Lockback Knives

Knives are an indispensable tool for many people, especially in the world of sports and outdoors. Among them, lockback knives stand out due to their unique design and reliability. In this article, we will be exploring a range of lockback knives, their features, benefits, and how they compare to other types of knives. So, whether you’re a survivalist, a hunter, or just someone who appreciates the art of blades, strap in for a deep dive into the world of lockback knives.

The Top 10 Best Lockback Knives

1. Slim Stainless Steel Frame Lock Knife for Everyday Carry - Gerber Paraframe Mini - a lightweight, stainless steel, serrated edge frame lock handle knife that’s perfect for everyday carry.

2. Large Lockback Knife with AUS-10A Stainless Steel Blade and G10 Handle - Experience the power of Cold Steel XL Espada Lockback with a 9.25” black AUS 10A Stainless blade, dark earth G10 handle, thumb disk, and secure Lockback mechanism, expertly crafted in Taiwan.

3. Compact Stainless Steel Neck Knife with Lockback Mechanism - The Rough Rider Mini Lockback Knife is a sturdy and stylish pocket companion, featuring a stainless steel blade and loop for versatile attachment, perfect for everyday use.

4. Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 Lockback Knife with Green FRN Handle - Experience the unparalleled quality and reliability of the Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 Lockback Green, featuring a 3.75” satin finish LC 200 N tool steel blade, bi-directional texture FRN handle, and made in Japan.

5. Large Lockback Knife with Green G10 Handle and Black AUS 10A Steel Blade - Experience ultimate precision and control with the Cold Steel XL Espada Lockback, featuring a 4.7-inch black AUS 10A steel blade and solid G10 handle.

6. Enormous Folding Bowie Knife with Stainless Steel Blade and Jigged Bone Handle - Experience the gigantic power of the Marbles Big Ole Brown Bone 6.25” Lockback, a folding Bowie knife boasting a 13cm stainless steel clip point blade and stunning jigged bone handle.

7. Outdoor Edge Razorfin Folding Fillet Knife with Interchangeable Blades and Blue TPR Handles - Experience professional-grade fish filleting with the Outdoor Edge RazorFin Lockback Blue Folding Knife Set, featuring the patented RazorSafe blade change system and four interchangeable blades for seamless usage.

8. Compact Lockback Knife with Spear Point Blade and OD Green Handle - Experience premium craftsmanship and exceptional performance with the 4.25” Verdict Lockback OD Green Knife by Cold Steel, featuring a satin-finish 4116 stainless spear point blade, OD green GFN handle, and reliable lockback mechanism, made in Taiwan.

9. Large & Lightweight Lockback Pocket Knife - Experience the perfect blend of performance and portability with Cold Steel Range Boss Lockback, a lightweight pocket knife featuring a robust 10 cm blade made from high-quality 4034 stainless steel and grippy Zytel scales for added comfort and control.

10. Spyderco Delica 4 Lockback Knife with Serrated K390 Steel Blade and Blue Bi-Directional Texture FRN Handle - The Spyderco 11FSK390 Delica 4 Lockback Knife is a reliable and high-performing tool with a satin finish, serrated K390 tool steel blade, and secure lockback mechanism, making it ideal for various outdoor and everyday tasks.

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Reviews

Slim Stainless Steel Frame Lock Knife for Everyday Carry

The Gerber Mini Paraframe is an ideal everyday carry knife for its lightweight and simple design. The open frame enables easy cleaning, making it a great companion for your daily essentials. The knife is available in various blade variations to match individual preferences.

During use, the knife’s stainless steel handle provided a secure grip, while the clip ensured secure carrying. Its smooth mechanism made opening the knife a breeze and the lockback design added to its safety while in use.

However, some users may find that this knife can be too small for their taste, especially those with larger hands or requiring heftier pocketknives. Additionally, the serrated edge may need more frequent sharpening than other blades due to its nature. Lastly, although perfect for basic tasks like cutting rope or opening packages, users looking for something more heavy-duty might need to explore alternative options from other brands known specifically for their outdoor tools.

In summary, if you’re searching for an affordable yet high-quality pocketknife suitable as an everyday carry option – then consider giving Gerber’s Mini Paraframe series a try! Just remember that due to sizing constraints and specific design choices made by the manufacturer - certain individuals requiring higher performance/durability levels may still want to explore alternative options before making their final decision today!

