Best Lockback Knives of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Lockback knives are a type of folding knife that uses a locking mechanism to secure the blade in place when open. The lockback design ensures that the blade will not accidentally close while in use, providing a safer and more reliable cutting experience. These knives are popular among hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts for their durability and ease of use. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, with many featuring ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip. Lockback knives are a must-have tool for anyone who needs a reliable cutting tool for their outdoor adventures.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 1
Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Rtek Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 2
Rtek Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SZCO Supplies 4-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife Cover #TOP 3
SZCO Supplies 4-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lockback Knives

#TOP 1

Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback Pocket Knife

31OT
Multi
2.9"
Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback Pocket Knife Cover
Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback 6.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Pocket Knife with 2.9in Drop Point Blade and Wood Handle for Hunting, Whittling, Carving, Camping, EDC, and Outdoors

The Old Timer 31OT Medium Lockback Pocket Knife has a 2.9-inch blade made of High Carbon Stainless Steel and a wood handle. It is a durable, dependable, and secure knife with a lockback feature to prevent the blade from slipping. The knife also has nickel silver pins and bolsters, and can be quickly accessed with the pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb studs. It is ideal for everyday carry and outdoor activities like hunting, whittling, carving, and camping.

What We Like
Durable and dependable
Quick and easy access
Lockback feature for added safety
#TOP 2

Rtek Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife

RT 6546
Rtek Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife Cover
Rtek 3.75" Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife, Lockback Traditional Folding Knife for Outdoor, Survival, EDC, Camping, and Every Day Carry, Gifts for Men

The Rtek Spanish Brown Wood Handle Pocket Knife is a reliable and durable folding knife that is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting. With an overall length of 6.75 inches and a blade length of 3 inches, this knife is easy to carry and access. The lockback mechanism ensures that the blade stays securely in place while you work, and the clip point blade is sharp and controllable, making it great for detail work, piercing, and slicing. The handle is made of high-quality wood, giving it a classic and stylish look.

What We Like
Reliable and durable
Lockback mechanism for secure blade
Sharp and controllable clip point blade
Convenient size for everyday carry
Stylish wood handle
#TOP 3

SZCO Supplies 4-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife

SZCO
210826-4
SZCO Supplies 4-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife Cover
SZCO Supplies 4-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife, Wood,Stainless Steel

The SZCO Supplies Lockback Knife is a classic folding knife with a 4-inch stainless steel blade and a Pakkawood handle. It features a lock back system, ensuring the blade stays securely in place during use. This knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts alike. With its compact 4-inch closed length, it can easily be carried in your pocket or backpack. Whether you need to cut ropes, open packages, or tackle small tasks, this knife is a reliable companion. The steel bolsters add durability and strength to the knife, making it a long-lasting and dependable tool for all your cutting needs.

What We Like
Lock back system
Pakkawood handle
Compact 4-inch closed length
#TOP 4

CASE XX Brushed Stainless Executive Lockback Pocket Knife

Case
00004
Brushed Steel
2.3"
CASE XX Brushed Stainless Executive Lockback Pocket Knife Cover
Case WR XX Pocket Knife Brushed Stainless Executive Lockback Item #004 - (M1059L SS) - Length Closed: 3 1/8 Inches

The CASE XX Brushed Stainless Executive Lockback Pocket Knife features stainless steel drop point blades and a compact size of 3 1/8 inches when closed, making it a convenient and versatile everyday pocket knife for household projects, outdoor activities, and hunting. Made in the USA, this knife also comes with a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Compact size for easy carrying
Versatile for various activities and projects
Made in the USA
#TOP 5

SZCO Supplies 5-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife Brown

SZCO
210826-5
Brown
SZCO Supplies 5-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife Brown Cover
SZCO Supplies 5-Inch Classic Lockback Folding Knife Brown

The SZCO Supplies Lockback Folding Knife is a versatile and reliable pocket knife that is perfect for everyday use. With its lock back system, you can securely lock the blade in place, ensuring safety during use. The stainless steel blade provides excellent cutting performance and durability, making it ideal for various cutting tasks. The wood handle not only adds a touch of elegance but also offers a comfortable grip for precise control. The steel bolsters enhance the knife's strength and stability. With its compact 5" closed length, this knife is easy to carry and store. Whether you need a reliable tool for camping, hiking, or everyday tasks, the SZCO Supplies Lockback Folding Knife is a great choice.

