Back lock is

[Ramonade]

I notice it if I....

- sharpen a pencil
- cut an apple in half
- slice paracord
- cut a piece of cardboard

etc.

doesn't take anything extreme to show it. don't have to go out of my way to find it.

basically anything beyond opening an envelope I can feel lock rock happening.

I did not read the rest of the pages but I agree, I feel it on my Seki knives, and everytime I feel a change from within the Force. That's why I mostly keep it Native around here

[JFR1]

That's why I mostly keep it Native around here

The backlock on the Native 5 is awesome! I used to think a backlock was old-fashioned, but Spyderco's approach has really won me over. Back lock is awesome!

[vivi]

moving the lock release to the middle of the handle made unlocking them one handed so much easier than the buck 110 style lock release.

I tried the 110's with the opening stud and clip. they're cool, but they don't feel 100% modern with the lock release positioned in the same spot.

[mikestp]

I would say if you like a back lock then within the Spyderco family the CBBL is the better version: it maintains the closed bias and closed handle design (I'd call this a disadvantage but each to their own) but improves strength, smoothness, ease of operation/manipulation and eliminates lock rock.

Outside of the Spyderco family the triad lock is just a back lock with all of the deficiencies fixed.

[Scandi Grind]

moving the lock release to the middle of the handle made unlocking them one handed so much easier than the buck 110 style lock release.

I tried the 110's with the opening stud and clip. they're cool, but they don't feel 100% modern with the lock release positioned in the same spot.

My brother has a 110 Slim and I like it quite a bit for the price. I open and close my Endura two handed quite often so I didn't mind doing the same with the 110. 90% of the time, the 110 would probably never bother me. I mentioned opening two handed, but the Slim model has thumb studs that are supposed to remedy this. Unfortunately my very small hands are not the proper dimensions to safely open it with the thumb studs one handed. There is just way too much risk of it slipping and springing closed on my hand, so I just ignore the thumb studs. I did figure out a nice trick for one handed opening if I need to though. I can grab the blade and swing the handle off of it, a technique that I originally heard about doing on the Endura, but it works at least as good on a the 110 Slim, maybe better. It isn't a super fast way to open because I have to shimmy my hand onto the handle after swinging it open, but it solves the prblem of getting the knife open if my other hand is occupied.

[Wartstein]

I would say if you like a back lock then within the Spyderco family the CBBL is the better version: it maintains the closed bias and closed handle design (I'd call this a disadvantage but each to their own) but improves strength, smoothness, ease of operation/manipulation and eliminates lock rock.
...

True, the closed handle design can be both an (imo true for both rather minor) pro and con, depending on how you look at it.

Pros:
- Edge is completely protected from getting in contact with stuff that could damage it (mostly in pocket, like keys) - really not very likely though
- Just by design a closed back should be slightly advantageous concerning ergos over a continuous "gap" in the handle "spine".

Cons:
- Harder to clean, more likely to "clog up" in "muddy" conditions"
- Limits the maximal amount of blade tallness for a given handle height

/ CBBL:

Yes, as said to me a very close second behind the backlock (that slight lock rock just does not bother me personally helps the latter).

I think the main disadvantage of the CBBL might actually be that as far as I can tell in its current ("Manix")-form it limits (blade-)design options a bit, due to the space it takes up in the handle - ?

Also, if one wanted to create an overall superthin(handled) folder (like the Chap) the backlock probably is the way to go - no locktabs needed, also no parts that have to move out of the way like it is with liner- and comp.lock, so the handle can be really thin.
A "pro" only in a very "niche" situation though, usually one wants an a bit more handfilling handle anyway.

[Wartstein]

......Unfortunately my very small hands are not the proper dimensions to safely open it with the thumb studs one handed. There is just way too much risk of it slipping and springing closed on my hand, so I just ignore the thumb studs. I did figure out a nice trick for one handed opening if I need to though. I can grab the blade and swing the handle off of it, a technique that I originally heard about doing on the Endura, ....

With a Spyderco opening hole (don´t know about thumb studs) this is where flicking a knife open in my humble opinion is superior over slow rolling and why I keep saying flicking open is a tad (even more) secure than slow rolling in my view:

With flicking open there is LESS movement and repositioning of the hand / the fingers involved than with slow rolling, this probably can get more and more an advantage the longer the knife gets in relation to the hand size.

