I think it depends a lot on the actual knife. For example, I have an Air SOG which is a lock back. If you look at this knife, you'll come to the conclusion that the pin will fail way before the locking mechanism does. On the other hand, my Sebenza, which is a liner lock looks pretty bulletproof. Although, my guess is the pin would fail before the lock as well (although it would take a lot more stress than the Air SOG).

-john


Air SOG:


Sebenza: