KNOW YOUR KNIFE
Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 5:11 pm
Know Your Knife
PROLOGUE
In the history of mankind the one outstanding invention of a tool for survival, sustenance and progress was undoubtedly the ‘KNIFE’.
Down the millennium till date the concept, design & craft of knife making, has undergone a sea change that perhaps, can only run parallel with the innovation, technology & skill associated with such creative arts like sculpting and painting.
From the choice of the metal, its treatment, design & workmanship of its blade, to fashioning its handle, contouring of the grip and last but not the least, the ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics, demand the rudiments of sense & sensibility.
Its small wonder, that it has adorned the shields and crests of kings & emperors & that of nobility since time immemorial. Its ownership has commanded regard & respect and the skills in its usage has often formed part of many a tale of bravery and folklore.
The passage of time has only enriched its value, even handed down as a hereditary item / heirloom for the future generations to cherish.
While experts & aficionados of blades enjoy the indulgence, many others who have foraged into this field are left a bit amazed with the terms & terminologies, blades are associated with.
To clear the cloud, detailed below is the outcome of some intensive research & dialogue I had with a few knowledgeable friends on blades. Here goes….
CLIP POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Clip Point
1. Very sharp and controllable point
2. Good for piercing
3. Plenty of cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
Disadvantages of the Clip Point
1. Point is narrow and weak
If you're looking for a great all-purpose blade, then you've come to the right place. a clip point blade is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The most recognizable knife that features a clip point is the Bowie knife, but it is also popular on many pocket knives and fixed blade knives.
The back (un-sharpened) edge of the knife runs straight from the handle and stops about halfway up the knife. Then, it turns and continues to the point of the knife. This "cut-out" area can be straight or curved, and is referred to as the "clip", which is how this shape got its name. Clip point knives look as if the part of the knife from the spine to the point has literally been clipped off.
The point that is created by this clip provides more control when using the knife. Because the tip is controllable, sharp and thinner at the spine, a clip point knife lends itself to quicker stabbing with less drag during insertion and faster withdrawal. In some cases, the back edge of the clip point is sharpened to make a second edge, which improves the function of the tip even more.
Clip point knives also feature a large "belly" area that is perfect for slicing.The only real disadvantage of the clip point blade is its relatively narrow tip. Because it is so sharp and narrow, it has a tendency to be weak and can break fairly easily.
DROP POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Drop Point
1. Strong point that is sharp and controllable
2. Plenty of cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
Disadvantages of the Drop Point
1. Point is not as sharp as a clip point
2. Less suitable for piercing
If you're looking for a great all-purpose knife that can stand up to anything a drop point is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The most recognizable knife that features a drop point is the hunting knife, although it is used on many other types of knives as well, including the larger blades in Swiss army knives.
The back (un-sharpened) edge of the knife runs straight from the handle to the tip of the knife in a slow curved manner, creating a lowered point. This lowered point provides more control and adds strength to the tip. While the tip on a drop point is not as sharp as the tip on a clip point, it is much stronger. Because of this tip strength and the ability to hold up to heavy use, drop point blades are popular on tactical and survival knives.
Because the point on a drop point blade is easily controllable, they are a popular choice on hunting knives. The lowered, controllable point makes it easier to avoid accidentally nicking internal organs and ruining the meat. Drop point knives feature a large "belly" area that is perfect for slicing.
The only real disadvantage of the drop point blade is its relatively broad tip, which makes it less suitable for piercing than the clip point. However, this broad tip provides point strength that is not found on clip point knives.
SPEAR POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Spear Point
1. Strong point
2. Sharp point (if double edged)
3. Very controllable
Disadvantages of the Spear Point
1. Small cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
A spear point blade is similar to the needle-point blade in that is good for piercing. However, its point is stronger and it contains a small "belly" that can be used for slicing.
