Manual Button Locks Around 3"?

S

SkyStream

Joined
Aug 19, 2020
Messages
111
I'm looking for recommendations on manual button lock knives around 3". I know the Protech Malibu looks like an excellent choice but is always sold out and is kind of on the bigger side to me. I prefer around 3" or just under with a good blade to handle ratio that can fit in the fifth pocket.

The only manual button lock knives I currently own are the CRKT BT Fighter Compact and the CRKT Tighe Tac Two. I really like both knives but the Tighe Tac Two is a little big and to be honest both knives are just "cheap." I really like them for the fidget factor but they seem more like toys to me more than anything and not something that I'd carry everyday.

Both knives did make me realize that I prefer a button lock over an axis/able/xr lock, though. I just feel like pressing a button with my thumb is way more practical than having to pull down with my thumb especially if I also have to use another finger to pull down on the back side.
 
I can only think of fairly expensive options. The Medford Smooth Criminal or a Brian Tighe midtech.

I prefer button lock knives too, but I like larger knives. ProTech is making more Malibus, they just moved to a new shop so they can increase production.
 
Triple Stripe Knives said:
What's your budget? The Cosmo knives Button lock is really nice, $380 USD.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendation but I'd prefer the price to be $250 or under. Sorry I should have specified that. I feel like the Protech Malibu could become the standard for manual button lock knives but I'd really prefer something a little smaller and for around the same price if not a little less.
 
In addition to the suggestions already made, take a look at the Tangram (Kizer) Vector. For around $35 you can get a sub-3” button lock with anodized aluminum handles and Acuto 440 blade steel. It’s a great, cheap option.

It’s no Protech but it might scratch your 3” button lock itch.

Swiza makes a bunch of SAK style knives with a button lock and sub-3” blades, but I’ve never handled one and can’t vouch for them.

Edit: I just saw your $250 price target, I feel sheepish! Maybe haunt the Freeman Outdoor Gear mini-451 BLF. It’s a great knife that hasn’t quite made it to production yet.
 
Hackenslash said:
In addition to the suggestions already made, take a look at the Tangram (Kizer) Vector. For around $35 you can get a sub-3” button lock with anodized aluminum handles and Acuto 440 blade steel. It’s a great, cheap option.

It’s no Protech but it might scratch your 3” button lock itch.

Swiza makes a bunch of SAK style knives with a button lock and sub-3” blades, but I’ve never handled one and can’t vouch for them.

Edit: I just saw your $250 price target, I feel sheepish! Maybe haunt the Freeman Outdoor Gear mini-451 BLF. It’s a great knife that hasn’t quite made it to production yet.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a big fan of Kizer but never owned a Tangram. I just wonder how Acuto 440 compares to 8CR and how the handles compare to the CRKT plastic lol. I'm looking for an edc manual button lock and the CRKT BT Fighter Compact just isn't cutting it but I'm just wondering if I'll think the Tangram Vector is any better of an EDC knife. I'll definitely check out the Tangram Vector along with the Swiza and report back with my thoughts if I decide to buy one. Thanks again for your reply.

Update: I just checked out the Freeman Outdoor Gear Mini-451 BLF and it looks amazing. It might be the best manual button lock I've seen so far. I actually just tried ordering one but it looks like they are out of stock. I'm really surprised Benchmade don't have a button lock by now. I feel like the Axis lock is what started this demand but yet I feel like the botton lock is superior. It would have made perfect sense for Benchmade to have some solid button lock options by the time their Axis lock patent expired but they don't.
 
Last edited:
SkyStream said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a big fan of Kizer but never owned a Tangram. I just wonder how Acuto 440 compares to 8CR and how the handles compare to the CRKT plastic lol. I'm looking for an edc manual button lock and the CRKT BT Fighter Compact just isn't cutting it but I'm just wondering if I'll think the Tangram Vector is any better of an EDC knife. I'll definitely check out the Tangram Vector along with the Swiza and report back with my thoughts if I decide to buy one. Thanks again for your reply.

