Locking Mechanisms

Back Lock

This time-tested design features a spring-driven rocker arm located within the spine of the handle. When the blade is opened, a lug on the forward end of the arm engages a corresponding notch in the blade tang, locking the blade securely in place. Releasing the lock requires pressing the back of the rocker downward. The back lock is known for its reliability and ambidextrous operation.

 

Ball Bearing Lock™

Invented by Spyderco, this mechanism consists of a spring-driven ball bearing that wedges between a fixed backstrap in the handle and an upward-facing ramp on the blade tang when the blade is open. Sometimes housed in a polymer cage, the ball bearing also serves as a detent when the knife is closed, holding the blade firmly in place when not in use. This lock delivers an ultra-smooth action, excellent strength, and fully ambidextrous operation. It also allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing one’s fingers in the path of the edge.

 

Ball Joint Non-Locking System

Designed by knife maker Bob Terzuola, this is a slip-joint mechanism that prevents a knife blade from closing through pressure from ball bearings set into spring arms in the handle liners. The Ball Joint also serves as a half-stop for the blade for additional safety.

 

Bolt Action Lock

Originally created by legendary designer Blackie Collins, this mechanism features a spring-driven bolt that wedges between a fixed backstrap in the handle and an upward-facing ramp on the blade tang when the blade is open. The Bolt Action Lock offers excellent strength, ease of use, and, in Spyderco’s expressions of it, completely ambidextrous operation. It also allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing one’s fingers in the path of the edge.

 

Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.)

Popularized by renowned custom knifemaker Chris Reeve, the R.I.L., aka “frame lock,” is a more robust version of the LinerLock that features a lock bar that is integral to the handle’s titanium or steel scale. When the knife is opened, the bar moves laterally to engage a ramped surface on the tang, locking the blade securely in place. Sleek, strong, and elegantly simple, the R.I.L. is favored for its minimalist design.

 

Compression Lock®

Invented by Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser, the Compression Lock® uses a split liner or nested flat spring inside the handle as a lock bar. When the blade is opened, the spring tension of the lock bar moves it laterally to wedge between the stop pin and an upward-facing ramp on the blade tang. This mechanism offers exceptional mechanical strength and allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing one’s fingers in the path of the edge.

 

Friction Folder

The original form of a folding knife, a friction folder, does not mechanically lock. Its blade typically features an extended tang, or “tail,” that contacts the spine of the handle when the knife is opened. Pressure of the user’s hand against that tail—along with the friction of the pivot mechanism—stabilize the blade during use. Simple and traditional, this style of folding knife is ideal for jurisdictions with restrictive knife laws and users who value minimalist tools.

 

Notch-Joint Non-Locking Mechanism
A variation of the traditional slipjoint, this mechanism adds a lug to the spring bar and a notch to the blade tang. Both have rounded corners that increase the stability of the blade in the open position without mechanically locking it. This mechanism is used on most Spyderco SLIPIT™ designs.

 

 

Phantom Lock™

A clever variation of the scale-release back lock, the Phantom Lock uses a lock bar with a lug at the front end to engage a notch in the blade’s tang to lock the blade securely open. Moving the butt ends of the handle scales in opposite directions raises the front end of the lock bar to release the lock.

 

PowerLock™

A locking system positioned on the back of the handle using two interacting rocker arms. One of which engages a notch in the blade's tang to lock the blade open.

 

Slipjoint
The mechanism used on most traditional, non-locking pocketknives, the slipjoint, consists of a flat spring in the spine of the handle that applies pressure to a flat spot on the back of the blade’s tang. This spring pressure holds the blade firmly open during use and also serves as a detent to keep the blade closed when not in use.

 

Stop Lock™
This proprietary Spyderco lock mechanism consists of a pivoting, spring-loaded toggle located in the spine of the handle. The forward portion of the toggle has a radiused surface that engages a ramp on the blade’s tang to create a wedging force when the blade is opened. Lifting the free end of the toggle arm releases the lock. The camming action of the lock bar also serves as a detent to keep the blade closed when not in use. The Stop Lock is very compact, allows great freedom of design, and its operation is completely ambidextrous. It also allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing one’s fingers in the path of the edge.

 

Walker Linerlock
Invented by custom knifemaker Michael Walker, this lock uses a split liner or nested flat spring inside the handle as a lock bar. When the blade is opened, the end of the bar moves laterally to wedge against a ramped surface on the blade tang, locking the blade open. Pushing the liner off the ramp releases the lock. One of the most popular and commonly used knife locks, the liner lock offers a smooth action and convenient one-handed operation.