A spear point is a symmetrically pointed blade with a point that is in line with the center line of the blade's long axis. Both edges of the knife rise and fall equally to create a point that lines up exactly with the equator of the blade. They can be single or double edged, although most forms of the spear point knife come with a double-edged design.
Spear point blades are often used on throwing knives.
In contrast to the needle-point blade which has a very sharp but weak point, a spear point knife has a strong point that is also sharp enough for piercing. However, a spear point blade is only good for piercing if both edges are sharpened. The lowered point is easily controllable and is useful for fine tip work.
Spear point blades contain a small belly which can be used for some cutting and slicing applications, however, the belly is relatively small when compared to drop point and clip point knives.
A spear point knife is a great choice for the knife enthusiast who is looking for a good balance between piercing and slicing ability. It combines the sharp point of a dagger with the strength of a drop point blade, while maintaining some of the "belly" that is used for slicing. Over-all, it is a great hybrid blade design that is extremely functional.
TANTO BLADES
The Tanto blade has a high point with a flat grind, leading to an extremely strong point. The front edge of the Tanto knife meets the back (unsharpened) edge at an angle, rather than a curve. The Tanto blade does not have a belly, which is sacrificed in exchange for a stronger tip, so it is not useful as a general utility knife. However, it's extremely strong point allows it to be used in tough situations where piercing hard materials is needed.
Advantages of the Tanto
1.Extremely strong point
2.Great for piercing hard materials
Disadvantages of the Tanto
1.No cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
2.Hard to control point
TYPES OF KNIFE BLADE MATERIALS
Every knife owner knows that the blade is what makes or breaks a knife. Before buying any type of knife, you should always know what material the blade is constructed of, as each type has its own advantages and drawbacks. Though each category often has numerous grades and variations, it's important to have a general knowledge about the blade materials. Below is a gist of the most common types of knife blade materials.
Stainless Steel Blades
The stainless steel blade is one of the most popular for knives because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is a metal alloy generally made out of at least 11% chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum and carbon. However, there are many different grades and compositions of stainless steel that vary with the properties used to make the material. While these blades are favored because of their resistance to rust, they do stain in certain environments and are not usually as sharp as other materials, like carbon or ceramic. The knives that commonly use stainless steel blades include kitchen cutlery, diving knives and pocket knives.
Carbon Steel Blades
Before the popularity of stainless steel, carbon steel was used for most blades. Carbon steel blades are among the sharpest blades available and are much easier to sharpen than stainless steel blades. The lack of chromium in the blades means that it is highly susceptible to rust and corrosion and requires careful cleaning after each use. Carbon steel also gets discolored easily, which is why it is rarely used for high-quality kitchen knives. However, its overall durability and sharpness make it a popular blade material for survival knives, hunting knives and pocket knives.
Titanium Blades
Titanium is a very strong material that's rust-resistant and easy to tell apart from other blade types because of its dark, silver coloring. Titanium blades tend to be softer compared to other types, so they're sometimes coated with other material. Their non-magnetic and durable properties make them popular with diving knives, pocket knives and even bomb-defusing knives.
Ceramic Blades
Ceramic blades are less common than the previous knife types and are mostly found in kitchen cutlery and pocket knives. The advantage of ceramic blades which is a non-metallic solid substrate that’s completely resistant to corrosion is an extremely hard blade and has the ability to maintain sharpness for long time periods. Ceramic is very brittle and vulnerable to cracks if dropped, and these blades can only be sharpened with specific tools.
TYPES OF KNIFE HANDLE
The handle is an equally important aspect of the knife because without it, the knife would lose its functionality. For anyone looking to buy a new knife, whether a chef or outdoorsman, the handle is a significant feature that should not be overlooked. Here is some information about common styles and types of knife handles.
