Locking mechanisms are an important aspect of any pocket knife. Do you know what a locking mechanism in a pocket knife and what makes it such a crucial part of the knife? Well, a locking mechanism in any pocket knife is a system that prevents the blade from falling into your fingers by keeping the blade open until it is in use.

Pocket knives can have different types of locking mechanisms. These include the liner locks, lockback, slipjoint locks etc. Each one has different working mechanisms and different roles. Have a look at the different types of locking systems that are popular in contemporary and traditional pocket knives:

Ring lock :

Ring locks are easier to use and can last longer than most of the others. In this, a ring at the pivot of the knife is turned to open the blade from a break in the ring. To block the space through which the blade was opened, you need to turn the ring again.

Lockback :

Lockbacks are by far the oldest locking mechanisms found in pocket knives.Lockback Knives have a hook on the back of the blade that is molded with a locking arm at the handle spine to lock the blade.

Midlock:

Midlocks are similar to lockbacks. However, in midblock knives the release mechanism is in the middle of the spine whereas in the lockback knives the release mechanism is at the end of the spine.

Frame lock :

In a frame lock mechanism the handle helps in folding the blade. In a framelock mechanism, the lock is placed inward and the liner and the tip engage the end part of the blade. On putting pressure to the frame, the blade is released.

Liner lock:

Liner locks have one portion of the liner angled towards the inside of the knife. When you apply some force, the liner will move back to the normal position and lock the liner. There is a cut in the back end of the liner lock so that the bottom of the blade is held under the pivot. The blade can be unlocked on moving the liner away from the blade.

Slipjoint lock :

This type of locking mechanism is found in most of the older pocket knives. In a slipjoint lock, a spring is used to lock the blade. On applying pressure, the blade will get back to the closed position. The only snag here is that you cannot use these knives for heavy duty tasks. They are recommended for normal everyday tasks.