Dexter Ewing

The crossbar lock continues to dominate.

One of today’s most popular blade-locking mechanisms for folding knives is the crossbar lock. It’s the most advanced blade lock there is—for now.

The crossbar lock consists of a spring-loaded, hardened-steel bar in the handle that makes constant contact with the tang and springs forward into place once the blade is opened. It wedges itself between the tang and the liner, preventing the blade from rotating shut until it is released manually. The lockbar is ambidextrous. The lock is all smooth action, tight lockup and ease of release. It is safe because it does not require your fingers to be in the path of the closing blade the way a linerlock or framelock does, thereby almost eliminating accidental cuts.

Crossbar Lock Origins

The crossbar lock first appeared in 1999 with Benchmade’s 710 Axis Lock folder, which has since been discontinued. The knife and lock mechanism were designed by knifemakers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams. “Bill McHenry was the primary driver of the mechanism,” says Vance Colver, Benchmade director of product line management. 

McHenry was a man of many interests. At one time he was a goldsmith, a watch enthusiast who rebuilt and repaired watches, and he loved restoring vintage Indian motorcycles. “The love for the mechanical gave him a unique perspective to knife lock solutions and led to the Axis Lock,” Colver added.

On June 10, 2003, the patent for the Axis Lock was issued to McHenry and Williams, patent no. US 6,574,689. In addition to the aforementioned features, Colver said the Axis Lock has smooth blade rotation; is reliable with minimal moving parts—just the lockbar moves, and it does so only slightly; and strength, with the Axis Lock outperforming the linerlock in closed failure force.

After the Axis Lock debuted, new Benchmade models with the lock appeared, including the Griptilian designed by BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Mel Pardue, the Warren Osborne 940 Axis Lock and the Presidio Axis Lock automatic. The Axis Lock patent expired in 2016, allowing other knife companies to introduce their version and thus broadly open the “new” crossbar lock category.  Today you will see variants across several prominent brands, including the Axis Lock itself.

Top Picks Crossbar Lock Knives

• Benchmade Axis Lock
• Michrotech Ram Lok
• Hogue ABLE Lock
• Gerber Pivot Lock
• Kershaw Duralock
• Tactile Knife Co. Tight Lock

Benchmade Axis Lock

Benchmade’s Bugout is classic EDC because of its slender form factor, extremely lightweight, and use of premium blade steel. The full-size Model 535 Bugout has a drop point blade of flat ground CPM S30V stainless steel. The 3.2-inch blade is long enough for most cutting tasks but short enough to be compact and carry well. Handle material for the base model is molded Grivory for light weight and strength. Carbon fiber/CPM S90V stainless and machined aluminum/M390 stainless are respective handle/blade material combos available in the high-end models. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Bugout starts at $180 and increases depending on handle and blade material options.

The Benchmade Mini Adamas 273-03 Axis Lock is a scaled-down version of the full-size Adamas tactical folder. Designed by knifemaker Shane Sibert, the Mini Adamas has a 3.25-inch drop point blade and closed length of about 4.35 inches. The blade features a milled-in fuller and CPM MagnaCut stainless steel. The regular production versions have CPM CRUWEAR tool steel blades.

The handle is angular and boxy in very good ways. A slight swelling in the middle helps fill your palm. The special edition has marble carbon fiber scales. The standard Mini Adamas offers a choice of black or OD (olive drab) green G-10 handles. The knife’s Axis Lock works beautifully, with a rock-solid lockup and ultra-smooth blade rotation. MSRP: $375. Country of origin for the featured Benchmades: USA.

Microtech Ram Lok

Microtech christened its crossbar lock Ram Lok, and it’s a variation on the theme. Most if not all other crossbar locks employ a round-profile locking bar. The Ram Lok has a rectangular shape, providing more surface space and bulk to the lock, thereby providing more inherent strength. The center post that passes through the rectangular lock has a coil spring that provides the lock’s resistance and is the key to the lockup’s integrity. The Ram Lok follows the contours of the tang and, once the blade rotates fully open, springs forward into place, wedging into the tang, thus preventing the blade from rotating closed. The release buttons are multi-faceted, stepped “X” designs on either side of the handle.

