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

[knarfeng]

I've never had a knife of any kind open in my pocket.

 

[jafo997]

If I didn't hate CRKT with a passion I'd recommend their grossly overpriced Walker Blade Lock, which locks open and closed. Have to agree that weak ball detents are a serious hazard (CRKT again), direct lived experience. All that said, I have a slipjoint and a lockback floating in pockets as I type this, and feel totally secure.

 

[BoCen]

Back in the day I had some cheap assisted Buck knife open in my pocket. I noticed when my coat got hung up on the tip that had pierced my pants. The thing was straight dangerous since the lightest touch would send the blade flying open. It had a safety that somehow got unlocked putting other things in my pocket. Never carried it again. This was the one:

 

[Louky]

Thank you for your very interesting comments.

It is difficult to judge whether the detent is strong enough, especially with systems like the crossbar-lock or the button-lock.

 

[Delgadonine]

Thank you for your very interesting comments.

It is difficult to judge whether the detent is strong enough, especially with systems like the crossbar-lock or the button-lock.

If in doubt, keep it out.

Use a clip. Use a cord for a neck knife. Use a sheath.

So many options with fewer questions.

As you have not described in which way you use your knives, our answers are limited.

 

[katguy]

Thank you for your very interesting comments.

It is difficult to judge whether the detent is strong enough, especially with systems like the crossbar-lock or the button-lock.

They are not strong enough to prevent accidental opening. They do not have a bias toward closure. One of my coworkers jumped down from a counter top once, his knife opened in his pocket. It was a cross bar lock or a shark lock, I forget.

You can test these easily. Just hold it (blade down) and shake it. It'll open. The heavier the blade, the faster it opens. Some Demkos have such huge/thick blades that make this super easy, but even a thin Spyderco Military 2 can do it, just takes a bit more force.

I still carry and use these knives, but I'm much more careful about how I carry them... always use the clip, spine always toward the pants seem, tip down if possible.

 

[Delgadonine]

They are not strong enough to prevent accidental opening. They do not have a bias toward closure. One of my coworkers jumped down from a counter top once, his knife opened in his pocket. It was a cross bar lock or a shark lock, I forget.

You can test these easily. Just hold it (blade down) and shake it. It'll open. The heavier the blade, the faster it opens. Some Demkos have such huge/thick blades that make this super easy, but even a thin Spyderco Military 2 can do it, just takes a bit more force.

I still carry and use these knives, but I'm much more careful about how I carry them... always use the clip, spine always toward the pants seem, tip down if possible.

I doubt everything you said in the first two paragraphs represents facts. Unless, you are buying counterfeiters products.

 

[Louky]

Since the 90s, I used to carry my knives clipped to the edge of my Levi's 501 right front pocket.

However, there is a real "anti-knife" hysteria in France these days. I therefore want to adopt the most discreet carry method possible.

For a while, I carried a Spyderco Delica without its clip, loose in my pocket.

That is the size of knife that works for me, and I don't keep anything else in that pocket.
I would really like something a bit more "modern" (especially using different materials).

That is why I am wondering which types of locking systems I might consider, in order to reconcile my need for discretion with the style of model I have in mind.

 

[Tritium]

Simple answer is to stick with a quality back lock. Also an OTS with a safety and double action OTF's.

Knives can open if you're active enough. I've had it happen once due to weak detent I believe. Didn't get cut but realized that wasn't the smartest idea. Being a rare occurrence or not happening to many here doesn't mean it won't happen to you.

If you don't like to use a clip you could use any knife in a slip. Many quality options for those these days in nylon or leather. And your pocket doesn't get shredded and the knife stays vertical. Also they can hold your flashlight or pen if you get a double sleave.

 

[Delgadonine]

Since the 90s, I used to carry my knives clipped to the edge of my Levi's 501 right front pocket.

However, there is a real "anti-knife" hysteria in France these days. I therefore want to adopt the most discreet carry method possible.

