YOUR favorite lock. Please tell why.

[jackknifeh]

I just read a post and someone said they didn't like back locks as much as others. Sal posted asking what it was that they didn't like. I think this question came from him to better understand the opinions of his customers.

We all have knives that "just fit" in our hand better and may not be able to explain exactly why. It seems to me we can get more specific about why we like or dislike a particular lock. Once in a while someone appears asking questions about choosing a knife because they want one nice pocket knife after years of cheap ones. That was me about 35 knives ago. Since the lock is such a significant part of a knife opinions on them may help that guy.

I say "Why do you like liner locks?" You say "I like them, they just fit." I'm hoping for something more detailed as to why you like or don't like a lock.

Using the lock: I prefer liner locks because they seem to take less movement of my hand or repositioning of the knife to release the lock. A back lock, ball bearing lock and others I've used seem to require more hand activity to get the knife positioned to release the lock.

Lock reliability: Any lock that won't allow the moving parts to move as a result of putting pressure on the blade spine I feel is reliable. Putting pressure on the spine of a slip joint will close the blade because the way the blade is held open is a gradual point of contact. The point of contact of locking knives should be at a 90° angle so one piece won't move against a spring because you pushed on the spine. Actually, the spring shouldn't make the lock stronger, just force a part to move into the locking position. There is a lock on a competitor's knife that has an excellent design however the spring in the knife broke on me almost 10 times between two or three knives with the same lock. They need a better quality spring to make this a great lock. One inferior piece in the lock design made the lock unreliable.

Lock strength: How much force will it take to close a locking folder without releasing the lock? With Spyderco knives I think this question is mute because every single knife locking design will pass this test. If normal use, even a little abuse will force a knife to close then there is something wrong with the design or the lock is broken or dirty. So, I guess the question here is how much force will it take to break the lock?

I think every Spyderco knife's lock design is more than adequate in the strength and reliability categories. That being said the ease of releasing a lock will make more difference in how we like a particular lock over another IMO. Try this with knives with knives with different locks that you consider strong and reliable. Whittle on a stick a little, then pay attention to what it takes to release the lock. Does it feel like a natural movement? Does the lock release easily? How much danger is there in cutting yourself when closing the knife? Plus any other thoughts.

Hopefully your thought will be more brief than this post.

Jack

[KardinalSyn]

My favorite lock used to be the back lock before I started using Spyderco knives.

After getting my Spydies, I prefer the Compression Lock more. It allows me to use the knife in ways that is not possible with the other locks. I have strangely grown to like the MW liner Lock and the Hybrid Lock of the PPT as well.

So far, none of my Spyderco knife locks have failed me. So In Spyderco I trust.

[Pneumothorax]

My personal favorite is the comp lock for all the good reasons of Spyderco design and when you get good for easiest one hand closing of any Spydie lock. For a reasonably close second, I like the liner locks since still easy to close one handed and I dont have to explain how to close it to most folks. The comp lock take some explanation that I dont want to do anymore unless they are interested...

[The Deacon]

The midlock is my favorite lock. A midlock knife can be closed equally well with either hand and, for that reason, is almost always paired with a design which can be opened equally well with either hand. It can be closed easily even if one's hands are cold or gloved. Plus, for me, it requires no particular degree of sensitivity in my fingertips to operate. I've never had one close without my wanting it to do so and never had one fail in any other way.

[jackknifeh]

The midlock is my favorite lock. A midlock knife can be closed equally well with either hand and, for that reason, is almost always paired with a design which can be opened equally well with either hand. It can be closed easily even if one's hands are cold or gloved. Plus, for me, it requires no particular degree of sensitivity in my fingertips to operate. I've never had one close without my wanting it to do so and never had one fail in any other way.

Either hand. I didn't even think of that. A very big deal for lefties I'm sure.

Jack

[gull wing]

It's the linerlock, but you jackfish have already covered the whys. It was the first knife I could open and close with one hand easily, the others seem to force me to give extra effort. Of course I like all locks.

[The Deacon]

Either hand. I didn't even think of that. A very big deal for lefties I'm sure.

Jack

Only in the sense that there are fewer lefty version of the handed locks. IMHO hand neutral is always better than handed, so full ambidexterity should be a consideration for everyone purchasing a knife. At the very least, knives that are "wrong hand" hostile should be avoided. You can never tell when you'll be deprived of the use of your favored hand. If that happens, you'll already be dealing with reduced dexterity, exacerbating that with a design that's lefty (or righty) hostile just seems silly.

[Pinetreebbs]

Technically I like the compression and ball bearing locks. Due to their overall design and given a little training time, I don't s problem using any of the locks on my Spyderco Knives.

Opening is easy, it's closing that makes a difference. Two things are most important to me, not requiring my fingers to be near the blade/edge of the scales on the blade side and the ability to maintain a reliable grip on the knife during closing.

