KNIFE LOCK TIER LIST! - The BEST Locks RANKED! 2024
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Ranking popular edc folding knife locking systems - 2024.
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Would have been funny if you ended the video with the triad lock still on there like "well, that's all we have for you today folks, thanks for watching!" - also CONGRATS ON THE BABY!
Metal Complex discussing Opinel knives: "I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress.."
He is a bloviating blowhard (that's why it's best to start his videos at the 70 second mark) who thinks that anyone over 50 is mentally incapable to know how to operate modern folding knife locks.
I knife (and lock) should be judged for design, utility, effectiveness, and value. Only a fool with more money than sense buys a Sebenza or XM-18 to cut cardboard when RAT-2, KaBar Dozier, or Honey Badger with D2 is good enough -- even a folding box cutter (imagine that) would work.
I think the Opinel Virobloc is legendary. Not because it is strong, but because it is simple, effective, and has been available for over 70 years -- longer than most, if not all, of the other knife blade locks. It can even be operated one handed if necessary.
“I even hate the way that you lock, but that’s just me I guess. Some shit just gotta be cringeworthy, ain’t even gotta be deep I guess”
“Still love when you see success everything with me is blessed
Keep makin me dance wavin my hand and it won't be no threat” lol I love this
"Tell us what you really think about the Opinel lock" 😂
I think the button-operated liner lock should rate higher than a standard liner lock because, while the lock-up is the same, your hand never has to be in the path on the blade.
and the fidget factor is much higher
Just wrote something similar.
Agreed!
Yes.
Voste Hedghog!
"They're super easy to manipulate"
- Machiavellian Complex
😂
😂😂
💀💀👻 you nearly unalived me with that one😂
@@jtallday31 You're welcome! Glad you didn't get unalived!
Remember, strength is only ONE of the elements I use to rank these locking systems! (I am 100% certain some people will aggressively ignore this 😅)
They don’t have time to listen to the intro, they’re too busy using a triad lock knife to baton hard wood logs for the wood stove that they don’t have in the middle of summer.
hello, what about recoil lock, its one very good system!
My question was answered in the video. When will we commenters learn! 😅
How could you not put the shark lock as #1 it's the strongest there
@@Driving-home_alonethe shark lock is in the highest tier possible. What video did you watch? Lol
I need little picture reminders for what some of those lock types look like. There are a lot of ways to fold a knife and I forget what some of them look like xD
I've watched less than a minute, but I feel I already need to scream: TRIAD LOCK!! URGHH STRONGEST ,GRR!!! OGABOGA!
I can't tell if you really love the triad lock or can't stand the fans .. 😂 either way, it's funny!
My personal favorite is the bolster lock. Not only does it feel more secure than a liner lock, and is easier to manipulate than a frame lock, but I also really enjoy the aesthetics of it.
I did some research into lock strength. Pretty much unless your abusing the knife, you will never break the lock.
bingo. basically anything besides a liner lock is going to be practically impervious to failure for most people’s use cases, and really even some slight abuse.
@@acid6urnsButton lock and even a frame lock will fail the spine wack before a liner will
Ah hahahaha.
@KB_EDC22 Show me some videos of a liner lock failing the spine whack test. I can show you plenty Frame and button locks. If the lock face geometry is no good frame locks can fail easily. If the locks are all solid, then sure, a frame lock will be able to take more stress then a liner. I'm not trusting a button lock for anything. I've seen them fail the lightest spine whacks
Dnt rly have to worry about frame locks since you are securing the lock by holding the fucking knife! Get frame locks out of this conversation. Like what the hell is going on are people trying to cut shit with the spine of the blade???!?
Completely agree with the comment on the Scorpion Lock. I did slice my finger tip open a couple years ago. But once you figure it out, it's so fun. But also so risky.
I think you should redo this and add a safety feature liner locks are nice but you hit that line or locked by accident with pressure. There goes a finger. I would put convenience on a very low scale. You want to locked it stays shut and safe and strong. Not convenience. If you're worried about convenience, don't get a folding knife.
Na I'm happy with this upload. Thanks though
Axis lock may have some cases of reliability here and there but you have to remember that it is probably the most widely used lock behind the liner/frame lock. It’s on nearly every benchmade folder for the past 20 years and there’s at least 10,000x as many axis locks in the wild as there are any of those you listed in the legend tier. I still think, from an engineering design and ease of implementation into a knife design standpoint that it’s legend tier. Keep in mind, the super lock is patent free yet only a couple of manufacturers are implementing it, yet when axis lock patent freed up almost every knife manufacturer started pumping out bar lock designs the next morning, so obviously they understand the significance of the design.
