Pocket knives are much more comfortable and more comfortable to carry around because of their folding blade. They are not as sharp as blades with fixed blades that are often used for hunting, but because of their size and low weight they are efficient and are preferred by many. There are different types of pocket knives, but what is the best pocket knife locking mechanism?
When you are looking for a pocket knife, there are dozens and dozens of styles, patterns, and specifications that you can choose from. All the more, when choosing a folder-type knife (with a locking blade), it’s good to know which of the blade lock types is right for your needs.
Blade blocking is an essential parameter for the knife, as it prevents the blade from accidentally closing during use.
Best Pocket Knife Locking Mechanism: Our Top Picks
1. Liner Lock
The blade lock system called Liner Lock, formerly known as “Walker Lock” (by inventor Michael Walker) is one of the most popular types of blade lock. When the knife is open, the blade is blocked by a piece of metal that acts as a lever and prevents the blade from accidentally closing (and moving while the knife is being used) with the pressure exerted by the angle at which the metal piece is positioned. The metal piece is pushed to close the knife in the opposite direction to the direction in which it is placed.
2. Lockback
Often referred to as the spine lock, because the system itself is made up of a piece of metal driven by a bow, the part that extends along the blade of the blade. The edge of the blade forms, together with this piece of metal, a hook. If the metal piece is pressed, the knife blade may be closed. Similarly, with the opening of the knife blade, the portion of metal (arched) blocks the blade and prevents it from accidentally closing due to the pressure exerted between the two elements.
3. Frame lock
The lock is similar to the liner lock, but this time the lock is made by the knife frame (part of the swing/handle) on the same lever system as the liner lock. Just like the other types of jam, once opened, the blade is self-blocking. To unlock the blade, push the frame to its original position.
4. Lever lock
The main component of the automatic knives is a pin that prevents the blade from closing accidentally. When the blade is fully opened, the pin enters a hole inside the blade, impeding the blade to close. Once the lever (lever) is pushed to the base of the blade, the pin is removed from the blade so that the blade can be closed.
5. Clasp lock
The blade lock system called the clasp lock uses a piece of metal at the base of the handle, between the handle and the blade. When the blade is open, that piece of metal “enters” between the blade and handle, impeding the accidental closure of the blade. To close the knife, press the metal piece, and the blade unlocks and can be locked. Very often, this type of blade blockage occurs at the Laguiole French skewers.
6. Mid lock
The midblock lock system is similar to the lock back lock system, except that the jam itself is made in the middle of the handle and not at the base. This type of jam has an advantage, namely that due to the presence of the beak that actually effects the jam in the middle of the handle, it can exert greater pressure on the blade without accidentally closing it.
7. Slipjoint
Slip joint is not a locking system itself because it does not block 100% of the blade, with the possibility that it opens (in rare cases). The system consists of a spring to hold the blade in the open position. When applying a certain pressure on the blade, the blade may close. Because the locking system is not 100% safe, it is used in “light duty” locks. This system is available for Victorinox Swiss Army knives.
8. Axis lock
The lock is one invented by the Benchmade. Basically, the system consists of a set of pins (one on each side of the handle). When the blade is uncovered, it self-locks, with the aid of a metallic half-circle inside the handle, pushing the pins so that the blade is locked. With the pins acting, the metallic half-circle moves in reverse, allowing the blade to unlock and close.
9. Arc lock
Seen only in SOG blades, the Lock Arc-Lock System is similar to the Ax lock system. The same set of pins is arranged on the handle of the pocket, the pins which make the blade unlocking by acting on the base of the stem. Once opened, the blade self-locks with the help of the locking system that moves in a circle arc, hence the name.
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