Large Lockback Knife with AUS-10A Stainless Steel Blade and G10 Handle

The Cold Steel Espada G-10 XL Giant Folding Knife is an impressive piece of equipment, with its 7. 5-inch blade sporting a robust stonewash finish that sets it apart from other folding knives in the collection. The knife’s overall construction is rock solid due to the combination of AUS-10A stainless steel and dark earth G10 handle scales. The pocket clip ensures secure storage in your pocket or on your belt, while the thumb hole allows for easy one-handed opening when needed.

One notable aspect of this knife is its large size – at over 9 inches in length when open, it demands attention and space. This might not be ideal for users looking for a more discreet EDC option, but those who prioritize performance will appreciate the extra cutting power. The lockback mechanism provides peace of mind knowing that the blade won’t accidentally close mid-use, and it holds an edge incredibly well, offering excellent cutting performance right out of the box for tasks such as opening boxes, slicing through rope or fabric.

Although there isn’t much to criticize about this impressive tool, its size might be a drawback for some users who prefer more compact options in their everyday carry inventory. However, if you’re on the market for a large folding knife that turns heads while getting any job done with ease – look no further than Cold Steel Espada G-10 XL Giant Folding Knife!

Compact Stainless Steel Neck Knife with Lockback Mechanism

The mini Rough Rider knife is a compact and sturdy tool that has definitely exceeded my expectations. It boasts a sharp and functional stainless steel blade that feels reliable in my hands. The size of the knife is perfect for carrying around on a keychain or as a piece of jewelry, without sacrificing its performance.

Despite its small size, this knife has proven to be versatile and durable, holding up well against day-to-day use. I’ve used it for opening boxes, cutting strings, and even carving into wood with surprising ease. The smoothness of the blade opening and closing mechanism adds to its user-friendliness, while the etched handle ensures a secure grip during use.

One area where I think there could be improvement is in the strength of the lockback mechanism – it could potentially benefit from being more robust to prevent accidental closure while in use. Additionally, while the etched handles do provide ample grip, they might not be ideal for those who prefer alternative materials like rubber or textured plastic.

Overall, this mini Rough Rider knife offers a great combination of style and functionality that makes it an attractive option for anyone looking for a compact yet reliable tool. As long as you keep in mind some potential drawbacks regarding safety features and handle material preference, this product can serve you well in various situations without any trouble at all!

Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 Lockback Knife with Green FRN Handle

As a proud owner of the Salt 2 LC200N Knife, I can attest to its outstanding usability and quality. The lightweight, ergonomic design and the bi-directional texture FRN handle make it comfortable to hold and use for various tasks. Its rust-proof LC 200 N tool steel blade not only prevents corrosion, but also ensures effortless sharpening.

During one camping trip where I had left my regular tools at home, this knife proved indispensable; it handled cutting rope, slicing fruits and vegetables, and even carving wood for kindling with ease. The thumb pull allows for easy one-handed opening while the pocket clip secures carry on your waistband or backpack.

This knife is perfect for marine environments as well as everyday use – truly a practical tool that won’t let you down! As an added bonus, its sleek design adds a touch of style to your gear collection.

Large Lockback Knife with Green G10 Handle and Black AUS 10A Steel Blade

Having used the XL G-10 Espada folding knife for an extended period, I can attest to its exceptional construction and functionality. The 7. 5-inch AUS 10A steel blade is incredibly sharp and durable, and the black coating provides added protection against wear and corrosion. The thumb studs on the spine of the knife allow for easy one-handed opening with a satisfying “snap” sound that assures you of the secure lockback mechanism.

The ergonomic handle made from solid G10 material offers a comfortable grip during extended use, providing full control over the knife when performing cutting tasks ranging from slicing fruit to batoning wood or carving tent stakes. The large pocket clip on the side of the handle makes it easy to carry around in your pocket without worrying about it falling out or getting lost. Additionally, due to its size, this folding knife serves as an excellent self-defense tool when needed.

Overall, this product has quickly become my go-to tool for everyday carry thanks to its high-quality construction, comfortable grip, and impressive cutting performance. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable EDC knife, this product is definitely worth considering!

Enormous Folding Bowie Knife with Stainless Steel Blade and Jigged Bone Handle

As a writer and outdoor enthusiast, I recently got the chance to use the Marbles Big Ole Lockback folding knife during one of my camping trips. I have to say that this knife truly impressed me with its large mirror polished stainless steel blade that is both sharp and incredibly durable. The lock back mechanism provides an added level of safety when using it for various tasks.

