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How to Fold a Pocket Knife Harmlessly: All Types of Locks

How to Fold a Pocket Knife
Written by Marc Niad
Last Update: August 22, 2023

Pocket knife? The term seems very simple, right? You just carry it in your pocket and close it easily after using it. However, did you know many people do not know how to fold a pocket knife back?

The reason is there are many types of pocket knife locks and all of them opens and closes differently. Hence, people often get confused about how to open or close the pocket knife. So, today in this article, I am going to tell you how to fold a pocket knife easily and cautiously. Read it now!

Why Pocket Knives Have Different Locks

All pocket knives are small, well-protected, and foldable. However, their locks make them different from one another. Why different locks then? To keep the blades sharp and secure. The knife locks are made in a way that can protect the blades from getting damaged. So depending on the type of blade, the lock will vary.

Types of Pocket Knife Locks

As I mentioned, there are a variety of pocket knife locks that can be found in the market. And though pocket knives are easy to carry, their opening and closing system is completely different. The pocket knife locks are called slip joints, button locks, liner locks, compression locks, frame locks, back locks, crossbar locks, and Protek Malibu.

How to Fold a Pocket Knife Back

Now that we know about the types of pocket knife locks, let’s see how they are different. Let’s start with our traditional pocket knife.

Button Locks

Button Locks

Button locks were popularly used before modern ones came by. These pocket knives have buttons on the handle. The buttons are usually situated in the back or middle of the knife. To close it safely- push the button with your preferred hand and with another hand’s index and thumb finger hold the back of the knife and close it.

Slip Joints

Slip Joints

It is a classic Swiss army knife. The both positive and negative side of this knife is that it does not have any lock. You take it out with your hand and fold it back by putting the hands in the back of the knife. Cub Scout Knives are the same as slip joints, as they also do not have any locks. The leaf spring on the knife is holding the blade in its place.

So, if you are a person who likes knives without any locks, I recommend slip joints.

Note: This knife is not for hunting or cutting heavy things, however, you can use it for simple daily activities.

Liner Locks

Liner Locks

Liner locks are quite known among people. It is also very easy to fold. Turn it over and you will have a serrated place in the knife. Use your thumb and slide it to the side. It will unlock the knife and you will be able to fold it with your hands easily.

Frame Locks

Frame Locks

The system is quite similar to the lining lock. You push the serrated place with your thumb and support the knife and fold the knife safely.

Compression Locks

Compression Locks

For the Compression Locks, the good thing about this knife is that the tension bar is at the back. Hence, your hands will not get hurt in the folding process. You just push the tension bar at the back and the blade will automatically fold.

The Barlocks

The Barlocks

It is also quite a safe lock as your hands will not be in the area while the blade is being folded. The Tension bar is at the handle. So, you put your index finger and thumb on both sides and pull the bar down to a sufficient rate and swing it closed.

Back Locks

Keep in mind, it is a two-handed operation. The lock is in the spine of the handle. To fold it, you simply push the lock hard and with another hand, put the blade in its original place. It is a bit hard to fold hence, use two hands to fold it safely.

Protech Malibu

Protech Malibu

It is very popular nowadays as it is very lightweight, sharp, and easily foldable. You just click on the knife, it will open and close by itself. Just make sure your hand is at a safe distance.

Conclusion

What I love about pocket knives is that I can carry them easily at any place. Whether I go hiking or hunting or on a regular walk, I can carry them. However, do not use it for bad purposes. Use pocket knives for survival and need. Lastly, always sharpen the blade for getting the best experience. Though it is a small knife, upon sharpening, it can cut many hard things.

FAQ:

1. What type of blade is best for hunting?

Answer: Drop-point blades and Skinner blades. Both have curved bellies that help cut meat and food. It also has a very sharp and strong tip which is good for hunting.

2. How to fold a crossover knife?

Answer: It is very simple. The unlock button is at the back. And when you pull it, it releases the bar. Hence, you can fold it easily.

3. How to fold an axis Lock knife?

Answer: With your thumb, pull the button on the handle and with another hand put the knife in its original place safely. Do not let go of the button till you completely fold the knife.

About the author

Marc Niad

It’s been several years that Marc, a retired teacher and a proud dad, has silently been piling up mature bucks down the South. This humble hunter began his hunting journey at quite an early age and since then, he spent countless hours in the woods and learned good lessons in terms of woodsmanship. Along the way, he also made money sharing his skill with his followers and well-wishers.

The Ranger Expert is the brainchild of this veteran hunter who loves hunting the swamps and the hills around the Mississippi and Homochitto rivers. His most favorite hunting technique is taking his climbing gear and going to the top of pines with a 25.06 – the old-fashioned way!

He gets most of his games during late December through mid-January – his favorite hunting time. Marc strongly believes that hard work, passion, and a bit of luck can bring you success in the wild.

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