TOP 5 Cross Bar Lock Knives & Best Companies Doing Them

[@chrisdunn2934]

Fun fact, the vosteed raccoon also has an adjustable omega spring. I was unaware of this until I got one with ultem scales and noticed and then made the adjustment. Great video as always

[@Biomass1]

Mini Nightshade in aluminum also.

[@NeevesKnives]

@chrisdunn2934 yeah i actually did know that but didn't consider thank you

[@Mephistopheles9]

Long time subscriber here, just wanted to say that I have a great amount of respect for your integrity and opinion in these videos. It's good to see that you always give the time of day to the more budget oriented knife makers like kizer or civivi too, and not just shill for benchmade/microtech/etc. I don't think a lot of channels would let a budget knife win in a category like this, but you do and that's very cool.

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

Vosteed Mini Nightshade is ridiculously good!

[@MrBlessed70]

Would LOVE a Vosteed Nightshade XL with a 4.3 inch blade with a top compression lock or good crossbar lock.

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

@@MrBlessed70 It is an entirely different beast then what your dreaming up but the Cold Steel Colossus got that blade shape on point.

[@ChaosEnigma1978]

All crossbar lock knives should come with at LEAST one spare set of springs. So kizer is on top for me.

[@Trevlee74]

Over a decade of owning and using knives with cross-bar locks. Not one broken omega spring. Bought a pack of them on eBay years ago for a couple dollars. Because of such concerns. Never opened it.

[@picklerick6988]

​@Trevlee74 I've never broken any either but I have had some come that are however crazy weak like i have a miguron vane I love the knife but the springs are insanely weak on it with the knife closed a gentle shake will deploy the blade they are so weak I did get some replacement springs after contacting them but they sent me 6 springs for one side of the knife and none for the other side so it never fixed the issue

[@dannyjudson932]

Facts 🔥

[@DanaBlanco-UFC]

Was gonna say “if the Kizer Drop Bear isn’t here then this guy is full of it”. Also not to nitpick, but Kizer calls their “Omega springs”, “Gemini springs”.

[@Mggibboni]

Kizer is easily doing the best cross-bar lock.

[@WesleyEvan87]

100%

[@ghostkeeper5910]

Bestech is fire 🔥 also! They have better lock bar to grab onto to engage it. More comfortable but maybe not as great as action as Kizer but very close

[@Obsidian-One]

Now if Kizer could learn how to heat treat!

[@ghostkeeper5910]

@@Obsidian-One I have never had an issue out of there 154cm

[@eriklundquist3588]

I’m not big crossbar lock fan, but I agree Kizer does is best. By a long shot. I have a Bailout that’s pretty good, but a Bugout and a Mini Grip that are really weak. A SOG Terminus that is surprisingly good and a a Deka that’s just meh. I had 2 Vosteed crossbar locks, a mini Nightshade and a Raccoon, and they both sucked so hard I returned them, and haven’t been able to bring myself buy a Vosteed since (partly because I also had 2 button locks from them that also sucked and got returned (a Raccoon and a Corgi)).

[@barttomlin16]

I always appreciate your brutal honesty in reviewing knives. Everybody has different pet peevs, and different reasons for liking this or that about the features of a knife, but you are always thorough enough that I get the information about a knife to make my own decision even if I disagree with your final assessment. Also, I love Kizer beating Benchmade on this list. I don't own one yet, but I'm looking forward to soon.

[@Biomass1]

Carrying my Superfreek this week. Love the Vault, Mini Nightshade in aluminum, which has adjustable Omegas, XR, and a few others. My favorite lock type, with hole for reverse flick or studs. Still carry my, over 25 year old, 720 in ATS-34.

[@ashsmall8103]

would love to see a video on modified crossbar lock knives like the spyderco ball bearing lock and the bolt action lock (sage 3) as well as benchmade coil spring anthem, the narrows which uses a different spring, the new 710 which also uses a different spring, microtech ram lok and the dfco mcqueen coil spring crossbar lock

[@Ratchman_5000]

I own one crossbar lock, the Ritter Hogue. I did have one of the omega springs break after a year of use, but they sent me a new set. Great knife and still going strong!

[@wbwills2]

Digging the all of the different nightshades.