Well it's your opinion. You put super lock in legend and I own one (Civivi vision fg) it exist since only 2 years. I love it but if tomorrow will be the apocalypse I would take à Cold steel with Tri-ad lock à lot before my Civivi. But I agree with you for the easy use. Tri-ad exist before super lock and just for his durability, I would put the Tri-ad lock before my Vision. It's just my opinion. Congratulations for your reviews👍🏻
As I Triad lock enjoyer saving it for last really made me stay till the end 😂. Thank you sir
I have the ad15 with the scorpion lock and I love it. My fingers arent in the way when I open and close it. To open it with one hand it did take some time to get used to but when your used to using it its great
The AD-15 is one of my 5 or so knives I will never get rid of mine bc i love the lock.
I think you overstated how hard it is to use a Triad lock.
Liner lock > frame lock! I totally agree!
I loved my Vision FG. The super lock is awesome. Fell out of my pocket somewhere in the yard :( New one is on the way. Still hunting for the OG though too.
Triad lock is for me since I am distrusting of Folders, but Fixedblades are frowned upon when I go anywhere but work.
Recon 1 is what I use for cutting steel drums and prying but in a compact discrete form.
Curious if the CRKT M16-14SF’s automated liner safety is overlooked here, or falls into a mentioned category. I’m sure many would find that having two steps to close the knife a pain, and anti-fidget, but they haven’t heard the oh-so-satisfying clickety-snap that mechanism makes when it engages on deployment. It’s worth the two-step close just so you can hear that again. And there is zero budge no matter how hard you try to wiggle the blade. That system is as strong as a fixed full-tang.
My top 3) compression lock, mid-back lock, and shark lock. I didn’t like mid back locks for a long time because of outside influencers and then I realized that it’s super fidgety in its own way and I just love it. Totally ambi and still allows great ergos.
Thanks for the content I enjoyed the video!!
I want to try the Shark Lock, but Demko isn't making any knives with it that I super duper really want. I have a lot of Demko's older designs with the Tri-Ad lock and they're some of my favorite knives ever. Andrew Demko and Lynn Thompson were an unstoppable tag team. Luckily their designs are mostly still available through Cold Steel and are still made in the based, independent nation of Taiwan.
My favorite lock circa 2024 is...I don't know. I don't have one. I love the Tri-Ad lock, the compression lock, the caged ball lock, and even traditional lockbacks (I'm not a fidgety guy). Special place in my heart for the Reeve Integral Lock and ZT framelocks though - their lock face geometry is good. The way they sound when they engage, much like the Tri-Ad lock, is deeply confidence-inspiring.
Fun note, I also love non-locks like what we saw on the Cold Steel Black Rock Hunter and Paradox series. Those were solid. Glad I kept mine. You'd probably hate them, they're the absolute opposite of fidgety, but once you have that thing open, it's not closing if you don't want it to, ever.
I'm a big fan of Spyderco's mid-locks, too. They're highly refined.
I REALLY want to see more folders with the Scorpion lock, especially slimmer and lighter folders than the AD-15 (I bought the Lite version to try AUS10A steel since S35VN is a known quantity to me already). Once you know what you're doing with it, the thing is super easy to operate and super strong.
My guess is people are trying to cut stuff with the spine of the blade
For me how useful is it, love the BM 550. The Spider Hole and the Axis lock work great together for “ME”
Secondary favorite The Spider hole with a Back lock
Excellent video now you’ve given us all a chart that we’re going to use to buy knives it would’ve been cool if you would’ve included a little video demonstrating some of these but otherwise a great video thank you
I do not know many of these locks. Have you done a show demonstrating the locks and how they work?
on my ad 20.5 i just knocked down the edges of the locking tab so it doesn't dig into your finger as much when playing with the knife for a long time
Now I want someone to design a super overbuilt modern folder with a ring lock. I guarantee it would be as strong as a triad lock 😂
I like the concept of this video, but the selection criteria seemed very subjective. Would be nice to see the same video with metrics behind each decision. Try going through all locks and rating different categories with waited factors and see how things pan out. For example:
Lock strength = x out of 5
Reliability = x out of 5
Ease of Use = x out of 5
Proven (widely adopted) = x out of 5
Cool factor = x out of 2
Maintenance = x out of 2
Variability between manufacturers = x out of 2
Ect..
