We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Lockback knives have been around for a while, and their popularity has been eclipsed recently from all of the recent mechanical innovations. But they are still around, and many manufacturers still make them a staple of their catalogs. The lockback style of knife is well known as a very strong and reliable locking mechanism, and it is perfect for knives that are intended to be used hard. But because of the way it functions, it also allows very small knives to have insane strength that other locks just can’t handle. The only real downside to the lockback is that it’s not as convenient to use as an axis lock, or other “modern” locking mechanisms.
Key Takeaways
- The Overall Best Lockback Knife is the Spyderco Delica.
- The Ka-Bar Dozier is the Best Budget Lockback Knife.
- The Spyderco Native 5 is the Best Lockback Knife for EDC.
- The Spyderco Matriarch is the Best Tactical Lockback Knife.
- The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is the Best Small Lockback Knife.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Spyderco Delica 4 Knife Flat Ground Zome Green FRN
- Best Budget: Ka-Bar Dozier Foliage Green Hunter Folding Knife
- Best EDC: Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Lockback Knife FRN
- Best Tactical: Spyderco Matriarch 2 Knife Emerson Black FRN
- Best Small: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Knife
Best Overall: Spyderco Delica 4 Knife Flat Ground Zome Green FRN
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
Arguably the most iconic lockback knife of all time, the Spyderco Delica has more than made a name for itself during the last few decades. Although this Spyderco design has been around for a while at this point in time, the knife still holds up very well against its modern competition. One of the major benefits you get with the Delica is the amazing ergonomics that Spyderco are known for in a slim, lightweight, and very strong package. The only area where I can see the Delica falling short of other knives on the market is the VG-10 steel the base model ships with. VG-10 might have been all the rage 10–15 years ago, but it’s performance has been far surpassed by more modern steels, especially for its price point. But if you know what you’re doing, you can sharpen it in a very specific way to achieve higher levels of edge retention if needed. Overall, for most people the VG-10 steel is more than enough for a basic EDC knife. And the ultra-light and very comfortable ergonomics make this knife my choice for Best Overall Lockback Knife.
Best Budget: Ka-Bar Dozier Foliage Green Hunter Folding Knife
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
This is a knife that my co-workers and I often joked about being the “Budget Bugout.” Although it’s still kind of funny when you look at the two knives next to each other, I do think that it’s very true. The Dozier does everything the Bugout can do, it just doesn’t hold an edge nearly as well and has lower end materials all around. But that's honestly what makes this knife interesting. For less than $30, you get a crazy strong knife that punches way above its weight class, with great ergonomics at that. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense tool that simply gets the job done without all the unnecessary flare, the Ka-Bar Dozier is one of the best out there.
Best EDC: Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Lockback Knife FRN
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
This spot was a toss-up for me between the Spyderco Delica and the Native 5. Ultimately because the Native 5 is a bit smaller overall, and weighs slightly less than the Delica, I chose it as my favorite Lockback Knife for EDC. Another big reason that I like it better for EDC is the blade shape and overall blade stock thickness. The Native 5 feels a lot more stout in hand, and more suitable for harder use, and just feels more natural in my hand – which is usually my main concern when I’m choosing an EDC knife. Another big thing to consider is all the sprint runs and exclusive variations that are out there at the moment. You can find some Native 5s out there right now with some seriously high-end steels and unique color options.
Best Tactical: Spyderco Matriarch 2 Knife Emerson Black FRN
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
Another Spyderco makes the list! For no other reason other than the fact that they make some of the best Lockback knives out there. They also happen to make my favorite tactical knife with a back lock. The heart of the Matriarch is its nasty, fully serrated hawkbill blade, which is specifically designed to rip through anything while delivering the most damage possible. Another standout feature of the matriarch is the Emerson Wave opener built into the thumb hole on the blade of the knife. As you pull the knife out of your pocket, the wave will catch on the edge of your pocket and open automatically without the need to use your thumb. This makes the Matriarch a perfect candidate for a tactical EDC knife that just so happens to have a back lock.
Best Small: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Knife
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a very, very small knife. But when you have it in hand, it feels very comfortable. This is the go-to hiking knife for so many people I know personally. They all love that they can have a small knife that weighs basically nothing with them, that can handle cutting tasks meant for much larger blades with no problem. The main complaint I’ve heard about the Dragonfly 2 is about the handle size. But I’ve seen a few people attach a lanyard and beads to make the handle a little bit longer than it really is – a simple trick made possible by the included lanyard hole. The Dragonfly is a fantastic little EDC knife. If you want something minimal that will really see only light use, the Dragonfly is simultaneously overkill and the perfect match, in my opinion.
How To Choose The Best Lockback Knife
Choosing the best lockback knife comes down to a few things, mainly personal preference, and your intended use case. If you are looking for an EDC knife for hard-use cutting tasks on the jobsite, then something a little more budget-friendly may be the best option for you. If you are looking for a knife that can handle most light to medium cutting tasks in a small form factor, then I’d probably go with something like the Spyderco Dragonfly 2. Once you have a good idea of your intended use for your knife, it all comes down to price, material choice, and what suits your lifestyle. There are so many great lockback knives out there right now, and any knife on this list will work great for you.
Why Trust Us
I’ve had the opportunity to work behind the scenes for many EDC knife brands and distributors during the past four years. I’ve carried, tested, handled, and purchased many knives from basically every brand on the market. I have extensive experience in EDC pocket knives especially, since that is what I carry mainly on a day-to-day basis. I’ve distilled my personal experience and preferences down into a solid list of many great lockback knives that I would trust day in and day out. I will never recommend any knife that I haven't either personally carried or have some form of hands-on experience with.
Final Thoughts
My personal preferences may vary from yours, but I do believe that this list is a great starting point for anyone in the market for a lockback knife. The important thing to remember is that buying a great EDC knife can be confusing, but it really doesn't need to be. Just find a knife that fits in your budget range and appeals to you and your lifestyle and try it out. It really is hard to buy a bad knife in today’s market. There are so many good options out there, from so many great knife makers.
FAQ’s
Question: Can I take a lockback knife for camping?
Answer: Lockback knives are great for a lot of things, and camping can be one of those. You can do just about anything you need a knife for on the campsite with a lockback pocket knife. I just wouldn’t try to split any logs with it.
Question: How to close a lockback knife?
Answer: Usually, you are going to need both of your hands to close a lockback knife: one to hold the knife at a safe angle while pressing the lock bar down and the other to push the blade closed. Some knives have an additional finger choil that does allow the knife to be closed one-handed without closing your fingers in the blade.
Question: What is a lockback knife?
Answer: A lockback knife is essentially the same thing as a slip joint knife, just with an added locking feature in the back spring and blade. Because of this design, lockbacks are generally considered to be one of the strongest locking mechanisms out there.