[@richardkev3077]

I have three knives with cross-bar locks. Only one came with spare omega springs (Kunwu). Discounting any other aspects of the knives, my favorite actions to operate: Favorite: Viper Oniro Second: Kunwu Pulsar Third: Benchmade Bugout

[@NeevesKnives]

All Kizers come with extras

[@bobrutledge54]

Thanks for mentioning SOG. I know they have had some issues before, but the first crossbar lock knife I ever got was a SOG seal XR. I love the knife, and the lock has the perfect amount of tension imo. Lots of really great knives out there.

[@flapxjackson]

I agree with you on Kizer. And this is coming from a longtime Benchmade owner. When I received my first Drop Bear, I was surprised how well they did it. Their crossbar lock is an improvement over the Benchmade Axis Lock. I still love my Benchmades. But I don’t see myself buying them anymore. They have become quite overpriced for what you get.

[@billbru1034]

Really like the look of that blue and orange CJRB. Cool looking knife.

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

Outstanding a tutorial and review on the crossbar always look forward to your reviews thank you😊

[@jasonshytle7690]

It would be neat to see Kizer put washers on a clutch lock. Perhaps thats counter intuitive to some but I like the glassy smooth tactile resistance on my Grip and RSK. Similar to apoint you made about the feel of the QC Waypoint.( Which I bought because of you btw and love it)

[@MrCaissed]

I love the Osborne with CPM 30 steel. They take a beating and hold an edge a sharp edge for quite a while but for lockup absolutely a brick wall. I can’t get a Hogue Deka that is affordable to save my life. And look that last knife is also the best in my opinion. I mentioned it as soon as the video started. They come with a set of omega spring and extra hardware

[@wbwills2]

Keizers are cool. They jumped up in price after one of the blade shows & a lot of recommendations. From you & others..Hope they reeled prices back in.

[@velvetine74]

Such good video ideas for shoppers who are learning or can't get hands on time with lots of knives coming from this channel.

[@AaronDennis]

I can say my experience with the large Hogue Doug Ritter is that it is a significant upgrade in detent and lockup to my similar sized Benchmade Freek. Up and down play has been on every Benchmade I have owned. It's not terrible but noticeable. I have not noticed any on my Hogue and I would for sure put their ABLE lock above the Axis.

[@pastubbs]

I would be interesting to see this list done on button locks. While I do like crossbar lock, button lock are my preferred finger-safe mechanism.

[@davecaraballo]

I agree. kizer drop bear. Best crossbar lock. Excellent edc.

[@georgelin8498]

I know it’s not a true crossbar lock, but I would put the manix 2 on the list. A knife that really surprised me is the real steel sacra. The blade doesn’t bounce out when closing and it has good spring tension.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

I really enjoy cross bar locks and no spydercos in my collection was gonna get a military 2 with a compression lock but ive heard alot a good about that manix

[@jocemarine6247]

You are right Jared. Clutch lock is the one 👍🏻😃💪

[@mikereese15]

What a great video concept brother. Always being unique and innovative. Bang!

[@michaelinsc9724]

The Kershaw Bel Aire is awesome! Really like my Vosteed Mini Nightshade. Hope they do a full size crossbar Nightshade.

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

Where do I get Omega springs? Are they universally sized?

[@MrNiceGuy80x5]

i fixed my buddies broken bugout with omega springs i got on ebay

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

@@MrNiceGuy80x5 Higher quality springs? As you are aware switching out lock bar spring is a pain so if I’m going to go to the bother of switching out the Springs the I want to KNOW there’s a point to it.

[@chrismeeks7707]

I can’t argue with anything in this video. Kaiser definitely has the best crossbar lock, hands-down. My Oknife Rubato II is one of my smoothest crossbars and Kizer is the OEM. I do have to hand it to Hogue and bench made because they’ve mastered the crossbar on washers. My 940 and Bugout are both buttery smooth like they’re on bearings but they’re not.

[@lesterlute10]

Seeing my Iridium, and future Raccoon on this list, tugs at my knifeheart strings. ❤😂

[@paulschuckman6604]

I really like my new Kubey Ti Bluff. I did get it on a crazy sale so I think that helps.