The MSI (Microtech Standard Issue) and Amphibian Ram Lok are but two Microtech manual folders with the Ram Lok. Winner of Best American Made Knife at BLADE Show West 2023 (January BLADE®, page 16), the MSI features a 3.8-inch sheepsfoot blade of Bohler M390MK high-performance stainless. M390MK is manufactured exclusively for Microtech and is similar to M390 though enhanced a bit for added edge holding.

The straight-line cutting edge permits easy sharpening as well as high utility, excelling at pull cuts especially. MSRP: $365.  A black-polymer-molded-handle version lowers the price considerably to $177. It’s the most affordable U.S.-made Microtech folder available.

The Amphibian is the resurrection of an older Microtech tactical design. It sports a recurve clip-point blade in 4 inches of M390MK and a highly ergonomic handle. The signature stepped teardrop-shaped thumb stud is ambidextrous and allows for easy one-hand opening. The handle is available in G-10 or aluminum, with G-10 colors of black, FDE (flat dark earth) or OD green. The aluminum handle is available in black only, though that may change by the time you read this. MSRP: $300. Country of origin for the featured Microtechs; USA.

Hogue ABLE Lock

Hogue Knives calls its crossbar lock the ABLE (Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced) Lock. The Deka is one of the company’s folders that sports the ABLE. Designed by knifemaker Allen Elishewitz, the Deka is stylish, well-configured and slender, great for EDC and makes an awesome work knife. The 3.9-inch blade comes in standard clip point or modified wharncliffe patterns. At press time, Hogue was switching the blade steel to CPM MagnaCut from CPM 20CV.

The handle is offered in standard black and multicolored Gmascus in red, camo, green and blue. The Gmascus replicates a damascus look but in a lightweight phenolic-based resin. As each color alternates with black, the resulting visual is eye catching. The ambidextrous pocket clip carries the knife tip up. MSRP: $194.95. A version with a lightweight, lower-cost polymer handle in a choice of black, blue and FDE and a MagnaCut blade has an MSRP of $159.95. Country of origin: USA.

Gerber Pivot Lock

In recent years Gerber has shifted production to the USA, a good lead-in to its new folders with crossbar locks. Among them are the Sedulo and Assert, each of which uses Gerber’s Pivot Lock. The Sedulo’s 3.4-inch drop point blade is fully flat ground CPM S30V stainless. Dual thumb studs provide ambidextrous opening. A stonewashed finish helps seal micro pores in the steel as well as hides most scratches easily.

The handle is gray FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon)—black is also available—with chamfering throughout for a secure, comfortable grip. The Pivot Lock locks up very tight and the blade action is ultra-smooth. Dual steel liners reinforce lock strength. Closed length: 4.7 inches. MSRP: $124.99.

Though not as brawny as the Sedulo, the Assert carries easier and more comfortably. The modified clip point blade is 2.9 inches of CPM S30V. Closed length: 4 inches. The oblong blade slot provides attachment points for the adjustable thumb stud, which you can move/position anywhere along the slot. The stud can be removed altogether and the slot used to open the blade instead.

I love how the two standoffs at the handle butt, the lock release buttons and the thumb studs are orange, contrasting nicely with the gray and adding an exciting pop of color. An ambidextrous fold-over clip carries the knife deep in the pocket. The Pivot Lock ensures smooth blade action and rock-solid lockup.

The flat-ground blade slices evenly and cleanly. Out of the box the edge was very sharp and ready to work. It carries well, cuts well and is great looking. MSRP: $174.99. It’s available in three colors: all black with black blade and hardware, gray handle with orange hardware, and green handle with blue hardware. Country of origin for the featured Gerbers: USA.

Kershaw Duralock

Kershaw’s crossbar lock is the Duralock and is offered on a few new models in the company lineup. One is the Iridium, a slender folder designed to carry easily. Packing a 3.4-inch spear point blade of D2 tool steel, the Iridium is made for hard use. The handle is gray-anodized aluminum for light weight and high tensile strength. Mounted on the handle’s reverse side, the clip carries the Iridium deep and tip up. A copper-colored handle spacer adds just the right amount of contrast. The Duralock engages crispy with zero blade play. The Iridium is also available in an all-black-coated handle and blade. MSRP for the standard Iridium is $99.99 and the Iridium Black is $104.99.  

