I think we'll likely be returning it and look for something else. It seems like it would be a great little knife if the lock was just easier to operate. Its too bad, it is a good looking knife and seems real solid when open (my boy really loves the look too ... he likes the "old school" look and isn't as much into the more modern looking stuff).

That said, I went with a lock for safety so it doesn't make much sense to have one you can't safely close.

Also, thanks for the tip on the AXIS locks; I hadn't actually read up on them before. I know Bass Pro sells the Mini-Griptilian and, although its a bit pricier than I was originally looking at, it may be worth another look.