Is it just me... ?

[Jazz]

Or are there WAY too many frame lock folders coming out? I keep seeing new knife companies I've never heard of pop up on W & W's website, and everything is either frame lock or liner lock. Is that all anyone can do? Are they really that popular and great? I really don't like them. We need way more back locks. I've passed on so many cool Spyderco designs because of this. Am I alone and just ranting, or am I seeing far too many of these things?

[Liquid Cobra]

I’d agree most companies seem to be designing and selling framelocks, so you’re correct. However, I’m not too interested in backlocks so it kind of works for me....

[C99c]

...We need way more back locks....

I agree.

[remnar]

I think it's just you Jazz. I'm not a fan of most liner locks but they do seem to be very popular. Frame locks are very similar and I do think that part of the appeal for the manufacturer is that they are easier to produce.

[PaleMoon]

Personally, lock type is something I really don't care much for. I've never had a lock fail on me, and I've never encountered a lock that made a knife unpleasant to use, except perhaps for some hard-to-reach liner locks.

I do agree, however, that we seem to see a disproportionate amount of frame locks on the market today. As remnar said, it probably has to do with ease of manufacturing, and maybe also because they tend to be more fun to fiddle with.

[Jazz]

I was thinking it was something to do with ease of manufacture, but really, they're ubiquitous.

[Whitetail addict]

Honestly My favourite lock type is framelock, back locks are long down the list.

[dreadpirate]

It's just you.

[Doc Dan]

I was thinking it was something to do with ease of manufacture, but really, they're ubiquitous.

It is not just you. I think a lot of designs would be better if they were back locks. Liner/frame locks are my least favorite lock and often keep me from buying a knife I otherwise like. This is the voice of a previous hard user. Ranch and farm life does not get along with liner/frame locks.

Plus, I do think it is cost and ease of manufacture that is driving this, normally (the Millie is the exception...it was weight saving in that case). I would also think it is easier to make a liner/frame lock than a complicated lock back.

[vivi]

Or are there WAY too many frame lock folders coming out? I keep seeing new knife companies I've never heard of pop up on W & W's website, and everything is either frame lock or liner lock. Is that all anyone can do? Are they really that popular and great? I really don't like them. We need way more back locks. I've passed on so many cool Spyderco designs because of this. Am I alone and just ranting, or am I seeing far too many of these things?

Agreed 100%.

They must sell good. If you go to general knife forums, they're always posted in EDC threads etc.

I don't get the appeal. Slick scales and no self close.

[murphjd25]

R.I.L’s and Backlocks are my favorite, but so are compression locks and frame liner locks. :)

[SG89]

definitely prefer backlocks, can't ever seem to own a frame lock very long...

[Bill1170]

I agree that frame and liner locks are too well represented in today’s folding knife market. The Spydercos I carry are all back locks except one compression lock and one caged ball bearing lock. I’m open to a good liner lock, but frame locks leave me cold. I don’t like metal handles.

[Sharp Guy]

Or are there WAY too many frame lock folders coming out? I keep seeing new knife companies I've never heard of pop up on W & W's website, and everything is either frame lock or liner lock. Is that all anyone can do? Are they really that popular and great? I really don't like them. We need way more back locks. I've passed on so many cool Spyderco designs because of this. Am I alone and just ranting, or am I seeing far too many of these things?

Yes there are a lot of frame and liner locks on the market. My guess is that it's because people like them. Manufacturers wouldn't be making them if they didn't sell very well, right? I happen to like frame and liner locks so I'm not complaining. I also like back locks and I don't think BL fans have much to complain about. Take a look through the catalog. Based on the number of back lock models it seems to me that those who dislike back locks are the ones who should be complaining.

[vivi]

Or are there WAY too many frame lock folders coming out? I keep seeing new knife companies I've never heard of pop up on W & W's website, and everything is either frame lock or liner lock. Is that all anyone can do? Are they really that popular and great? I really don't like them. We need way more back locks. I've passed on so many cool Spyderco designs because of this. Am I alone and just ranting, or am I seeing far too many of these things?

Yes there are a lot of frame and liner locks on the market. My guess is that it's because people like them. Manufacturers wouldn't be making them if they didn't sell very well, right? I happen to like frame and liner locks so I'm not complaining. I also like back locks and I don't think BL fans have much to complain about. Take a look through the catalog. Based on the number of back lock models it seems to me that those who dislike back locks are the ones who should be complaining.

Outside of Spyderco, Cold Steel and a couple of Bucks, seems like backlocks have very little marlet representation.

[ross8425]

There are a ton, and boy do they cost a lot.

[anagarika]

Or are there WAY too many frame lock folders coming out? I keep seeing new knife companies I've never heard of pop up on W & W's website, and everything is either frame lock or liner lock. Is that all anyone can do? Are they really that popular and great? I really don't like them. We need way more back locks. I've passed on so many cool Spyderco designs because of this. Am I alone and just ranting, or am I seeing far too many of these things?

I’m with you there.

Wondering why?
No resistance once the blade off detent?

[flipe8]

I totally agree. I prefer a good back lock over pretty much anything else. I like a truly ambidextrous lock. I’d love to see more top-shelf back locks offered.

[Holzfaeller]

The locking tab on the last liner lock I owned would visibly flex under relatively little force. Now I prefer slip-joint knives to liner locks. That way I know the limits.

[Evil D]

Well it's probably a sign of what sells the most, along with being relatively easy to produce. I've even handled some cheapo frame locks that had great lock up. Personally it depends a lot on the design, for example I would still have bought a Sliverax if it wasn't a flipper and came with a back lock because I like the ergonomics and the rest of the design enough. The Manix 2 back lock has loads of potential and I'm anxious to get one and see what I can do with modding the grip, but I'm holding out for a different steel on that one. I definitely don't buy knives FOR the back lock but I also don't avoid knives because they're back locks.