[jackknifeh]

Technically I like the compression and ball bearing locks. Due to their overall design and given a little training time, I don't s problem using any of the locks on my Spyderco Knives.

Opening is easy, it's closing that makes a difference. Two things are most important to me, not requiring my fingers to be near the blade/edge of the scales on the blade side and the ability to maintain a reliable grip on the knife during closing.

The first knife I had a hard time holding when releasing the lock was the BBL on the Manix2. At first I finally got used to using the clip to make it easier. Then I wanted to remove the clip because I don't carry it in my pocket. That made holding the knife very difficult when releasing the lock. I now hold it with my middle finger wrapped around the handle in the finger choil. The choil on the blade falls and hits my finger, then I close the blade the rest of the way. My Manix2 is the first knife that the blade just fell when I released the lock. This makes if very dangerous until you get used to a way to safely close the blade. So, IMO if safety is of prime importance the BBL would be one to stay away from. However, it has got to be one of the strongest, most reliable locks available.

Jack

[kbuzbee]

The first knife I had a hard time holding when releasing the lock was the BBL on the Manix2.

I voted other as you left off the BBL and CBBL. The Manix is actually a BBL. The Phoenix (Dodo, D'Allera etc) use a BBL. Big difference in feel between the two.

Ken

[jackknifeh]

I voted other as you left off the BBL and CBBL. The Manix is actually a BBL. The Phoenix (Dodo, D'Allera etc) use a BBL. Big difference in feel between the two.

Ken

If anyone else wants to vote for a BBL or CBBL (I don't know the difference), please use the first "other" choice. If I find out how I'll put the BBL there.

Jack

[kbuzbee]

If anyone else wants to vote for a BBL or CBBL (I don't know the difference), please use the first "other" choice. If I find out how I'll put the BBL there.

Jack

You know your Manix, Jack. That's a CBBL. Look at the new orange Dodo. It has a larger ball and no cage.

Ken

[2cha]

Compression lock #1 b/c simple and absurdly strong.


BBL, CBBL and axis lock close thereafter.

[Sht]

I'd like to say compression lock but I feel you have a better grip when unlocking with a liner or frame lock. Whenever I give someone a knife I always say hold it like you mean it.

[LC ray]

Still new to Spyderco knives , only own a Dragonfly 2
Being a lifelong traditionalist, I have been only familiar with the back lock and liner locking methods
Voted for the back lock ( I always called it a "lockback" myself), as it is the system I have been most comfortable with for many years
Recently purchased a frame locking knife, that seems OK too, especially "looks wise"

Could someone post close up pictures of a knife with the compression lock ?
The diagram above is good but would like to an actual compression locking Spyderco

Thanks
LC

[Knifeaddict]

Mid back lock ie Manix /Chinook/Endura/Police/Delica with a full finger choil for the same reasons as others have posted. Completely ambidextrous and easy to master with your non dominant hand. with the Manix or Chinook you get strength beyond any liner lock and as strong as or stronger than a compression. easy to clean/maintain and as simple as you can get in design/concept. and for me the action of opening/closing a Spyderco Backlock is second nature . I dont have to even think about it at all complete instinct unlike liner/compression/ball locks which I have to devote my full attention to so as to manipulate safely and not get cut. With a Mid back lock I always have a solid grip on the knife. with other lock mechanisms I am always moving the knife around to get it opened/closed and have dropped the knives many times in the process.

Thats all just me though . I have always been a backlock person in my DNA

[dialex]

My favorite lock so far is the Compression lock™, for a number of reasons:
1. It is strong. I honestly believe that a properly made complock (and Spyderco is known for making quality things) exceeds by far any other lock in terms of strength;
2. It is reliable. Because it has very few moving parts;
3. It is simple therefore easy to build and maintain;
4. It allows an open construction. This is a great feature for a folder, because it allows easier cleaning, minimal maintenance and last but not least, less weight;
5. It is easy to operate and fairly ambidextrous.

[jackknifeh]

My favorite lock so far is the Compression lock™, for a number of reasons:
1. It is strong. I honestly believe that a properly made complock (and Spyderco is known for making quality things) exceeds by far any other lock in terms of strength;
2. It is reliable. Because it has very few moving parts;
3. It is simple therefore easy to build and maintain;
4. It allows an open construction. This is a great feature for a folder, because it allows easier cleaning, minimal maintenance and last but not least, less weight;
5. It is easy to operate and fairly ambidextrous.

Thank you Dialex. First, your post is informative and detailed. That's great. Also, you used short bullet statements. I love that especially compared to my rambling in an attempt to be understood or thorough.

Jack

[chuck_roxas45]

The comp lock is actually my favorite at this point in time but it may just be because the para is among my top favorites.

[jackknifeh]

I just added a poll at the request of some forum guy. Vote if you like.

I chose liner and back locks as a result of my experience. I want to try a comp lock, just haven't pulled trigger on a para2 yet.

Jack