Wood handle
Wood is one of the most popular knife handle materials for a variety of reasons. The top reason is most likely its comfort. Wood is known for being very soft and easy on the hands, which makes it ideal for knives that are used often, such as kitchen knives. Depending on the type of wood that's used, these handles can be very expensive and delicate. Wood also makes it extremely easy to carve artistic designs and create handles unlike any other types. Some of the common types of wood used for handles are rose wood, ebony and hard teak.
Wood does have a number of drawbacks that you should keep in mind when thinking about buying a knife with a wood handle. The biggest factor is its maintenance. Wood is difficult to clean and harder to maintain, as it can be damaged easily.
Micarta
Micarta is a manufactured synthetic material that is a composite of linen or paper. Micarta handles are known to be especially strong and durable and commonly used for heavy duty survival knives. These knives can withstand the extremes of heat and cold, and knife makers typically note its resistance to wear. Another advantage of Micarta handles is that they come in a range of colors, such as black, red, tan and other bright hues.
Metal Handle
Metal is a very popular choice for handles because of its durability and strength. There are two common types of metal typically used for knife handles: Titanium and Stainless steel. The benefit of stainless steel is that it's resistant to corrosion. Titanium is similarly corrosion-resistant and lightweight, but has a higher threshold to withstand tension.
Despite the strength of metal handles, they are seen as cold and uninviting, unlike the decoration and style of wood handles. Chefs also stay away from these types of handles because if they're near a flame for too long, they can become scorching hot.
Stag Handle
Stag handles are made out of naturally shed deer antlers, which makes these handles increasingly rarer and costlier. However, two of the major advantages of stag are that the rough texture makes a sturdy grip and the shape of the antler gives it natural curves.
POCKET KNIFE LOCK TYPES
Pocket knives rely on a variety of mechanisms to open and close. Some of the most common pocket knife locks are, Liner locks, Frame locks and Ring locks, Back lock & Mid lock.
Liner Lock
The liner lock is easily the most popular knife lock found in folding knives. It was invented in the early 80s’ by knife-maker Michael Walker and was quickly adopted by a number of mainstream knife makers.
The liner lock functions with one section of the liner angled inward toward the inside of the knife. From this position, the liner is only able to go back to its old position with manual force, thereby locking it in place.
The tail of the liner lock, which is closest to the blade, is cut to engage the bottom of the blade under the pivot. If the user wants to disengage the lock, they must manually move the liner to the side, away from the blade bottom. The liner lock was a great advancement in knife lock technology and assisted in the evolution of the tactical knife and one-handed knife.
Frame Lock
The main difference between a liner lock and a frame lock is that a frame lock uses the handle to form the frame and therefore the lock. The handle, which has two sides, is often cut from steel that is much thicker than the liner of most locks.
Just like the liner lock, the frame lock is situated with the liner inward and the tip engaging the bottom of the blade. The frame lock is released by applying pressure to the frame to move it away from the blade. When it is opened, the pressure on the lock forces it to snap across the blade, engaging at its furthest point.
Frame locks are known for their strength and thickness, but it is only with correct construction that they operate at full capacity. If the angle of the blade bottom is not matched correctly with the lock, the lock may not travel the correct distance, damaging its effectiveness.
Back Lock
The back lock is one of the oldest and most reliable locking mechanisms on the market; it even predates the liner lock. Due to its simplicity and affordability, the back lock is one of the most well-known knife locks and has many supporters.
The back lock functions with a locking arm, which sits along the handle spine and is molded with a hook that fits into a notch on the back of the blade, behind the pivot. This hook is dragged by tension from the back spring into the notch, therefore locking the knife with a snap. Because it is reliable and economical to construct, the back lock is one of the most common locks used in folding knives, such as the Buck 110.
Mid Lock
The mid lock is similar to a back lock, except the release mechanism is in the middle of the handle spine as opposed to near the butt end of the knife. This shortens the locking arm, producing more tension and lock strength.
Mid locks are famous because of their ability to withstand large amounts of pressure. In demonstrations mid lock knives have maintained their integrity under hundreds of pounds of pressure, impressing many knife owners with their immense feats of strength. This has increased in the purchase mid lock knives.
