What's your prefered locking system on a folding knife?

I like the lock on my SOG Flash2, I think they call it a "piston lock". I mostly like the way it secures the blade (versus slip joint), but can be released without moving your grip (versus lockback) and without putting your finger in the path of the closing blade (versus liner- and frame-lock). However, I own many of the "versus" types, and employ them in different scenarios, as well.

Benchmade Axis lock is my favorite but I EDC a Spyderco Yojimbo 2 compression lock.

For cheap knives that won't see a lot of abuse, I like liner locks just fine. I won't trust that mechanism for a hard use knife. For hard use I like Benchmade's Axis or a backlock. And for the really hard use, I would rather just have a fixed blade knife instead.

I'm pretty partial to a well done frame lock like on a Chris Reeve. A lot of companies do them, but done really well, they just feel wonderful. Not as big of a fan of them on my Zero Tolerance knives. Several of them slipped their locks.

One of the more interesting locks I have is the cold steel Ram lock. You find it on the Pocket Bushman. Basically a spring loaded plunger jams a bar into a cut out in the tang of the knife. Nothing can move as the body of the knife is made out of rolled steel. To close it, you have to pull back on the tab using a bit of paracord and easing the blade shut. Sort of feel like a charging handle on an AR or a single action automatic out the front knife.

Interesting knife and lock, but scary to close. I've been bitten to the bone by mine. Not my favorite for EDC but works well as a "folding fixed blade" at a camp site where you might open it up for the weekend and not close it 20 times.

I'm fine with liner locks, if I need more strength I'll go to a fixed blade. I use knives for cutting some guys think there pry bars.

I had a lock back knife, first I'd seen, when I was about 12. It was called a K55, German made, nice and slim to fit in your back pocket.

But the lock slipped a few times, and I suffered the consequences. I'm more comfortable with a liner or frame lock.

The lock system as in a Spyderco Manix 2 looks interesting, but I haven't actually played with one.

Frame locks for me. Pretty secure and I can close the blade one-handed.

I've never had a liner lock or any other lock configuration fail me before. And I do have and use several inexpensive/cheap knives.

I can appreciate the theoretical advantages of a frame lock, but I just don't like using them. I'd just as soon have a well made liner lock. FWIW I've had both a Zero Tolerance frame lock and a Kershaw liner lock both fail. Never had any other type fail to work. But I find either of those harder to use in cold, wet, slippery, dirty conditions or if wearing gloves.

Favorite is either the Benchmade Axis or Spyderco Manix type of lock. I can depress the lock buttons and open or close the blade one handed. The Spyderco compression lock is strong enough, but I just prefer the Axis style. And I have no problem with the midlock style on the less expensive Spyderco knives.

In my mind the best all around knife designs. I like the hole in the blade for opening and the lock design on both of these. Looks like Spyderco and Benchmade had children together. They are within $5 of the same price and about the same size, but the better handles of the Spyderco make it a better value in my mind.

Benchmade axis.
I think there is a bit of gimmick to all lockblades though - some more than others. No one is going to try to cut with the backside of the knife, all the force should be on the edge and that means it can't fold . If you're stabbing with the thing then there's a chance it could close on you but you also have bigger problems at that point. Heavy work should be done with a fixed blade. I've carried a pocket knife since I was about 7 and haven't ever had one close on my fingers unless I was doing something dumb with it.
My most carried knife is a svord peasant and it has no lock and it never tried to hurt me, same with SAK- no problem. I have dozens of folding knives of all makes and levels of quality and I enjoy them a lot but the fact remains , you're starting out with a knife that comes already broken in half and that's not ideal. The compromise of the folder is portability and if used as intended the lock doesn't serve much purpose. Liner locks are the cheesiest and least trusted but I wouldn't count on an axis or triad lock to save me from being cut if I'm misusing a knife. YMMV.

I like the compression lock, the Axis lock, and the bolster lock.

It doesn't matter much to me honestly. I just like it to be as secure as possible. I almost always carry a fix blade, even if I have a folder too.

earlthegoat2 said:

Benchmade Axis lock is my favorite but I EDC a Spyderco Yojimbo 2 compression lock.

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Axis is my favorite. So far.

ETA: I picked out the benchmade 710 because I can open and close it with one hand.

Something I thought was important for the work I was doing at the time.

I still carry the same knife. Works great.

Axis for sure, easy and strong. I am always misusing my knife, so liner/frame locks are out. If you try to twist a frame lock while poking a hole on something, you can easily disengage the lock.

I don't care as long as it works. I'm much more concerned with getting it into action quickly VS putting it away.

I prefer the Triad Lock from Cold Steel and Andrew Demko, I also like the axis lock from Benchmade, I hate liners as well. My daily edc is a CS Espada

The Evangelist Cowboy said:

I prefer the Triad Lock from Cold Steel and Andrew Demko, I also like the axis lock from Benchmade, I hate liners as well. My daily edc is a CS Espada View attachment 915388

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Looks like you have good taste.

I think I spy the hood of a TJ, so that helps confirm my previous statement.

Corpral_Agarn said:

Looks like you have good taste.

I think I spy the hood of a TJ, so that helps confirm my previous statement.

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I wish! You spot the hood of a 2013 JK, shes been good to me though.

With all this love for the Axis lock, I may switch to carrying one of my Adamas for awhile.

Axis for me is by far first choice. Second is lock back. Had to buy a CRK to learn that I do not care for frame lock. Will not abide a liner lock.