| Today's folding knives (also called "lock knives") | | | | better as manufacturers compete to win |
| are not the same as they were a few | | | | customers in both government and civilian |
| generations ago, one reason being that Michael | | | | markets. It's all due to innovation from Walker |
| Walker developed the Walker Linerlock, which | | | | and other knife makers who have advanced lock |
| provided a new approach to the traditional | | | | mechanisms, one pin, liner, tab, angle and measure |
| linerlock, boosting its strength and reliability. | | | | of torque at a time. Advances accumulate per |
| Because the Walker Linerlock kept the folding | | | | model, and online sales growth ensures discount |
| knife open and rigid, even under extreme stress, | | | | knives that are both affordable and effective. |
| its use immediately expanded, and with the | | | | Some knife locks found on the market currently |
| broader range of applications can a much broader | | | | include the linerlock referred to earlier. This is a |
| market. A folding knife that performed well in | | | | lock, built from the liners found inside the knife, |
| combat and in other conditions was valuable for | | | | makes the most of options in a small space; by |
| the military and in law enforcement. And when a | | | | its very design it creates the need for physical |
| tool operates well under the conditions that are | | | | force to close the knife. A variation of the |
| most rigorous, industrial design evolution tells us | | | | linerlock is the frame lock, in which the handles |
| that its use will be expanded to many other | | | | sides are made of a thicker steel and serve as |
| markets. | | | | frame and handle for added strength. |
| Today, consumers looking for discount knives and | | | | A relic of the 1950s, the twist lock uses a metal |
| outdoor sports enthusiasts shopping for reliable | | | | ring to stabilize the knife blade. Though |
| knives can expect results. Not only is the market | | | | advancements in tactical knives make this type of |
| expanding, but also the community of knife | | | | locking mechanism obsolete, it finds use in |
| enthusiasts is growing, mostly online. To see how, | | | | affordable or very simple applications. |
| enter "Spyderco knives" at and you'll most likely | | | | Manufacturers serious about developing ever |
| turn up a few product reviews of the Delica or | | | | better tactical folding knives develop and patent |
| some other Spyderco model. | | | | their own locking mechanisms. For example SOG |
| Balance, stability, strength, speed, grip, rust | | | | has the Arc-lock, Benchmade has the AXIS lock, |
| resistance and more are just a given with today's | | | | and Cold Steel has the Tri-Ad lock. Industry |
| knives, and these admirable features can only get | | | | development is certainly worth watching. |