Types of Knives

There are several different types of knives and every knife has a specific use. Before buying a knife you should always use the proper knife for its intended purpose. Below is a list of the types of knives by form.

Hunting, Tactical, Fixed Blade Knives

• Slip-joint locks are the most traditional type and is most commonly on traditional pocket knives. It consists of a backspring that wedges itself into a notch on the tang on the back of the blade.
• Lockback is a type of folding knife that locks open and it is the simplest true locking knife. Locking folders provide much of the confidence of a fixed-blade while open, yet enable you to fold the blade for safety and carrying convenience.
• A linerlock is a folding knife that locks open by means of a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. This is the most common type of knife today, especially on so-called tactical folding knives. The main advantage is that is allows you to disengage the lock with one hand.
• A framelock operates like a liner lock, only the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. It is usually much more secure than a liner lock. When the blade opens, the frame lock moves into the handle opening and locks against the blade. Pushing to the left releases it from its locked position so you can close the blade.

Automatic Folding Knives: Easiest to open

Automatic pocket knives are the easiest to open and close with one hand. Automatic knives use the same method for locking a blade in place as a linerlock. To open, release the safety, and then push the blades release ridge. After the blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism completes the blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To disengage, place your thumb on the front part of the liner and pushing to the left, which releases the blade. A liner lock enables you to close the blade with one hand. Once closed you can engage the safety.