Max Knives MK104 — 440C Folding Knife, Liner Lock, Assisted Opening

Overview

The MK104 is 90 mm closed and 154 mm open, with a 61 mm drop-point blade. The black anodized aluminium handle carries a belt clip. The lock is a liner lock: a steel leaf inside the handle springs behind the blade tang once open and holds it there. It is the most common mechanism on modern folders, because it works one-handed.

Assisted, not automatic — and it matters

Assisted opening is not automatic opening. On an automatic, a button releases a spring that does all the work. On an assisted knife you start the movement with your thumb and a spring only finishes the travel. In practice the opening stays under your control: your thumb starts the blade, the spring finishes the travel, and the liner lock takes over.

Technical details

440C drop-point blade, plain edge, 61 mm. Black anodized aluminium handle, 90 mm closed, 154 mm open, 39 mm wide, 18 mm thick. Liner lock. Assisted opening. Belt clip. Weight 127 g.

Care

A folder stays quick if you look after the pivot: compressed air and a drop of light oil twice a year keep the action crisp. Wipe the blade after wet use and close the knife on a dry blade.

Legal notice. Age-restricted item (18+). Carrying a knife in public without a legitimate reason is an offence in France and in most European countries, and double-edged blades are specifically restricted in several of them. Check the law that applies where the order is delivered before purchasing.