The jigged bone handle with intersecting nickel silver bands, liners and bolsters not only feels comfortable but also gives the knife a stylish look that you wouldn’t expect from such a durable tool. This attention to detail, combined with its solid construction, makes it stand out from other folding knives on the market.

One potential drawback of this product is its size - it’s quite larger than other folding knives in its class which can make it cumbersome to carry around every day for some users. However, for those who value functionality over portability, the Marbles Big Ole Lockback would be a perfect choice as its durability and performance are top-notch.

In summary, if you’re looking for a well-crafted lockback knife with generous blade length and beautiful design elements like polished steel and jigged bone handle scales, then the Marbles Big Ole Lockback should definitely be on your list of considerations. Just be sure to take into account its larger size before making your decision.

Outdoor Edge Razorfin Folding Fillet Knife with Interchangeable Blades and Blue TPR Handles

I recently got my hands on the Outdoor Edge Razorfin Folding Fillet Knife with Interchangeable Blades and I must say, it has already become an indispensable tool in my outdoor gear collection. The replaceable blade performance ensures that the knife stays sharp without the need for sharpening, which is a huge plus when you’re dealing with fishing or smaller game.

One of the standout features of this knife is the patented RazorSafe blade change system that allows for easy and fast blade switching with just a press of a button on the handle. Additionally, storing extra blades is hassle-free thanks to the BladeBox made from blue polymer.

Although this knife has proven to be versatile and convenient, I have occasionally struggled with maintaining a firm grip due to wet or slippery conditions while outdoors. Nevertheless, this minor inconvenience does not overshadow the overall value this knife adds as an essential tool for any adventure or fishing trip where precision cutting and effortless blade replacement are necessary.

Compact Lockback Knife with Spear Point Blade and OD Green Handle

I’ve been carrying the Cold Steel Verdict Lockback Knife as my everyday carry for several months, and it has certainly lived up to my expectations. The 4116 stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp right out of the box, and it has maintained its edge even after frequent use. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in my pocket without feeling heavy or bulky.

One standout feature of this knife is its triad lock mechanism, which keeps the blade firmly in place during use. This gives me confidence that the knife won’t accidentally close on my fingers while I’m working with it. The green GFN handle feels sturdy, but can be a bit slippery when wet or with sweaty hands. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall quality and reliability of this EDC knife at an affordable price point.

Overall, if you’re looking for a practical and robust EDC knife that won’t let you down in your daily tasks, the Cold Steel Verdict Lockback Knife definitely deserves a closer look!

Large & Lightweight Lockback Pocket Knife

I recently picked up the Cold Steel Range Boss Lockback as my new everyday carry knife, and I must say it has impressed me with its remarkable design and features. The 4034 stainless steel blade holds its sharpness remarkably well and the Clip Point shape is versatile, allowing for a wide range of tasks. The handle made of Zytel provides a secure and comfortable grip, making it easy to use.

One standout feature is the beidseitiger Daumenpin, which allows for quick and easy one-handed opening. This makes it a breeze to deploy when you need to quickly access your blade. Another notable aspect of this knife is its lightweight construction - despite its large size with a total length of 23. 5cm and 10. 2cm blade length, it doesn’t weigh down your pocket too much.

Another advantage is the Tri-Ad Lock mechanism that ensures a secure lockup while in use, providing peace of mind during operation. However, there are some minor drawbacks - due to the 3mm thickness of the blade, it may struggle with heavier-duty tasks sometimes. Additionally, the handle might feel slightly long for some users at 5. 25 inches long Zy-Ex material handle length material. But these minor issues don’t detract from the overall quality and functionality of this pocket knife.

Overall, Cold Steel Range Boss Lockback is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile everyday carry knife that offers practical features at an affordable price point without weighing you down in your journey throughout your day!

Spyderco Delica 4 Lockback Knife with Serrated K390 Steel Blade and Blue Bi-Directional Texture FRN Handle

After using the Spyderco Delica 4 K390 for a while, I can confidently say that it’s a solid choice for everyday carry. The lightweight design and iconic look make it both sleek and functional, while the K390 steel adds to its durability. Edge retention on this knife is impressive, holding up remarkably well even after repeated use.

However, it’s not completely rust-resistant, so wiping off any moisture after use is necessary to keep your blade in top shape. Some users have reported issues with chipping or dullness at first, but these concerns can be easily addressed through proper sharpening.

