Pocket knives are also known as folding knives and these are the most popular knives these days. These are sometimes known as the folders because the blades of these knives can be folded inside their handles.
The idea behind this knife is to provide the users with a knife that they can easily carry in their pockets and stay equipped with it. When required, they can take the knife out and use it the way they want.
There are three types of pocket knives and each of them has a different folding mechanism. Here are those knife types and folding mechanisms explained:
1. Traditional Pocket Knives
Traditional pocket knives are the knives that were made first. In simple words, these are the oldest pocket knives. They are also known as the manual folding knives. As the name suggests, these knives have a manual folding mechanism.
That means you need to manually fold the blade into the handle. In addition, you need to manually open the blade using your hands. Hence, you need to put some effort in order to open or close the blade. These types of knives feature a back lock that locks the blade into the handle.
2. Spring Assisted Knives
Also called assisted opening knives, spring assisted knives are the pocket knives known to be most durable and long lasting. In addition, these are the most commonly used knives these days. As the name tells you, these knives feature springs.
A spring is responsible for opening the blade. To deploy the blade, you need to open the blade manually to some extent. Once you partially open the blade, the spring works to open the blade completely. This is a type of semi-automatic operation. It also features a powerful safety lock to lock the blade into the handle.
3. Automatic Knives
Automatic knives are sometimes known as switchblade knives. These are the types of pocket knives with an automatic deployment method. There is a push button that is responsible for opening the blade.
As you push that button, the blade is opened at once. So, this is the automatic deployment mechanism that makes these knives automatic knives. There is a safety lock featured in these knives as well.