Spyderco Forums

Backlocks only for me.

I only purchase ambidextrous locks (backlock or CBBL) or non-locking knives. I’m a lefty and want to be able to use a lock as it was designed.

My only non-ambidextrous knife is my lefty Para 2.

I definitely have a strong preference for back locks. I have always liked them. There was a period when I thought the compression locks were cooler.

For me back locks and slip.joints are the best option. CBBL is #2. Comp lock is #3. Framelock is #4.

I prefer to carry lockbacks because 99% of the time, I have the knife in the bottom of my pocket - definitely don't want something that'll work itself open

I'm a sucker for any lock that works well. I even started to like slipjoints better, now that I've seen what the custom knives world can offer. I even own 2 friction knives now, something I would never have considered 2 years ago.

My goal would be to invent one, one day.

Even linerlocks, that I've seen overdone in every other brands, can be very pleasant. Some brands use too thin or too thick liners IMO, and not a "set" tension to maintain the lock. When it's done expertly, even a linerlock can be very satisfying to use, "flicking" or not.

I got into knives about 5 years ago. After a short time I bought into the fidget hype and tried many of Spyderco's lock designs. Eventually I grew tired of free swinging blades and came to appreciate the safety (esp closing bias) and reliability of lockbacks.

Thank you Spyderco for continuing to produce many great lockback designs.

Lockbacks are #1 for me, followed by Slipits, followed by anything else in distant 3rd.

I only own one back lock knife.... a Buck 110 that was a birthday gift from my dad. I need to get a few more.... they are great, imo.

Yeah Buck is doing some smart things these days, they allow you to customize with different steels even Magnacut, different handle materials Polished blades.

Sure it takes two months or longer sometimes but it's worth it.

I only wish Spyderco would do this too.

As for backlocks, I can take them or leave them, I am sold on Button Actuated Compression locks.

BeggarSo wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 28, 2025 10:11 pm

Yeah Buck is doing some smart things these days, they allow you to customize with different steels even Magnacut, different handle materials Polished blades.

Sure it takes two months or longer sometimes but it's worth it.

I only wish Spyderco would do this too.

As for backlocks, I can take them or leave them, I am sold on Button Actuated Compression locks.

Button compression locks are great. I still love frame locks.

silver & black wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 28, 2025 8:41 pm

I only own one back lock knife.... a Buck 110 that was a birthday gift from my dad. I need to get a few more.... they are great, imo.

I adore my Buck 110's, but I wish they'd offer a mid lock version.

They have versions with clips and one handed opening via studs, but it's still either a two handed closer or nudge the blade up against your leg.

If they moved it to the middle of the handle like Spyderco it'd feel fully modernized instead of 75% of the way there.

Still a big fan of them, especially the original brass & wood 420hc version. One of the only folders with geometry straight out of the box I'm 100% content with, and killer ergonomics.

Mid back-locks are challenging to make. We learned from Al Mar. Al learned from Harvey Mcburnette. There are advantages to the lock.

sal

40mm wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 26, 2025 3:30 pm

Backlocks only for me.

I really did not plan this deliberately, but as a matter of fact I somehow must prefer lockbacks by so much that my whole Spyderco lineup these days feature exclusively that locktype - with one exception, the CBBL on my Manix 2 LW.
(Sure these knives happen to have additional features I personally like, so it is not just about the locktype).

I agree the mid back-lock is better. To me it allows for controlled 1 handed closing as well as more control when doing so especially one handed.

I also love the Boyd detent on Spyderco products.

While other locks are more fun to play with, or have less potential for up and down play, the mid back lock for me gives easy one hand open and close as well as a blade that is actively trying to stay closed when closed. I carry in waistband a lot including while running and riding a mountain bike, so the closing bias gives me more peace of mind than other locks that just have a detent and a free swinging blade. For example the Axis lock is super fun to play with, but I don’t want to go run around with mini griptilian in my waistband. Those blades are very easy to swing out even when you aren’t manipulating the lock. Backlock Salt knives for me.

I think they are all good, if made correctly. Different flavors, different solutions to the problem of keeping a "broken" knife "fixed". Probably some advantages to some, of all of them. All that other stuff like; ease of use, preference, flicking, etc. etc is just some icing on the cake.

I think that it's great that you each can share your thoughts on each solution.

sal

Thanks Sal I am sure I speak for all my fellow knife nuts when I say what you and your family has created is one heck of a great hobby, and the forum where we can all share thoughts and find resources, missed models and enable each others purchasing is unique.

I very much appreciate your participation with us and learning the names who have made not only history but contributed to what we have now. This all leads to greater appreciation of what I carry in hand.

I speak of other brands but I am a Spyderco guy through and through.

For example the gun safe has roughly 60 Spyderco's 5 Bucks, 5 Chris Reeve, 6 Benchmade. 4 Cold Steel.