Folding Knives
Folding Knives
Folding knives are a popular choice for everyday carry, or EDC, due to their compact size and portability. These knives are designed with a blade that folds into the handle, allowing them to easily fit into a pocket or bag when not in use. Despite their small size, folding knives can be just as reliable and versatile as fixed blade knives, making them a useful tool for a wide range of tasks.
There are many different styles of folding knives on the market, each with their own unique features and design. Some common styles include pocket knives, tactical knives, and gentleman's knives. Pocket knives are the most basic type of folding knife, with a simple design and a single blade. Tactical knives are designed for self-defense and often have additional features such as serrated edges or glass breaker tips. Gentleman's knives are a more stylish option, with a sleek and refined design that is suitable for formal occasions.
When choosing a folding knife, it is important to consider the type of blade. Blades can be made from a variety of materials, including high carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic. High carbon steel blades are strong and hold an edge well, but they may rust if not properly maintained. Stainless steel blades are more resistant to rust and are easier to maintain, but they may not hold an edge as well as high carbon steel. Ceramic blades are extremely hard and sharp, but they can be brittle and are more prone to breaking.
The type of lock is another important factor to consider when selecting a folding knife. Locks help to keep the blade securely in place when the knife is in use, and prevent the blade from accidentally closing on your fingers. Some common types of locks include liner locks, frame locks, and lockbacks. Liner locks are the most common type of lock, and use a spring-loaded liner to lock the blade in place. Frame locks use a portion of the handle to lock the blade, while lockbacks use a spring-loaded lock that is released by pressing a button on the back of the knife.
In addition to the blade and lock, the handle material is also an important consideration when choosing a folding knife. Handles can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and synthetic materials like Micarta or G-10. The handle should be comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip, especially when using the knife for tasks that require a lot of force.
Overall, folding knives are a convenient and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. When choosing a folding knife, consider the type of blade, lock, and handle material that best suit your needs. With proper care and maintenance, a folding knife can last for many years and be a valuable asset for any EDC kit.
Types of locking mechanisms
Locking mechanisms are an important feature of folding knives, as they help to keep the blade securely in place when the knife is in use, and prevent the blade from accidentally closing on your fingers. There are several different types of locking mechanisms used in folding knives, each with their own unique design and benefits.
One common type of lock used in folding knives is the liner lock. Liner locks use a spring-loaded liner located within the handle of the knife to lock the blade in place. When the blade is opened, the liner is pressed against the blade, preventing it from closing. To release the lock, the user must press down on the liner with their thumb, allowing the blade to be safely closed. Liner locks are a popular choice due to their simplicity and reliability, and can be found on a wide variety of folding knives.
Another type of lock commonly used in folding knives is the frame lock. Frame locks use a portion of the handle, or frame, to lock the blade in place. When the blade is opened, the frame moves into place behind the blade, preventing it from closing. To release the lock, the user must push the frame back into its original position, allowing the blade to be safely closed. Frame locks are strong and secure, but they may require more force to release than other types of locks.
A third type of lock often found on folding knives is the lockback. Lockbacks use a spring-loaded lock that is released by pressing a button on the back of the knife. When the blade is opened, the lock snaps into place, securing the blade. To release the lock, the user must press the button, allowing the blade to be safely closed. Lockbacks are a reliable and simple design, and are often found on traditional pocket knives.
In addition to these three types of locks, there are also several other less common locking mechanisms used in folding knives. These include the axis lock, which uses a bar that moves behind the blade to lock it in place, and the slipjoint, which relies on tension in the blade to keep it in the open position.
Overall, the type of lock used in a folding knife is an important consideration, as it affects the security and reliability of the knife. By understanding the different types of locks available, you can choose a knife with a locking mechanism that best meets your needs and preferences.
Steel Types for Folding Knives
When it comes to choosing a folding knife, the type of steel used for the blade is an important factor to consider. The steel used in the blade determines the blade's strength, durability, and edge retention, as well as its resistance to corrosion. There are many different types of steel used in knife blades, each with its own unique properties and characteristics.
One of the best steels for folding knives is VG-10. VG-10 is a high carbon stainless steel that is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is also relatively easy to sharpen, making it a good choice for those who want a blade that is both durable and easy to maintain. VG-10 is commonly used in higher-end folding knives, and is a popular choice for those who want a high-quality blade that can withstand heavy use.
Another excellent steel for folding knives is CPM S30V. CPM S30V is a high-quality stainless steel that is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is also highly wear-resistant, making it a good choice for those who need a blade that can withstand heavy use. CPM S30V is a more expensive steel, but it is well worth the investment for those who want a folding knife with a top-performing blade.
A third excellent steel for folding knives is M390. M390 is a high-quality stainless steel that is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is also highly wear-resistant, making it a good choice for those who need a blade that can withstand heavy use. M390 is a relatively new steel, but it has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best steels available for folding knives.
In addition to these three steels, there are many other excellent options available for folding knife blades. Some other popular choices include CPM S35VN, CPM S90V, and Elmax. Ultimately, the best steel for a folding knife will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. By understanding the different types of steel available and their unique properties, you can choose a blade that is best suited for your needs.
Lockback v Framelock knives
Lockback knives and framelock knives are both types of folding knives that have a mechanism that locks the blade in place when it is opened. In general, lockback knives and framelock knives are both strong and reliable, and the choice between the two will depend on the specific design of the knife and the preferences of the user.
Lockback knives have a mechanism that locks the blade in place when it is opened. The mechanism consists of a small rocker bar that is attached to the back of the blade, and a spring-loaded latch that engages the rocker bar when the blade is opened. To release the blade, the user pushes down on the latch, which disengages the rocker bar and allows the blade to be closed. Lockback knives are known for their simplicity and reliability, and are a popular choice for everyday carry and outdoor use.
Framelock knives have a mechanism that locks the blade in place when it is opened. The mechanism consists of a portion of the handle frame that is shaped to fit around the tang of the blade, and a spring-loaded latch that engages the frame when the blade is opened. To release the blade, the user pushes down on the latch, which disengages the frame and allows the blade to be closed. Framelock knives are known for their sleek design and strong blade lock, and are a popular choice for tactical and emergency use.
Overall, lockback knives and framelock knives are both strong and reliable types of folding knives. The choice between the two will depend on the specific design of the knife and the preferences of the user. Some people may prefer lockback knives for their simplicity and reliability, while others may prefer framelock knives for their sleek design and strong blade lock.