Add them all up for a total score and see how they rank.
It would be a lot of editing but clips with examples of these locks would be awesome for people just getting into the knife community.
I feel like "cool" or "neat" would be a good category. Pictures would have helped to. I forgot some of these
I love how cross bar locks have become so common place that it can be considered mid tier. You can get them on a $20 knife these days, which is crazy to me, but I don't think that diminishes the lock. If anything I think so many people using it in their knives says how much of a revolution it was. That said my favorite lock is the compression lock😂. Congrats on the new little one!!!
I fidget with my knives a lot and have broke several omega springs on my benchmades and hogue deka.
Only one I disagree with is the CRK Ti-lock. Cause if I remember right that lock was a hawk design, and the lock is also on the shortcut. The shortcut being an absolute blast to fidget with
I get what you mean about the ball bearing lock on the Manix 2, but it is very satisfying to me. I wish they put that lock on all of their flagship knives as an option. I love my compression lock, but I can’t hand it to anyone because I’m a lefty.
I’ve tested about 20-30 knives with the ram lock at our shop and zero have failed from spine wacks.
Spyderco ball lock/coil spring ,over axis lock. Agree! I like the coil springs force better than omega springs.
I wish the SLS lock from the Buck Marksman would get out on another knife. That is one of my favorites.
I love a well done liner lock, and I’m left handed so I consider them 90% ambidextrous. I usually use my left index finger to push the lockbar over and let it drop to my nail then move my finger out and shake it down just as a righty would do with their thumb.
So as long as there’s good enough lockbar access for me to do that then I absolutely love right handed liner locks as a lefty - oh and I need a reversible clip but yeah I would probably rate liner lock as legend.
There’s nothing better than the feeling of deploying a liner lock with a perfect detent and then having it super smoothly shake or drop shut
Also love bolster locks for the same reasons as above, frame locks can be cool too but on a case by case basis since the exposed lockbar can cause issues as a lefty and they very rarely have reversible clips. The one frame lock I have currently is the kizer Varatas which works perfectly left handed.
Compression locks are also great for me left handed as long as the clip is reversible so I have something to hold on to and even better with a CME button type thing which makes it feel essentially like a lefty button compression lock
For me the strength of a folding knife lock is of very minor importance. If I need a rugged knife, I‘ll use a fixed blade. So for me fun and fidgetability are much more important.
Although I would disagree with you in several cases here, I really love your tier-list videos. 😊
i personally woulda rated the frame lock higher but you did a great job with your tier list. clearly a demko id say fan lol :)
I sometimes buy the most inexpensive folders from the Internet just to save money and stash more so-so duplicates. BUT a poor folder, even if you hold your fingers on sides for if the lock fails, will twist in your grip, under pressure, and when the blade swings closed, will probably injure.
If you differentiate between the triad lock and a standard mid-back lock, then you should differentiate between the top liner lock and the compression lock. TLL has different locking leaf interface and an additional stop pin.
To each their own. Gotta agree with most of your ratings, many I haven't tried yet. There are a couple that you didn't list, like whatever Victranox is using, and Leatherman and then there's the Italian, lock tab, square cut out that catches the blade pivot when opened, that one would be down there with the Opinel. Good video. Thanks
Thanks much for this rating system and comments. I personally chose the Vertex from your comments, because I prefer a " bolt like" lockup concept for absolute survival dependability. Blade strength and durability is next. No "gentlemens'" considerations unless they are trying to survive with it.
But doesn't your grip actually make the frame lock stronger? And if so, wouldn't it be a benefit over a liner lock?
Yes and no. It also speeds up lock face wear which will eventually cause lock up issues
@@metal_complex The same force that keeps the blade from opening if you accidentally leave your finger on the lock bar while flipping, would be working in reverse when the blade is open keeping the lock from failing, wouldn't it?
I do understand the lock face wear issue though. It has never happened to any of my frame locks however. It is maybe because most of my frame locks are at the pricier side and so I don't tend to use them to the extent where I'll start to notice something like that. Lol.
