Locking mechanisms.

[Benner]

When looking for my next folder, I was surprised at just how many locks, or variations of locks there are on knives.

So to help me out in my decision a little, what locking mechanisms do you all prefer and which do you regard as being the strongest/ most reliable?

[NeitherExtreme]

I'm no expert, but I like lockbacks best, and liner locks second. That said, I'm rather wary of lockbacks by any less reputable companies. One of the things I like about liner locks is that I can visably inspect the lock to see just how well it's locking up.

[Leatherman123]

I like the BM's Axis Lock the best.. It is super strong and it makes it easier to open/close! Go for a BM Mini Grip! Or, even the full size!! 

[GMArthur]

I would also rate the BM Axis lock number one. If I can't have an Axis lock I prefer a Framelock.

AXIS LOCK pr0n........

[Benner]

Does anyone know how the axis lock compares quality-wise to Cold Steels Ultra-lock?

[jzmtl]

It's the same thing, CS just took the idea from benchmade.

[Benner]

It's the same thing, CS just took the idea from benchmade.

I know the design is the same, I was just curious if the CS version was as effective.

[WhichDawg]

I know a lot of people that do not care for CS (nice way to say it) because they steal so much!
and others don't care at all.

[Benner]

I know a lot of people that do not care for CS (nice way to say it) because they steal so much!
and others don't care at all.

I can't say it really bothers me.  All I care about is that the product I buy from them is of good quality and so far they have not let me down. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

For all their issues as far as "stealing" designs and making obnoxious videos, they do make a good quality product, and you can have faith in them.  I have owned more than a few CS products and have never had a problem with any of them.

Def

[Splat]

I like Benchmade's Axis Lock, too, but I also like my CRKT M21-04 with its liner lock with AutoLAWKS. I'd rather buy a folder with a true Benchmade Axis Lock than a ripoff CS version. I do love my Cold Steel SRK fixed blade with Carbon-V steel.

[ringzero]

AXIS LOCK pr0n........

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Looks like a superbly well designed knife.

I've never owned one, but the press on BM axis lock knives seems to be overwhelmingly positive.

Thanks for the very nice pics GMArthur.

These two pics let me:
-see all the parts of the knife
-visualize how everything fits together
-understand how the knife works (except one thing)

The two free ends of the semi-circular springs attached to the bolt of the axis lock - exactly how do those springs attach to the liners?

I see little holes in the liners that seem to somehow locate the free ends of the springs, but can't see how they would be secured in those holes.

.

[Dunc]

Cough Framelock Cough   


 

Dunc

[Sea Monster]

Lock back.

Not for any sensible reason, just what I'm used to (linerlocks give me the willies)

[Tarrodemierda]

only reliable lock IMO

[Benner]

Cough Framelock Couch   


 (Image removed from quote.)

Dunc

I was soooooooooooooo waiting for that! 

[Hickster]

I was a lockback man until I got a benchmade linerlock... now it's all linerlocks.  I have a William Henry carbon fiber handled linerlock that is amazing.  Cudos to Splat on that Cold Steel SRK in Carbon V...that thing is a beast.

[ducktapehero]

Lock back.

Not for any sensible reason, just what I'm used to (linerlocks give me the willies)

Me too.

A friend of mine had a liner lock that failed on him. That was ugly. This was years ago and it was a cheap knife but I just don't trust them. And like Nomad I like lockbacks the best because I've always had them and they've never failed me.

[Freudian Frog]

I'm fine with liner locks as long as there's an external toggle to keep it like that. Like a saftey lock or the LAWKS system CRKT uses. Basically a pin which keeps the liner lock open until you push the pin down and away.

Lock backs I really don't enjoy as I prefer to be able to close one handed (safely).

Frame locks are okay. Sometimes hard to close. X_x

Other strange things like the rollock and e-lock (oh hey, these are all CRKT... weirdos)...
Some of them are actually quite nice. The others are a bit too gimmicky...

EDIT: A slide lock or axis lock look alright to me but I've never used one myself.

[crls1]

I like lock backs and frame locks. I don't trust liner locks. Still have to try axis and compresion locks.

Carlos

[Benner]

I like lock backs and frame locks. I don't trust liner locks. Still have to try axis and compresion locks.

Carlos

I don't trust them either.  This is only because it was the only lock that has ever failed on me.  I'm sure most are fine.

[jock1]

I like lock backs and frame locks. I don't trust liner locks. Still have to try axis and compresion locks.

Carlos

I don't trust them either.  This is only because it was the only lock that has ever failed on me.  I'm sure most are fine.

Was there claret spilled as result ?

[Benner]

No luckily.

I am more of a lockback man myself.  But that's only because they have served me well and apart from a frame lock, I don't have any others.

[Dunc]

No luckily.

I am more of a lockback man myself.  But that's only because they have served me well and apart from a frame lock, I don't have any others.

I once saw a photo of a taken down Buck 110 and a large Spyderco . It showed in close up the locking mechanism which were both lockbacks . The Spyderco was ten times better then the Buck which didnt have any where near as much metal from the lock bar sitting in the grove on the blade tang .

Dunc

[max6166]

Speaking of which, does anyone happen to know where I can find an image which shows the inner workings of a lockback mechanism? My own googling is not coming up with much...

[Benner]

Speaking of which, does anyone happen to know where I can find an image which shows the inner workings of a lockback mechanism? My own googling is not coming up with much...

Benchmade has quite a good part of their website http://www.benchmade.com/about_knives/locking_mechanisms.asp

[max6166]

Thanks Ben. 

[Benner]

Thanks Ben. 

No problemo.  I thought it was an interesting section.