TOP 5 Cross Bar Lock Knives & Best Companies Doing Them

THIS IS MY TOP 5 FAVORITE CROSS BAR LOCKING KNIVES AND MY TOP 5 FAVORITE COMPANIES DOING THE CROSS BAR LOCK THE BEST.
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[@ChaosEnigma1978]

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

[@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.

[@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)).

[@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”.

[@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 😕

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@windowbreezes]

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

[@joiryde1328]

TRM has the best feeling crossbar lock.

[@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.

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@GorgioRosetti]

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

[@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

[@paulschuckman6604]

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

[@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)

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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

[@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....😅

[@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.

[@TDONZA]

Wilkins Leafstorm 9

[@repairmanlevi9656]

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

[@imiszasz2442]

CMB. where is CMB? the predator is the best performing crossbar-lock variation with oversized, super powerful springs. this list seem incomplete without mentioning them. all other crossbar locks seem weak compared to them

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@DampActionRC]

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

[@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?

[@isthebeeflol]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mikereese15]

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

[@staysharp525]

Kizer is atleast top 1or 2

[@MrCaissed]

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

[@johnpearson3572]

Well, I have to apologize. I found it. I am so sorry. I’m gonna hang up on it. I found it.

[@NeevesKnives]

I sent you a link

[@johnpearson3572]

@@NeevesKnives

[@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.

[@Aa-ron22]

Kizer baby!!

[@doktorb3at]

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

[@isildurelendurion1822]

Best Budget crossbar lock, Ozark Trail D2. 9.97$

[@mediicice5862]

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

[@corymoore2292]

Let go of Benchmade dude, it’s embarrassing to see you defend them at this point.

[@jkn2k]

Bang !!!

[@billbru1034]

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

[@davecaraballo]

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

[@jocemarine6247]

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

[@ronin3635]

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

[@jessecroskrey6311]

Where do you recommend getting the better omega springs?

[@gway9226]

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

[@roberthowell7814]

Best crossbar lock is produced by Hogue

[@Edgekeeper747]

I’d take the QSP ripley over all of these

[@Obsidian-One]

I can't believe you put Benchmade on this list! My adamas if you look at it wrong it disengages and has absolutely no detent. My freek is almost the same. Benchmade is the reason I don't trust a crossbar lock!

[@jasonshytle7690]

If you spent all that money on a freek, you must like something about BM

[@sumanshaikh7227]

Kizer perfected the crossbar lock.

[@johnpearson3572]

You could’ve left the link for the Kamu knives can’t even spell it right I’m using talk. Text you kill me, man you just kill me.

[@NeevesKnives]

Sorry I got you i will give it to you KUNWU KNIVES kunwuknives.com/?aff=9

[@clavididk1236]

I love my smocks button compression lock its great 👍 👌

[@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 👊 🙏

[@jonesyxxiv]

What about the TRM shadow?

[@OHLeftyKnifeGuy]

So sad to see that the ozark grail didn't make the list. 🙃

[@jaskiniamestwa]

Actually looking for a first crossbar…this helps, thanks

[@NeevesKnives]

Glad I could help!

[@krefcenz]

You missed a lot of good companies that make excellent crossbar locks, including Gerber (Sedulo), Oknife (Rubato 4), Microtech (Amphibian, Stitch, MSI, yes the RAM lock is a crossbar lock), James Brand (Kline, Carter) and SRM. An interesting list. But I would’ve gone with top 10 over top five and focus more on the lock in general attributes to the knife and less on where it was Made In who invented it. Agree to disagree

[@NeevesKnives]

The Ramlock is modified which i said i wouldn't do, Gerber could never be in a top 5. I did consider most knives with cross bar i have hundreds of them

[@krefcenz]

You say, Gerber could never be in the top five. You’ve obviously never handled a Sedulo. One of the best crossbar locks I own made in the United States as if that mattered. You could argue that Kaiser is modified since it allows multiple springs settings So it’s not conventional either. I just think your logic and personal preferences are playing the big role here instead of giving a real review of non-modified cross bar locks. You can’t say Kizer’s clutch lock isn’t modified but microtech’s ram lock is. A modification is a modification. Kizer’s clutch lock is not conventional so I don’t see why it’s coming in is number one I respect your opinion Jarrod. I just don’t understand your logic. Agree to disagree.

[@richardburns3543]

My video lost sound

[@krazy_roach1698]

Thanks bro bro

[@davidf3974]

BANG

[@gregvanderlip7726]

BANG BG 😊

[@kid5Media]

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

[@jasonshytle7690]

No

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤

[@MattDunlapCO]

Do compression/top liner locks next!

[@MattDunlapCO]

Or button-operated, non-plunge locks.

[@clavididk1236]

Noice 🔥

[@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.

[@garrysexton3881]

Are u self taught, or did u go to a formal school or take classes?

[@NeevesKnives]

I grew up in Construction my entire life born n raised with tools and handle it kind of men, also self taught using KZbin videos for sharpening with a lot of trial and error I've carried knives my whole life so I've always attempted to sharpen