Every folding knife has a lock and the lock decides how the knife feels to open, close, and trust. The three you will see on modern folders are the liner lock, the button lock, and the crossbar lock, with the lock-back and the frame lock as the older alternatives. This guide explains how each works, its strengths and failure modes, and which knives we sell with each.
Liner lock
A spring-steel liner inside the handle snaps behind the blade tang when it opens; push it aside with your thumb to close. Simple, cheap, and in the blade path when you close it, so your thumb is near the edge. Strong enough for any normal use. On the Bestech Duoz, QSP Peregrine and Swordfish.
Button lock
A plunger through the handle drops into a notch in the tang. Press the button to release. Ambidextrous, keeps fingers out of the blade path, and satisfying to use. The button can be pressed accidentally in a tight grip on some designs, which makers address with a detent. On the QSP Coyote, Bestech Cicada's Wing, Snakebird and Vosteed Marten.
Crossbar lock
A spring-loaded bar runs through the handle and across the tang; pull it back to release. Ambidextrous, very strong, fingers clear, and the blade swings freely when the bar is pulled so you can flick it open and closed. More parts and springs to wear. Called Glyde Lock at QSP, Vanchor at Vosteed. On the QSP Penguin, Elk, Vosteed Corgi-V and CJRB Shale.
Bar lock and lock-back
A bar lock is a crossbar variant, on the Bestech Cobber. The lock-back is the old reliable: a spine-mounted rocker that drops into the tang, very strong, two-handed to close. On the ROGAN Rogue.
Comparison
| Lock | Ambidextrous | Fingers clear on close | Strength | Flickable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liner | No | No | Good | Yes |
| Button | Yes | Yes | Good | Yes |
| Crossbar | Yes | Yes | Very good | Yes, both ways |
| Lock-back | Yes | Mostly | Very good | No |
Which is best
Crossbar for the safest, most fun, ambidextrous lock. Button for the same with fewer parts. Liner for the cheapest good knife. Lock-back for the strongest and simplest.
Frequently asked questions
Is a button lock or crossbar lock better?
Crossbar is stronger and flicks both ways; button has fewer parts. Both keep fingers clear.
Are liner locks safe?
Yes, for normal use. Your thumb is near the edge on closing.
What is a Glyde Lock?
QSP's crossbar lock.
What is a Vanchor lock?
Vosteed's crossbar lock.
What is the strongest knife lock?
Lock-back and crossbar are the strongest common ones.
The bottom line
Crossbar if you can, button if you like the click, liner if you want cheap. Try a Corgi-V and a Coyote and decide.
Related reading
QSP Coyote review
Vosteed Corgi-V review
Best pocket knife brands
