The big brands that specialize in making EDC gear are quick to take note of trends and fads in their industry. In the world of EDC knives, this is no different.
So the big brands – like Buck, CJRB, Zero Tolerance, CIVIVI and Kizer Knives (among others) – jump right on the bandwagon when trends start to pick up.
Just look at what’s happened with pocket cleavers if you want a quick example.
But this one trend is taking over EDC knives and many brands now contain one, if not several, entries that contain it.
It’s the button lock. Here’s what it is, how it works, and why it’s so attractive to users.
Introducing the Button Lock: How It Works
Most button lock knives are either held closed with a detent or a tension bar that locks the blade shut.
When you open the knife, the tensioner must be moved out of the way, or the resistance of the detent overcome, allowing the knife to swing open.
When the blade is opened fully, the tensioner bar will fit back into a recess in the base of the blade, locking it open.
In some cases, the button may be connected with a rod that fits into a cutout in the base of the blade, locking it open. The effect is the same.
To unlock the knife, simply depress the button (also sometimes called a plunger) to release the blade, allowing it to swing closed.
Why It’s a Desirable Feature
One of the main reasons that button locks are so popular on CJRB and Kizer knives right now is that they are so simple to operate. Once you know where the button is located on the knife, operation is intuitive. It might be said that button locks might be the most intuitive of all lock types.
Button lock knives are also fairly lightweight, by comparison to other lock types which tend to require the use of more steel to create the design, resulting in a heavier overall weight.
Another is that button locks, as a collective mechanism, are much safer than their much more common alternatives, liner locks and frame locks. This is because button locks allow a user to close the blade without putting his or her fingers in the path of the blade.
It is also the case that button locks can be manipulated, both open and closed, with one hand. This is not true of many other lock types, such as collar locks and lock backs.
Button locks are also very friendly towards fidgeting, and result in an EDC knife that is a joy to handle. On top of that, the form factor is excellent, and for lack of a better word, these knives are fun to “play” with – just be safe!
It also bears an important note that the inherent design of a button lock is extremely strong. In fact, barring perhaps bar locks (no pun intended) the button lock design might be the strongest on the market. A good button lock rivals the strength of even the strongest lock backs and compression locks. Truly only the bar lock (sometimes referred to as an AXIS lock, after Benchmade, the company that designed it) even comes close.
Explore CIVIVI, CRKT, CJRB and Kizer Knives with Button Locks (and Others)
Button locks are taking over the world of EDC knife design. If you’re interested in learning more about some models that have this feature, check out White Mountain Knives’ collection of CRKT, CIVIVI, CJRB, and Kizer Knives, among others. There are tons of unique and new models with button locks – and you can explore them all on their website (along with some exclusives).
