Folding Knife – Folding Pocket Knives

A folding knife is one of the two main categories of knives, the other being the fixed blade knife. Learn online about the innovative new folding knives and pocket knives available.

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The difference between a folding knife and a fixed blade knife is a folding knife's blade folds into the handle, while a fixed blade knife has a tang embedded into the handle.

A folding knife has many advantages over the fixed blade knife. It is usually smaller and lighter. Although fixed blade knives tend to be stronger, many designs of blade locking rival the strength of a fixed blade knife. Because they are so small, folding knives can be attached to almost any part of the body.

There are many opening mechanisms for folding knives. Probably the most familiar is the nail mark, also called the nail pull. This type of opening mechanism can be found on a traditional folding pocket knife or folding utility knife, like the Swiss Army Knife and the Leatherman, as well as classically designed knives, like the exquisite Case folding knife. The mechanism is opened by inserting a fingernail into a shallow mark in the knife blade and opening it on its hinge.

Another type of folding knife mechanism is the thumb lug, or thumb stud, opener. This has a raised knob on the blade so that the thumb can swing the blade open. This type of system allows for quick, one-handed knife opening. Other one-handed folding knives have ridges on the bottom of the blade that can be used to open the knife. Usually, a tactical folding knife or an outdoor folding knife will have one of these one-handed opening mechanisms.

One of the most unique designs for folding knives is the butterfly knife, also called a Balisong. Instead of folding into the handles, the butterfly knife's handles fold around the blades on hinges, and is locked into place by a hanging lever at the base of the handle. This makes for quick opening and for a blade that is almost as strong as a fixed knife. There are many tricks and techniques that butterfly knife enthusiasts can learn for opening their knives, but they take a lot of practice to do correctly.

Many knife designers and companies have great lines of folding knives. If you do not find the knives you want, however, many companies will take an order for a custom folding knife for a reasonable fee.

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