Liner locks and frame locks use the same basic approach to locking and opening a folding knife. However, the main difference between the liner lock vs. frame lock is that with the latter, the metal piece is physically part of the handle and frame. On the other hand, the piece of metal in the liner lock is a separate piece inside the frame.
If you can’t decide which locking mechanism to opt for your pocket knife, you have come to the right place. Here is your complete guide.
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An In-Depth Look Into Liner Locks
One of the most common locking mechanisms of a folding or pocket knife is the liner lock. You will find this lock to have a liner (spring bar) on the blade’s sharp edge side. When you close the liner lock, the spring bar is in position thanks to the tension as you bend the knife inwards.
Of course, once you open the knife, the tension will push the liner inwards and come in contact with the blade’s end. Such a contact prevents the lock from closing and keeps the knife in place. If you want to close the knife from here, you will have to manually push the liner toward the scale.
When you do this, it will enable the blade to manually fold back into its position. There are different variations of liner locks and knives that depend on the brand you purchase from. Here are some pros and cons of using this locking mechanism for your pocket or folding knives.
Pros Of Liner Locks
1. You can easily close the knife with one hand.
2. It enables the knives to have at least two handle sides.
3. The locking mechanism is ideal for knife enthusiasts and users.
4. Liner lock mechanism is used for both entry-level and high-end knives.
Cons Of Liner Locks
1. The liner lock is made of a thin metal piece, which is why it is more prone to wear and tear.
2. Liner locks are not strong or powerful enough to handle heavy-duty tasks.
An In-Depth Look Into Frame Locks
Now that you are familiar with liner locks, you must understand frame locks for an ideal liner lock vs. frame lock comparison. Remember that the frame lock is mostly similar to the liner lock. That is because the frame lock utilizes a part of the handle as a locking mechanism.
The best part about the frame lock is that they are much stronger than liner locks. This is due to the fact that these locks consist of thick metal that protects them from wear and tear. You will also notice that one side of the frame will have a cut in the center.
The cut side is bent inwards to snap right inside when you open the blade, which will hold the end in position. You can close the frame lock just like you close the liner lock. Here are some pros and cons of the frame lock.
Pros Of Frame Lock
1. The thick metal ensures that wear and tear do not happen quickly.
2. It offers the knife an aesthetic and unique look.
3. You can use the knife with one hand.
4. It locks the knife strong, which means you can use it for heavy-duty work, such as piercing and cutting.
Cons Of Frame Lock
1. You will find the frame lock mechanism in high-end or medium-range knives.
Liner Lock Vs. Frame Lock: The Main Differences
Now that you have a detailed overview of the liner lock vs. frame lock, here are the main differences that distinguish them:
- The frame lock will last a long time, while liner locks can break easily
- The frame lock knife only has one side because the other one is a locking mechanism. On the other hand, a liner lock means that the knife has two sides
- Frame locks are made of thick metals and offer a robust experience, while liner locks are made of thinner metal
These are the top three main differences that distinguish the liner lock and frame lock. You can select one locking mechanism, depending on what you prefer better.
Final Thoughts
That is everything you need to know about liner lock vs. frame lock. You can go through this detailed guide and decide which locking mechanism is the ideal choice for your pocket knife needs. Once you do, it will give you use for a long time to come.