Folding knife lock type poll

[TipBledsoe]

Please choose from the poll your single-most favorite folding knife lock type (selecf.only one). If you would, please also describe your reasoning.
Lock type descriptions below are from https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Knife-Lock-Types-Guide--3511

• Liner lock = In the modern knife community, there may be no more ubiquitous lock type than the liner lock. As the blade pivots into the open position, a tensioned piece of metal slides into place and butts against the tang of the blade.
• Frame lock = The frame lock is very similar to the liner lock. The primary difference being that instead of a metal liner serving as the lock bar, the frame of the knife itself serves to lock the knife open.
• Back lock = Back lock knives (also known as lockbacks) were popularized by Buck Knives in the 20th century. The lock back is dependent upon a notch in the spine of the blade and a pivoting rocker arm. A notch in the blade receives the pivoting rocker arm while a stop prevents over travel or blade play in the open position.
• Axis lock = The AXIS lock has traditionally been found on Benchmade knives. Completely ambidextrous, the AXIS Lock is one of the most intuitive systems operationally, but describing the mechanism is not quite so easy. Omega springs tension the AXIS bar against notches in the blade.
• Compression lock = The Compression Lock is a system developed and patented by Spyderco. Taking this description directly from them, the Compression Lock is a lock mechanism that uses a leaf-like spring from a split liner in the handle to wedge laterally between a ramp on the blade tang and the stop.
• Button lock = Button locks (also known as plunge locks) are primarily found on automatic knives (although manual examples such as the Protech Cambria exist). Pressing the button releases lockup and allows spring tension to take over. An internal plunger system is responsible for lockup in both the open and closed positions.
• Lever lock = The lever lock system is dependent upon a tensioned pin fitting into a hole in the tang of the blade. Depress the lever in the handle scales to pivot the pin out of the hole. The spring tensioned blade will fire out into the open position.
• Slip joint = Slip joint knives are non-locking knives. Slip joints utilize a tensioned back bar to hold the blade in the open or closed position. Be careful while cutting with a slip joint.

 

[skfullgun]

A frame lock, and a liner lock are pretty much the same in operation.

I can tolerate frame, liner, backlocks and others. My one requirement for any folding knife is that it be retrievable and deployable with one hand (flipper, stud, auto, etc). If I can't get it out and into action with one hand, it is pretty much useless for most of the scenarios for which I carry a knife on the first place.

 

[Axxe55]

A frame lock, and a liner lock are pretty much the same in operation.

I can tolerate frame, liner, backlocks and others. My one requirement for any folding knife is that it be retrievable and deployable with one hand (flipper, stud, auto, etc). If I can't get it out and into action with one hand, it is pretty much useless for most of the scenarios for which I carry a knife on the first place.

As a mechanic three criteria were what I looked at for a knife for working use, Able to open one-handed, belt clip for easy access one-handed, and a non-slip grip for when my hands were sweaty or greasy.

 

[lonestardiver]

Button lock on my auto’s and most of the others are liner lock.

 

[HKSig]

Liner lock, one hand opening, and a clip. The knife is left handed, the pistol is right handed.

 

[baboon]

If I worry about lock up I just carry a fixed blade.

 

[Axxe55]

One company I worked for years ago, had a company policy on knives in company premises.

If the knife was locking blade, then it was considered a tool. if it was a non-locking blade, it was considered a weapon and was forbidden to carry. Punishment up to including being terminated from employment.

Stupid policy.

 

[EZ-E]

Half of the folding knives I own are liner, the others are lockbacks. No reason other than I liked the knife & I didn't have a preference on how it locked.

 

[skfullgun]

Fixed blades tend to get in my way. I'd love to find a way to carry one comfortably. They either snag on things or impede my movement. But, I'm rather large...

 

[FNORD]

Generally liner locks for the reasons stated above.

 

[Sam7sf]

Back locks. More specific cold steel. I like cold steel but for fix blade give me a Tops any day. Though the cold steel fixed blade line has hidden gems.

 

[Psssniper]

Frame locks are solid. I've had liners locks fail on me more than once.

 

[TheDan]

Cross bar. Won't call it Axis because fck Benchmade.

I like them because it can be actuated one handed by either hand, and once actuated you can flick the knife closed just as easy an flicking it open. Every cross bar knife I've tried has been very smooth; even the cheap ones.

Button, liner, and frame are all fine, too. Being able to easily open and close the knife one handed is the most important thing.

 

[lonestardiver]

Fixed blades tend to get in my way. I'd love to find a way to carry one comfortably. They either snag on things or impede my movement. But, I'm rather large...

Get a sheath that sits parallel to your belt.

 

[Geezer]

I like my old Buck 110's but the newer one hand, easy open knives are so much handier. The type of lock really doesn't matter to me. I just want to be able to get it open and in use easily.

 

[Fishkiller]

As long as it locks in the open position is Ok with me. One handed operation is a plus.

 

[Coyote9]

When diving or kayaking, I carry chest mounted fixedblades, with a folding scalloped and serrated "line cutter" at my belt accessable by either hand. Hunting is a fixed blade skinner style and everydaty a CRT liner lock folder tanto I agree with all those above that any folder should be operatable with either hand