For a while, I carried a Spyderco Delica without its clip, loose in my pocket.

That is the size of knife that works for me, and I don't keep anything else in that pocket.
I would really like something a bit more "modern" (especially using different materials).

That is why I am wondering which types of locking systems I might consider, in order to reconcile my need for discretion with the style of model I have in mind.

I recommend a pocket fixie instead.

Absolutely an abundance of options!

 

[SACBALLZ]

Since the 90s, I used to carry my knives clipped to the edge of my Levi's 501 right front pocket.

However, there is a real "anti-knife" hysteria in France these days. I therefore want to adopt the most discreet carry method possible.

For a while, I carried a Spyderco Delica without its clip, loose in my pocket.

That is the size of knife that works for me, and I don't keep anything else in that pocket.
I would really like something a bit more "modern" (especially using different materials).

That is why I am wondering which types of locking systems I might consider, in order to reconcile my need for discretion with the style of model I have in mind.

Perhaps a slip joint in a leather slip should be considered. Then it is actually impossible to open and cut you, even if there are other objects in your pocket. I carry one every day and rather enjoy it. Granted, I also carry a modern flipper in addition to the slip joint, I still never leave the house with out both. There is a plethora of options out there, from more traditional style like GEC's, to something more modern like a Jack Wolf or ABW. Then you also get to tailor your personalization further with the leather slip, I particularly like Sage Grouse slips, and he has an amazing sizing options for getting the right size slip for your knife.

Double action otf is probably the other safest option, but I don't know about the legality of that in France. I just got my first one and it's definitely all but impossible to accidentally fire it since the switch takes a good amount of intentional force.

Really anything with a solid detent should be safe, it might be more useful to state which ones to avoid. I would avoid crossbar/axis locks, button locks with mushy detent(looking at you Arno Bernard Turaco), anything assisted or automatic with a button actuation.

Also, what about pants with more pockets or more discreet pockets? My PDW Raider pants have dedicated knife pockets that are deep enough to fully obscure the knife if I don't use the pocket clip. I couldn't imagine life without them at this point, it's so so nice to have a dedicated pocket for only my knife, also for my AA flashlight on the other leg.

 

[SharpBits]

They are not strong enough to prevent accidental opening. They do not have a bias toward closure. One of my coworkers jumped down from a counter top once, his knife opened in his pocket. It was a cross bar lock or a shark lock, I forget.

You can test these easily. Just hold it (blade down) and shake it. It'll open. The heavier the blade, the faster it opens. Some Demkos have such huge/thick blades that make this super easy, but even a thin Spyderco Military 2 can do it, just takes a bit more force.

I still carry and use these knives, but I'm much more careful about how I carry them... always use the clip, spine always toward the pants seem, tip down if possible.

I doubt everything you said in the first two paragraphs represents facts. Unless, you are buying counterfeiters products.

And yet facts exist whether or not you believe them. I am easily able to get my Demko to open with a shake, same goes for my cross-bar locks. I fixed the detent on my user Spyderco comp locks, but they suffer from weaker detents as well.

 

[Louky]

I have the right to own whatever I want. In fact, I own two Microtech Ultratech per example.
However, automatic knives, butterfly knives, and fixed-blade knives are considered weapons, and carrying them is prohibited. (Apart from outdoor activities for fixed-blade knives.)

Carrying a small folding knife (with a blade shorter than 8 cm or 3.2") is not explicitly prohibited. You must have a "legitimate reason" (which is subject to the discretion of the police officer conducting the check). However, it is better to avoid situations where you have to justify having it. That is why I wish to adopt a discreet carry method.

I am a law-abiding citizen : I frequent neither disreputable places nor shady characters. In 50 years, I think I was searched once when I was young.
But the knife's clip catches the eye. It has become a familiar feature.

I really value being able to open the knife with one hand. It has become a habit I would find hard to give up.

I still prefer a slipjoint, but one that can be opened with one hand (like a UKPK).