Update: I just checked out the Freeman Outdoor Gear Mini-451 BLF and it looks amazing. It might be the best manual button lock I've seen so far. I actually just tried ordering one but it looks like they are out of stock.
Click to expand...
As I understand it Acuto 440 is similar to 440C and a step up from 8Cr or AUS8. The handles feel very substantial and offer grip with some wavy texturing. The only gripe I have with the knife is the recurve on the blade, buts that’s really on me for bad sharpening skills.

I’m not sure if the Mini BLF has ever really been in stock. I just sent Freeman a note and if I get more info I’ll share it here.
 
Hackenslash said:
As I understand it Acuto 440 is similar to 440C and a step up from 8Cr or AUS8. The handles feel very substantial and offer grip with some wavy texturing. The only gripe I have with the knife is the recurve on the blade, buts that’s really on me for bad sharpening skills.

I’m not sure if the Mini BLF has ever really been in stock. I just sent Freeman a note and if I get more info I’ll share it here.
Click to expand...
OK thanks. I appreciate the info. I think the thing that attracts me most to manual button locks is why I'm attracted to front flippers. They are both unique designs and it seems like the offerings are either "cheap" or overpriced. Obviously there are a few exceptions to each but really not many. The market is dominated by thumbstuds and especially flippers and it just gets old to me.

I feel like CRK dominates thumbstud knives for quality and reliabity and rightfully so. The rest of the market relies on other thumbstud knives with "unique" locking systems which are really no longer unique after the Axis lock patent expired. Then the majority of flippers seem to be dominated by Chinese companies except for ZT, but to be honest ZT is really losing to Chinese companies as far as quality is concerned. I feel like Reate, We/Civivi and Kizer are all above ZT right now.

The main thing saving ZT is that they are American made and also have Kershaw backing their Kai company. IMO they need to come out with more American made Kershaws with better materials or they are going to fall further behind. Sorry to say but ZT/Kershaw's KVT Ball bearing system isn't any better than Reate, We/Civivi or Kizer's ball bearing pivots.
 
William Henry makes a variety of button lock knives, with used ones going in your price range. My only manual button lock is a Willim Henry Tracker.

I have a CRKT Eros in Acuto 440 and it's a nice steel, gets sharp, tough, and holds an edge. It's also a good stainless. Equal to VG10, S30, S35, CPM 154. I like 440C and Acuto 440 is kinda like the 440C in my custom knives, tough, harder than regular production 440C,wears better, holds an edge longer.
 
SkyStream said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a big fan of Kizer but never owned a Tangram. I just wonder how Acuto 440 compares to 8CR and how the handles compare to the CRKT plastic lol...
Click to expand...

I have a Tangram Santa Fe so I can't help on the aluminum scales. However, the Santa Fe is a nice knife. It's the least expensive knife in my EDC rotation and a strong contender for best EDC knife under $30. A big part of that is the Acuto 440.

I'm no expert but chemically, Acuto 440 looks closer to 9Cr18Mov than 440C (see link below). In terms of use, performance is in the same ballpark as Kershaw's 14C28N and Civivi's 9Cr18Mov. In other words, it's a nice step up from 8Cr13Mov. :)

http://zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=ACUTO440,440C,9Cr18MoV&ni=867,420,860&hrn=1&gm=0
 
Spyderco smock has a botton lock (modified compression lock)

Also there's a Canadian knife maker Rod Olson who makes really good looking botton locks in that size range. More than 250 though.
 
S SkyStream , I heard this back regarding the Freeman Mini:

“The 3" version is still going to be made, I just haven't had time to make any. Yet.
I hope to get back on it in the near future.
Thanks,
Jeff Freeman
Owner
Freeman Outdoor Gear LLC“

I’ll be all over one when they’re available.
 
marcus52AR said:
Rod Olson who makes really good looking botton locks in that size range. More than 250 though.
Click to expand...

I have an Olson button lock, and it is an excellent knife. His work is very reasonably priced for what you get, a fully handmade knife, but it definitely is out of the OP's price range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top