Can You Spot the Key Difference Between These Two Types of Pocket Knives?

We break down two common pocket knife locking mechanisms that are similar, but not the same.

Published October 17, 2024

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Maybe you’ve experienced what we’re about to describe. Discovering a new hobby or interest, you dive in headfirst, picking up supplies, buying your first of what will become a collection of goods, and talking to other folks who are interested in your new passion.

The difference between the frame lock and the liner lock is subtle, but distinct — and, in retrospect, quite literal.

You get far enough down the road to theoretically understand the basics, when a piece of rudimentary knowledge comes up that you don’t know. You can set aside your pride and ask what may seem like a dumb question or you can fumble your way through any and all conversations on the topic for the rest of your life.

Or you can dig into things on your own and maybe even come to understand them better than the old heads do. That’s where this story comes in.

Liner Lock versus Frame Lock: What’s the Difference?

frame lock and liner lock — The frame lock (left) and liner lock (right) are two of the most common locking mechanisms found on folding knives.

When it comes to knives and EDC, there are an almost infinite number of topics, subtopics, materials, constructions, tidbits and factoids to learn. If you missed this lesson, don’t worry: the answer is simple, and we’ve got it right here for you.

The difference between the frame lock and the liner lock is subtle, but distinct — and, in retrospect, quite literal.

Liner Lock

a person holding a knife — The liner lock’s mechanism, engaged.

On a folder with a liner lock mechanism, there are three main components: scales (aka handle), blade and liners. The scales sandwich the blade and liners, one of which is essentially spring loaded. When you open the knife and the blade clears it, that liner parts with the inside of the scale and clicks into place — snapping underneath and preventing the blade from closing while in use.

Frame Lock

With a frame lock, you still have scales on either side of the blade. Some will have a liner on one side, but never the locking side, because the frame itself is a lock. Part of it is tensioned, and bends inward when the blade slides past. That part is the proverbial “frame lock.”

Takeaways

As you can see, the liner lock and frame lock function in pretty similar ways. The pros and cons are fairly minimal.

The piece of metal used in a frame lock is typically thicker than a liner, and thus marginally stronger. Both mechanisms won’t do well with sand, gravel or dirt lodged in between the blade and the lock; regular maintenance should skirt this issue.

Because frame locks require a bit more ingenuity on the front end and have fewer moving parts on the back end, you’ll find them in many higher-end knives, sometimes even in their very names.

That being said, there’s no shame in opting for a liner lock. Both styles have the durability and dependability to tackle everyday tasks, time and time again.

Here are a few of our favorite on-sale liner and frame lock knives to get you started, now armed with all the knowledge you need.