Pocket Knife Lock Types
Key Takeaways
- The most common types of knife locks to prevent blades from closing are: liner locks, back locks, and frame locks.
- Kershaw’s Tip-Lock Slider prevents the blade from opening until the lock is disengaged.
- Some traditional knives have slipjoint non-locking mechanisms that put pressure on the blade to hold it securely in an open or closed position.
Many folding knives are designed with locking mechanisms that prevent the blade from accidentally closing during use. Some modern knives (usually assisted-opening knives) also have secondary safety locks to prevent blades from opening until the lock is released.
In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the most common knife lock types you’re likely to encounter when shopping for a new everyday carry.
Liner Lock
Out of all the different knife locks out there, liner locks are the most widespread. The design is simple, elegant, effective, and easy to use.
How It Works
When the blade is deployed, a tensioned metal strip (the liner) automatically moves into place to block the blade from being able to close.
How to Disengage
Push the liner inward while carefully folding the blade back into the handle.
Example
The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S has a liner lock.
Back Lock
Also known as a lockback mechanism, the back lock is one of the most common pocket knife lock types featured on traditional manual knives, such as those made by Buck Knives and Bear & Son Cutlery.
How It Works
These types of knife locks are simple but effective. They use a spring-loaded bar called a rocker on the back of the knife’s spine. When the blade is deployed, the rocker’s lug latches to the blade, preventing it from being able to close.
How to Disengage
To disengage a lockback mechanism, simply press the exposed “button” on the back of the handle while easing the blade into place.
Examples
Back locks are featured on the Buck Knives 110 Hunter, 112 Ranger, 501 Squire, and 722 Spitfire, as well as the Bear & Son Cutlery 297.
Frame Lock
Another of the most prevalent knife lock types is the frame lock, which is essentially a more robust version of a liner lock. Frame locks are often featured in modern tactical knives, work knives, and other knives used in demanding applications.
How It Works
Compared to other types of knife locks, frame locks are exceptionally strong. They work like liner locks, but instead of blocking the blade with a metal strip, they block the blade with a significant portion of the handle’s frame itself, the lockbar.
How to Disengage
Similar to a liner lock, you apply pressure to the lockbar to move it out of the blade’s path of travel. While holding the lockbar in place, ease the blade into the handle.
Example
This pocket knife lock type is often featured on Kershaw knives, such as the Leek 1660CKT.
Tip-Lock Slider
When comparing different knife locks, you may run into Kershaw knives with a Tip-Lock Slider that prevents the blade from accidentally opening.
How It Works
You engage the lock by moving a slider toward the bottom of the handle, which causes an internal component to block the blade from opening.
How to Disengage
Move the slider toward the handle.
Examples
Tip-Lock Sliders are featured on the Kershaw Scallion 1620OL and 1620NB, as well as the Leek 1660SWBLK. These knives also come equipped with liner locks.
Non-Locking Slipjoint
When comparing knife lock types, you may run into non-locking slipjoints, too.
How It Works
Although they’re not technically types of knife locks, slipjoints help to prevent blades from opening or closing accidentally by using a backspring to put consistent pressure on the blade. This mechanism prevents loose action.
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