Bitcoin Knots Developer Implemented New Coin Lock Rule
The update forces a 45-day lock on newly mined coins, significantly increasing the previous 100-block threshold.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Bitcoin Knots developer Luke Dashjr has activated a new soft fork that locks newly mined coins for approximately 45 days. This update, which follows the network's departure from the main Bitcoin chain in August 2026, aims to penalize mining pool operators who process transactions without verification.
Why it matters
The change reflects an aggressive effort to reshape mining behavior by discouraging pools that operate without transaction checking. This policy adjustment marks a divergence from standard Bitcoin network protocols, potentially altering the incentive structure for participants on the Knots chain.
The new rule mandates a lock period of 45 days, replacing the previous standard of 100 blocks. Node runners are now required to execute an initial block download and perform a full resync of the chain, a process particularly resource-intensive for those using Raspberry Pi hardware.
The players
Luke Dashjr
A developer for Bitcoin Knots who maintains specialized node software and advocates for network protocol changes.
Bitcoin Knots
A derivative of the Bitcoin network that tests experimental protocol rules and mining configurations.
The details
The update implements a soft fork—a backward-compatible upgrade to blockchain rules—that specifically targets mining pool operators. By requiring a full resync, the protocol forces nodes to re-validate the chain history. The network previously pivoted its strategy on September 1, 2026, by adopting the BLAKE2b mining algorithm, a cryptographic hash function designed for high-speed performance.
Timeline
August 2026: The Bitcoin Knots fork separated from the main Bitcoin network.
September 1, 2026: The network transitioned to the BLAKE2b mining algorithm.
Week of September 23, 2026: Luke Dashjr officially activated the new soft fork.
The Tech Race
This development follows recent industry debates regarding the presence of arbitrary data, such as inscriptions, on the Bitcoin network as outlined in BIP-110. It represents a shift toward more restrictive protocol governance compared to the more open standards maintained by the primary Bitcoin network.
Users currently running node software on the Bitcoin Knots chain must undergo a full resync, which may be taxing for hardware with limited processing power like a Raspberry Pi. The change primarily impacts miners and node operators, while future miner participation remains contingent on upcoming plan components.
The takeaway
The move signals a hardening of rules for node operators on the Knots chain, specifically targeting mining pool behavior. Observers should track the release of the two remaining components of the development plan to see if mining pools return to or abandon the network.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolution of blockchain protocols in Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BeInCrypto.
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