How much do you trust the lock on your knife?

[Craig]

I've read stories about people getting their fingers cut when the locks on their knives failed (with some quite nasty results too )and I've come across one lockback which didn't lock myself. So, when you're using a lock knife, how much faith do you actually have in the lock.

On the fairly rare ocassions that I use a locking blade I try to use it in such a way that if the lock failed it still wouldn't close - that's not to say that I'm successful in this at all times.

Has anyone on here actually had one fail and cut themselves as a result of a lock failing?

[Benner]

It entirely depends on what kind of lock and what brand of knife.  I don't usually trust liner locks too much as I have had them slip myself (on a LM Wave), but then my Sebenza has a frame lock whick is similar to that as a liner lock and I'd be confident using that. 

Other locks such as a back lock and axis lock, again I feel comfortable with but TBH no folding knife is ever going to be as safe as a fixed blade.

[jzmtl]

I always treat knives as slip joint.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I don't rely on locks at all, any piece of mechanism can fail, (no matter how many blessing's to the Omnisiah you make). My fist proper knife, was a sak, and I treat all knives in the same manor

[Sea Monster]

Cry Evil Police Angel!

I'm slightly sillier with lockbacks than I am with slippies, but I try to treat all sharp edges with due caution.

To reiterate (that means I repeat myself, I reiterate)

while a lock lets you use the knife in ways you might not be able to use a slippie, it is important not to work specifically against the lock.


This is one of the interesting things about Vic liner locks - they have the spring too, so you know when the knife has actually moved and is pressing against the lock, or is happily where it should be.

[Anthony]

I always treat knives as slip joint.

Same here. 

If there's any great pressure on something I'm cutting, I keep my fingers out of the path of the blade regardless of the locking mechanism.  If I'm slicing an apple I'll hold it as a fixed blade...if I'm cutting some plastic strapping or heavy rope, I mind my fingers.

[Mike]

I always treat knives as slip joint.

Exactly.

Mike

[Nutznboltz]

Depends on the locking mechanisim, but generally I have no reservations about the safety of the locks.
Like Nomad says, don't work specifically against the lock and I think they're pretty secure.  I've never had a lock fail in the 20 years I've been handling them.   I'm more cautious with liner locks especially on cheapie knives ( which is why I stay away from them ) but one of my favorites the CRKT M16 is a liner with the AUTO LAWKS system and it's secure. 
I deploy all my knives with a good snap to ensure the lock engages properly and I frequently check for blade play to make sure every things in tip top condition.

[cliosguy]

i was gonna to say 100% but i after my recent "close encounter" with the edge of my trident tanto ironically while i was testing the lock because of this threat im gonna say: "0% trust"



any way, thats why i always carry a band-aid on my wallet

[Gadget Guy]

Strider haters cover your eyes.    I would trust any Strider lock 100%, it simply "Will Not" fail. I don't care if it's a liner or frame lock! I would use any Strider as a fixed blade without a problem. 

[hawkchucker]

Yup treat them as a slipie. However Even though I hate Mick S I am still going to be getting one of his blades soon due tot he lock up of his. That little tensioner he puts in it is slick.

[Sea Monster]

It's interesting,

On Blade discussions I've entered into, people ask whether you trust a rat-tail tang as much as a full tang, and so on.

They'd be furious to know we folder-folk assume all fixed blades are secure!

[Splat]

It depends what action and side torque, if any, I'm doing with the knife. I handled a ZT 0500 MUDD knife the other day and fell in love with it. The lockup was solid. My buddy burried it in a bucket of sand he had in his garage. The lock was tight and I would trust it. So far, the safest folder I've used would be my Boker Trance. Your index finger hits the lower guard and prevents the knife from closing any further. A nice feature of the Trance I really like.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It's interesting,

On Blade discussions I've entered into, people ask whether you trust a rat-tail tang as much as a full tang, and so on.

They'd be furious to know we folder-folk assume all fixed blades are secure!

Well I'd trust a Falkie or CS a bit more than a Mora, so does that count