The Heist is another new Kershaw design with the Duralock. Featuring a 3.2-inch clip point blade of D2 tool steel, the Heist has an ergonomic handle with a slim profile for effortless carry. The 3-D grip texturing helps keep your hand in place during extended use. Molded FRN scales conserve on weight. The clip is a fold-over deep-carry style affixed to the handle butt. The Heist is a straightforward working knife for military and law enforcement. The pivot works on a bronze washer. The Duralock locks up strong and solid. The MSRP of $84.99 is very reasonable for a working folder with above average blade steel. Country of origin for both knives: China.

Tactile Knife Co. Tight Lock

Tactile Knife Co. is a relatively new U.S. knife manufacturer and the Maverick, a collaboration with custom knifemaker Richard Rogers and winner of Best EDC at BLADE Show Texas 2023, features the company’s version of the crossbar lock. The Maverick is a slender folder on the larger side, with a 3.5-inch blade and 4.7-inch closed length. It may be on the longer side but it has a slim profile that carries very well in jeans or a suit. The MagnaCut blade has a flat front with a bit of a swedge. Dual thumb studs promote easy opening with either hand.

The titanium handle’s 3D texture has many ridges to enhance traction. The crossbar lock provides a smooth opening and is very secure. The handle shape is simple but works very well, with an integral single guard to keep your hand in place. 

The clip is an interesting design. Two standoffs attach to the butt end to carry the knife tip up, with the clip affixed atop the standoffs. It’s more involved than a standard or even a milled titanium clip. It looks upscale and different in a very good way. It shows the attention to detail throughout the Maverick, which includes an anodized, triangular-shaped titanium pivot bolt. The folder is also available in black Richlite Micarta®, providing a slightly lower price point ($249 MSRP) and lighter weight. MSRP for the titanium version: $349.

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A Ken Onion design, the Kershaw Leek has cut a commanding profile.

It’s no wonder why the Kershaw Leek is such a phenomenal EDC folding knife. It has all the right elements that knife users crave—style, sturdy construction, premium materials, an impressive selection and is priced right.

The Leek is essentially the bigger brother of Kershaw’s Chive, answering the call from knife fanatics for a larger option of this Ken Onion design. And the petite option doesn’t disappoint.

We’ll examine why it’s been a popular seller for Kershaw, explore some popular variants and find out why this isn’t your garden-variety EDC knife.

Kershaw Leek Blade

The Leek’s blade measures 3 inches and is made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, making it great at holding an edge. However, it’s the blade’s profile that demands attention. It’s a modified clip point and the profile tapers down to almost a needle tip. This is both a good and bad thing, which I will go into in depth later.

The hollow grind of the blade thins it down nicely to where the blade takes a smart, sharp edge easily. Dual thumb studs are present, but do not function as traditional thumb studs. Instead, they are used only for a positive stop in the open position.

Kershaw Leek Handle

The handle is a slender, elongated shape that favors daily carry due to its thin profile. The handle itself measures 4 inches, bringing the overall length of the Leek to 7 inches when open.

The handle sports a nice, comfortable chamfer all the way around making gripping it easier and presenting fewer hot spots. A large, steel pocket clip can be affixed to the handle to carry the Leek in the tip-up or tip-down position, whatever you wish to do. The clip holds the Leek securely in your pocket, and it can be removed as well should you desire to carry it in the bottom of your pocket.

The base Leek (model 1660) has a handle of bead-blasted stainless steel with a matching bead-blasted blade. The Leek is available with a variety of handle finishes, from several colors of anodized aluminum to black PVD-coated, Blackwash and carbon fiber, to name a few.

As for the lock, it’s a frame lock that engages the blade tang positively, securing it in the open position. Very solid and easy to operate when you’re ready to stash the blade.