For button locks there's a wide gap between poorly done cheapos and well done ones! CJRB/Artisan's is way more robust and less likely to fail due to how they set up the cutout. It sits against a flatter lockface that's much less likely to be jiggled out
Never owned one from like protech to compare but I'd assume they make really good ones
There is only one way to see if knife is good and secure: If you trust your knife enough to grab it and slam it on wooden desk as hard as you can. If you can do that without even worrying about that it lose lock and bend cutting your fingers, its knife lock that will serve you whole life. :D
But... there is also button lock that is just joy to flip open-close all day just as fidget toy, so we can say that knife is like dog. One time its nice to have small fluffy lap dog to pet, but also its nice to have dog that will not run away when someone enter your house :D
As far as OTF locks, Max Ace's Neptune has two locking tabs. Have you seen the torture test video they posted? It's frigging insane! Would be nice to see independently confirmed though. Either way, that knife if such a steal for the asking price and one of my favorite OTF period. I own all three blade versions now. :)
Need a Project Farm testing video to find out which one is best.
The Opinel, MC’s favorite knife of all times! 😅
Axis lock can be used even when both springs break, just needs to manually operated and vedged into the locked position
No ring-pull lock? No picklock? No lever-lock? Ring-pull is seen on the traditional South African Okapi knives and the Cold Steel Kudu (clone) versions of the Okapi. The ring-pull is also standard on traditional Sicilian style fighting knives and Sicilian style switchblades, both vintage and new production from companies like AGA Campolin, et al.
The picklock is standard on 99% of Italian switchblade stilettos, whether vintage or new. Some are the classic "thumbnail breaker" style on the old vintage switchblades, but virtually all the newer picklocks (say 1970s to present day) are actuated by the bolster: Same lock design, just uses swinging bolster like a lever to force the lock open instead of having to pull it with your fingernails. If you've used _any_ Italian stiletto switchblade made in the last 40+ years, then you've used a picklock.
The lever-lock is another switchblade type; most associated with the classic Hubertus-Soligen "Springer" automatics. Also on Bill DeShivs famous "Leverletto" series. AGA Campolin and Mikov also use a modernized, improved reverse-lever lock on their Zero and Predator knives, respectively. I own a couple Zeros and they are absolutely _rock solid._ Zero blade play and extremely strong (a thick steel crossbar connected to the lever goes through a hole in the blade, and slots into the opposite side of the frame. It's held in by a strong spring. Short of literally shearing the crossbar in half, it can't fail).
None of these are used much on modern knives. I didn't include them because the info wouldn't be super beneficial to the vast majority. Same with countless more
@@metal_complex Fair enough on the ring-pull and lever maybe, but classic Italian switchblades are perennially popular I think; more so than Opinels (also an ancient design by modern standards) at least but maybe I'm nuts.
the compression lock is super ambi... right hand index finger left had thumb
Can't argue with any of it... except... I would rank the frame lock "glad it exists". I used to be against them, but now that I own quite a few, I've come around. It just depends on the overall design of the knife itself.
Fair
Cool. I've been busy Friday nights. This will help.
I wish you would have shown these different locks versus pontificating on them.
Well I have. Within the 4000+ uploads I've created. Each lock has been shown usually in the form of a 20+ minute comprehensive review. This is a tier list. Says that in the title. I could have painstakingly edited in video footage of each lock but everyone is already familiar with most of these so that would have been a grand waste of time.
I am just waiting for Ganzo to slap a real compression lock onto their Paramilitary 2 clones and then im upgrading immediatly.
You said it yourself, the triad lock changed the knife game. That with what it is pushes it into legendary status. Yes, I'm biased, most of my knives are stronk locks. Also, where I live it's illegal to conceal carry fixed blades. 😁😎👍
Compression lock. button actuated liner lock #1 S tier. I'm over liner locks. I think in today's market why put a users fingers in the blade path when closing?
Ive actually been fidgeting a spyderco native 5 lw 😂 i had no idea back locks could be fun.
Top button liner lock and compression lock are not the same right? Different interface with the blade, no?
Speaking of omega springs, I just had to replace my second set on my first Benchmade Bugout. Not my favorite. I would say that locking system is my least favorite.
lol…. Why be mad that we have the Snex lock and the shark lock…. We get both. I’m stoked.
Some Clowns like to say the Super lock is dangerous, oh no! Crying into their blouses was a fitting description. Buy a Vision Fg! Their Epic!!!
Hi, I noticed my New Benchmade SuperFreak has double springs Axis lock.😀
ive owned 9 or 10 benchmade knives and love the ones i still have, i have however had one spring break in my bugout from just fidgiting with it. its kind of a turn of from the company if it broke while i was in need of that knife it would have let me down. (i know i cant help it im that guy, in my defence i live in the mountains) i shall definitly look into the anthem tho.. ill still collect axies lock style knives just wont carry one day to day. lately ive been leaning twords frame or liner locks just for reliabilaty.
