Why the fatigue off button locks?

Do you love or hate button locks?

  • Love

    Votes: 22 36.1%

  • Hate

    Votes: 4 6.6%

  • Meh!

    Votes: 35 57.4%
  • Total voters
    61
Yo Mama

Yo Mama

Joined
Sep 25, 2011
Messages
6,285
Seems a lot of people are hating the proliferation of plunge locks. I don’t get it. They are my favorite lock. What’s not to like? They are as strong as liner or frame locks, easier to use, fun to fidget with, and durable.

When a beautiful design comes out with a button lock I get excited! Rag on the steel choice but to attack the button lock I just don’t get the hate?
 
I’ve yet to try one that didn’t develop blade play or lock rock. Detent usually feels lite as well.

Brands I’ve tried with button / plunge locks

Benchmade x ??? Many
Hogue x 4
Les George x 1
Freeman x 1
Pro tech x 10 +

* autos with the button lock are the frequent exception
 
I carry a Spartan Pallas probably 4-5 days a week. Love the knife, never had an issue with it. In addition I probably have 10-12 other button locks. Haven’t had an issue with lockup but I don’t have any budget models either.
 
I like them for a general use kind of knife. Hard use, I’ll choose something else. Horses for courses.

Even better is the top liner lock that masquerades as a button lock! Smock, Vosteed, and some others.
 
I've got a couple and they are fine. I'm not picky when it comes to locks and have a few examples of most. I've got loads of non-locking knives in my rotation as well. I switch knives so often that I don't think I'll ever wear one out.
 
luethge said:
I’ve yet to try one that didn’t develop blade play or lock rock. Detent usually feels lite as well.

Brands I’ve tried with button / plunge locks

Benchmade x ??? Many
Hogue x 4
Les George x 1
Freeman x 1
Pro tech x 10 +

* autos with the button lock are the frequent exception
Click to expand...
The newer freeman are tempting me, but this exact issue keeps me away. Bummer, I was hoping they'd be solid. Thanks for the feedback.
 
shinyedges said:
The newer freeman are tempting me, but this exact issue keeps me away. Bummer, I was hoping they'd be solid. Thanks for the feedback.
Click to expand...

Out of all the button locks I tried, the freeman was the best.. it was a first generation in D2, excellent slicer. The play wasn’t too big an issue, the lock functioned and the action was smooth as glass. There was a minor amount of lock rock..
 
luethge said:
Out of all the button locks I tried, the freeman was the best.. it was a first generation in D2, excellent slicer. The play wasn’t too big an issue, the lock functioned and the action was smooth as glass. There was a minor amount of lock rock..
Click to expand...
I might be petty, but minor lock rock is a deal breaker. I know it generally doesn't effect function and unless you check for it you really don't encounter it, but once I know it's there, I can't unknow.
 
As a lefty. Button locks are the only right handed locking mechanisms I consider. I've been casually perusing the Exchange for a Les George Button Lock for quite some time now.
Depressing the button with my index finger is just as easy as using the thumb. As long as the clip is reversable, I'll give it as much consideration as an ambi knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top