Testing The Leek

For this review, Kershaw sent me several of their popular selling Leek models for closer examination. I have the 1660 base model Leek with a bead blast finish on the blade and handle. The 1660OR is a liner lock and has orange-anodized aluminum handles. The Leek is available in an array of anodized aluminum colors. Speaking of colors, there’s also the very unique 1660VIB which is a high polish 1660 with the addition of a rainbow titanium coating. And finally, we have the high-tech 1660CF liner lock which features futuristic carbon fiber handles and upgraded blade steel to CPM154 for higher performance cutting and longer edge retention

My pick of this bunch is the 1660CF, given there’s a lot going on with this particular model. You get the benefit of the unique look and the lightweight of the carbon fiber, combined with the high-end blade steel. The 1660CF carries very well due to the reduced mass compared with the regular 1660 Leek framelock.

Structurally speaking, the base model 1660 Leek frame lock has a very rock-solid lockup. It’s very hard to defeat and only closes when you deliberately command it to. It actually makes a good work knife as long as you use it as a cutting tool and nothing else that it wasn’t designed for (more on this in a bit).

Performance-wise, the Leek—across the board regardless of the blade steel or handle configuration—is definitely a slicer. The blade stock is very thin and when it is ground, it is attenuated even more.

Right out of the box, the leek has a lot of bite. It goes through thicker stuff like cardboard very easily. The tip being acute, makes for an excellent scoring tool as well. The Leek excels at being an all-around EDC cutter.

The blade opens fast, with the press of the exposed flipper tab on the blade spine, Kershaw’s Speed Safe assisted opening technology takes over and powers the blade to the fully open and locked position. It’s easy to see why the Leek remains a popular Kershaw model after all these years, it simply works well and is a good-looking design.

Leek Sticky Points

Two of the most common failures I have seen in the Leek are where folks misuse the knife as well as the sliding safety breaking.

Because the tip of the blade is pointy, it’s a weak spot with the knife. Where you get into trouble is when you use the tip to pry, even lightly. This either results in a bend or break off entirely. This is a cutting tool, not a pry tool or screwdriver.

Each Leek also comes with a sliding safety that, when the blade is closed, you slide over the tip of the blade to physically block it from coming out of the handle. There is a hex screw on the backside you use your thumb to move and this moves the safety. Sometimes the safety can slide on its own while the blade is open; when you go to close the blade it comes down on the safety tab. If done hard enough this will cause the safety to break, as it is plastic. The nice part, the tab is replaceable.

Final Cut

Other than these points, the Leek is a proven EDC knife. It’s rather compact, slender, and doesn’t garner unwanted attention. It’s worth a look if you’re in the market for a blade that balances looks and performance.

As for price, the MSRP for the base 1660 Leek is $115. The 1660OR orange handle Leek is $105. And the Carbon Fiber 1660 CF runs $190. In the scheme of things, not bad pricing for USA-made EDC folding knife—particularly with an Onion pedigree!

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The Spyderco Paramilitary 2, simply known as the Para 2, is a part of the Military family of popular tactical folders in the Spyderco lineup. The Para 2 came about as a downsized version of the full-size Military model, answering the call from customers for a practical EDC option. 

Smaller it might be, but the Para 2 retains the essence of what makes the Military a popular working folder. And because of this, the knife has developed a cult following. However, it’s not simply a shrunken-down facsimile of its larger predecessor, having gone through several design improvements that have dialed in the knife to users’ needs.

In this article, we’ll examine exactly what has made the Spyderco Para 2 such a winner in the company’s lineup. And why, if you need a truly rugged everyday option—or just want a classic in your collection—the legendary knife more than fits the bill.

Para 2 Blade

To start things off, the blade of the Para 2 sports a useful clip point shape, enhanced with a full flat grind. Furthermore, the knife has a gradual distal taper from the tang to the tip, evident when viewed from the top. The length of the blade measures 3.4 inches long, enough length to take care of heavy work but short enough for comfortable carry in a pocket. 

Constructed of CPM S45VN high-performance stainless steel, Spyderco picked the perfect material for a high-end knife. Compared to the gold standard of this class—S30V—S45VN proves a bit tougher, yet is remains easy to resharpen. That is if you have to. The blade’s toughness means it holds an edge extremely well, suiting it for long-haul work without interruption. A final point, S45VN is fairly renowned for its corrosion resistance, making the Para 2 excel in nearly any environment.

