Knife Types/Selection

Parts




I. Fixed Blade Knives
A fixed blade is a knife in which the blade does not fold or slide. Fixed blades are typically stronger due to the tang (the portion of the blade which extends into the handle). 




II. Folding Blade Knives
A folding knife is a knife that connects the blade to the handle through a pivot, which allows the blade to fold into the handle. Many folding knives have a locking mechanism to prevent injury by the blade accidently closing on the users hand. Some of these include:

1) Slip joint – Found most commonly on traditional pocket knives, the opened blade does not lock, but is held in place by a spring device that allows the blade to fold if a certain amount of pressure is applied. A good example of a popular slip joint knife is the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. 

Anatomy and Operation of a Slipjoint Folder

2) Lockback – Also known as the spine lock, the lockback includes a pivoted latch affixed to a spring, and can be disengaged only by pressing the latch down to release the blade.

How a Lockback Folding Knife Works

3) Linerlock - a Linerlock is a folding knife with a side-spring lock that can be opened and closed with one hand without repositioning the knife in the hand. The lock is self-adjusting for wear.

How Liner Locks Work: Beginner Knife Knowledge

4) Compression Lock - A variant of the liner lock, it uses a spring lock which wedges into an impression in the blade when opened. Spyderco had a patent on the compression lock which expired in 2021, so it's likely other companies will soon produce their own models. 

How A Spyderco Compression Lock Works

III. Sliding Blade Knives
A sliding knife is a knife that can be opened by sliding the knife blade out the front of the handle. One method of opening is where the blade exits out the front of the handle point-first and then is locked into place (an example of this is the gravity knife). Another form is an OTF (out-the-front) switchblade, which only requires the push of a button or spring to cause the blade to slide out of the handle and lock into place.

Knife: Wikipedia

Bladehq: Knife Lock Types Guide

https://www.ukpreppersguide.co.uk/lock-knife-locking-knives-for-survival-and-prepping/

https://thetacticalknives.com/locking-mechanisms/

https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Knife-Lock-Types-Guide--3511

https://hiconsumption.com/complete-guide-to-knife-locking-systems/#:~:text=Liner%20Lock,used%20in%20everyday%20carry%20knives.

https://knifebasics.com/spyderco-compression-lock-detailed-review/

https://everydaycarry.com/edc-knife-locks-guide