Fixed-Blade Knives
There are no surprises with a fixed-blade. Simply put, a fixed-blade is a solid piece of steel, anchored to the handle without any folding mechanisms. It’s durable and holds up well against the elements. So it’s ideal for tough jobs like field dressing and camping chores. This is a knife you can trust. A fixed-blade is one piece of steel running the length of the knife. When it reaches the handle the metal will taper into a “rat-tail” that is surrounded by the handle or continue as a tang that is covered on either side by handle "slabs."

Folding Knives
Folding knives may not be the most durable of knives, but they’re a fine bet for safety and convenience because the knife folds into the handle. There are several configurations to choose from. Locking folders for example, have the durability of a fixed blade but let you close the blade into the handle.

Pocket Knife
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned pocket knife. Not all models lock open, but that’s not critical considering how practical and versatile pocket knives are.

Lockback Knives
A “lockback” works like a fixed-blade with the added benefit of folding into the handle for safety and convenience. The lockback gets its name from the rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening the blade causes the rocker to lock against the blade, locking it open. To release the “lock,” simply push down on the rocker at the back of the handle. Closing usually requires two hands, though there are one-hand openers, which are ideal for activities like climbing where only one hand is free.

Liner Locker – One-Hander A “Liner Lock” is a folding “lockback” knife you can open and close with one hand. A thumb-hole or thumb-stud opens the blade. It locks open using a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. To release the blade, place your thumb on the front part of the liner and push to the left.

Frame Lock One-Hander
A “Frame Lock” is a one-hand opening knife. Only the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. When the blade opens, the frame lock moved into the handle opening, locking against the blade. To release, push the liner to the left.

The Buck Assisted Opening Knife
This is the ultimate in one-hand openers. A ‘liner lock’ locks the blade open. To open, release the safety, then push the blade release ridge. After the blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism (ASAP)* completes the blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To close, push left on the front of the liner lock releasing the lock. Close the blade and engage the safety on top of the handle.

Buck's ASAP Technology™Offers a higher level of safety than automatic knives (switchblade type). Our two-stage action of releasing the safety, then opening the blade is far safer. Automatic knives on the other hand, typically use gravity alone or a button/lever in the handle to release the spring mechanism opening the blade from a fully closed position. Due to the complex and changing nature of knife laws, it is your responsibility as a knife user to investigate whether the purchase, possession and use of Assisted Opening Knife complies with federal, state and local knife laws.