Your fav' lock system.....

Vet95LT1

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Jan 31, 2001
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351
which lock system do you prefer and why? lock back, liner lock, axis lock? which 1 and why? all info appreciated.....

thanks

vet
 
I prefer the framelock actually. Unfortunately it does not look likely for Sal to produce one anytime soon
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.

I have yet to try a compression lock though. I'm hoping I can pick up a Vesuvius, but that would require getting money freed up, and I suck at doing that.

The framelock works great as I am a big fan of how it and linerlocks both work on a fundamental level, but in practice the framelock is much stronger. I have had several linerlock knives have to be sent in for service with lock problems, one was even from a very highly reguarded company(not Spyderco) and it folded up under hand pressure, not the performance I would expect out of a folder with a retail price of something like $180.
 
I like my axis the best. It's just so fun to play with, so easy to use with either hand and it's strong.

The compression lock is a close second.
 
Most of my knives are liner lock and I am very comfortable with them. The gunting has a compression lock and it is GREAT, but I would like to play with it on a few other knives before I make a final judgement.
 
I prefer lockbacks because, for the time being, they're generally the most affordable. I'd rather my money goes into a quality steel than into some trendy high-tech system to protect me from nicking my finger. Hell, I earned my BSA Totin' Chip more than 20 years ago.
 
Lock backs! They have stood the test of time. They are strong, simple, and stay closed in the pocket.

Paul
 
Here here! Lockbacks are my favorite. I just can't seem to get used to linerlocks, but I may someday try something else.
Maybe the Rolling lock in the Sifu?

Need more Spydies, though.

Karl

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"Celebrate the diversity of inclusive, self-esteem nurturing, multicultural weapons arts." Karl Spaulding, The Safety Guy

[This message has been edited by Safety Guy (edited 04-07-2001).]
 
I like them lockbacks... BUT, liner locks make for nicer lines on a knife. As for newer locks, I don't know... I still don't like the omega springs in the axis lock (maybe it's just me, but that's the weakest link) and I haven't toyed with a compression lock yet. Frame locks (mono lock, whatever you want to call them) are solid.

I think the 'problem' people have with liner locks is the open design - you can actually see wear, movement, liner position... on a lock back it's either locked or not - you can't see anything. So it comes down to perception - all locks wear, but some do so more evidently.

Plus, I am from the camp that says all folders are FOLDERS - be careful because they can and will close. The only foolproof lock is having none - the fixed blade.

And all that from someone who really knows nothing and makes up most everything he says ;-)

RLR
 
Hi Safety guy. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Hey Tique. The weak link of a framelock is the parft that is milled out to permit the bend. That part is the part that goes first. Reliable, but not necessary any stgronger than a well made liner lock. At least according to our testing.

FYI, We have a "frame" or "integral compression lock" in the works.

sal
 
I love Spyderco, and I own more Spydies than any other brand, but I'm sorry: the Axis lock is the best out there. Spyderco makes the best lockbacks and liner, and the compression lock is an even better liner lock, but the Axis has it all: reliability, ambidexterity, smoothness, safety *open and closed*...

I'm drawing the line in the sand here: Sal, you licensed the Spydie hole to Benchmade. License the Axis lock from them, put it on the Military, and I'll buy TEN.
 
DOH!!!!
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How could I forget about the intergral compression lock :slaps self on forehead: If your talking Salsa, I'm still anxiously awaiting this little guy
smile.gif

Man, I must not have been thinking.

I still have a rough time putting the same trust in a linerlock that I do in a framelock. But my Military is still one of my constant companions when I go into the woods. It is one of two folders that I have found will go anywhere and do just about anything I want it to. Regardless of what lock is on it, it is one of the best production folders on the market in my opinion.

I still am not so jazzed on the axis lock. Strength is good, but I'm not seeing the exceptional smooth action that everyone keeps talking about unless I pull the bar back. This is kinda awkward to me, and I prefer a couple linerlock models(Spyderco of course) to any of the axis locks.

Looking at my Sebbie, it does end up pretty thin where they mill it out... Hmmm... still feels stronger though, and I have never heard of a problem with one folding up.
 
Salsa sounds like a nice side dish, but the ATR will definitely be a main course.
 
Tique: My understanding is that the frame lock is better not because it's stronger, but because increased grip pressure causes the lock to become tighter. On many liner locks, a tight grip starts that scary unlocking process.
 
Guess I should have clarified that. By stronger I include less likely to unlock, since a lock can't be considered very strong if it just folds up on ya.
 
If Spyderco is gonna do a frame lock, write me up for one! hell, I'll take two! A Ti frame lock ... I don't like steel framelocks.

Sal, the cutout isn't the problem..you can do it like benchmade, and mill a vertical section out, but keep the thickness. I can send you scans if you like.
But the best part of a frame lock are the much less wear the linerlocks, and the added safety that the lock only tightens if you grip it harder. The main complaint I heard about the military is that if you white-knuckle the grip, the liner disengages..
I don't have a military (if anyone has one too much ...
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) but i do have a spydie starmate, and I don't see how to release it by doing that. The best linerlock in my opinion next to the Benchmade Stryker.
It's like that.. Ti liners or Steel liners?

Ti can workharden and by wearing become so hard that it will never wear further (my stryker is at that point). A steel liner always wears, no matter what you do.. but if you make'm so good as spyderco, I guess a 50 - 60 years daily carry can be done with a starmate.

Greetz, Bart.

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