6:36 Hey that was me! :D
Take my 15 bucks and buy a mora I will never own an opinel
You forgot the new Reate pivot lock which you actually really like ?!
Button operated liner lock is more akin to a compression lock than a regular liner lock. Definitely stronger than than a standard liner lock, in my opinion.
totally being a wennie with the Scorpion Lock. It is super safe, fast, and very easily manipulated with one hand. Even got one for my 16 year old son...he treats it like a balisong almost. It is stiff when you first get it...just work with it and it will become one of your mosy fidgety knives...Guaranteed
Opinel Ring Lock is clearly legend status! How can you rate the strongest, most fidget friendly, one-handed knife this way??? Unsubscribed!
😀
I get it, it's your opinion.................but.........your're ranking knife locks on visual appeal and fidget factor over how well it locks a blade?
No issue with the opinion or content, just think you could've put more thought in the title, I thought you were gonna rank blade locks on their ability to lock a blade.
Nope. Total misunderstanding of the system and potentially a lack of understanding when it comes to how often I use knives in general. It's a combination of elements based on actual experience with these locks. It has absolutely nothing to do with looks. Don't skip the intro
Have you had a chance to handle an AD22? The shark lock on that thing is nice.
All hail Winterblade!! 🙌💜💜💜👐
Frame locks are on such a sliding scale to me based on if the geometry is correct or not. A solid frame lock made well is S tier for me. On the other hand I've had 2 knives with frame locks from a particular brand that both failed with light pressure on the spine, not whacking it, just pushing slightly on the spine with my hand.
Agreed on pretty much all your thoughts.
Will say as a lefty love the top liner lock
You forgot about Andre De Villiers crusher tail lock.
Also missing the ring-pull lock (Okapi, Kudu, Sicilian fighting knives, etc), and the picklock (99% of all traditional Italian stiletto/switchblades).
Your thoughts on Reate's Pivot button lock?
What about the radius lock on the fox jupiter ... and the trek lock by vosteed (corgi)
Definitely missed those two!
Both good lock i put the radius in huge win and the trek lock in fine as it can fail sometimes and there is to much reducing the strength of the tang of the blade as the lock and stop pin are internal
Half these lock names sound like WWE submission holds.
Frame locks for life 🔒
Great video! Thanks so much!
i think you should have placed the ball bearing lock in the legend spot just to be fair the ram lock is no better..
The Ram Lock is substantially easier to manipulate. They're both in the right place
I just realized that this is the first time I've seen MCs face
I'm also glad button locks exist.
Idk why but when he said “a lot of people have been weeping into their BLOUSE about how Shark Lock copied super lock” i just can’t stop laughing 😂😂 I imagine grown men wearing a flowery grandma shirt under a cardigan just weeping into their blouses
Share your opinion about opinel 😁
I hate it
This is the one I asked for and have been waiting on!!!! And Opinel better be in PooPoo Town!! Lol
"In spaghetti sauce and their wizards robes" LOL
Was wondering if you saw Aaron's (Gideon Tactical) video where he did spine whack testing on an MSI and it came unlocked every time. Still wouldn't keep me from buying a manual Stitch.
He’s one of my favorites.
A bunch of people have reported failures with the ram lock. I have experienced zero failures so all I can do is report on failures
**Sits fidgeting an Opinel ring lock and mumbling ominously while watching this vid.** The heathen shall be converted. The cogs are in motion. Our plans shall come to fruition before long, yesssss.
Frame/Liner/Bolster locks will always be my favorite.
It's the best all-rounder because it has the best feeling detent, good strength, and decent manipulation.
I went into a button lock phase but hopefully you all will forgive me.
Surprised to see so many fans of liner locks here. I just posted the exact opposite. I guess that's why we have options. Compression/Button top liner is my preferred. Crossbar 2
@aaronh305 The compression lock is a form of liner lock. The detent ball locks always feel the best because they break away much better.
Give me an AD10 with an atlas lock please, and the 4max scout.
Glad the truffles roundhouse made it
No Scott Topper Shrike OTF? Better than Deadlock.
You're asking why I don't have an obscure custom otf included in this list? Because if I include the Shrike, I'd have to include hundreds of others that have their own slight variation of common locking systems. I mean literally hundreds. His zero blade play system is definitely cool, but the info benefits essentially no one.
Spyderco Manix 2 ball ball cage lock
thoughts on Pivot locks?