Any hidden benefits of a mid-lock?

[spydernewbie]

This question is from my anticipation for the upcoming chaparral:

Is there a difference between a lock back and mid lock - other than where the lock is on the handle?

Thanks!

[npueppke]

You get more leverage with a 'back' lock, but realistically there's no difference. They function the same way. Many on the forums refer to any variant of the back lock as a back lock or lockback, regardless of the location of the cut out. I believe Al Mar invented the "mid lock", so some people like to give him credit for that by calling it a mid lock.

[Evil D]

With the lock being further up the handle i think it requires less pressure to push in to unlock...as opposed to it being down on the butt of the handle. That's about all i can think of.

[araneae]

Mid-locks are one hand friendly. Try and one hand a Buck 110.

[The Mentaculous]

Also, you can release a mid-back lock with one hand, where as it takes 2 hands to do it safely with a regular backlock.

Edit: Dang Araneae, beat me by a few seconds!

Did Al Mar invent the mid-lock, or just popularize it? I thought it was originally called the "Mar-McBurnett Front lock", but then Sal said that the Front-lock and mid-backlock are different things. Anyone know in what way they are different?

[spydernewbie]

so basically the same locks but the lock positioned in the middle has an easier time to unlock with one hand?

[The Mentaculous]

so basically the same locks but the lock positioned in the middle has an easier time to unlock with one hand?

Yes, the lockbar only runs half the length rather than across the whole back.

I think another benefit is that with back-locks, the edge can hit against the lock bar when closing, and dull the edge. With a mid-lock, you don't have that problem because the contact point can be places higher. I could have that wrong but that's what I remember hearing.

[The Deacon]

Lock backs are difficult, if not impossible, to close one handed. Mid locks are easy to close one handed. On a lock back the lock bar pivot point is normally behind where the blade kick rests when the knife is closed. So, if you snap the knife shut, the kick lifts the lock bar and the edge crashes against the lock bar or spring. On most mid locks, the lock bar pivot is forward of the point where the kick rests when the knife is closed. Pressure from the kick can't raise the lock bar and let the blade go deep enough into the handle for the edge to touch anything.

[spydernewbie]

Thanks for all the answers!