[@thomasdalziel2396]

Good stuff! FYI on that Bestechman the “Stop pin” you refer to as a major flaw isn’t actually a stop pin… it’s an additional spacer pin that helps keep the liners tight and parallel. Super fun thing about CB locks is that the CB itself acts as the closed stop pin. The open stop pin is still needed as it helps create the Triangle of stability between the pivot, Stop pin, and CB. In the closed position there is a hook shape cut into the blade that actually contacts the CB at two points making the Triangle of stability super acute (which is part of why it’s easy to overcome/ flip open).

[@thomasdalziel2396]

Without taking it apart I can’t say for sure why the engineers decided to put it there but I will say (unless they’ve done something very unique with the lock geometry) even if you grind that blade down a ton it’ll still be functional. -Sorry for the word vomit, From, a Fan and Mechanical Engineer (at a major knife brand)

[@TonTon98.]

Yo Jared, where are you getting those larger sized omega springs. I’ve gotta deka wharnclife with AWT scales on it and it has side to side play. 8:04

[@heinzhaupthaar5590]

I might be misunderstanding, but those two things are most likely completely unrelated. Side to side play should be adjustable via the pivot screw, you sure you tightened everything properly, stop pin firmly in place, didn't loose a washer etc. pp.? I only ever had quite the opposite experience with more solid aftermarket scales on some knives, with me having to hone down the washers. The opposite is possible but imo much more unlikely. If it's not solvable otherwise I'd prop up the washers with some shimming material - in a pinch cut from a soda can for example - or get out the micrometer and try to get thicker washers, which quite likely won't work without getting them in spec by hand cause they'll be way too thick. I'm not in the US, but a Google search should yield results for omega springs over there as well. I found some in Europe, iirc available in three different diameters on Etsy and bought a few right away. But they're generally easy to get. And they're not very hard to diy either, if done right they can last quite a while even from simple craftsnfarts memory wire material.

[@TonTon98.]

@@heinzhaupthaar5590 hey thanks for the reply

[@TonTon98.]

@@heinzhaupthaar5590 I have both of the washers in there, and I’m having the same problem Jared was having I can’t tighten the pivot anymore than it already is. And I’ve considered getting thicker washers. Might be the best solution. . .

[@robertfandel9442]

I like the Kershaw launch 7 auto. Locks good needs a taller button though.

[@mikeborrelli193]

Whats the name fo the CJRB Crossbar Sheeps foot blade you showed? You presented three of their knives and didnt mention what they were.

[@GorgioRosetti]

The new Dropbear models are nice, especially if you don't like shadowboxed liners.

[@jessecroskrey6311]

Where do you recommend getting the better omega springs?

[@michaelinsc9724]

Came here to ask the same. Lots of omega springs out there, so which are the ones to get?

[@MrCaissed]

Would you re-cut the drop bear from 15 to 17 degrees with 20 cv steel or will it chip?????

[@MuzzyAlasmar]

Hey Jerad how are you. I just wanted to tell you something since your the expert in this field haha. I have about 100 stones lol and angle guides and angle guided bench sharpener and al these fixed systems. It's been a year now and with all of these system I still cnt get my knife sharp :( what's the reason you reckon ?

[@NeevesKnives]

What knives are you sharpening brand and steel? What system do you have and what stones do you primarily use?

[@MuzzyAlasmar]

@NeevesKnives the knife I use is a 5 inch victorinox boning knife. I've got diamond stones from cheap to very expensive. I've got the lansky sharpening system also I have naniwa and shapton sharpening stone and I use the work sharp angle guided ceramic honing rod like the one uve got in your videos

[@MuzzyAlasmar]

@NeevesKnives also I have the work sharp bench sharpener with the diamond stones and ceramic

[@lerch400block]

Buying a kunwu padre this week and I was just thinking which one i should get 😂 thanks bro.

[@NeevesKnives]

Glad I could help! If possible Use my link in the description if you do end up grabbing it 👊 🙏

[@lando8913]

My iridium also has a small amount of side to side and up and down blade play. Its an ok knife, definitely better ones out there for the money.

[@jaskiniamestwa]

Actually looking for a first crossbar…this helps, thanks

[@NeevesKnives]

Glad I could help!

