About Demko Knives’ Shark-Lock

Andrew Demko’s knives are made with high-end steels like 20CV, S35VN, and 3V, and are made according to a “Performance First” philosophy that stresses the utility of the knife above all else, prioritizing usability over aesthetics. 

Yet, as much quality as Demko Knives exhibit in terms of steel chemistry and temper, and as highly practical as some of the brands patterns and profiles are, one aspect of this brand that often eclipses the others is lock design. 

Demko Knives are known for their exceptionally strong and (in many instances) unique lock types, one of the strongest of which is known as the Shark-Lock, and which is featured in models such as the AD20.5 and Shark Cub. 

Strong, safe, and ambidextrous, the Shark-Lock is one of the most revolutionary designs out there. Here’s what you should know about it.

Strong, Secure, Reliable, Fidget-Friendly, and More 

The Shark-Lock of select Demko Knives is what is known as a spine-actuated lock, which in this case means that it engages along the upper/top portion of the knife (the spine) as opposed to underneath the blade, as is the case with, for instance, a liner lock or a frame lock. 

The most noticeable feature of the Shark-Lock is a small ramp situated at the top of the lock near the base of the knife spine, which protrudes upward slightly, not entirely unlike the dorsal fin of a shark. It is from this feature that the Shark-Lock takes its name. 

If you pull down on this fin-like protrusion, you can disengage the lock and fold the knife. So let’s take a closer look at how it works. 

In this case, the Shark-Lock is a sliding mechanism that sits in line with the knife spine, between the scales of the knife. When the knife is opened, the lock itself rests above the tang of the knife, and together with a stop pin and forward drive spring, locks the knife open and in place. 

To disengage the lock, the fin is slid rearward and upward, removing the lock bar from the spine of the knife, which enables the blade to swing freely. Once the fin is released, the coiled drive spring sets the lock bar back into place. 

One cool and unique feature of the Shark-Lock is that it is a self-adjusting mechanism. Many knife locks, such as line locks and frame locks, can loosen over time as a result of play in tolerances as the knife, the lock, or its interfacing components, wear or loosen. When this play increases, the lockup not only becomes less secure but less reliable and can constitute a risk to safety. 

The Shark-Lock suffers from no such deficiency, because the lock bar self adjusts, keeping consistent pressure on the mated surfaces, even if play does develop between them. 

Also, the Shark-Lock needs no detent mechanism to keep the blade in a closed position because the lock itself features a direct interplay between the tang and lock bar, even when the knife is closed, which prevents accidental deployment.

Why the Shark-Lock Is Great 

There are many things that an average, even an above-average user, would love about the Shark-Lock. Here are the best of them: 

• The Shark-Lock is one of the strongest folding knife locks in the industry, and very few locks are stronger. Andrew Demko himself tested the strength of the lock in the AD20.5, and it didn’t break until it was subjected to an insane 875 inch-pounds of torque before the lock failed. 
• Because the Shark Lock is strong, and because it requires an intentional action from the top of the knife to disengage it, it effectively cannot accidentally disengage during use. Unlike some other lock types, you can also keep your fingers out of the path of the blade when closing. 
• The Shark-Lock is ambidextrous and fidget-friendly, because of its design. 
• With practice, a user can also learn to disengage a knife with a Shark-Lock and close it with one hand. 

At the end of the day, it’s nearly impossible to understate the strength, safety, and user-friendliness of the Shark-Lock featured on some Demko Knives.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

While these would not realistically be considered material shortcomings, there are two things to consider with a Shark-Lock. 

One is that some users consider the fin at the top of the knife handle something less than ergonomic because it can get in the way of the grip. 

The other is that if the knife blade is only partially opened and released, the tension from the drive spring can cause the blade to snap closed, so be aware of that. 

Shop Demko Knives Here 

Want to learn more about the Shark-Lock featured on some Demko Knives, or just to see our full collection? Check out that previous link or get in touch with us directly and we will be more than happy to fill you in on the details. 

Otherwise shop our collection and pick up a new knife with a cutting-edge lock to upgrade your EDC loadout today.