Linerlock Folding

Thinking about buying a new folding knife?

I want to buy a new folding knife I can use for everyday carry but that will also hold up well for tougher jobs. I’m looking for something with a 3-4 inch blade, linerlock, and preferably finger hole opening. I like combo plain/serrated blades, but it’s not a must. Anyone have any suggestions? I’d also prefer something under $100.

For 100$ you can get a very good knife. However, I must ask, why do you want a linerlock? That is the most fail prone lock I have ever heard of.
I haven’t head any failures, simply because I don’t own linerlocks, but I’ve seen lots of reports on failed liner locks on bladeforums.com and other knife related sites.

Benchmade Axis lock, or framelock, compression lock, or even a lockback would be a better ad more secure choice.

As for the particular knife brands. Thumbhole is pretty much Spyderco patent and other makers don’t really make knives with it. benchmade did produce a few models with that and later they’ve used an oval hole to avoid patent violation lawsuits, e.g. Griptilian, Skirmish. Both are very tough too. BM Dejavoo was thumbholed too.

There is an argument that a large hole in the blade weakens it structurally. Which makes sense, but Spyderco owners claim that is not the issue. So, you decide on that one.

Besides of Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw have very good choice of excellent folders in your price range.

If you want to look at other types of folders besides thumbholed ones, then your choice is significantly better.
The same Kershaw produces very good knives from top end steels like ZDP-189 and CPM S110V, superb fit and finish too, and all that for 75$.
Shallot review – http://zknives.com/knives/folding/hiend/kshallotzdp.shtml

There’s bunch of folder reviews here – http://zknives.com/knives/folding/indexmk.shtml
May be you will find something that you like.

Also, perhaps you should check out knife steel FAQ before getting a new knife – http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

ZDP and S110v are covered in another section – http://zknives.com/knives/kitchen/misc/articles/kkchoser/kksteel.shtml

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