Never used one, just don't like 'em. Any rational reason why?

Liner locks require precise fitment to function properly. Liner locks from high end manufacturers are, in my experience, perfectly fine. With lower quality knives, they tend to have issues. Some of which can be potentially dangerous.

With that said, all folding knives are a compromise compared to a fixed blade.

I don't have a problem with them if its well made. Spyderco has been very reliable for me. Oddly enough, I'm not a fan of axis locks.

I'm the opposite. I prefer the axis lock to spyderco's liner lock and compression lock knives.

It's no big issue to me because I've never been comfortable abusing any folder like I do a fixed blade. Anyway, the well-regarded Sebenza uses a frame lock, which is similar to a liner lock. So, the system can't be all that bad, right?

I'm OK with liner locks or axis locks. They both work for me. I don't like back locks. Sometimes a bone in my hand presses into the lock a bit too much and releases it. Has anyone else had this problem?

Obviously, fixed blade is best if you have the space.

Da Bing

The backlock accidental release is known - the 'Boye detent' (a little scoop taken out of the back of the lock) helps with this. Spyderco look like they have tweaked their backlocks to recess the exposed p

ireckon... my Sebenza engages about .090" of the .150" of the frame and is rock solid and the Kershaw Leek the entire .095" of the frame... I can flex the liner locks of most of my cheaper polymer framed knives ... I've been carrying a Benchmade axis lock for many years but do try to keep the roller mechanism and hairpin springs clean...

there's always a balisong...

Does anyone prefer the balisong over a regular folder? Though it's fun to play with, esp. to open, to secure it for use involves two movements and two hands (flip the blade out, then lock the bottom of the hilt with the other hand). I always fear the bottom lock can be disengaged if your hand slips or if the butt brushes up against something. I used a Benchmade balisong regularly for a month (for various tasks), and while it stood up to use, I'm not sure the two points of contact (securing the blade to the hilt) made it more robust.

Avoid cheap balisongs like the plague.

Da Bing

Your dislike doesn't seem irrational to me. Mine is born from not wanting to put my fingers in the path of the blade when unlocking it to fold.

I was a die-hard lockback fan for folding knives, and got rid of any liner locks that came my way. Now the only folding knives that I actually use have Benchmade Axis locks or Spyderco's ball-bearing lock.

While all folding knives are a compromise compared to a fixed blade, I'm a lot more likely to have a folding knife with me.