Recent Comments

Simple, affordable lock-back knife

Q. When I get a new traditional lock-blade knife, it often messes up within the first hour. When I close it, the blade flips in and out and will not completely shut. Why isn’t it working?
— Bad Knife Jacob, Clinton, N.C.

A. Without seeing your knife first-hand it’s tough for me to say what’s wrong with it. My guess is that the knife itself wasn’t all that well-made in the first place. I understand that price is usually a concern for most of us, that’s why I’m happy there are knives out there like the SOG AutoClip Mini [$23; sogknives.com]. I’ve field-tested this simple, affordable lock-back knife with its 2.86-inch stainless-steel blade for months and can say it’s well-made and works perfectly. You can also find several other affordable lock-back options from Buck Knives and Gerber. Good luck!


Ask the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.

11 Comments on Simple, affordable lock-back knife

  1. I got my lock back knife at a scout store and it has rubber handle for good grip.

  2. duke of nothingham // May 8, 2012 at 11:40 am // Reply

    your problem is you’ve got a cheap knife. you need to go out and buy your self a good knife (preferable a sheath knife then you wont have trouble with it closing) you will spend about $30 but if you take carry of it you will only spend it once. and you will save money in the long run.

  3. I just bought an Opinel #7 carbon steel knife and am loving it. It’s not your traditional lockback. The locking mechanism twists around the top of the handle and blade to lock it into place. Very easy to use. There’s a stainless steel version as well, but I like a sharp, safe knife, and went with carbon steel instead.

  4. Take a peek at a “Peck” brand knife. Very good single blade lock blade for about $24.00.

  5. Gerber LMF fixed blade for heavy duty work. I used it wile in Iraq and it never failed me.

  6. ArtificialApple // February 2, 2012 at 5:01 pm // Reply

    I got my knife at a surplus store. Had it for 2 years and it still works like a charm. It was only 25 dollars too.

  7. Willow Creek Knife Winner // February 2, 2012 at 10:59 am // Reply

    A great knife that I have had for a while is the Gerber EVO. It is a great locking knife. It keeps a edge very well and I have dropped it numerous times and all it has to show are a couple scratches. Good luck!!

    • Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // October 21, 2012 at 9:51 am // Reply

      I have the EVO jr. I found it on a hike and I cleaned it up and now it is my number 2 knife.

  8. Maxam locking blade good quality. 3 inch blade

  9. beasty-beast // January 24, 2012 at 9:32 am // Reply

    i have had a kershaw vapor 1 for several years now it has a 2.5 in. blade and i like it for about 25 dollars

  10. Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // January 23, 2012 at 1:19 pm // Reply

    Your lock axial is probably broken. most likely dew to cheap manufacturering. Allow me to suggest either a good Gerber, or Buck lock back (Like the Buck 110 hunter or the Quick Fire) or you may want a good short fixed blade (KA-bar BK2 Champion) check out amazon.com or ebay for a good cheap price. Glad to help!

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.