Lockback knives are also known as back lock knives, a popular genre in the world of EDC. Why? Because of its wide versatility and practical design. The purpose of this knife is primarily self-defense. Life is unpredictable; you don’t know what it has in store for you; in order to not take any chances of god forbidding misfortune such as hijacking, abduction, or any kind of attack on you or your belonging, carrying a knife will favor your odds. Not only that, but you can also take them with you in camping, hiking, or bushcrafting as an emergency resort. As mentioned, their versatility goes long way. You execute your daily utility chores easily with it too. The design and portability make it a unisex carry; it will fit in purses, pockets, etc. effortlessly.
Lockback knives different from usual pocket knives, they belong to a similar category but not exactly the same. Not all pocket knives are lockbacks, their locking mechanism makes them different from others. Lockback knives’ major feature is the secure locking function. Among the sea of the options that the market offers, it’s gonna take more than a moment to choose the best lockback knife for yourself. So I went ahead and listed some of the best choices that you can make in this genre, and also described why you should choose them.
Choosing the Best Lockback Knife
- Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Salt Folding Knife
The Dragonfly 2 Salt from Spyderco is a classic choice if you’re looking for a lockback knife for EDC. The balance of this model is practical to use in any field. It’s also pocket-friendly, so the portability should be no issue at all. The belt clip it’s equipped with helps keep the knife to stay in place.
This ultra-lightweight folding knife measures approximately 5.63 inches when open. The 2.30 inches long blade offers a hollow grind with a plain edge and the satin finish reduces the reflective properties. The blade is constructed of H-1 steel which is a quality-grade for steel for EDC knives because of its high performance. It offers decent hardness and high corrosion against corrosion and rust. It is weather and waterproof too; so you can take it on outdoor adventures.
The 3.3-inch long handle is made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon. Its shape and textures make it comfortable to hold and slip-proof. The screws hold the mechanism in place, the round hole in the blade offers an easy opening. Providing you with a solid structure; and a design that is bound to impress.
Pros:
- Made from quality materials.
- Easy to sharpen the flat edge.
- Versatile application.
- Features bi-directional handle texture.
- Excellent corrosion resistance.
- Equipped with a reversible metal pocket clip.
Cons:
- Too many counterfeits available.
- Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight Knife
The endura 4 models is designed to offer excessive functionality and longevity. These are built very sturdily and can be used in several appliances. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this product is highly recommended, you get a decent-sized knife that is strong but not adding to its weight.
The overall length of this Lockback knife is 8.78 inches, so it is fairly on the larger side. The 3.75-inch ZDP-189 steel blade is easily one of the sharpest blades in the market. Its edge retention game is strong too. And because it offers about 64HRC hardness its durability is off the charts; it will actively resist rush and dullness; so you can go easy on the maintenance.
The molded FRN handle that houses the blade, measures about 4.89” that’s also the closed measurement of the knife. The bi-directional texture of the handle ensures ease of grip, and the skeletonized design makes the handle incredible strong. The sturdy back lock system keeps the blade opened and closed as you wish. The four-way reversible metal clip allows you to have wider portability options.
Pros:
- Strong yet lightweight model.
- Features skeletonized steel liners.
- Satin-finished plain edged blade.
- Comes razor sharp.
- Excellent edge retention.
Cons:
- Bad quality control.
- A bit too large for an EDC.
- Spyderco Native 5 Signature Folder Knife
The native 5 is one of the most popular choices for EDC in the present market. By spending a few extra bucks, you can own this quality folder knife delivering superior performance. The knife is compact and lightweight, but don’t think that will make it flimsy, the mechanism of this folding knife is solid as a rock, reliable for all types of uses.
The overall measurement of this knife is about 6-7/8 inches while open with a 3-inch long blade. The blade is the highlight of this product; they’ve used Crucible Particle Metallurgy Machined S30V cutlery steel, which is hardened to perfection. It delivers high resistance against any form of corrosion by default, and it takes and holds edge effortlessly too. Furthermore, the blade is coated with Diamond-Like Carbon coating which allows it to be non-reflective. It offers a plain edge along with a flat grind, so it can be used to make even slices if you want to while camping.
The FRN handle, on the other hand, is designed ergonomic just like other Spyderco models and the textures ensure that it doesn’t slip out of your hand when it turns sweaty or wet. The knife is equipped with a four-way clip; and a thumb ramp for easy opening and closing; the high-end back lock function helps keep the knife stay locked in position.
Pros:
- Guaranteed longevity.
- Made from quality-grade materials.
- Compact and easy portability.
- Comfortable handle.
- Features great stability in operation.
Cons:
- Stiff opening mechanism.
- Spyderco Delica 4 Folding Knife
Another Spyderco knife in the list, as they’re the ones continuously delivering quality pocket knives worth your investment. The Delica 4 can easily take the place of your primary knife as you head out to your outdoor expedition. It boasts a true flat grind with a straight edge, making it extremely useful in domestic uses too.
The knife measures about 7.15 inches when released with a 2.88 inches long blade. The blade is constructed of high-quality VG-10 steel, which is easy to sharpen, provides a strong output that won’t chip while using or sharpening. Sharpening it is easy too, use 1000 gritstone and hone at a medium angle. I’d recommend hand wash with this knife to make it last longer.
The 4.25-inch long handle is just right, compact enough to store in small spaces as purses and pockets, also leave a generous space for a comfortable grip. The bi-directional textures ensure a slip-proof grip. The model also comes in plenty of colors; so you can choose according to your preferences.
Pros:
- Skeletonized base construction.
- Multiple color options.
- Easy to hold and maneuver.
- Great resistance against corrosion.
- Sturdy & functional back lock system.
Cons:
- Be wary of counterfeits.
- Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Lock-back Knife
This unit from Buck Knives can be your go-to knife if you’re into knives that are attractive on looks and don’t compromise on the performance too. The price also falls in mid-range, so you know which one to check out if you’re a bit tight on budget. But you’ll get your money’s worth, all the positive feedback from customers can confirm it.
The folding knife is visually pleasing with a convenient size of 22cm overall. The 420HC stainless steel blade is heat-treated, hardened to HRC58 for flawless strength and outcome. The 9.5cm blade features a clip-point tip, so you get a sharp point along with a sharp edge. It’s equipped with a notch on the spine of the blade for easy opening. The innovative back lock mechanism provides a secure opening of the blade.
The closed length of the knife is 12.4cm, it provides a screw-together construction like the rest of the products in the list. But unlike the rest, it offers a nice haft constructed of a brass frame and Crelicam genuine ebony body. So not only it’s easy on the eyes you also get a sturdy build that will last a lifetime.
Pros:
- Visually aesthetic.
- Holds edge easily.
- Includes a leather sheath.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Poor quality control.
- Requires frequent sharpening.
Final Verdict
EDC, self-defense, hunting, camping, or tactical; no matter what reason you’re looking for a lockback knife, this article has you covered. The choices are endless; it’s easy to get confused and invest in a model that offers less compared to its price tag. This article is aimed to make your journey smoother.
While choosing the best lockback knife for you, make sure to sort out your priorities beforehand. The shape of the knife, the size & material of the blade, and the locking function should be as you prefer, a length between 2-3.5 inches’ blade will be compact enough for average choice. You can look into the material options to have better insight while choosing. The products reviewed in this post are some of the great deals you can find in the price range; I’ve mentioned both their pros and cons and evaluated them unbiasedly.