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Greetings, knife enthusiasts! It's time to rank the best button locks of all time. I've handled a ton of button locks, and I'm excited to share my picks with you.
I've divided the knives into three tiers, so if a knife is on this list, you know it's a banger. Let's get into it!
Key Takeaways
- Tier 1 is the crème de la crème, the best of the best button lock knives EVER.
- Tier 2 is full of damn good button locks, with minimal differences between them.
- Tier 3 knives are very good but have some minor issues.
- These rankings are based on my personal experiences and opinions as a knife nerd, but I think this list is pretty darn solid.
Top Picks
Tier 1: The Best of the Best Button Lock Knives EVER
Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for. The tippy top, the best button locks of all time.
Protech Malibu
I mean, come on. It's the Malibu. This is quite possibly the gold standard for button locks. The detent is perfection, the 20CV steel is bonkers, and the build quality is insane. You've got aluminum handles, a deep carry clip, and a super smooth action that'll make you want to fidget with it all day. Yeah, it costs $225+, but it's worth every penny.
Protech Mordax
With CPM Magnacut steel and aluminum handles, this knife is a dream. The action is incredibly smooth, and the build quality is top-notch. It's made in the USA and designed in collaboration with a steel genius. It's a bit bigger than the Malibu, but it still carries like a champ. The ergos are great, and the blade shape is perfect for all your EDC needs. At around $240, it's an investment, but one you won't regret. (Note: This one is so popular that is not uncommon for it to be out of stock. Be patient.)
Vosteed Thunderbird
S35VN steel, titanium handles, and a unique "Dr. EDC" lockup design. This knife is a stunner, with a unique blade shape and some of the best action I've ever experienced. The lockup is rock solid, and the ergos are surprisingly good for such a sleek design. It's a bit of a splurge at around $129, but you're getting top-tier materials and build quality. If you want a button lock that stands out from the crowd, this is it.
Kizer Mini Sheepdog Button Lock
The Sheepdog family (including the well-known wide blade Sheepdog XL) gets an addition with this unique button lock variant. Sporting either Micarta or aluminum handles and a super fidgety action, this knife is an absolute joy to play with. The 154CM blade is a great all-rounder, and the ergonomics are surprisingly comfortable for a smaller knife. It's like a mini pocket rocket that you can't put down. The Micarta version will run you about $78, and the aluminum comes in at $96; both are solid choices.
Kizer Gemini Button Lock
If you're a fan of the iconic Gemini design, you'll love this titanium framelock version with a button lock. It's got all the sleek lines and curves of the original but with the added fidget factor of a button. The action is insanely smooth, and the premium materials really take this knife to the next level. You've got a 20CV blade, titanium handles with a cool milling pattern, and a stainless steel lock bar insert for added durability. It's a bit pricier at around $179, but trust me, it's worth every penny.
Kizer Original
You can get a million different versions of this knife from around $70 all the way up to $180. The action is stupid good, the ergos are great, and it just disappears in the pocket. The blade shape is a classic drop point, and the variety of handle materials means there's an Original for everyone. My personal favorite is the full titanium with S35VN steel, but even the base models with G10 and 154CM are amazing.
CJRB Pyrite
AR-RPM9 steel, titanium bolsters, black Micarta, and an MSRP of just $73. This specific model might be the best CJRB of all time. I said what I said. The action is snappy, the ergos are on point, and the materials are way above what you'd expect at this price point. It's a perfectly balanced EDC that punches way above its weight class. If you can snag one, do it.
Tier 2: Damn Good Button Locks
These knives are fantastic, and the differences between them are super minimal.
Kizer Towser K Button Lock
3V steel, rich light scales, and an incredibly smooth action. This is a big, burly knife that's still a joy to fidget with. The blade shape is a classic drop point, and the ergos are great for bigger hands. It's a bit of a pocket hog, but if you want a tough-as-nails button lock, this is the one.
Kizer Assassin XL
A larger version of the Assassin with great action, 154CM steel, and Micarta handles. A great choice for those who prefer bigger knives. The blade shape is a classic clip point, and the ergos are comfortable for larger hands. It's a bit on the hefty side, but if you like a substantial knife, this one's for you.
Vosteed Raccoon
14C28N steel and killer ergos for just $59. Probably the best value on this whole list in terms of materials and price. The blade shape is a versatile drop point, and the action is super fun to fidget with. The detent takes some getting used to, but once you dial it in, it's a joy to play with.
Civivi Conspirator
Nitro-V steel, Micarta handles, and a great fuller for easy flicking. The blade shape is a classic drop point, and the action is nice and snappy. The only thing holding this knife back is the Micarta quality and the pocket clip. A few small changes could make this knife even better.
Civivi Altus
This might be my favorite Civivi button lock, right up there with my beloved Cogent. Nitro-V steel, G10 handles, and a slicey blade for $72. The action is chef's kiss, and the ergos are surprisingly good for such a slim design. It's a great option if you want a sleek, modern button lock that won't weigh you down.
Kizer Hiccup
An underrated gem with 154CM steel and Micarta handles for just $82. This thing is ridiculously fidgety, with a satisfying detent and a snappy action. The blade shape is a modified sheepsfoot, and the ergos are great for such a small knife. If you like the regular version, definitely check out the fat carbon model, too.
Kizer Cormorant
You can get this in multiple variations, but the titanium model with 20CV steel is nuts. Awesome middle-finger flick and super smooth action, all for $179. The blade shape is a unique Wharncliffe, and the ergos are great for a variety of grips. It's a great choice if you want a premium button lock with a bit of flair.
Civivi Cogent
One of the best budget flipper button locks out there, coming in at around $69. 14C28N steel, G10 handles, and great action. The blade shape is a versatile clip point, and the ergos are comfortable for a smaller knife. It's a great option if you want a solid button lock without breaking the bank.
Tier 3: Very Good Button Lock Knives, With Minor Drawbacks
These button lock knives are excellent but have a few small issues I'd like to see improved.
CJRB Lago
Love the design, especially that blade shape! It's a unique take on a tanto, and the ergos are great for such a small knife. The detent is pretty stiff though, and the button lock tension makes it a little tricky to close smoothly. Some minor tweaks would make this knife incredible.
Kizer Begleiter 2
I got a bit of a lemon with lock stick and centering issues, but Kizer usually puts out top-notch stuff. Awesome ergos and blade shape. It's a great size for EDC, and the action is solid once you get it dialed in. Just watch out for those QC issues.
CJRB Feldspar Button Lock
See @ AmazonSee @ BladeHQ
Around $60, with great fit and finish. The button lock could use some fine-tuning, but it's a solid knife for the price. The blade shape is a classic drop point, and the ergos are comfortable for a smaller knife. It's a great option if you want to try out a button lock without spending too much.
Video Review
Final Verdict
And there you have it, knife nerds—the best button lock knives of all time, ranked by yours truly. These are just my opinions based on the button locks I've handled, but I think this list is pretty darn solid.
I'm sure I missed a few gems though, so let me know what your favorite button locks are! I'm always down to nerd out about knives.
Until next time, stay sharp and keep flicking those sweet, sweet button locks. Peace!
