Which locking system is safe to carry loose in the pocket ?

Louky

Louky

Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Messages
522
Slip-joints pose no problem, and a lockback normally "pushes" the blade into the closed position.

Which other locking systems would you trust enough to carry the knife loose in your pocket?
 
The only, locking ones, that could potentially open are loaded spring automatics, but many have secondary locks and automatics are commonly very hard to accidentally deploy.
I have not had any issues with any locks.

On non-locking ones, friction folders may open in the pocket.
 
Yeah, frame/liner/bolster locks would do just fine rattling around loose. I don't know of any that only lock the blade open.

If it has an assist, I wouldn't feel comfortable, which is just a personal opinion. OTFs are probably very safe to carry unclipped because of the sliding movement you need to do to make them open.

Balisongs. Drop one in tip down and even if the lock bar falls loose, you won't be able to get to the point without knowing that the scales have started to rotate. A reasonably self-aware person should be paying attention to what's going on when they reach into their pocket, knowing they have a cutting tool in there.

The old Stanley utility knives. A strange choice, but the opener needs to be pressed while it's sliding, similar to modern OTFs, and I think it would be hard to replicate that by accident. Most of them are so jammed with crud from being rode hard and put away wet that they won't open without a sharp rap, anyway!
 
I’ve only had two knives come open in my pocket and cut me. They were both frame locks, and both, earlier version Hinderer XM-18’s with weak-ish détentes. I no longer have them.
 
I think the type of lock isn’t super important here, it’s more about the detent. The only knives I wouldn’t trust to carry like that are push button automatic where the button isn’t recessed, or a speed safe kershaw/assisted. Definitely no crossbar locks, far too easy to shake open. I’ve had a Cryo and a Minigrip both open in my pocket before.
 
I've never had such a problem with any folder (using all types of locking devices) or with any automatic (with or w/o a lock bar) that I ever carried in my pocket. 🤷‍♂️
 
Gravy said:
I think the type of lock isn’t super important here, it’s more about the detent. The only knives I wouldn’t trust to carry like that are push button automatic where the button isn’t recessed, or a speed safe kershaw/assisted. Definitely no crossbar locks, far too easy to shake open. I’ve had a Cryo and a Minigrip both open in my pocket before.
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I agree. It’s more of a detent question than a lock type question. I haven’t had any certain lock type open in my pocket aside from one liner lock with an extremely weak detent. That’s one of my pet peeves in the knife world, weak detent. I cannot and do not tolerate it.
 
Double action otfs would be the safest, single action otfs are probably the worst.

It also depends on what else is in your pocket and the type of opening method. Flippers can push up against other things in your pocket and open the blade, especially if the tab is angled a certain way. Knives with a slot or hole opener are much more difficult to get caught on something and accidentally open.
 
This is actually a timely topic for me as I’m currently awaiting delivery of the new Hawk Talon Auto. Looks like a pretty good design with its recessed trigger mechanism that requires you to pull back on the button and not just depress it. But the thought has occurred to me - as it would carrying any auto - that it would suck to have it open up unintentionally.
 
If it has a safety, use it. The worst bite I got from an open knife was a Benchmade Adamas Auto where I had willfully left the lock off. An automatic knife with a hair trigger like an Axis lock NEEDS that safety.
I'm also not super keen on push button autos even with a recessed button if they have no safety. I just can't bring myself to trust them.

Other than that, I'm pretty good with anything so long as it has a good detent. I would say a double action auto would rate as one of the safest to pocket carry. It's like carrying a DAO revolver with a 9lb trigger.
 
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Only issue Ive ever had with a blade opening in the pocket was a flipper that opened in my right side back pocket. Assuming when I sat down, pressure on the flipper tab opened the knife. Thankfully my 🍑 was unscathed. Now I just don’t put em in that pocket anymore.
 
The only lock I trust to not shake/jar open is a back lock. All of the cross bar locks, shark locks, compression locks I have easily shake open. Don't get me wrong, they are strong locks when fully engaged, but they all open too easy and can stay partially open... really dangerous in tip up carry.

Don't shove your hand into that exposed tip reaching into your pocket! Thank you Spyderco for allowing tip down carry!!!

They are all fidget friendly and strong locks, but they do not have a strong closure.
 
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Ultimately, its a risk, if you just throw a locking knife into a pocket. You can really ruin your day if your knife decided it was a good day to open up in your pocket--- walking, if it happens when youre walking you're probably okay and you're lucky, opening while sitting down or getting into a car--- "could" be deadly. If the knife comes with a pocket clip, utilize it whenever possible, after all, you cant put a price on health. Opinel's virobloc rings are pretty safe to drop in a loose pocket. I wear jeans whenever possible and the 5th pocket i.e. change pocket is where the knife goes for me, or in a sling bag I carry (man purse)
 
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