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Pocket knives sorted by locking mechanism at Knivesandtools

Pocket knives come in many shapes, sizes and a variety of locking mechanisms. Thanks to our handy filter option, you can find the perfect pocket knife with the right lock. Although there are many different types of locking mechanisms on the market, we have listed the top 6 most popular ones for you!

The most popular locks for pocket knives

Liner lock

The liner lock was invented by Michael Walker. It's a popular and often used locking mechanism for pocket knives. The metal lockbar clicks behind the hinge point of the blade, ensuring the blade is safely locked into place. The system is easy to use with only one hand, though your finger will have to get close to the sharp edge. Our advice? Be careful and practice!

Frame lock

The frame lock, invented by Chris Reeve as the Reeve Integral Lock (RIL), is a robust variation of the liner lock. Instead of the liner, a part of the handle scale itself blocks the blade for additional strength. The material and precision with which the mechanism is made determines its reliability. Although operable with one hand, caution is still required when closing to avoid injury.

Slipjoint

A slipjoint is not a true lock, but it offers some resistance when closing. It is similar to a back lock, but the spring does not completely block the blade. It's an especially popular mechanism in Swiss knives and countries with strict gun laws such as the UK and Germany. Slipjoints are legal and provide sufficient resistance during use to prevent unintentional closing.

Back lock

The backlock is a classic pocket knife mechanism that has a spring fall across the back of the knife behind the blade to lock it. It's a super strong way of locking a blade. Unlocking is done through a recess in the handle, often in the middle (mid lock). This system is pretty safe, as it keeps your fingers away from the cutting edge. However, it does require some more maintenance than most other locks to prevent dirt build-up and closure problems.

Button lock

A button lock is an incredibly convenient locking mechanism. When opened, a pin locks the blade by sliding into a recess. To close the knife, simply press the button to unlock the blade. This mechanism is fun to fidget with, easy to operate and keeps your fingers far away from the sharp edge of the blade.

Axis lock

The axis lock is an iconic invention of Benchmade. The axis lock is famously rock-solid and can be operated from either side; great for lefties! Although many manufacturers have copied this system, few can match the quality of the axis lock, which is why it remains a favourite among knife enthusiasts.