NOT saying that slow rolling would be "unsafe" or not perfectly fine by any means
But I do want to point out that "flicking open" though perhaps CAN be about trying to be "flashy", for me it is simply and solely a slightly even better, quicker, more convenient and more secure way of opening a folder.

/ On your opening method:

Kind of works the other way round too, so for closing
See this old vid of mine (first time I close the knife extra slow, than two times with normal speed).

[Wartstein]

Hmm, I feel like I have to put in a word for this forum and its general tone and respectfully disagree...

Very much agree.

The way this thread was set up from the first post, came across as an attempt to be a little bit provoking, but in a humoristic way. As the thread progresses we get a mix of humorous stabs and serious advice - which can obviously get a little confusing and easily misunderstood.

There's no need for me to convince anyone of anything, but if someone does not appear to get the same benefit from a knife or knife feature as I do, I will chime in in a well meaning way to see if this person just has wildly different preferences and/or type of use, or if I can help this person see a benefit they weren't aware of.

On the other hand I need look no further than myself to realize that no matter what anyone says, I have to find my own way and develop my own preferences through experience, trial and error. Case in point, I came into this hobby thinking the back lock was an outdated relic of the past, in large part kept alive past its due date by a bunch of very conservative uncle Randys out there. But through use I have realized how well the back lock works for me, and I'd have to eat my cowboy hat and accept that I've become an uncle Randy figure myself :)
Advice alone won't change anyone's preference, but it's a nice way to get a wider perspective, undo established myths (e.g. like serrations are hard to sharpen) and try out ideas you didn't think of yourself.

Thanks, and yes, to me in a way this thread actually shows that and how this great forum "works".

Initially just a short statement, probably meant a bit humorous and provocative (in a good way), no real question, no concrete invitation to discuss something.

But still grown up, positive, constructive and open minded folks can make a good mix out of it, a mix of valid opinions, some good inputs and advises (others might want to try or not) and also a bit of a more general exchange how and why folks talk about things on this forum and how we all can potentially gain something and profit from it, if things are seen in a tolerant and positive light.

[mikestp]

I would say if you like a back lock then within the Spyderco family the CBBL is the better version: it maintains the closed bias and closed handle design (I'd call this a disadvantage but each to their own) but improves strength, smoothness, ease of operation/manipulation and eliminates lock rock.
...

True, the closed handle design can be both an (imo true for both rather minor) pro and con, depending on how you look at it.

Pros:
- Edge is completely protected from getting in contact with stuff that could damage it (mostly in pocket, like keys) - really not very likely though
- Just by design a closed back should be slightly advantageous concerning ergos over a continuous "gap" in the handle "spine".

Cons:
- Harder to clean, more likely to "clog up" in "muddy" conditions"
- Limits the maximal amount of blade tallness for a given handle height

/ CBBL:

Yes, as said to me a very close second behind the backlock (that slight lock rock just does not bother me personally helps the latter).

I think the main disadvantage of the CBBL might actually be that as far as I can tell in its current ("Manix")-form it limits (blade-)design options a bit, due to the space it takes up in the handle - ?

Also, if one wanted to create an overall superthin(handled) folder (like the Chap) the backlock probably is the way to go - no locktabs needed, also no parts that have to move out of the way like it is with liner- and comp.lock, so the handle can be really thin.
A "pro" only in a very "niche" situation though, usually one wants an a bit more handfilling handle anyway.

I agree completely with your assessment, and concur about the Chaparral. I.M.O. the finest back lock ever made.

[Wartstein]

I agree completely with your assessment, and concur about the Chaparral. I.M.O. the finest back lock ever made.

Thanks!

And yes, I do agree with you on the Chap... can´t wait for the XL...

[Evil D]

moving the lock release to the middle of the handle made unlocking them one handed so much easier than the buck 110 style lock release.

I tried the 110's with the opening stud and clip. they're cool, but they don't feel 100% modern with the lock release positioned in the same spot.

