5 Reasons EDC Frame Locks Are Inferior to Liner Locks

#edc #everydaycarry #gear

Knives in this video

Emerson Mini A100

Chris Reeve Umnumzaan

Shirogorov NeOn NL

Hinderer XM-18 3.5

Knafs Lander

Ferrum Forge Falcon

American Blade Works M1 V6

TRM Atom

My Everyday Carry

Camera Setup

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[herbcraven]

Reason number 6: If you're a lefty like me, it's much more satisfying to reverse the clip and have a knife that's just as nice looking on the lock side as it is on the show side. Now, please do a video telling us why thumb studs are better than flipper tabs so I can feel even more superior. 🤓

[superregera]

The real reason to use Liner Locks is one that you didn't mention. Frame locks are indeed stronger than liner locks. However, Liner locks are much more likely to fail in the locked-open position, meaning that it won't come back down and chop your fingers if it breaks. Frame locks can withstand roughly 50% more force on average, but I'd rather have what is essentially a fixed blade knife as opposed to missing fingers if the lock fails.

[zbaird]

I love how the scales on liners look also for esthetic reasons don't have the cut out bar and the action doesn't change because of lock bar pressure. But that's why I think Bolster locks are becoming my favorite. Best of both worlds

[johnkeck]

I prefer frame locks over liner locks. They're easier to clean than liner locks in my experience. Mud, dust, blood n guts wash out easier with frame locks. Don't clean fish with a liner lock especially one that has milled liners for "reduced weight" . A fixed blade would be best but I just like using my pocket knife mostly.

[Monsoonpain]

I guess you make good points. In my younger days, I did not care about weight or the looks...but, now, in my older age, I've become a knife snob. NOW, I DO obsess about every little detail. Thus, I now lean to Slipjoints, liners, or fixed blades.

[Mike-yddq]

I really love knife designs like Vero or Finch knife that go the extra mile to conceal the frame lock and make the scale partially overlap the frame lock feature. I really like the asymmetry of the remaining frame lock feature poking out.

[markm]

Frame locks are my preference. They are a art form to me. The function is observable. When you get down to it a liner lock is for the most part a frame lock that’s covered anyway.

[joecothern]

I love frame locks, but in my everyday use on the job, I find liner locks easier. Probably weird, I know, but it’s just my preference. Although, I just dived in to the world of Spyderco recently and it changed the game for me.

[ChristopherRobin]

I have frame locks, liner locks, button locks, lockbacks, axis locks, etc. I'm a sucker for a titanium frame lock for aesthetics, but I do like that axis and button keep your fingers out of the way.

[jacquesdespadas]

Lock backs and fixed blades for me. Both my Dragonfly2 and my Craftsman folding utility knife are lock backs, and my other carry knives are small fixed blades--Izula and smaller. I have had plenty of liner lock knives and they've been fine, but lock backs are ambidextrous, which works out better in more situations.

[harunomiya]

Very informative. I have liner lock on knives, but now I'm into fixed blades

[stevefoster]

I don’t use frame or liner locks any more I sold them or face them away except for one my urban carry, it’s either a lock back, triad lock or compression lock, my smallest knife is the cold steel lawman of spyderco pm2 and largest I cold steel recon one or spyderco manix xl, I don’t trust the liner locks for hard use, but everyone has their own opinion. I don’t spent a fortune one my knives and I find I don’t need to customize as these are tools I don’t customize my wrenches either 🤷‍♀️

[briandallmann]

Generally frame locks are found on heavy use knives, where the lock gets tighter as you grip the knife tighter. Axis locks for me either way…

[BaritoneMike]

I prefer framelocks mainly due to the more authoritive sound, but also perceived strength. As a fidget toy, that thump really makes a difference for me in a framelock when compared to a generally more tinny sound on a liner lock. All purely subjective ofc.

[Grasshoffg]

Very interesting video. I agree I have a CRKT Pilar frame lock and I feel like that frame lock comes over really aggressively to lock the blade in place and its very noticeable when handling it and feels like you have to really force it back to disengage the blade.

[ironmikehallowween]

Liner locks are nice and have their place. I have more liner locks than frame locks. But, there is no doubt that frame locks are stronger and more safe to use.

[RedBeardMoto]

A liner lock always makes a knife seem a little bit cheaper to me although I know it isn’t true. Just a misconception I made when I was younger and first started collecting since most cheap knives have a liner lock. I’d choose a frame over a liner but axis over anything

[davidhaas]

Spyderco's compression lock is my favorite. Basically liner lock, but on the back side of the handles. It basically guarantees your fingers are out of the way of the blade while closing.

[cameron]

In my opinion, a lock on a knife is just to prevent it from closing on your hand, and isn’t really an issue with any type of lock as long as it does it’s job flawlessly, regular/normal use of the knife is applied force on the edge of the blade and use of the knife also helps it from closing on your hand. To me, I believe if a knife doesn’t open up when you don’t want it to, and has good retention in the handle when closed, is a good knife regardless of the lock type

[renebollengier]

I lover Hinderer and Chris reeves knives. Never even thought about the lock and symmetry. They are just works of are. I have liner locks, mostly spyderco. Lover them too. My edc is a Sabenza with the tanto blade. Big one for jeans, small one for dress pants. Just bought your titanium box cutter to match. But my knives do live a pampered life.