Our other sites:

What are the different types of pocket knife?

What are the different types of pocket knife?

Shop for Pocket Knives
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, There are three main types of pocket knife, which differ primarily in the way in which the blade is exposed for use, and enclosed when not in use. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the different types of pocket knives, if you want the best pocket knife to fit your needs then you might want to check out our guide.

Folding pocket knives

types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, Folding pocket knives are still based around the original pocket knife’s design, pre-dating even the Romans. In a folding pocket knife, the blade pivots around a pivot screw in the handle of the tool, allowing it to be folded for storage and unfolded for use.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, The blade of a folding pocket knife should slot neatly into the side of the handle when closed; the majority of modern pocket knives will also lock in either an open or closed position for safety.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, To open or ‘fold out’ the blade, there is typically a ‘flipper’, push button or simple locking mechanism which the user pushes to free the blade from its housing.

Retractable pocket knives

types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, Often referred to as ‘utility knives’, retractable pocket knives incorporate a more modern design, in which the blade is extended from inside the housing.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, When retracted, the blade is sheathed completely within the handle’s housing and locked into place.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, To extend the blade, this type of pocket knife typically incorporates a ‘slider’ – a button which is depressed and pushed forward to extend the blade, and depressed and pulled backward to retract the blade.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, Some newer models feature blades which retract automatically when contact with the cut surface is broken.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife,  Most modern retractable pocket knives feature quick change mechanisms to allow blades to be removed and replaced with maximum ease.

Fold and retract pocket knives

types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, Some pocket knives combine both folding and retracting mechanisms for added safety.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, This means that the pocket knife must be both opened and extended before the blade is exposed – reducing the risk of accidental exposure to the blade’s sharp edges.
types of pocket knife, pocket knife, folding knife, safety knife, folding pocket knife, retractable pocket knife, On some models, however, the blade extends automatically as it is opened.

Wonkee Donkee Tools
Logo