I am going to try my first button lock folder.
I have a cheap ($5.00) button lock folder that I was going to take apart and use the button out of it.
Are the "store bought" button lock mechinisms that much better that I would be better off starting with a lock from one of the suppliers?
Thanx
Pat

I am going to try my first button lock folder.
I have a cheap ($5.00) button lock folder that I was going to take apart and use the button out of it.
Are the "store bought" button lock mechinisms that much better that I would be better off starting with a lock from one of the suppliers?


There are probably several dozen different mechanisms touted as "button locks." I know, I've scanned the patents. So it's difficult to answer your question about whether your particular model is "better" than another. I would be dubious about the lock on a $5 knife, although it might be a good source of ideas for your own mechanism. It probably wouldn't be patented, but that might not matter if you're building the knife only for yourself and not for resale.

Something to think about, though: the button in that $5 knife can't be any better than the rest of the knife.

Which supplier offers ready-made button locks? Are you talking about a kit knife?

-Frank

I built one of the ones from Knifekits.com and I am pretty pleased with it. DDR3 button lock (http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_prereserve_ddr3bl-main.htm~smain) They also sell the parts to make them individually. Specialty folder parts (http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_products_parts_main.htm ~smain)

Thanks, Frank; Yeah, I guess "button lock" these days would encompass more than one type.
I'm not building a kit knife but the lock from knifekits.com looks alot like the one from my cheapie and I am also dubious about the cheapie lock. I think I'll pick up a "proven" design to start my learning curve.
Chris, that is the button lock from knifekits that I was looking at buying. At $13.00 a pop I thought it a bit high for a first try, but I think I'll change my mind and try it.
Anyone out there wild about a different suppliers' button locks?
Thanx, Pat