Three methods for closing Spyderco lockbacks one handed

[HarleyXJGuy]

I do method 2 except once I get it unlocked I use my index finger to move it some then finish closing it with my thumb.

So much easier and less repositioning with a Military or Sage 3.

I like lockbacks more than liner locks because I value a folder that stays closed under most any circumstance, but liner locks are a little quicker and easier to operate. Liners locks and frame locks always felt quick and intuitive to operate for me.

You ever had a liner lock close on you while cutting things?

I haven’t either.

I have a scar from where a Millie opened while carrying it IWB.

Have you gotten a scar from a lockback opening in your pocket? I haven't either.

Touché.

Never had any knife open in my pocket but I thought we were talking about a knife closing on you?

[vivi]

I've never had a lock fail and cause a knife to close on me. The liner lock on the millie, frame lock on my old Leek, comp lock on my Para 2" ball locks, lockbacks etc. They all work great at keeping the blade locked open.

My issue with detent based locks is the blade coming open in my pocket or carried IWB or in a pack. I've had all three happen.

For my uses detent based locks have no advantage, only disadvantages.

[cwp]

I have a scar from where a Millie opened while carrying it IWB.

Have you gotten a scar from a lockback opening in your pocket? I haven't either.

My wife nearly took her fingertip off when a lockback opened in her purse. But I consider this to be more of an indictment of purse carry than of lockbacks per se.

[ThePeacent]

I've never had a lock fail and cause a knife to close on me. The liner lock on the millie, frame lock on my old Leek, comp lock on my Para 2" ball locks, lockbacks etc. They all work great at keeping the blade locked open.

My issue with detent based locks is the blade coming open in my pocket or carried IWB or in a pack. I've had all three happen.

For my uses detent based locks have no advantage, only disadvantages.

I've had two knives cut me when the lock gave in and failed, a framelock and a liner lock.
I've also had only two knives come open inadvertently and cut me, both framelocks. :mad:

Since then I've almost given up on framelocks and linerlocks, but in all truth I've had one backlock "fail" (a TriAd nonetheless) but it was totally user error. The lock got stuffed with lint and grit and couldn't engage because there was material in between the locking faces. :o

I didn't realise that and the knife folded on me, cutting two of my fingers, one badly and one just superficially

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[vivi]

If it doesn't *click* open, double check before cutting :)

[ThePeacent]

If it doesn't *click* open, double check before cutting :)

there were two lawn mowing machines in the background 20ft away :o

[40mm]

I am all about method #1. Has become a muscle memory thing and my favorite way to close a knife. Spyderco lock backs have ruined me I think. I recently picked up a Mini Grip as a romantic type thing as it was the first knife I ever owned. I can't do it. Love the lock back and lack of thumb stud. Also the Mini Grip has almost diced me twice opening up while drawing from my pocket and my waistband. Thumb stud catches on pants material and opens up waaayyyy to easily. Blade retention on it is very weak.

[APS]

I use method 1 except my thumb does not go to the hole, it goes to the spine of the blade. Since I don't have to find the hole I can close without looking at the knife. Generally only carry lockbacks now due to closing bias but I purchase and enjoy the other locks types as well.

[40mm]

I do the same with index finger moving to the spine to close.

I use method 1 except my thumb does not go to the hole, it goes to the spine of the blade. Since I don't have to find the hole I can close without looking at the knife. Generally only carry lockbacks now due to closing bias but I purchase and enjoy the other locks types as well.

[Hank Scorpio]

I use methods 1 and 2 interchangeably, but like you guys I go to the spine with either my index finger or thumb for the finish.

I do the same with index finger moving to the spine to close.

I use method 1 except my thumb does not go to the hole, it goes to the spine of the blade.

[Pelagic]

Weird. Those are all inferior to the correct method: press spine against leg to close. It’s going back in your pocket. It just came out of your pocket. Nearly everyone has legs. Works on every lock type too.

I agree. I use this method the vast majority of the time.

[cabfrank]

I use 1 and 2 mostly, and occasionally 3 on my Pacific Salt. Using 3, I think you need a big handle to make sure all of your hand is completely out of the way of the blade.

[PStone]

I use method #1 on my lockbacks. I even use that method on my compression locks. I use a mid-lockback so often, and for so long, that it has just become natural to use my thumb.

[gonzokat86]

Weird. Those are all inferior to the correct method: press spine against leg to close. It’s going back in your pocket. It just came out of your pocket. Nearly everyone has legs. Works on every lock type too.

This this way I’ve always done it. I never thought about different ways to close it. Always came natural