Which type of knives do you prefer?

[Teofilo]

Similar to the topic of Craigw, let's see how many of us prefer knives of different locks.

[Benner]

Good thread! 

I am still making my mind up about locks ATM as there are still lots of things I need to try.  I suppose if I had to chose now, I'd say a frame lock as that is what is on my Sebbie and that is the one I am happiest with.

[Teofilo]

Frame locks and liner locks are the same, Ben? Sorry for asking. I'm quite new to knives.

[hawkchucker]

I still go by the addage that a folder is just a broken in the middle knife, However the axis lock works great. (as long as the springs hold) The  linerlock works well .(as long as you dont torque the blade) And the old fashioned lockback is great also (but very slow to close)

I will be guessing Fixed is mine!

[Benner]

Frame locks and liner locks are the same, Ben? Sorry for asking. I'm quite new to knives.

They have the same principle yes, however, a frame lock actually uses the knife scale (or knife frame) to lock the blade open rather than using the knifes liner.

Does that make any sense to anyone? 

[Grant Lamontagne]

A frame lock is basically a liner lock where the manufacturer was too cheap to include the second scale.   

Basically they are the same, as Ben said, but the liner lock is generally a thinner piece of metal (the liner) while the frame lock uses a heavier piece of steel from the frame to achieve the same effect.  Of course there's no reason why they couldn't do both, and add the second scale to the outside of a frame lock so it looks like it wasn't half finished.

Def

[Benner]

A frame lock is basically a liner lock where the manufacturer was too cheap to include the second scale.   

Basically they are the same, as Ben said, but the liner lock is generally a thinner piece of metal (the liner) while the frame lock uses a heavier piece of steel from the frame to achieve the same effect.  Of course there's no reason why they couldn't do both, and add the second scale to the outside of a frame lock so it looks like it wasn't half finished.

Def

See I disagree with that.  Having a frame lock offers a much larger contact surface behind the blade whilst still being a thin profiled handle.  Why stick another layer on?  It just adds weight and bulk.

Also, I feel that a frame lock is safer than a liner lock as by holding the knife firmly you are physically holding the lock bar over the rear of the blade.  This IMO means there is even less chance of the lock failing.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Greater contact with the lock means a greater chance of disengagement too.  Even so, for the amount you spent on that Chris Reeve knife, don't you feel like he could have tossed in another scale?   

Def

[DaveK]

Of course there's no reason why they couldn't do both, and add the second scale to the outside of a frame lock so it looks like it wasn't half finished.

Lol. I could almost hear the groans from frame locked knife designers the world over. I only have one frame lock knife - the Boker Subcom and I like to think it keeps the knife slim, rather than being half finished

I have no axis lock to compare (yet) but hopefully soon will have, so I'll reserve judgement until then! I have to say that as of now, I quite like the liner / frame lock, as I'm more familiar with them because Leatherman use them! I like the lock back arrangement on my Byrd knives, but they are a bit less convenient to release when you've finished.

Having said that, I have forgotten to get my thumb out of the way a couple of times with liner locks, but it's just about still attached, and I can always grow another one  

[Benner]

Greater contact with the lock means a greater chance of disengagement too.  Even so, for the amount you spent on that Chris Reeve knife, don't you feel like he could have tossed in another scale?   

Def

Look at it this way, would you improve the Sebbie by adding another Ti scale and therefore adding about a third in weight and bulk?  I certainly wouldn't.

I used to agree with what Def said until I got the Sebbie.  The lock on there makes complete sense.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have several frame locks, and I have actually sent manufacturers letters asking for the other scale.  That probably explains why many of them won't talk to me at the SHOT Show! 

Just think about how slim most Leathermans would be if they only had one handle! 

And for the money spent on an Aviator, the darn thing better make me breakfast in the morning, let alone have all the pieces!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Fixed blades everytime Not only are they more useful, you can use them really hard in total confidence

[Benner]

It really does depend on what you are wanting it for.  For EDC it would have to be a folder and I would probably chose a frame lock if I could only have the one, but for "bigger" jobs I'd always go for a fixed blade.

[gafftapegreenia]

I generally like a liner lock for EDC because I find it easier to close with one hand.

[Gadget Guy]

I'm not on the list. I like a good framelock! 

[Benner]

I'm not on the list. I like a good framelock! 

You are now. 

I hope you don't mind Teofilo, but I have added the frame lock to the list and that gets my vote. 

[Nutznboltz]

I'm currently into axis locks now ,  there's different variations by different makers but they're basically the same. 

I agree frame locks are much stronger than liner locks, but what do you guys think about an LAWKs aided liner such as what CRKT offers.   CRKT claims the convenience of a folder with the strength of a fixed blade and no chance of lock failure.
I have a M16-13Z with the auto LAWKs and it seems rock solid.

[Flash]

Can you add Slipjoint as an option.?  As thats the only type I can legally carry here, I would have to go with that.

Otherwise it would be a Fixed blade but only when I am in the "sticks" as then I can justify having it 

[Benner]

Can you add Slipjoint as an option.?  As thats the only type I can legally carry here, I would have to go with that.

Otherwise it would be a Fixed blade but only when I am in the "sticks" as then I can justify having it 

I have added it, but I suppose as this thread was about locks I should have done it as "No lock". 

[Flash]

Benner, I am being very precise here but a Slipjoint works on a Friction lock or even a tension lock via a backspring, metal tension, metal memory etc etc.

So technically a slipjoint still has a "lock" 

[Benner]

Benner, I am being very precise here but a Slipjoint works on a Friction lock or even a tension lock via a backspring, metal tension, metal memory etc etc.

So technically a slipjoint still has a "lock" 

If you're saying that then, it must be illegal to EDC. 

[Flash]

No I am not. By definition there is no mechanism involved to release the blade, no button, no lever no catch etc etc therefore its legal.

I wonder what would happen if someone made a slippie with one hell of a friction hold 

[Benner]

No I am not. By definition there is no mechanism involved to release the blade, no button, no lever no catch etc etc therefore its legal.

I wonder what would happen if someone made a slippie with one hell of a friction hold 

You can tell you're a copper.   

Just so it is made very clear to everyone, slip-joints are NOT locking blades.  I was only being picky above for a joke as this "argument" can come up often on knife forums and such.

[Craig]

I went with slip joint as a lot of the time it's all I can justify carrying.  I'd probably go with a liner lock if UK law was different.

[Leatherman123]

I LOVE the axis lock.. I have had experience with many other locking mechanisms and the axis is by far my favorite! 

[NeitherExtreme]

I voted slip. They're non offensive, traditional, easy to close, and very functional (if you're sensible about your cutting). Of course they're not a proper "lock" (but neither is a fixed blade), and if I had to choose a lock it would be a well done lockback, ie Delica.

[Flash]

Another plus for the Sliipie is that it teaches safe knife handling.  This habit is one worth getting into.  True locks can't teach this as you always have that insurance

[Grant Lamontagne]

There's a Spyderco that uses magnets to lock the blade open.  I wonder how that would be looked at in the UK?  Technically it has no mechanical doodadery that holds the blade open, so would it be viewed as a slip joint?

Def

[Roadie]

There's a Spyderco that uses magnets to lock the blade open.  I wonder how that would be looked at in the UK?  Technically it has no mechanical doodadery that holds the blade open, so would it be viewed as a slip joint?

Def

Can it be folded without doing anything but folding it?

[Benner]

That's the T-Mag and it is legal edc.