I don't think that's true at all. I just locked my laptop using ctrl + shift + power and was unable to unlock it using the app.
What am I missing that makes you think it's not the built-in locking mechanism?
Does Knock use its own proprietary lock screen?
No. Knock uses Apple's built-in OS X lock screen with our UI on top.
http://www.knocktounlock.com/faq/