I just said in a Facebook post yesterday that if Buck would make the 110 with a mid-back lock like Spyderco does I'd probably buy a couple just for the nostalgia. I just can't go back to a BACK lock again, I would actually rather carry a Case slip joint.

[Doc Dan]

For me, a backlock done by Golden has no peer in any lock or any other company's efforts. It is a superior lock.

[abbazaba]

After being "bored" of back locks as they were so common place most of my life, I now find myself wishing some of my favorite models were back locks. Hoping for more Golden backlocks, like a PM2 Skinny (like they did with the Manix2 Backlock, but everything thinner instead of thicker). I think that's why I've been carrying the Endura so much lately. Also hoping for a Sage4 FRN.

[Red Leader]

For me, a backlock done by Golden has no peer in any lock or any other company's efforts. It is a superior lock.

I feel the same, but instead about Cold Steel’s Triad lock.

[holokai]

After being "bored" of back locks as they were so common place most of my life, I now find myself wishing some of my favorite models were back locks. Hoping for more Golden backlocks, like a PM2 Skinny (like they did with the Manix2 Backlock, but everything thinner instead of thicker). I think that's why I've been carrying the Endura so much lately. Also hoping for a Sage4 FRN.

Have you tried a Stretch 2 in K390? I prefer the contoured FRN to the PM2 G10 scales and Stretch draws better from the pocket due to the more centered clip placement. Seki K390 is icing on the cake or could arguably be one of the main selling points.

[Red Leader]

After being "bored" of back locks as they were so common place most of my life, I now find myself wishing some of my favorite models were back locks. Hoping for more Golden backlocks, like a PM2 Skinny (like they did with the Manix2 Backlock, but everything thinner instead of thicker). I think that's why I've been carrying the Endura so much lately. Also hoping for a Sage4 FRN.

Have you tried a Stretch 2 in K390? I prefer the contoured FRN to the PM2 G10 scales and Stretch draws better from the pocket due to the more centered clip placement. Seki K390 is icing on the cake or could arguably be one of the main selling points.

100%…the Stretch 2 K390 is one of the finest Spydercos ever made, and the lock is a part of that.

[Wartstein]

Have you tried a Stretch 2 in K390? I prefer the contoured FRN to the PM2 G10 scales and Stretch draws better from the pocket due to the more centered clip placement. Seki K390 is icing on the cake or could arguably be one of the main selling points.

Yes, some are referring to the Stretch 2 as the "backlock PM 2", but to me it is better in several regards, not only concerning the lock.. scales/ergos being one as you mention (contoured, no comp.lock cutout, closed back)

Also more actual grip area behind the choil, slimmer handle end (makes for a better carry), thinner blade stock (that´s a big one to me), and a pretty different "edge profile" (long, very straight edge section instead of the continous PM2 edge curve. The former transforms power better in my experience (a bit like a wharnie), is better in whittling and stuff like that).

[Wartstein]

For me, a backlock done by Golden has no peer in any lock or any other company's efforts. It is a superior lock.

My experience with Golden backlocks is limited (I think "just" several Natives and a Chief), but that said I largely agree... except that there also is the great Taichung Chaparral backlock with its stop pin...

[Doc Dan]

For me, a backlock done by Golden has no peer in any lock or any other company's efforts. It is a superior lock.

I feel the same, but instead about Cold Steel’s Triad lock.

Yeah, that is a good one and I do like it. The lock takes more effort to unlock, but it is so strong it is unbelievable.

[Red Leader]

For me, a backlock done by Golden has no peer in any lock or any other company's efforts. It is a superior lock.

I feel the same, but instead about Cold Steel’s Triad lock.

Yeah, that is a good one and I do like it. The lock takes more effort to unlock, but it is so strong it is unbelievable.

You know, come to think of it, I cannot really Spydie flick my Cold Steels either, even though they are super smooth...I think it is because the blade is so heavy it takes more momentum than I can muster haha.

I think part of my problem is the Native 5 Salt that we have is a poor representation of the back lock - it is one of the stiffest knives we've ever had. I reminds me of the conclusion to the review of the Native Chief LW (was is Vivi's review?) and I could relate to that. I would like to try a few more Native 5s, or really, find a nice Native Chief G10 and chop it into a Native 3.5.