The invention consists of an infinitely variable seat reclining mechanism which is composed of a first arm attached to the seat cushion frame and a second arm attached to the seat back frame. A pivot pin rigidly secured to the second arm extends to at least one side thereof on an axis of rotation. The first arm is rotatably mounted on the pivot pin to be capable of relative rotation with respect to the second arm. A pair of locking pawls are rotatably mounted on the first arm. The locking pawls are capable of rotation toward and away from one another about separate pivot points and into contact with a circular friction surface on the second arm. The circular friction surface on the second arm has its center at the axis of rotation between the first and second arms. A spring is included for biasing the locking pawls toward one another. Each of the locking pawls has a substantially V-shaped groove on one end thereof which is capable of engaging the friction surface on the second arm. The friction surface also has a substantially V-shaped section with an included angle equal to the included angle of the grooves in the locking pawls. The interaction between the grooved surfaces on the locking pawls and on the second arm prevent relative rotation between the first and second arms. A lever arm is included for moving the locking pawls away from one another against the spring and out of engagement with the friction surface of the second arm thereby allowing relative rotation between the first and second arms.