[@Ph0enext]

i wanted to love the Vault…picked it up the day it was released and it arrived with a nasty case of lock-stick. i wasn’t confident that it was going to work itself out so i returned it.

[@wayneanderson991]

Could you please supply a source for the Kizer Omega springs in both weights. I would be very interested in a heavy duty set for sure.

[@NeevesKnives]

You can buy omega springs on Amazon

[@wayneanderson991]

@@NeevesKnives I have found omega springs to purchase. I was in reference to the heavy duty springs you talked about. Where can I buy those? I can't seem to find any one else referencing to a heavy duty omega spring for sale.

[@NeevesKnives]

@wayneanderson991 it's based on gauge, just look for the smaller gauge number. Which is the thickness of the wire used to make the spring

[@clavididk1236]

I love my smocks button compression lock its great 👍 👌

[@mediicice5862]

Isn’t vanax a little more corrosion resistant than LC200N?

[@aaronh305]

I returned my X-padre for the light detent. Ended up with an S Tao I am loving!

[@MrCaissed]

I have the carbon fiber 20 cv steel version of the drop bear and I watch another channel that does destructive testing. So I tried a miguron mayoral with a liner lock and it failed tapping on my knee! How could I fix that? Thanks

[@shipwrek4388]

Drop bear really is the perfect edc knife

[@DampActionRC]

Any consolation to Kershaw, just received my dessert warrior Iridium, solid lock up out of the box.

[@parkewalton]

I thought Hogue would be lower because of what you’ve shown about the Hogue Mysto, but solid list. I have a Lander 2 which I believe utilizes the Kizer clutch lock. Love it. I still don’t own a bench made but the M4 Freek would probably be it.

[@orendz7740]

I know 2nd comment, looks like kizer puts a screw on both sides, show side and clip side, which would make it tons easier vs only show side pivot and that causing you having to take apart the whole knife. The Doug Ritter RSK is one of the toughest to put back together thanks to that lock bar.

[@Lt31337Luca]

Is there any real difference between the Drop Bear and the Assassin?

[@windowbreezes]

Put Kizer Omega Springs on the Kunwu. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@MrWednesday.23]

Had the springs on my bugout fail after about 6 months, but was able to buy cheap generic replacements on ebay. The springs on my vosteed racoon failed after a month. It came with spares, but I cant find any for sale, so its practically retired. Kizer drop bear has the smoothest action, came with spares and is still going after 12 months, so pretty easy win there. Heard good things about Hogue but havent tried them myself

[@donniebarajas8564]

Kizer.... Love it. No love for TRM crossbar lock?

[@orendz7740]

I think I saw someone else ask and I remember hearing you say on other videos say you get them on Amazon but I can’t remember which ones you get. You mind sharing? The omega springs are my main gripe. They just break and they’re definitely not the easiest knives to put back together.

[@repairmanlevi9656]

This might rub some the wrong way, but my Eafengrow Bear Fly is my best crossbar lock hands down.

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

I own the Escort Brulp Micarta and Drop Bear in the dark Micarta black steel I purchased early 2024

[@joiryde1328]

TRM has the best feeling crossbar lock.

[@timtitus2532]

Got a bunch of Benchmades. I have all of the ones you've shown here. Good knives, but I can't afford them anymore. Won't be adding any to my collection 😕

[@sethfg]

😂 I just looked at prices for the first time in years. 🤯 makes me look at my perfectly serviceable BM 531 differently. I Think it’s so old it doesn’t have a name. I’ll give it one the “Optout”.

[@suzukikawasaki5165]

Loved my SOG Termunus but it kept blowing up Omega springs. Would fix with replacing springs but the last time I couldn't get the somebitch back together. Tossed that shit in the trash but I'll get another....😅

[@jonesyxxiv]

What about the TRM shadow?

[@bornonthebattlefront4883]

The Kershaw crossbar lock, and the CJRB crossbar lock is my personal favorite The Belair and the Prado are just so consistent, and don’t give me finger fatigue I can flip them alllll day and it’s no biggie, and they don’t feel mushy Kizer comes 3rd IMO, only cause of preference But, WE is gonna launch their very first crossbar lock models in the coming months, so who knows Might have a new first place WE has some of the best, and I have no doubt they will do good with their cross bar locks

[@wesjackson71]

I had to use my warranty on my Raccoon I loved the CNC aluminum scales and the Nitro V steel. The Omega springs broke. They’re sending me a new one. But kind of disappointed for 72 bucks.

