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Lockback vs. Linerlock

I have several of both. I like the lockbacks better myself. They just seem to be a sturdier more secure lock than the linerlocks. Is either one generally regarded to be a better more secure locking mechanism?

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on March 7, 2013 at 23:53

I've never tested either one until failure, and I don't want to, but I never felt insecure with a liner lock even on a traditional pattern folder. For myself it's a matter of the knife design and overall feel. That being said, I like both.

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Permalink Reply by Steven Matthew on March 8, 2013 at 0:02

I've always been a bigger fan of the lockblade myse, though I have plenty of both.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on March 8, 2013 at 5:44

We have plenty of both also but I have to say, for myself, the lockback. I have small hands and fingernails, the linerlocks just dont work as easily for me. With that being said, with Craig...if I like the pattern and it is a linerlock, I am still buying it

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 11, 2013 at 20:06

I guess I am a bigger fan of the linerlock. Not that I don't have lockbacks, I do but I just feel more comfortable with linerlocks. I am also interested in secure linerlocks and those that have a safeties on them or have a mechanism to prevent blade movement or failure, much like the one on my AG Russell Orca.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 11, 2013 at 21:16

Here is a link to the pictures of the frame lock design: (made by Hinderer) http://www.iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/a-g-russellm-orca-frame...

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Noot on April 12, 2013 at 3:16

I prefer the lockback in general. But I don't mind a well built linerlock either.

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on April 12, 2013 at 11:24

My personal preference is a linerlock. I can operate with one hand which is a must at times. But I also have lockbacks. I buy what feels good and what looks good. Sometimes they are both aren't in the same knife but I don't use all the knives I own. The ones I do use and carry must feel good and work well for what I need them to do.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on June 11, 2013 at 16:07

I have heard time and again that a frame lock or a good liner lock is less subject to fail than a lock back. That said I still prefer the lock back partly because I'm left handed and most liner or frame locks are made for right handed use. Of course I also find the slide lock on Victorinox knives to work quite well. In the end it comes down to the knife.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Work on June 11, 2013 at 16:23

I strongly prefer a lock back. I have had a modern liner lock come open in my pocket and have had frame locks partially open when dropped. Neither experience instilled a lot of faith.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on June 11, 2013 at 18:48

Yeah I think i know what you mean, if you're talking about those spring assisted tactical liner-locks. If they don't come with a safety-latch forget about it.

But if you're talking about liner-lock knives such as a Case Russlock or the Rough Rider locking Sodbuster then there is no worries about accidental blade deployment. These knives still have a slippy back spring which keeps the blade closed. The liner lock only keeps the blade open.

Every knife is different. That said, I still fall on the lock back side of the survey.