All About Pocket Knives

I just bought a small Case Executive Lockback - it's about the same size as a Buck Knight, but all stainless steel and very thin. As soon as I got it out of the box, I noticed the lock requires a very deep and positive press to get it to disengage - almost a bit painful. I have seen the same thing on lockbacks from a few other mfrs. I have used Buck lockbacks for years, and I don't remember ever getting one that felt like this. The Buck locks are solid, yet also smooth and easy to disengage. I'm not a brand fanboi, and I own more non-Buck than Buck knives - but darn it, the Buck lock just works better than anything else I have! Why?

The Schrade USA lockbacks (e.g. LB7, LB5) work extremely well. They rarely develop blade play and it is easy to depress the bar that releases the blade from the locked open position.
kj

I have a Buck 505 and it needs a hammer to unlock it.

I have two new Boker (Germany) folding hunters, high-dollar knives. One unlocks fine, like a Buck, but the other one -- I have to push it hard against the edge of a door or table or something until the lock lets go.