FRN Back Lock ONLY?

[Cricket Bite]

I have noticed that Spyderco only has back locks on any product that is not a fixed blade or Slipit. I was just wondering why no other lock types on FRN models. I know the Manix has the CBB lock but that is FRCP (personally not a fan). I love FRN but would like some lock variety as well. So what gives. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[SG89]

There used to be a FRN liner lock Cricket and there is currently a FRN Squarehead liner lock

[Cricket Bite]

There used to be a FRN liner lock Cricket and there is currently a FRN Squarehead liner lock

Thanks. The cricket was a ways back. I was unaware fo the squarehead in FRN. I would love to see more variety than this though. Nothing wrong with back locks just like me some variety and FRN.

[Peter1960]

Don't forget the "old" Centofante Vesuvius, IMHO it's worth to hunt it.

[nicked.onaut]

I have noticed that Spyderco only has back locks on any product that is not a fixed blade or Slipit. I was just wondering why no other lock types on FRN models. I know the Manix has the CBB lock but that is FRCP (personally not a fan). I love FRN but would like some lock variety as well. So what gives. Thanks in advance for any insight.

In addition to the Cricket and Squarehead mentioned by Spydergirl88, previous FRN non-backlocks/ non-slipjoints have included:
(forgive my omissions due to CRS)

Vesuvius -- comp lock
MeerKat --Phantom lock
D'Allara --BB lock
Walker Lightweight--Liner lock

Edit 2 to add:
Q--- Spring lock
(I knew I'd forget one. At least.)

Non-locking models not necessarily SlipIts include
UKPK, DK
Urban
Pingo
Roadie
Squeak

Molds for FRN are very expensive, and generally require projected sales volume large enough to offset the initial cost. The highly popular Ladybugs-thru-Endura by the historical Japanese mainstay manufacturing has been the volume backbone for Spyderco for a looong time. Backlock is their forte. Sal and co have been willing to use frn with other locks, and hopefully we'll see more of them.

Edit: Peter slips in with the Vesuvius while I'm sloowly recalling and typing. I wholeheartedly concur with his recommendation.

[Jazz]

Because back locks are the best.

[MichaelScott]

Because back locks are the best.

I like them too, however I wouldn’t say best, but they are solid, ambidextrous, and are biased toward the closed position which may be their strongest feature. Given their position on the handle spine and the ricasso or choil on the blade, I think they are as safe to close one handed as a compression or B.B. lock. All that said, the type of lock does not play a large role in my Spyderco buying decisions. I wish for a Lil' Lum which has a liner lock because it is a Lum and I would never subject a knife that small to extraordinary force. I also want a Lil' Native with a compression lock because I favor the wire clip on a small knife. I have a Delica on order.

In my opinion, when used as designed, all Spyderco locks are fine as-is.

[Joris Mo]

Because back locks are the best.

This. :D (especially backlocks on FRN )

[TomAiello]

Nevermind....Losing my mind and misremembering things...

[Evil D]

Seems most FRN mods are also coming out of Japan, so it would seem that back locks are something they do very well.

[koenigsegg]

Wondering how different the actual components of FRN vs FRCP are or if they are just the same thing made in different countries? If they're the same would you count the Manix 2 LW? Nylon is a copolymer

[Sonorum]

Imagine another big volume seller like the PM2 in a lightweight special? Like a partial liner frn version. I'd like one for sure!

[Evil D]

Wondering how different the actual components of FRN vs FRCP are or if they are just the same thing made in different countries? If they're the same would you count the Manix 2 LW? Nylon is a copolymer

From what I've seen FRCP seems harder and more likely to chip if dropped, where as FRN almost has a rubber like quality (not to say it stretches or bends, it just seems more tough). That said, I have abused the crap out of FRCP and it never let me down, I don't trust it any less than FRN.

[koenigsegg]

removed

[sal]

We have a few non lock-back FRN models in-the-works. But please keep on mind that FRN is not a rigid and prone to twist, which can make locks that come in from the side more prone to accidental unlocking. So it depends on the model, the use of two liners, size, etc.

sal

[Evil D]

We have a few non lock-back FRN models in-the-works. But please keep on mind that FRN is not a rigid and prone to twist, which can make locks that come in from the side more prone to accidental unlocking. So it depends on the model, the use of two liners, size, etc.

sal

Man that is a really good point. Side flex on a Pacific Salt isn't a big deal, but side flex on a Military could be a disaster.

[Jazz]

That's why Sal is the master. :cool:

[Cricket Bite]

We have a few non lock-back FRN models in-the-works. But please keep on mind that FRN is not a rigid and prone to twist, which can make locks that come in from the side more prone to accidental unlocking. So it depends on the model, the use of two liners, size, etc.

sal

Thank you for the information. Any hints on what models may be coming out.... :D

[ugaarguy]

Any hints on what models may be coming out.... :D

There's a thread here wishing for PM2 lightweight. Someone posted in that thread that there's already a PM3 or PM2 FRN prototype that's been making the show rounds but isn't allowed to be photographed yet.

[40mm]

FRN backlocks are by far my favorite kind of folding knives. Had liner-locks, frame-locks, axis-lock etc, but once I landed on FRN back-locks I've never looked back.