For simple work on hikes and trips, it is best to choose a folding camping knife. It copes well with most cutting tasks, does not take up much space, is compact and comfortable to use. But when buying a folding knife, keep in mind that its weak point is the lock. This is the main mechanism that is responsible for both closing the tool and locking it in the open position. Therefore, when purchasing a folding knife, take into account the features of its design and the type of lock used. In today's article we will look at the most common types of knife locks and how they differ.
Liner Lock
Reliable knife lock. As simple as possible, without clever mechanisms and springs. If the knife is folded, the liner, which is a solid plate, is hidden in the handle. Its continuation is a flat spring, in the open position it rests against the tool shank, thus fixing it. To close the knife, move the liner to the side. To check how well the mechanism is made, pay attention to how deep the spring goes into the shank.
Folding knife Ganzo G615
Buy folding knife Ganzo G615
Ganzo 615 is a stylish, compact and surprisingly lightweight knife for camping purposes. The blade of Ganzo 615 is made of carbon stainless steel class 440; ABS plastic was chosen for the handle - a high-tech material widely used in many areas of industry due to its highest performance characteristics. The classic locking mechanism - Liner Lock - is responsible for reliable fixation of the blade in working and folded states.
Knife Spyderco Tenacious 122PBBK
Buy Spyderco Tenacious 122PBBK knife
The steel that served as the material for the manufacture of such an American product as the Tenacious 122PBBK folding knife is an example of revolutionary technology, due to which it was possible to achieve a phenomenal increase in the strength of the material. The superiority of this steel over its analogues in terms of wear resistance has been proven by independent CATRA studies. The length of the blade is 86 mm, and the weight of this product is 108 mm. The simple and reliable design of the “Liner Lock” ensures effective opening of the knife and strong fixation of the heel of the blade.
Back Lock
Another common type of lock, where the shank is fixed from the butt. A spring-loaded lever is used as a lock. There is a groove on the heel of the blade where this lever should fit. The reliability of the mechanism is determined by how accurately the spring-loaded lever fits into the desired slot. Otherwise, the blade will be poorly secured and will either open without the owner’s knowledge, or, conversely, jam when opening/closing the tool. Also, play may appear, which negatively affects the reliability of the entire structure.
Knife Spyderco Endura 4 10FPBK
Buy Spyderco Endura 4 10FPBK knife
In nature, on a hike, in everyday life, a folding knife is always useful. If you need to cut something off, then there is no point in trying to do it with improvised objects - it is better to take a knife. Spyderco Endura is perfect for such purposes. This is a well-known brand whose products are distinguished by high quality, stylish design and durability. The Spyderco Endura knife is very distinctive and easy to remember. It is distinguished by the sharp shape of the blade, smooth and precise lines of the handle, and the pleasant shine of the steel from which all elements of the product are made. Moreover, such a tool also boasts an affordable price.
Cold Steel knife “Slock Master Hunter” red handle GRN, steel 8Cr13MoV
Buy Cold Steel knife “Slock Master Hunter” red handle GRN, steel 8Cr13MoV
The knife will be a good choice for buyers looking for a tool for everyday carry in their pocket. It is modeled after the famous Voyager. The model is absolutely universal and you can be sure that the knife will cope with any job. Blade steel 8Cr13MoV is a very good option for everyday knives. It resists corrosion quite well and shows good wear resistance and cutting ability. The handle is made of FRN - this is a durable material that resists impacts and open fire. Blade treatment type: Satin. Lock type: Back-Lock. Weight 110 g.
Tri-Ad Lock
In fact, it is a modification of the Back Lock model made by Cold Steel in 2008. A special pin was added to the design of the lock, designed to reduce the load on the blade, and the geometry of the lever and its interaction with the hole in the shank were revised. The hole took on an oval shape. All these innovations had a positive impact on the strength of the lock structure, and also removed the backlash that contributed to tool wear.
Cold Steel “Code 4” folding knife, steel S35VN, clip point, aluminum
Buy Cold Steel “Code 4” folding knife, steel S35VN, clip point, aluminum
This knife is a prominent representative of urban tactical knives with a blade made of premium steel. It will become your reliable companion in daily affairs - its light weight and compact size will allow you to always take the knife with you, because it will even fit in your pocket. The material for the blade was premium steel S35VN: this material is loved by knife lovers for its hardness and, at the same time, elasticity, making a knife made from it an almost universal tool. Also, this steel is not affected by corrosion and retains its sharpness for a much longer period when compared with other materials. The handle is made of anodized aluminum alloy, fits perfectly in the hand and does not slip out even when actively working with the knife.
Knife Cold Steel “Voyager” Clip Large Plain Edge, AUS10 steel
Buy Cold Steel “Voyager” Clip Large Plain Edge knife, AUS10 steel
Cold Steel "Voyager" Clip Large Plain Edge, AUS10 steel is a folding knife from the Voyager series, manufactured with high precision and quality. The blade is made of high-quality and durable AUS 10A steel, the handle is made of Long Griv-Ex material. This tool has excellent cutting properties and high strength. It will be useful to its owner for all occasions: outdoors, hunting, fishing or on a hiking trip.
