How to Close a Pocket Knife? Pocket knives are a popular outdoor tool. A versatile knife that can be used almost every day, whether camping or at work. Taking care of your pocket knife is just as important as knowing how to use it effectively. Part of that care is being an expert in closing it. Learning how to clip a pocket knife correctly and securely will help maintain its quality and make it last longer.
Regardless of the type of pocket knife, it is important that when the pocket knife blade is open, the pocket knife blade is closed tightly to prevent it from slipping out. And that’s what the pocket knife’s locking system is all about. It is to ensure optimum and safe use of the knife. These locking systems vary greatly by model. Front pumps, rear pumps, flat springs, or rotary clamps – there are many ways to close the folding knives.
Lockback
The Lockback is the oldest locking mechanism in pocket knife history. One. This locking mechanism is provided by a barbed locking lever on the back of the handle. When the pocket knife is opened, the metal spine engages notches in the backbone of the blade, preventing it from moving backward.
A lock-back mechanism holds the lever with a leaf spring inside the handle. Push the back of the lever to unlock. The latter is accessed through a small cutout in the fairing behind the steering wheel. The Lockback knife lever presses against the occipital cam surface in the closed part. Prevents accidental opening the advantage of this lock is the ease of handling this type of knife. Either right or left hand. Other benefits include simplicity of construction and reliability in holding the pocket knife blade in the closed position.
LINERLOCK
LINER LOCK Pocket knife liner lock construction is today’s most commonly used locking mechanism. A spring-loaded wing allows the liner lock knife to be locked. The wings are an integral part of one of the steel side plates (liners) or titanium skeletons of the handle. After opening the pocket blade, the liner bends diagonally toward the inside of the handle. It wraps around the sloping part of the back of the head and prevents backward movement.
Unlocking is done by bending the locking wings outward. It is most convenient to press with your thumb. In the closed position, it is pressed against the pawl that has been drilled behind the blade of the pocket knife. It will prevent the blade from opening automatically. The main advantages of the Linerlock is a simple construction and intuitive operation. However, the liner lock mechanism is a bit awkward for left-handers.
Framelock
The Framelock is a very strong and stable closure based on the liner lock principle of the Framelock knife. The main difference from Framelock is in the side plates of the grip frame. They are very thick, so no additional panels are needed. It makes rocking his wings thicker and stiffer. In addition, these frame lock pocket knives are less susceptible to dynamic loads. This lock is also stain-resistant. In addition, there is no space for collecting dirt between the closing wing and the pad. This lock is often made of titanium, steel, and sometimes aluminum.
Compression Latch
The compression latch closes like a liner or frame lock pocket knife. The difference is that there is a notch at the base of the edge and a locking pin inside the handle. This type of lock uses a liner to input the handle. The liner’s role is to open and close the blade. It’s a piece of metal that you push to the side of the handle to handle.
To close the knife securely:
- Hold it with your dominant hand, especially the thumb of your dominant hand.
- Make sure the blade faces outward, and the recessed grip faces up.
- Start closing the edge very gently with your other hand.
- Release your thumb when the blade is 1/4 closed.
The liner automatically fits exactly into the notch at the base of the blade when the knife is in the open or closed position. The handle also has a locking pin that the liner fits in between.
Button Lock
The Button Lock is a popular locking system. Most commonly used in switchblades and quick-action knives. These features are very attractive but also a rather dangerous type of knife. Especially if not treated with care. Pressing the release button may activate the blade and cause an accidental injury.
To close this knife securely, you must hold it with your dominant hand and thumb. The notorious release button should be on the top of the grip. The blade should face outwards. And from there, it’s the same process as the compression lock guy. Release the button when the knife is closed to about 1/4 of its length. Continue closing until the blade clicks into the recessed grip.
Axle Lock
The Axle Lock allows pocket knives with axle locks to be closed by the solid axle. Move horizontally through a notch in the steel side plate of the grip frame. When the knife is open, the locking axis overlaps the back of the blade from above. It will prevent the edge from backing out. Attached to this axle is a U-shaped tension wire called an omega spring.
Pull back the lock pin to unlock. Its end is accessible through a panel cutout on the side of the handle. In the locked position, the axle pushes against the cam surface behind the head, thus preventing it from opening itself. It is lightweight and easy to use with either right or left hand. Its weak point is the relatively fragile Omega spring.
Ringlock
The Ringlock comes in several variations and is quite versatile. The most common have a single lock piece. It is located along the spine of the handle. It connects to a ring that pulls or turns and holds the locking amount securely. This type of lock looks like a gear with sharp teeth. Also, depending on the number of teeth, you can lock the blade at different angles. The famous gear-like part is at the blade pivot.
This type of lock closes the slowest of all the models in this manual. To do this safely, you must slide your finger inside the ring and pull it out. At the same time, press it with the blade’s blunt side. Move, he has two purposes. First, release the knife and get your hand out of the way. One thing to avoid is wrapping your fingers around the handle.
Camlock
The Camlock is one of the rarest types of locks. It is typically used with assisted opening knives. The fact that it is not so common does not prevent many qualities such as speed and security. One does not exclude the other.
The knife neck has a level and a recess in the handle. To unlock the blade, the lever must push down. Also, to take out the supported edges, you must press the level when it flips. To close them, push down on the layer and open it again. Then, put the blade back into the handle. You can also do this with your fingers if you have experience.
Triad Lock
The triad lock has a space behind the knife. Therefore, opening the blade acts as a release to release the edge from its compressed position. Finally, it is enough to close the knife. This lock is also equipped with a hammer cutout. It is located on the back of the blade pivot next to the additional locking pin. And that’s the key: eliminate vertical blade play.
The entire surface of the metal plate and the tongue of the blade match perfectly. However, the locking mechanism is slightly slanted. As a result, it tends to force locks inward rather than outward. This movement frees the locking bar from impact and helps protect the knife from wear.
Powerlock
The Powerlock is a variant of the Lockback. Originally intended to improve locking power for 5-inch blades. This lock looks simple and ordinary, but look inside to discover its amazing power. The secret of this locking function and its strength lies in the secondary cam. When the blade is opened, the tang hits the locking pin.
It is very solid. It is located on the handle, and its main task is to stop the rotation. The blade has a locking bar in the middle of the handle that engages the tang in conjunction with the counter-rotating cam. This model also includes a spring-loaded lever. It is located on the back side of the knife handle. Responsible for the rotation of the cam around its pivot point. It allows the fingers at the base of the cam to slide against the top concave surface of the peg to avoid sharp edges. Each of these elements ensures that the pocket of her knife is closed.
