being ambidextrous.
 
Yea, no kidding. Every lockback I've had (bar one) has been tight and secure. And every linerlock I've owned, even the quality ones, have never matched up.

I fail to see how closing a linerlock is faster than closing a lockback? I can close a lockback with one hand, I don't feel it's much different than closing a linerlock/framelock.

I'm starting to think it's because linerlocks/framelocks are cheaper to manufacture than lockbacks? And that's just a guess, from just looking at the design, it looks like a linerlock/framelock takes less machining and materials than does a lockback. Maybe I'm wrong?
 
I'm with you guys on lockbacks. But I would guess the reason we see so many frame and liner lock models is that is what the consumers are buying. Lord knows the knife manufacturers won't make much on me, I'm satisfied with my 110's.
Bob
 
....you're at a crash scene, the driver has had a heart attack, the gas tank is smoldering, and you are busy. You flick the blade open with one hand, ..

.. think of NICKING your blade....or perhaps...DULLING that scary EDGE............look back at the driver, he looks almost gone anyhow.....look back at your pristine Damascus blade....think about the STAINS......look for someone who has a cheap knife....look back at the driver.....fold your knife.....tell him how sorry you are..
ask around for a cell phone.... call help.... oil your blade to negate the nervous sweat you got on it.

....and....and...

;) :D
 
Lavan,

ROTFLOL!!!

At various times of my life, you'd be dead on! Do you follow me around and watch me make decisions?:D
 
I can't think of any liner-locks that I like better than my lock-backs. But if that's what people want, then Buck should make them. They have to adapt to the market.
Just so they keep on making lockbacks, too ;) !
 
I've wondered the same thing also. What advantage does a liner/frame lock have over a lockback, if any? Extrema Ratio is making a line of tatical folders that are lockbacks and while I haven't handled any everything I've heard about them has been good. Maybe this will catch on.
 
Well, Buck Striders are a collaboration with Strider Knives who use exclusively liner locks in their knives.
And they are certainly robust dependable locks in my experience.

Perhaps you should design a tactical knife with a lock back, become famous and develop a cult like following and then approach Buck knives about doing a collaboration with you.

Otherwise extrema Ratio have you covered at the top end or Spyderco makes some nice tactical lock backs in the more affordable range.

Then there's the venerable 110 and Buckbenza to consider.

Personally I'm fine with a well executed liner lock.
 
A lock back tactical knife...a Buck 186 or 560 with a thumb stud. (Both are pretty much the same, but the 186 is held together with screws while the 560 utilizes rivets.) No, you cannot close either one-handed easily, but when used in a defensive position closing the knife should be the last thing on your mind!

Take care,
 
I don't think that the issue is about which is better.
Each has it's purpose in it's design.

For speed and efficiency I'm in favor of the liner lock.

I also see it this way: Most of us can quickly open and close a certain lock back knife with one hand. Not every model and every brand.
As for liner locks, We can quickly open and close most brand or model with one hand.

Of coarse I am just speaking for us knife nuts. For most pocket knife carrying people, it's two hand open/two hand close for any lock. I have seen a small few use one hand on a liner lock. I have never seen a person use one hand on a lock back.

sunnee
 
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