[@billvan5219]

Just the video I wanted to see 😊

[@TDONZA]

Wilkins Leafstorm 9

[@isthebeeflol]

Magnets in that django. Kizer does it best no questions. I've bought 2 vosteeds and both were extremely mushy.

[@sumanshaikh7227]

Kizer perfected the crossbar lock.

[@bigjim55able]

No Piratech Kraken?

[@mrmouse-ol9pw]

U said u wouldnt want ur edge belt sharpened. Excuse my ignorance but what is that? I wont send my bm in for sharpening because 1 have to pay for shipping, and 2 im out my knife for couple months. Like the idea of free sharpening just not how they implement it

[@Sway1177]

Only one I'd say avoid is SOG. My Terminus XR flipper came sharp and a spring broke in 6 months. The action even oiled always felt bad / grindy and just got worse once the spring broke.

[@Youniquedesign1892]

For me I gotta go with the hogue deka, drop bear second

[@just9911]

I really wish benchmade would use the axis lock setup that was on the Anthem. Having that coil spring would solve the issue of broken omega springs and it would be far easier to customize the detent strength as there’s a massive range of sources for tiny coil springs. The Narrows has an interesting setup, but that small spring and the way it mounts inside the lock are a pain in the ass. That’s partly why I think the Spyderco ball bearing lock gives you the benefits of a crossbar lock while being far more reliable and self-adjusting over time. It should also be more resistant to fouling, as you don’t have those tiny pockets between the liners and the scales for omega springs.

[@Aa-ron22]

Kizer baby!!

[@MattDunlapCO]

Do compression/top liner locks next!

[@MattDunlapCO]

Or button-operated, non-plunge locks.

[@kid5Media]

You can get the Deka in magnacut and g-10.

[@jasonshytle7690]

No

[@hereinmissoula11]

Kunwu …. 💯

[@AlmightyAnt300]

Best crossbar lock is one with a spring that won't ever break

[@Tunnelmath]

One deal breaker of a cross bar lock for me is when the activated lock bar gets in the way of the closing blade. The test for this is opening the cross bar fully while the blade is closed. The blade should not lift at all or only very slightly out of a closed position.

[@isildurelendurion1822]

Best Budget crossbar lock, Ozark Trail D2. 9.97$

[@billycarr7446]

I own a couple of these sort of knives. I am not much of a fan but I truly do not like the omega springs.

[@Edgekeeper747]

I’d take the QSP ripley over all of these

[@WallachGaming]

The Bel-Air is my favorite overall crossbar lock right now, but I definitely think its worth mentioning that their ball bearing design currently sucks. They use extremely thin bearings that are sandwiched between super thin stainless steel washers (so 2 washers on each side of the blade, 4 total). Those washers are quite a bit softer than the ceramic (or the blade/liners for that matter) and there is room for them to shift around slightly in the bearing cutout, so the ceramic balls will carve non-matching ruts into each one that eventually will make the action worse. That said, you can swap the whole setup out for Skiffs that don't need those pointless washers and fix the entire problem relatively easily (though it isn't the easiest crossbar lock to take apart). Once it has Skiffs swapped in, I think it's the best overall crossbar lock on the market for the price.

[@truetalon]

Hard to believe you didn’t even mention the OHLONE GOAT AXL which is made by Reate and the Tactile Maverick. Even Metal Complex has done a complete review on the GOAT AXL. Tactile have their act together with the Maverick too. Both of these run on bronze phosphor washers. I realize this is your top 5 - but it’s certainly lacking without these two.

[@franck-florian1776]

Kizer drop bear has the best crossbar lock action far away from others knives

[@cintage]

Hmmm… you have play in one Kershaw knife and you upgraded the spring of the other one and still Kershaw ends up on 5th place? I can understand Hogue in the Top5, but Benchmade? Their axis-lock has been overtaken by many other brands. It seems that the “Made in the USA” tag had a massive influence on your decision. That’s of course fine, it’s YOUR list, but such a bias might reduce the importance of this Top5 list for your international viewers who do not really care if a knife was made in the US or not. Don’t get me wrong, I love your videos and admire the huge versatility of knives you show. That’s amazing.

