Closing a pocket knife is the part nobody teaches, and it is where fingers get cut, because the blade closes into the handle exactly where your fingers are holding it. Every lock releases differently and the safe hand position is the same for all of them: release the lock with the thumb, swing the blade with the index finger on the spine, and keep everything else out of the path. This guide covers each lock type and the one that has no lock at all.
The rule for every knife
Hold the handle with your fingers along the side, not wrapped over the edge where the blade will land. Release the lock, then push the spine of the blade (the dull back edge) with your index finger until it folds. Never close a knife by pinching the blade.
Liner lock
Look inside the handle on the side with the pocket clip: a spring-steel liner is pressed behind the blade. Push the liner sideways with your thumb toward the scale, hold it there, and start the blade closing with your index finger on the spine. Once the blade is past the liner, move your thumb off and let it fold. On the Bestech Duoz and QSP Peregrine.
Frame lock
Same as a liner lock, but the lock bar is part of the handle itself. Push the bar outward with your thumb, swing the blade with your index finger.
Button lock
Press the button on the handle and the blade swings free; let go and it locks either open or closed. Press and fold the blade with your index finger on the spine, then release. Your fingers never enter the blade path, which is why button locks are so popular. On the QSP Coyote and Bestech Cicada's Wing.
Crossbar (Axis, Glyde, Vanchor) lock
Pull the bar that runs through the handle back with your thumb and index finger and the blade drops or swings closed on its own; give it a flick if it does not. Release the bar and it locks. On the QSP Penguin and Vosteed Corgi-V.
Lock-back
Press the exposed rocker on the spine of the handle, usually near the butt, and the lock lifts out of the blade. Hold it down and fold the blade with your other hand on the spine. Two hands, and a very strong lock. On the ROGAN Rogue and the Buck 110.
Slip joint and friction folder (no lock)
Nothing to release. Hold the handle with fingers along the side, push the spine and the spring folds the blade home. Because it can close under pressure, never put force on the spine of an open slip joint. On the WESN Henry and Swiss Army knives.
If the knife will not close
The lock is stuck on a burr, grit is in the pivot, or the detent is tight. Do not force it; work the lock a few times, blow out the pivot, add a drop of oil. If a liner lock is stuck far across the blade tang, the lock has worn in and a maker can address it under warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How do you close a pocket knife?
Release the lock with your thumb, push the spine of the blade with your index finger, keep your fingers along the side of the handle.
How do you close a pocket knife with no button?
It is a liner, frame, crossbar or lock-back: push the liner sideways, pull the crossbar, or press the rocker on the spine, then fold the blade.
How do you close a Swiss Army knife?
Push the back of the blade until the spring folds it; there is no lock.
Why won't my pocket knife close?
Grit or a burr at the lock, or a tight detent. Work it gently and oil the pivot.
Which lock is safest to close?
Button and crossbar locks keep your fingers out of the blade path.
The bottom line
Thumb releases, index finger on the spine, fingers along the side. If you want a lock that keeps your hand out of the way, a button lock like the Coyote or a crossbar like the Penguin.
Related reading
Button lock vs crossbar lock vs liner lock
How to sharpen a pocket knife
Best pocket knife for the money
