Beyond the Lockback: Why Buck Knives Is Embracing Modern Construction and Modern Steels
For over half a century, if someone said “Buck,” the image was instant: a sturdy lockback folder, dependable as sunrise. And rightfully so. The 110 Folding Hunter, introduced in 1964, redefined what a folding knife could be. With its brass bolsters, clip point blade, and rock-solid lockback mechanism, it became a trusted companion in the pockets of hunters, tradesmen, and outdoorsmen for generations.
So when Buck introduces a new locking mechanism—our first-ever crossbar lock—it’s more than just a new product. It’s a signal: Buck Knives is evolving.
What Is a Crossbar Lock, and Why Should You Care?
Known across the industry by names like bar lock or axis-style lock, the crossbar lock is a modern mechanism that uses a spring-tensioned bar to engage the tang of the blade. What makes it such a fan-favorite?
- One-handed open and close: smooth, fast, and intuitive
- Ambidextrous operation: ideal for both left- or right-handed users
- Secure lockup, tested by Buck to withstand over 400 pounds of force
- Safety-first design: your fingers never cross the blade’s path when closing
It’s clean. It’s mechanical. It’s satisfying to use. And it’s perfect for the everyday carry crowd, where quick access and secure handling matter most.
Pairing Modern Locks with Modern Steels
The Range Series isn’t just about the lock. It’s about bringing modern knife technology to life through the materials that make performance matter.
154CM Stainless Steel (Range Pro)
This high-carbon steel offers a balanced combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, making it a proven performer for daily use in the field or at the jobsite.
MagnaCut Steel (Range Elite)
MagnaCut is the new benchmark in premium cutlery steel. Created specifically for knives, it offers:
- The toughness of a tool steel
- The corrosion resistance of marine-grade steel
- And edge-holding ability that impresses even the most critical users
Both steels are treated with Buck’s legendary BOS heat treat, refined through decades of in-house metallurgical experience, ensuring every knife delivers exceptional cutting performance.
Why Buck Chose the Crossbar Lock - And Why Now?
So why did it take this long?
Because we don’t chase trends, we chase trust.
Before the crossbar lock earned its place in the Buck product lineup, it had to prove itself through:
- Extensive engineering and field testing
- Precise machining and repeatable tolerances
- Rugged performance across use cases and environments
- And, most importantly, a build we can back with our Forever Warranty
We don’t adopt something new unless it meets Buck’s exacting standards for strength, safety, and serviceability. That’s what our customers deserve.
And now that it’s proven? The crossbar lock is here to stay.
Is Buck Leaving the Lockback Behind?
Absolutely not.
The lockback is part of who we are. It's the backbone of the 110, 112, and 500 series, and it still sets the standard for reliability. We're not replacing it. We’re expanding our capabilities—thoughtfully, deliberately, and with the same commitment to craftsmanship we’ve always had.
The Range Series isn’t a departure; it’s a progression.
What Comes Next?
The Range Series is just the beginning. You’ll see this crossbar lock construction appear in upcoming knives across our lineup, from field-focused folders to technical EDCs built for modern life.
Why? Because it works. And it gives knife users another reason to choose Buck. Not just for tradition, but for innovation done right.
A Word from CJ Buck, CEO
“This isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about solving real needs for the people who rely on our knives every day. The crossbar lock gives us a new way to deliver fast, intuitive performance without sacrificing strength or safety. The Range is a modern knife, but it's built the Buck way. Our craftsmen are proud of it. I’m proud of it. And I think the folks who carry it will feel that, too.”
From Our Craftsmen
“The Range Series took everything we know about knife making, over 120 years of it, and added the performance features modern users demand. A better lock. Better steel. Better ergonomics. It’s still hand-built in Post Falls, Idaho. Still sharpened by real craftspeople. Still backed for forever. The Range doesn’t replace what came before, it extends it.”
