Spyderco Forums

Hello again fellow Spydies!! Just taking a poll. . . Do you prefer lock back or liner lock knives and why do you like the one lock more than the other?



Take care. . .





Islander

I prefer lock backs. They are IMO, tougher, more reliable and safer.
But it wouldn´t stop me from buying a nice liner lock <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> (Like the new Forum Military <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> )
Regards!

I prefer liner locks. They just seem to offer a smoother action than a lockback.

However, as long as the lock is strong and holds well, it is not a major factor in my choice of knives. I carry a G-10 Harpy every day that is a lockback along with the newer Viele or a Military which are both liner locks.

Well I started out liking lockbacks better but I think that was just from experience with other liners. Now that I carry my Cricket and Viele and almite Michael Walker all the time I really like the feel and ease of use of the liner lock better now. Just my 2 cents worth.

Jey

Lock back (back lock?) for me, as I'm "Left-handed", and so I find them easier to use than liner-locks.

Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ: 53675663

I prefer frame locks (fewer parts), then liner locks (especially good when it's nested), and then lock backs. I like to be able to open and close the knife with one hand. Maybe it's just me but I have difficulty closing knives with lock backs using only one hand--especially large folders. Notwithstanding the above, I buy alot of Spyderco "lock back" knives anyway.

I'd say that I prefer lock backs, not for any real techie reason, just that the first lock I got used to was a lock back and so now they just seem to feel right.

Well, I have been carrying a Calypso Jr. Ltw. and have mastered a one hand close--it's a partial close. I grasp the handle with my forefinger just opposite from the lock, then I depress the lock with my thumb. The blade falls down and catches the side of my forefinger, just below the cutting surface of the blade. So far, no blood! I think there is more security in a lock back. There are problems that can occur with a liner lock, most notably a defective ball detent which can pose a safety concern. That's not to say that I don't own or use liner locks. The Spyderco Military is tops on my list for a liner lock. I also own and use a Socom Elite with a Micro bar. I often have to use two hands to close that sucker!
Bottom line: Have at least one of each, if not more. Person can never have enough knives!
Barry H

My first knive was a liner lock. All the rest have been back locks. It may have been just a coordination thing, but I always found the rear locks easier and safer to operate. JMO

Hi!

I prefer liner lock.
...
...
I don't know why.
It happens to be, that my favorite knife, my every day carry, is a liner lock.
It's a Starmate :D

Greetings
red

Lockbacks. They just seem safer and more reliable. They have stood the test of time.

Paul

I really don't care wgich lock is used as long as it is good. That said, Spyderco makes great lockbacks. They prove that the old technology is still competitive. Just look at the Chinook or Native. The new Ayoob has a great lock also from what I can tell checking it out in the store.

It depends on the knife, for a heavy duty folder, I personally prefer a lock back, something about that bank vault -like snap when it locks into place, and when properly engineered, are as secure and stong as anyone could want under even extreme use. For a low profile carry piece, linerlocks can nice also. Definitely not for autos though. There are to many issues with sustained wear,(backlash peening) each locking system has its virtues and faults , what it comes down to is that just as steels must be heat treated properly to achieve the maximum performance , locking systems must be engineered to optimal specs for bes results.

Hi Hammersmith. Welcome to the Spyderco forum. Glad to have you visitin'.

I agree with Hammersmith. the engineering and execution of the lock makes more difference than the type. "All good, just different".

sal