A pocket knife is a type of utility knife which is foldable or retractable, allowing for safe storage in the pocket by preventing accidental contact between the blade’s sharp edge and clothing or skin.
The blade on a pocket knife fits inside the handle during use, and can either be flipped or folded open, or extended by a button release or sliding lock mechanism.
This type of knife is also known as a jack-knife – the origins of this name are not certain, but may be because of the pocket knife’s long association with sailors, colloquially known as ‘jack lads’.
The pocket knife is a very versatile tool which can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, and even to perform some emergency medical procedures.
