Hi All,

I just ordered a few new knives and was comparing the different types of locking mechanisms on folders.

Most of the locking knives I have owned are of the Lock Back variety (e.g. Buck 110), but I have a few Liner Locks also (e.g. Leatherman TTi). I also own many pocket knives with no locks at all (e.g. most SAKs).

I have read about other locking styles (Axis, Frame, Button, Compression, Opinel) but just do not know the strenghts and weaknesses of them.

I know this forum has members who are knowledgeable on knife types and proabaly own many of these styles.

Can we discuss what folding knife lock type is the best?

Thanks,

Mike

I haven't had a chance to use some of the new lock types -- I'd be interested in users' experiences too.

Generally, though, I don't trust locks. Yes, they're useful, and worth having, but I think of them more as a safety latch.

To my mind, a locking folder is like a firearm with a round in the chamber. Don't ever pretend it's not loaded.

The classic Buck-type lock is handy and reasonably effective. It's weaknesses seem to be pocket crud and twisting. Liner locks seem less vulnerable to fouling in my experience.

I still think the strongest lock I've used was a Cold Steel Twistmaster. It used the Opinel-style lock with a solid Zytel handle. I did a lot of batoning on this folder and it was as close to a fixed blade as I've ever seen. Not very handy for quick cuts though -- two hands to open and lock.

I don't care how a knife locks as long as it does lock and I don't cut my fingers off.

I think the quality of the locking mechanism is more important. a good lockback is pretty dependable...so is a good liner lock. I've seen both fail on cheaper knives.

I agree with Hacksaw that it seems to be more about quality than a particular style. The most important thing that matters to me is that it not fail and cut my fingers.

Having said that, from an ergonomic perspective, I'm pretty fond of the axis locks on my Benchmade folders.

I don't like liner locks at all. Best I can say about them is you can close them with only one hand. I particularly dislike the them on my EDC Leatherman Charge, where the straight and serrated blades have completely different lock tolerances.

Websites like bladeforums.com have zillions of threads on this topic. Certainly would be a good reference and source of reviews for individual knives.

I agree, buy my statement assumes a person buys a good knife in the first place as I’m sure most of us do. I don’t shop for knifes at Big Lots or Harbor Tools.

I have no question about the ability of a Buck, Gerber or similar quality or better knifes ability to stay locked.

I do. I like the Gerber Freeman fixed blade I have quite a bit. I decided to get the Freeman folder on a whim because I saw the price had dropped to close to $30. It is a liner lock. I don't mind liner locks but the liner on this one drops so far past the handle that I am very afraid of accidentally manipulating it while using the knife in some fashion. So while the knife is actually pretty well made I'm afraid to carry it and use it.
The AutoLawks on my CRKT M4 is great - that I don't have any worries about. The liner lock on my cheapie $10 Buck Whittaker folder is up inside enough I don't really worry about it. But this Freeman folder was a waste of money because of what I see as a design flaw even though the quality is there.
This site makes me ramble.