As those familiar with Spyderco can guess, the blade boasts the company’s trademark hole near the spine, at the rear. This has been the go-to deployment method for time immemorial on the firm’s knives. Rounding things out on the blade, there’s integrated chill formed by part of the blade and handle when the blade is opened. A choil permits the user to further choke up on the blade for extra control when needed.  

Para 2 Handle

Spyderco opts for a black textured G-10 for the handle, which endows it with a few assets. First, it keeps the knife nimble, cutting down on the Para 2 overall weight. But this isn’t at the expense of strength—G10 is tough as cut nails—and a solid purchase on the knife.

The handles are milled out, allowing the slightly undersized stainless steel liners to sit flush with the G-10. Nicely, this reduces the overall width of the handle but doesn’t sacrifice the lateral strength of the liners. Spyderco also turns its eye to weight reduction with the liners, porting them to further lighten the load—while not compromising strength. 

The handle shape itself is very ergonomic, like the full-size Military. There is an expanded, curved section that forms an integral finger guard to prevent your hand from sliding forward. The handle feels very secure in hand, and this inspires user confidence. 

Compression Lock

The Para 2 utilizes Syperco’s Compression Lock to secure the blade, a solid system that has several benefits. For those unfamiliar with the mechanism, it’s an in-house design that provides an extremely strong lockup. It operates by the lock bar wedging itself onto a ramp on the blade’s tang and a hardened steel stop pin. As an added benefit, the release is situated on the handle spine, just behind the blade within reach of the thumb and forefinger. Not only is the design ambidextrous, but it also facilitates fast and intuitive one-hand opening (with a bit of practice) and closing. 

Pocket Clip

A steel pocket clip is attached to the handle in the right-hand, tip-down configuration. However, Spyderco has what they call 4-way clip mounting with the Para 2. This means the handle is drilled and tapped to modify the clip’s position, thus the carry style. Again, this makes the knife lefty- and righty-friendly, as well as allowing for tip-up or tip-down carry. Understandably, this is another facet of the Para 2 has that a lot of fans. 

The handle also has an open build, allowing you to effectively clean lint and other debris out of the inside of the handle by using either compressed air or tap water. The handle length is 4.8 inches, making the overall length of the Para 2 around 8.2 inches. I would consider any folder with an overall length of 9 inches to be large, so to say the Para 2 is a midsize folder is a stretch. It’s safer to say it’s on the upper end of being midsize. Still kind of compact, but large enough to handle some man-sized cutting jobs. 

Para 2 In Action

The flat ground blade with distal taper helps the blade sail through anything with ease. This is exactly the reason why the full-size Military is a favorite among knife users the world over. You’ll notice the blade bites in and does so aggressively and it just takes off. Shoot, I have even used my Para 2 and Military in the kitchen to aid in food prep at times. The Para 2 makes for an effective paring knife. 

Outside of the kitchen, the Para 2 slices through cardboard, plastic edging, styrofoam blocks, and even strips wire with ease. Spyderco’s cutting edges out of the box are nothing short of perfect. The Para 2 can be put to work immediately without modifications to the edge. S45VN’s durability is out of this world. You’ll benefit from the enhanced edge-holding capability of this steel by not having to sharpen as often. However, all this depends on your frequency of use and that can vary from person to person. 

The handle ergonomics are very comfortable. The Para 2 didn’t leave any hot spots of any kind and is pleasurable to wield during extended periods of use. 

Final Cut

I think you will find the Para 2 to be an excellent daily carry choice for you, if you are looking for a working folder that is also a super comfortable EDC knife. As for how much the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 will set you back, the MSRP starts at $265.00 for the black G-10 handle/satin-finished blade as tested here. There’s also a camo handle for the same price, and black DLC coated versions for a bit more at $285.

More Spyderco Knives:

• Cutting Critique: Spyderco Presistence
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A mainstay in the company’s catalog, the Ken Onion-designed, USA-Made Kershaw Blur remains a clear EDC choice.

Kershaw’s Blur has been in the company’s line for several years and it continues to be a good seller for the company. You get it all with the Blur—a handsome look, useful blade shape, and made-in-the-USA toughness.