The best foreign brands
The history of some manufacturers of folding knives goes back hundreds of years, as high-quality specimens have always been in great demand. Some knives can show the status of their owner. The main thing is to purchase a weapon in a specialized and trusted store so as not to run into Chinese folding knives, although among them there are already very worthy copies of popular models. We present the best manufacturers:
- Zero Tolerance Knives . American company. Despite its youth, the company has managed to establish itself as a top manufacturer and do more than some brands in its long history. Zero, together with Kershaw, took a very meticulous and thorough approach to creating a line of its folding boxes. This is an interesting appearance, and the quality of assembly and materials. The company's assortment includes many first-class knives to suit any requests and needs. Manufacturer of knives Zero Tolerance Knives.
- Cold Steel. The company on the market since 1980 from the very beginning positioned itself as a “strange manufacturer”, since in addition to knives, the company also produces edged weapons from many years ago such as broadswords, swords, etc. Models from this manufacturer are in one of the lowest price segments, but are quite durable. True, there are only a few folding knives in the company, but they are worth paying close attention to.
Manufacturer of Cold Steel knives. - Victorinox. Reliable folding boxes of Swiss quality and a symbol in the form of a cross - this is already a very popular global brand. This company produces knives for the Swiss army. Multifunctional knives of this brand are especially popular. So-called multitools.
Knife manufacturer Victorinox. - Gerber. The company is equipped, as they say, with the latest technology and one of its features is the tireless pursuit of excellence.
Knife manufacturer Gerber. - Emerson Knives . The company's history began in the early 80s, when the company's founder produced the first custom product in the garage of his home. Due to the manual production method, the cost of Emerson brand models is quite high.
Knife manufacturer Emerson Knives.
Frame Lock
This is the configuration of the aforementioned Liner Lock, a simple yet reliable design. In such knives, part of the handle is made of metal and it acts as a spring-loaded plate. Elastic and durable metal contributes to the reliability of the locking device and makes the knife safer, preventing inadvertent opening and closing of the tool.
Knife Adimanti by ganzo (Skimen design) purple
Buy knife Adimanti by ganzo (Skimen design) purple
Knife Adimanti by ganzo (Skimen design) purple is a folding designer knife from the Adimanti series. Made from heavy-duty D2 steel. Sharpening type: straight. The knife handle is made of G10 fiberglass. The model is foldable, yet easy to use and has a safe design. The knife is light and compact, the weight of the product is only 120 grams. The total length of the knife is 205 mm. The knife flipper is made on Neformat bearings.
Folding tourist knife Ganzo G743-1-OR
Buy a folding tourist knife Ganzo G743-1-OR
The Ganzo G743-1 travel folding knife is a combination of practicality and high quality. A reliable Frame Lock is installed. The length of the blade is 87 mm, and the thickness of the butt is 3 mm. Blade sharpening type: straight. The blade has a classic shape - Drop Point, material - 440C stainless steel with a hardness of 58 HRC. The total length of the product when open is 200 mm, and when closed it is only 113.
Compression Lock
This variety is a kind of hybrid of two other lock options: Liner Lock and Back Lock. Like the Liner Lock, it has a flat spring, but it rests on the top of the shank rather than on the back. One side of this spring fits into the shank, on the other side there is a pin against which it rests. Compression Lock handles usually have metal inserts.
The undoubted advantage of this type of lock is that when opening the knife, the user’s fingers will not collide with the blade. This will protect you from accidental injuries when using the tool.
Products with a Compression Lock type lock work like this: between the pin and the heel of the blade there is a small slot into which a spring-loaded bar fits. Thus, the knife is fixed in the open position.
Knife Spyderco Para 3 223PBBK
Buy knife Spyderco Para 3 223PBBK
Knife Spyderco Para 3 223PBBK is a knife produced by the American brand Spyderco. The blade is made of high-strength steel. The total length of the knife is 184 mm. The weight of the product is only 96 g. The thickness of the butt is 3.8 mm. The handle is made of fiberglass. Includes a pocket clip for carrying the knife on a belt or in a pocket. There is a hole in the back of the handle for a safety cord or belt. The blade length is 75 mm.
Knife Spyderco Rhino 210CFP
Buy Spyderco Rhino 210CFP knife
The Spyderco Rhino 210CFP pocket folding knife is designed for everyday urban carry. This model perfectly combines reliability, convenience and sleek design. The blade is made of Carpenter CTS - XHP stainless steel powder, the hardness of which on the Rockwell scale is 60-62 HRC. The handle is made of G10. Handle color is black. Lock type: Compression Lock. The total length of the product when open is 151 mm, and when closed it is only 91 mm.
Recommendations, in place of the total...
Frankly, the article came out GREAT... To be honest, I didn’t expect it... And still, not much has been said... Even more has not been tested...
To wear or not to wear a knife “think for yourself, decide for yourself.” I hope I left you with useful thoughts... But you need to have your own !
Good luck to all! Sorry for the long post! Here's a ribbon of fried katroshka with milk
