Why so few custom lockbacks?

J

jawilder

Joined
Jun 27, 2006
Messages
2,331
In my quest to transition into folding knives, I am considering focusing on lockbacks. But I rarely see any custom lockbacks beign sold on the forums here. Mostly slipjoints, liner/frame locks.

I was just wondering if the lockback is outdated and no market for them. I'd hate to put all my efforts into a type of knife that won't sell.

What are your thoughts on custom lockbacks?
 
I like lock backs. But the mentality of some knife collectors is they want to be able to flip the knife blade over and over again and destroy the liner lock in the process.

With a lock back it slows them down to much to be able to destroy their knives so they don't like them as much :)
 
I like lockbacks, too. I think if you made something similar to a Buck 110 or 112, with either carbon steel like 1095 or O1 or a high-end stainless like CPM-154 or ElMax, it would sell like hotcakes. Maybe offer a thumbstud; people love one-hand openers.

If I ever get up the courage to make a folder, it will be based heavily on either the Buck 110 or the Case Trapper. There's an awful lot to be said for those classic, hardworking designs.
 
Big market for custom lockbacks! Here are a few made in the last year.

IMGP9613_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9609_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8530_edited-1-1.jpg

IMGP0722.jpg

IMGP8653_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8365_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8367_edited-1.jpg



If you want to concentrate on quality lockbacks, I have no doubt you will sell every one that you build,
 
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^Nice! Now if that doesn't inspire you, check for your pulse :)
 
I love me some lockbacks too. I like the traditional aspect, but like the assurance that it won't fold on my hand. I've been nervous about that ever since I got 5 stitches from my first slippie when I was about 13 because it folded on my middle finger. Jason, we need to talk. Sounds like we're into the same kinds of things.

That trapper is outstanding!
 
Enrique Pena makes few.
Folding knives by Frank Centafonte, Ron Lake, and Wayne Clay,-Prior to that
Blackie Collins had a Gerber shop tour, tutorial in the 70's
Ken.
 
I'll have to look up the Peña stuff.

I already have the Wayne, Clay, Centfonte book. In fact, I have the Clay folder already laid out on Aldo's PG 3/32" A2. Lol. I just have to get my band saw set up so I can get it cut out.

Jason, that book is a really good one to have for lock backs. I totally forgot about it earlier. I wish the pictures were a little lighter in some places, but over all it's a great book.
 
I made a lockback once. It wasn't an original design, got the patterns from a book.

It really was about if i could do it. I'mproud that i got it done,but don't think it looks awesome.
 
Thanks guys, I'll continue in my education and determination to make lockbacks. Ken, those are some amazing examples!
 
Hey Ken, I've just started playing with lockbacks myself, here's the first one I've made so far.
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You know what Frank? I never did get around to making that lock back I talked about a year ago. I scraped the last off and used the steel for small fixed blades and slipjoints. Haha.
 
I like and prefer lockbacks, wish I could find some here (HINT HINT). I'm actually planing my next custom order to be a lockback... hopefully he says yes
 
Those are some fine looking knives Sir. !! I like a good lockback too. I think the trend for framelocks has changed the way many makers do things. I like frame locks ok . Only because I have learned how to fix them .Don't think I have ever had to fix a lockback. I would like to see a nice mix of tactical and traditional lockbacks.

ken erickson said:
Big market for custom lockbacks! Here are a few made in the last year.

IMGP9613_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9609_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8530_edited-1-1.jpg

IMGP0722.jpg

IMGP8653_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8365_edited-1.jpg

IMGP8367_edited-1.jpg



If you want to concentrate on quality lockbacks, I have no doubt you will sell every one that you build,
Click to expand...
 
This was my last purchase:

Steigerwalt01_zps7f6128d6.jpg


Steigerwalt02_zpsebc847e7.jpg


Granted it's the only traditional in my collection, but it's the knife I most treasure. :)
 
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