Lately, I’ve mostly been carrying a Sage 5. I like its ergonomics, the shape and thickness of its blade, and its locking mechanism.
But I worry about an accident if I just toss it loosely into my pocket, even if there’s nothing else in there.

 

[SharpBits]

Lately, I’ve mostly been carrying a Sage 5. I like its ergonomics, the shape and thickness of its blade, and its locking mechanism.
But I worry about an accident if I just toss it loosely into my pocket, even if there’s nothing else in there.

The simple solution is to tighten the pivot. It will make it more difficult to open, both intentionally and unintentionally. Either that, or use a pocket organizer or knife sheath/slip.

Example:

 

[jafo997]

Thank you for your very interesting comments.

It is difficult to judge whether the detent is strong enough, especially with systems like the crossbar-lock or the button-lock.

Button locks need to be tested in-store if possible. If they open inertially without pushing the button, they're not safe. The Civivi Outlaw Muk is one that locks closed as well as open, as do the Milwaukee Fastbacks.

Since the 90s, I used to carry my knives clipped to the edge of my Levi's 501 right front pocket.

However, there is a real "anti-knife" hysteria in France these days. I therefore want to adopt the most discreet carry method possible.

For a while, I carried a Spyderco Delica without its clip, loose in my pocket.

That is the size of knife that works for me, and I don't keep anything else in that pocket.
I would really like something a bit more "modern" (especially using different materials).

That is why I am wondering which types of locking systems I might consider, in order to reconcile my need for discretion with the style of model I have in mind.

Easiest solution: Put the clip back on the Delica. Cut a piece of kydex to fit your pocket, then clip the Delica to it. Still at pocket top, clip unseen by LEOs and other sheeple.

As to your later post re slipjoints, the Squeak is one I enjoyed, although I foolishly sold it. The Byrd Tern, if you can get past the steel, is another good choice, and puts you back in Delica territory for size.

 

[Delgadonine]

And yet facts exist whether or not you believe them. I am easily able to get my Demko to open with a shake, same goes for my cross-bar locks. I fixed the detent on my user Spyderco comp locks, but they suffer from weaker detents as well.

There is something wrong with those knives. Statistically speaking, very wrong. Unless, a lot people speak up and verify it as fact.

A Spyderco opening with out manual manipulation? Even they would want to know what you are talking about.

 

[SharpBits]

They are as designed. Most people either don't test for it or don't care. Weak detents on comp locks has been discussed to death on the Spyderco home forum. Spyderco somewhat improved the detent on their Taiwan models, but the design, like the other fidgety locks, does not lend itself to a strong self-close.

 

[Tritium]

There is something wrong with those knives. Statistically speaking, very wrong. Unless, a lot people speak up and verify it as fact.

A Spyderco opening with out manual manipulation? Even they would want to know what you are talking about.

You might need to buy more knives if you aren't aware of it. There isn't necessarily something wrong with them. There may be but it can just be a design characteristic. I have several Demkos with shark locks. All do the same thing and none have anything wrong with them. I like them as they are and would feel fine pocket carrying them but I don't. I clip it or slip it.

 

[shinyedges]

Benchmade axis locks are notoriously weak detents. Especially noticeable on their heavier bladed models like the adamas. Spydercos with compression locks are fairly weak detent as well but because their blades are thinner and lighter it's less problematic. Design matters a lot, I don't find my comp lock military 2 or pm2s or pm3s dangerously weak. I'd say they are fine and under most circumstances will remain closed in the pocket.

No so for an axis lock. My 2 cents.

 

[Sibyrnes]

There is something wrong with those knives. Statistically speaking, very wrong. Unless, a lot people speak up and verify it as fact.

A Spyderco opening with out manual manipulation? Even they would want to know what you are talking about.

Well, your comments forced me to do a quick little test. I was able to "shake" open both my Demko AD 20S and a Spyderco Military with little effort. Of course this is not the same as accidentally opening in my pocket (something that has never happened to me).