What We Like
Lock back system
Stainless steel blade
Wood handle
#TOP 6

Old Timer 1OT Lockback Pocket Knife

1181049
Multi
One Size
Old Timer 1OT Lockback Pocket Knife Cover
Old Timer 1OT Small Lockback Traditional Pocket Knife with 1.6in High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, Sawcut Handle, and Convenient Everyday Carry Size for EDC, Utility, Box Opener, Camping, and Outdoor

The Old Timer Pocket Knife is a compact and versatile tool, measuring just 3.8 inches overall with a 1.6-inch blade. Its high carbon stainless steel construction ensures durability, making it perfect for slicing and everyday tasks. The lockback mechanism provides a secure grip, allowing you to handle it confidently without worrying about accidental slips. Additionally, its lightweight design and keychain shackle make it easy to carry anywhere, ensuring that you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Durable high carbon blade
Secure lockback mechanism
Convenient keychain shackle
#TOP 7

Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 Inch Pocket Knife

SK7473H
black
Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 Inch Pocket Knife Cover
Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 (Open) Inch Pocket Knife - Stainless Steel Honed Blade, Textured No-Slip Handle, Carry Clip

The Maxam Falcon VII Pocket Knife is a reliable cutting tool that is perfect for any slicing or cutting tasks. With its honed blade, you can easily carve meat or cut ropes with precision. The knife is designed to feel great in your hands, thanks to its Leymar handle with a knurled texture that ensures a secure, non-slip grip. It also fits nicely in your pocket, as it is lightweight and compact when folded. The Maxam Falcon VII is built to withstand the elements, with a 420 stainless steel blade that is resistant to rust and corrosion. Whether you're out in the wilderness or simply need a versatile everyday carry knife, the Maxam Falcon VII is the perfect companion.

What We Like
Reliable cutting tool
No-slip grip
Compact and lightweight
#TOP 8

SZCO Wood Lock Back Knife

SZCO
210217-4
grey
SZCO Wood Lock Back Knife Cover
SZCO Supplies Wood Lock Back Folding Knife

The SZCO Folding Knife is designed for convenience and reliability. Featuring a lock back mechanism, it ensures safety while in use, preventing accidental closures. The stainless steel blade offers durability and sharpness, making it suitable for various cutting tasks. The handle, made from a combination of metal and wood, provides a comfortable grip, enhancing your control during use. With a compact closed length of 3.5 inches, this knife is easy to carry, fitting perfectly in your pocket or bag for everyday use.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel blade
Comfortable metal and wood handle
Compact and portable design
Safe lock back mechanism
#TOP 9

Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 Inch Pocket Knife

SK7473
Black
Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 Inch Pocket Knife Cover
Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 (Open) Inch Pocket Knife - Stainless Steel Serrated Blade, Textured No-Slip Handle, Carry Clip

The Maxam Falcon VII Lockback 7 Inch Pocket Knife is a reliable cutting tool that features a serrated blade for carving meat and cutting ropes. The Leymar handle has a knurled texture to ensure a secure, non-slip grip, making it feel great in your hands. The knife is lightweight and measures only 4" when folded and 6.8" with the blade unsheathed, making it easy to carry in your pocket. The blade is made of 420 stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to carry
Serrated blade for versatile cutting tasks
Non-slip grip for added safety
#TOP 10

Sheffield Lockback Utility Knives 3 Pack

12514
Blue
One Size
Sheffield Lockback Utility Knives 3 Pack Cover
Lockback Utility Knives - 3 Pack

The Sheffield Utility Knives Set is designed for convenience and ease of use. With its compact size of just 3 1/2 inches when folded, you can easily carry it anywhere, making it perfect for cutting paper, twine, and boxes on the go. The patented quick change mechanism allows you to swap blades effortlessly, ensuring you spend less time on changes and more time getting the job done. Safety is a priority with this knife, as its lock back mechanism keeps the blade securely in place while you work. Plus, with three knives in one pack, you can keep one in your toolbox, glove compartment, and pocket, ensuring you’re always prepared for any task.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Quick blade changes
Enhanced safety features
Three knives included
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are locking knives safer?

Yes, locking knives, such as lockback knives, are considered safer to use compared to traditional folding knives. The blade of a lockback knife is securely locked into place when open, providing stability and reducing the risk of accidental closure. This locking mechanism also allows for more precise cutting, making it a safer option for various tasks.

Editor's Notes

During our lockback knives research, we found 24 lockback knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,223 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lockback knives list. We found that most customers choose lockback knives with an average price of $24.01.

The lockback knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lockback knives, including Old Timer, Rtek, SZCO, Case, Maxam. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.