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What is the strongest most reliable lock?
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First, a scarcastic comment, like Mad Dog used to make whenever this topic came up. the answer to the strongest lock question is.
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Full Tang, Fixed Blade
seriously, I think you're on the right track with the SOG. Kinda like the BM Axis, where closing pressure actually does not stress the lock open, sometimes works conversely.
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Full Tang, Fixed Blade
seriously, I think you're on the right track with the SOG. Kinda like the BM Axis, where closing pressure actually does not stress the lock open, sometimes works conversely.
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Hey timeout, I told you not to ask this question here!
LOL
Oh well, let the stones fall where they may!
I do have to disagree though with CODE 3 as to BM's Axis being the strongest lock, the Arc Lock is just as equally strong if not stronger. Arc Lock feels more secure with a tighter fit and smoother action than the Axis Lock! That's just my opinion though from once owning a BM Axis Lock and using it. Don't get me wrong, the Axis Lock is one strong cookie though!
Remember seeing the Integral Locks on the Sebenza's I had and the XL Apogee, those locks were nothing to shy away from either, very strong locks there!
Oh well, let the stones fall where they may!
I do have to disagree though with CODE 3 as to BM's Axis being the strongest lock, the Arc Lock is just as equally strong if not stronger. Arc Lock feels more secure with a tighter fit and smoother action than the Axis Lock! That's just my opinion though from once owning a BM Axis Lock and using it. Don't get me wrong, the Axis Lock is one strong cookie though!
Remember seeing the Integral Locks on the Sebenza's I had and the XL Apogee, those locks were nothing to shy away from either, very strong locks there!
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I appreciate the simplicity of the Sebenza, BM Pinnacle, lock systems. Nothing much to wear out. Simple but effective is always the best.
However, the Axis (and Arc lock, rolling lock, etc.) are almost "fail safe" as excessive force merely bends, or crumples the lock pin, and liners.
Locks aside, I look at other factors such as knife design/integrity, construction, etc. IMO, I think these factors are as equally important as proprietary locking systems.
However, the Axis (and Arc lock, rolling lock, etc.) are almost "fail safe" as excessive force merely bends, or crumples the lock pin, and liners.
Locks aside, I look at other factors such as knife design/integrity, construction, etc. IMO, I think these factors are as equally important as proprietary locking systems.
ooops!
That's alright Mark, I can take anything that is thrown here <<>>
Construction is a main factor too you are right about that.
What is this microbar locking device i heard about? Is it stronger than a integal lock or the others mentioned here?
I'm just curious now and learning!
Wayne
That's alright Mark, I can take anything that is thrown here <<>>
Construction is a main factor too you are right about that.
What is this microbar locking device i heard about? Is it stronger than a integal lock or the others mentioned here?
I'm just curious now and learning!
Wayne
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I think the best available is the simple integral side lock, a la the Sebenza. It is very strong, very reliable, rock simple.
My personal preference is for the REKAT rolling lock. I like the slide release, heaps strong, plenty reliable.
The best folder locks are the three-point balisong lock, and the Barry Wood Swing Lock, but they are not generally available on a wide selection of folding knives.
My personal preference is for the REKAT rolling lock. I like the slide release, heaps strong, plenty reliable.
The best folder locks are the three-point balisong lock, and the Barry Wood Swing Lock, but they are not generally available on a wide selection of folding knives.
Bronco
Moderator
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The "microbar" is exclusive to MicroTech. Take a look at the new SOCOM Elite to see it in action. It's similar to a liner lock, except for the fact that there's actually a small spring that actuates the locking bar. I believe that the microbar itself is made from steel, rather than 6Al4V titanium as is common in most higher end liner locks, so it's likely that the lock will wear better and hence the lock up will stay tight longer in comparison. But in terms of rating brute strength alone, I wouldn't be surprised if the microbar were maybe half a notch below the axis lock or a good integral (frame) lock.
