How do liner, frame and back locks work?
A liner lock uses an internal spring bar, a frame lock uses part of a handle scale, and a back lock uses a rocker arm. The locking member engages the blade tang when the blade opens. Spyderco’s mechanism reference describes each construction separately. A family name does not supply a measured load limit for a particular knife.
How do crossbar, button and compression locks differ?
A crossbar moves across the handle, a button operates a release, and a Compression Lock wedges its lock bar between the tang and a stop pin. A button’s appearance alone does not tell you the internal lock geometry. Benchmade describes its manual AXIS mechanism as a sliding bar, while Spyderco documents its Compression Lock separately. Check the exact maker instructions before opening or closing any unfamiliar model.
| Mechanism | Moving or locking part | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Crossbar / manual AXIS | Bar slides across the handle to engage the tang | AXIS is Benchmade’s named mechanism; generic crossbars need their own maker instructions |
| Button | Button releases the locking mechanism | A button can operate different internal designs; check the model |
| Compression | Spring bar wedges between blade tang and stop pin | Spyderco’s named mechanism; not the same construction as a liner lock |
Is a slip joint a lock?
A slip joint does not mechanically lock the blade open. A spring presses against the tang to resist movement. Spyderco identifies that construction separately from locking mechanisms, and Benchmade calls it a spring-tensioned mechanism with no true lock. Do not describe a catalog blade as a slip joint merely because its maker says “non-locking.”
Which catalog examples have maker-confirmed mechanisms?
The catalog provides mechanism examples only where the linked maker identifies them. A missing mechanism stays unclassified. The table below uses those exact catalog labels, including AXIS Lock, Crossbar lock and Lockback. It does not fill empty categories with knives identified from their appearance.
| Catalog example | Maker mechanism label | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Bugout 535 | AXIS Lock | Benchmade source; checked 2026-10-29 |
| Buck 110 Folding Hunter — ebony and brass | Lockback | Buck source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| CIVIVI Yonder — black G10 | Crossbar lock | CIVIVI source; checked 2026-11-04 |
Does a lock type establish strength?
A mechanism name does not establish a load rating or guarantee that a particular knife cannot close. That conclusion needs model-specific evidence and operating limits. Inspect and maintain the knife as its maker directs. This reference explains constructions and makes no comparative strength claim.
Sources and scope
These references document materials and construction rather than a measured result for a finished knife. Open the original source to check its definitions and limits.
- Spyderco: locking mechanisms; checked 2026-11-04.
- Benchmade: knife mechanisms; checked 2026-11-04.
- Kershaw: manual button locks and other locking mechanisms; checked 2026-11-04.