Overall, the Spyderco Delica 4 K390 would be a reliable EDC option for anyone in need of great performance and build quality in their knife. Just keep in mind that some maintenance may be required to get the most out of your purchase.

Buyer’s Guide

Important Features in Lockback Knives

When considering the purchase of a lockback knife, there are several key features you should look for:

• Strong, Durable Lock Mechanism: Ensure the lock is sturdy and reliable to prevent unexpected closures while in use.

• Sharp, Durable Blade: High-quality steel, such as AUS-8 or 440C, is ideal for maintaining sharpness and resisting corrosion.

• Ergonomic Handle: A comfortable grip minimizes hand fatigue during extended use.

• Convenient Opening Mechanism: A thumb stud or flipper tab makes for easy, single-handed deployment.

Considerations when Purchasing a Lockback Knife

As with any purchase, several factors should be taken into account when choosing the right lockback knife:

• Purpose: Determine whether you need a folding knife for everyday use or a more robust, fixed-blade knife for heavy-duty tasks and outdoor adventures.

• Size and Weight: Consider how often you’ll be carrying your knife and choose an appropriate size and weight for easy transport.

• Brand and Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation and customer reviews to ensure you receive a high-quality, reliable product.

General Advice for using Lockback Knives

To make the most of your new lockback knife, follow these best practices:

• Maintain Proper Care and Cleaning: Regularly clean and oil your knife to keep it functioning smoothly and extend its lifespan.

• Be Safety Conscious: Always ensure the blade is safely locked in place before handling, and never force the knife open or closed to avoid damaging the lock mechanism.

• Store and Transport Securely: Use a quality knife sheath or case to protect your investment and ensure safe handling during travel.

Conclusion

Lockback knives offer a reliable, folding option for those in need of a versatile tool suitable for both everyday use and more demanding tasks. By considering the important features, evaluating your needs and preferences, and following proper care and usage guidelines, you can confidently choose the perfect lockback knife for your needs.

FAQ

What are lockback knives?

Lockback knives are foldable knives with a locking mechanism to keep the blade securely in place when in use. This safety feature prevents the blade from accidentally closing while you are using it.

How does a lockback knife mechanism work?

The lockback mechanism works by locking the knife’s blade into an open position. When you deploy the blade, a spring-powered lock engages, securing it in place. To close the knife, you need to disengage the lock by pressing down on a release lever, usually found on the back of the handle, before folding the blade back into the handle.

What types of lockback knives are available?

Lockback knives come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. You can find lockback knives with different types of blades, such as drop-point, tanto, and sheepsfoot. Some lockback knives feature skeletonized or textured handles for better grip, while others offer additional cutting options like partially serrated or modified tanto blades.

What are the benefits of using a lockback knife?

Lockback knives provide improved safety, as they prevent the blade from accidentally closing during use. They also offer versatility and convenience, as they fold up for easy carry and storage in your pocket or on your belt.

How to maintain a lockback knife?

Proper maintenance of a lockback knife includes regular cleaning, oiling, and sharpening. To clean, disassemble the knife and wipe the components with a soft cloth to remove any debris and grime. Apply a small amount of oil on the pivot and moving parts for smooth operation. Periodically sharpen the blade to keep it in optimal condition, using a honing steel or a whetstone.

Are lockback knives suitable for everyday carry?

Yes, lockback knives are suitable for everyday carry (EDC) because they combine the portability of a folding knife with the safety of a locking mechanism. Choose a compact and lightweight model with a suitable blade length and design to suit your daily needs and preferences.

How to choose the right lockback knife?

Consider factors such as blade size, design, and material, as well as the handle’s ergonomics and material before choosing a lockback knife. Think about your intended use and the level of durability and quality you require, so you can select a knife that meets your needs and budget.

What is the difference between a lockback knife and a liner lock knife?

The primary difference between a lockback knife and a liner lock knife lies in the mechanism used to secure the blade in place. Lockback knives use a spring-powered lock that engages when you open the blade, while liner lock knives employ a side-to-side sliding mechanism that secures the blade when it’s in use.

Can I cut through heavy-duty materials with a lockback knife?

The capability of a lockback knife to cut through heavy-duty materials depends on the blade length, design, and material. Generally, lockback knives with sturdy, thick blades made from high-quality steel can handle more demanding cutting tasks, whereas knives with thinner blades may struggle with heavy-duty materials.

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