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Semper Fi
-Bill
[This message has been edited by Bronco (edited 08-23-2000).]
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Semper Fi
-Bill
[This message has been edited by Bronco (edited 08-23-2000).]
Elvislives
Gold Member
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I've got a Master Lock on mine, bullet hole through the middle and everything....
Brandon
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I've got the schizophrenic blues
No I don't
Yes I do...
Brandon
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I've got the schizophrenic blues
No I don't
Yes I do...
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Good one Elvislives!
Microbar just sounds like it's a sooped up liner lock is all. It will probably still eventually wear down just like all liner locks eventually do, I would gather.
Microbar just sounds like it's a sooped up liner lock is all. It will probably still eventually wear down just like all liner locks eventually do, I would gather.
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The Crawford style back-frame lock is mighty solid.
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AKTI Member #A000832
"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
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AKTI Member #A000832
"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
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No one mentioned the bolt action lock here either. Which is another very solid lock if done right. It involves a flat peice of steel being wedged in between the tang and the spine to prevent the knife from closing. Give the knife a heavy steel spine, thick tang and a fairly thick peice of steel for the locking mechanism, and the only way it will fail is by breaking the pivot pin, or forcing the spine out of the knife.
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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
I think the BM Axis and CRK integral lock are two of the strongest locks available.
As for CS lockbacks, they're allright, but I remember reading that they fail after about 100 pounds, while the Axis fails after 200+ pounds and I heard that the Rekat rolling lock on the Sifu can hold something like 800 pounds!
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"I'm out there Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"--Kramer
As for CS lockbacks, they're allright, but I remember reading that they fail after about 100 pounds, while the Axis fails after 200+ pounds and I heard that the Rekat rolling lock on the Sifu can hold something like 800 pounds!
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"I'm out there Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"--Kramer
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RH,
You are right - the strongest and most reliable lock is full tang fixed blade
Wayne,
Here you can find some interesting though unscientifically obtained data to answer what lock is the strongest.
In real life you can't to go wrong with each new generation locking device from top-notched manufacturer like Benchmade (Axis Lock and Mono-Lock), CRKT (liner lock supported with LAWKS and Frame Lock, essentially the same as Mono-Lock), SOG (Arc Lock), Spyderco (Compression Lock) - here I'm counting only locking devices I have had an opportunity to play with.
However lock strength and reliability is not the single property to think about when choosing your folding knife. I like these new generation locks, but my favorite knives are Benchmade AFCK, Spyderco Starmate and Military with liner locks.
No way I can say that liner lock is better but I'm trying to evaluate all knife design and properties in whole. Plus a small bit of mule's obstinacy
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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
You are right - the strongest and most reliable lock is full tang fixed blade
Wayne,
Here you can find some interesting though unscientifically obtained data to answer what lock is the strongest.
In real life you can't to go wrong with each new generation locking device from top-notched manufacturer like Benchmade (Axis Lock and Mono-Lock), CRKT (liner lock supported with LAWKS and Frame Lock, essentially the same as Mono-Lock), SOG (Arc Lock), Spyderco (Compression Lock) - here I'm counting only locking devices I have had an opportunity to play with.
However lock strength and reliability is not the single property to think about when choosing your folding knife. I like these new generation locks, but my favorite knives are Benchmade AFCK, Spyderco Starmate and Military with liner locks.
No way I can say that liner lock is better but I'm trying to evaluate all knife design and properties in whole. Plus a small bit of mule's obstinacy
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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
SALTY
Gold Member
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Strongest lock is the ONE PIECE FIXED BLADE, ala Chris Reeve One Piece Range.
With that said, Sebenza, the, maybe Axis.
With all of that said, why is there so much focus on lock strength. That is but one of several considerations of what makes a good knife. It is important, but certainly not paramount.
With that said, Sebenza, the, maybe Axis.
With all of that said, why is there so much focus on lock strength. That is but one of several considerations of what makes a good knife. It is important, but certainly not paramount.