[@jkn2k]

Bang !!!

[@gregvanderlip7726]

BANG BG 😊

[@justified_edc]

I wish I liked crossbar locks. I’ve had plenty of great knives that I’ve sold simply because I don’t like the crossbar lock.

[@rsiraistlin2473]

im with you. I dont know why either but everyone raves about Kunwu crossbars but I dont like how they feel personally.

[@WesleyEvan87]

Just gonna stop you here. Hands down best crossbar locks are from Kizer, and Olight because Kizer makes their knives too.

[@just9911]

I haven’t had the opportunity to tear down an Olight knife yet, do their folders have the multiple mounting positions for the omega springs?

[@Belness08]

Also the knafs lander 2 and 3 are made by kizer and has the clutch lock. So good

[@krazy_roach1698]

Thanks bro bro

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

Correction Bill and Jason invented the access lock in the 90s and solar panel to Benchmade

[@blakegardiner4557]

I've found that the crossbar lock knives are the easiest for me to open and close due to to arthritis in my hands, especially my thumb my thumb. (just wait 40 years, and you will understand understand)

[@lencycler1]

Hey Jared - I feel like there aren't any reputable sources for replacement omega springs, so I'm afraid to fidget with my cross bar knives. Are you aware of any decent sources? Everything on ebay looks really sketchy.....

[@orendz7740]

Right on. It’s hard not to fidget with them and you’re definitely right, if you fidget they break. That’s why I’m not a huge fan. I love the strength of the lock and I do think it’s perfect except for the damn springs.

[@bigbluemsp]

Kizer will sell them

[@adityashinn3896]

@@orendz7740 I will say, I've fidgeted with multiple crossbar lock knives for hours (probably deployed them a few thousand times each), and I haven't had a problem. I'm not saying they never break, but I think its an overblown issue.

[@orendz7740]

@@adityashinn3896 man maybe it’s me but every time I fidget they end up breaking. Not right off the bat but they break within a few months. I try to pull both tabs down evenly too. The 2 that I haven’t broken is my griptillian which I’ve had for over 15yrs and my first Doug Ritter RSK

[@Biomass1]

My over 25 year old 720 Benchmade has been beat on for many years, still, and still has the original springs in it. Learn to make your own using music wire and save money and time. There are videos showing how.

[@staysharp525]

Kizer is atleast top 1or 2

[@doktorb3at]

The Wright brothers invented the airplane, but I wouldn't put their plane at number two.

[@mingkeatng8051]

Where is Ganzo??

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

I have a BIG problem with not just calling it an axis lock.

[@sethfg]

Why. I kinda agree. Just want your take. I’ve had an Axis lock knife since the Benchmade 530. 531 fixed problems with 530. 531 is still my EDC. When I came across the Axis lock I was like why isn’t this more popular? One hand operation. 0 maintenance beyond blowing the lint out.

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

They are extremely popular! Probably the most copied Locking System sense the frame lock came along. Axis locks only have one Achilles heel, the Omega spring as mentioned in the video. I've broken two, 1 Kershaw 1 Vostedteed and I've only had 1 Benchmade a Crooked River but never had a problem there, except a very wonky edge grind. Not that there haven't been broken Benchmade Omega Springs as well. That's the whole reason they redesigned the Omega spring to be flat in that really fancy, overly expensive, slim knife BM recently released.

[@sethfg]

@@TacticalBunnyCA I bought the BM 530 over ten years ago. Spring broke pretty quick. Bought one online and fixed it. It’s a little pita but not hard per say. Bought the 531 almost as long ago. It’s pretty slim. Never broken. So yes the Axis lock is popular now. But 10+ years ago it seemed kinda fresh. I’m not really a collector so I don’t follow to close. Do you know the first axis lock Knife? I guess I could look it up. But sometimes having conversations is fun.

[@nK-210]

Cjrb should take vosteed’s place on this list. I find their lock ups way more secure. Don’t spine whack a raccoon 😅