Devised by custom knifemaker Ken Onion, the Blur exhibits the hallmarks of Onion’s design with its recurve drop point blade and optimized handle shape promoting user comfort, as well as safety. Plus, you get a choice of several variations with the Blur. Each differs by blade steel and handle color, adding some style and flair to your daily carry arsenal.

Kershaw Blur Blade

The Blur’s blade measures 3.4-inches long and is made of Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. For those seeking a higher-performance steel, Kershaw offers an upgraded S30V version. Though the base-model steel is no slouch, as 14C28N holds an edge well, yet resharpens fairly easily. The Blur’s blade has plenty of bite right out of the box, thanks to its hollow grind.

For deployment, the Blur uses ambidextrous thumb studs. These are custom-designed studs, with a unique slanted portion. This rake allows you to bump with your thumb and then back off immediately, so they won’t be in the way of opening.

Speed Safe System

Deployment speed doesn’t disappoint, thanks to Kershaw’s Speed Safe assisted opening technology. The Speed Safe system was developed by Ken Onion and serves as a way to quickly and effectively open a folding knife blade quickly with minimal user effort. Essentially, a torsion bar propels the blade open after the user initiates blade movement by pushing out on the thumb stud.

Kershaw Blur Handle

For those who appreciate a solid and comfortable grip (who doesn’t?) the Blur incorporates some interesting design elements.

Starting with the construction, Kershaw has opted for aluminum alloy, making the handle both lightweight and strong. The shape is also well thought out, offering an intriguing and aesthetically pleasing shape, that doesn’t compromise on comfort. It’s a good example of Onion’s profound understanding of knife ergonomics.

Furthering the usability, the Kershaw chamfers all the edges, ensuring there are no hotspots on the knife and textured rubber inlay inserts are a practical bonus, increasing grip traction tenfold with either wet or dry hands. Kershaw calls this material Trac Tech and it’s very similar to the self-adhesive grip tape you might find indoors in wet locations such as a swimming pool deck.

Interestingly, Trac Tech also helps with holding the knife to the pocket, making it a bit difficult to slide in and out. Depending on who you are and your particular activities, this can be a good thing or an annoyance. It is insurance from the knife falling out of your pocket, but it does slow retrieval time.

I like the use of Trac Tech on the blur simply because it gives the handle a more tactile feel to it.

The general open build of the handle makes cleaning easy, especially when using compressed air or rinsing out under tap water. There is a pocket clip that helps to carry the Blur in the pocket and Kershaw gives you the option of either tip-up or tip-down carry but for right-hand carry only. Sorry lefties!

Final Cut

The Blur is a stylish EDC folding knife that doesn’t back down when there is tough work ahead. The recurve blade cuts very well, and its ample belly makes it an efficient slicer.

The hollow grind really thins the blade out nicely without making it too slender, and therefore it will cut through tougher materials with greater ease. It really excels at cardboard. I like this material for testing as it is a good standard because of its thickness and slight abrasiveness. Both aspects test the edge’s geometry.

The liner lock of the Blur is dialed in nicely, it hits the tang on the lower third of the width of the blade and allows for some wear as the lock breaks in. Yet, the lockup is very secure. The exposed portion of the lock bar that you contact to release the lock has traction notches on it so you can get a good grip on it. I thought was a nice extra touch on Kershaw’s part.

Overall, the only nit to pick is I wish the clip was designed to carry the Blur deeper in the pocket. Other than this, no real issues to speak of with the knife

When it comes time to purchase a Blue, this might be the hardest decision because of the variety of models. There are a ton of colorways for the handle—black, navy blue, and olive green. Additionally, Kershaw offers several blade options, including plain edge and partly serrated as well as stonewashed, blackwash and Cerakote black finishes. If that weren’t enough, you also have a choice of a tanto blade as well, if that’s more your speed. Heck, there’s even an option with a carbide glass breaker at the end of the handle.

The Blur’s MSRP starts at $135 and goes up from there to as much as $185 depending on blade finishes. Overall, the knife presents an overall package—Onion design, high function, nice styling and plenty of options choices. What this adds up to, is an EDC option that should be welcome in anyone’s collection.

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