Ring Lock
A ring lock is closed when the user turns a metal ring wrapped around the pivot of the knife to a position where a break in the ring allows the blade to be opened. After the blade has been opened, the ring must be turned again, so that the space through which the blade was opened is blocked. This keeps the lock static in the open position.
The ring lock, which is also called the twist lock, first gained popularity in the 1950s, when the knife company OPINEL added it to their line. Most of the success of the ring lock can be attributed to its durability, easy use and low cost.
Lever Lock
A lever lock is locked by a post or pin in or near the pivot bolster, which can be inserted into a hole drilled in the base of the blade. With the pin through the blade hole, the blade is locked, either in the open or closed position. The lever lock is often used on automatic knives and is related to the plunge lock. It is also the lock that operates most switch blade knives, allowing the knife to pop out in dramatic fashion.
A slight variation on the lever lock is a locking system in which the blade is constructed with a post on its spine near the pivot. The back spring has a round top piece that has a hole drilled in it to match the post. When the blade opens, the post hits the hole in the back spring and a firm lockup occurs.
EPILOGUE
A man’s strength and wisdom is much like a fine blade, refined by fire, forged and ground to perfection by an expert craftsman. Finally when you have a perfect knife that never loses its edge, it bespeaks of a steadfast character that’s both trustworthy & dependable. It’s a silent companion, who obeys only your command....
So choose your blade wisely, use it carefully and look after it.
Briha
PROLOGUE
In the history of mankind the one outstanding invention of a tool for survival, sustenance and progress was undoubtedly the ‘KNIFE’.
Down the millennium till date the concept, design & craft of knife making, has undergone a sea change that perhaps, can only run parallel with the innovation, technology & skill associated with such creative arts like sculpting and painting.
From the choice of the metal, its treatment, design & workmanship of its blade, to fashioning its handle, contouring of the grip and last but not the least, the ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics, demand the rudiments of sense & sensibility.
Its small wonder, that it has adorned the shields and crests of kings & emperors & that of nobility since time immemorial. Its ownership has commanded regard & respect and the skills in its usage has often formed part of many a tale of bravery and folklore.
The passage of time has only enriched its value, even handed down as a hereditary item / heirloom for the future generations to cherish.
While experts & aficionados of blades enjoy the indulgence, many others who have foraged into this field are left a bit amazed with the terms & terminologies, blades are associated with.
To clear the cloud, detailed below is the outcome of some intensive research & dialogue I had with a few knowledgeable friends on blades. Here goes….
CLIP POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Clip Point
1. Very sharp and controllable point
2. Good for piercing
3. Plenty of cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
Disadvantages of the Clip Point
1. Point is narrow and weak
If you're looking for a great all-purpose blade, then you've come to the right place. a clip point blade is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The most recognizable knife that features a clip point is the Bowie knife, but it is also popular on many pocket knives and fixed blade knives.
The back (un-sharpened) edge of the knife runs straight from the handle and stops about halfway up the knife. Then, it turns and continues to the point of the knife. This "cut-out" area can be straight or curved, and is referred to as the "clip", which is how this shape got its name. Clip point knives look as if the part of the knife from the spine to the point has literally been clipped off.
The point that is created by this clip provides more control when using the knife. Because the tip is controllable, sharp and thinner at the spine, a clip point knife lends itself to quicker stabbing with less drag during insertion and faster withdrawal. In some cases, the back edge of the clip point is sharpened to make a second edge, which improves the function of the tip even more.
Clip point knives also feature a large "belly" area that is perfect for slicing.The only real disadvantage of the clip point blade is its relatively narrow tip. Because it is so sharp and narrow, it has a tendency to be weak and can break fairly easily.
DROP POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Drop Point
1. Strong point that is sharp and controllable
2. Plenty of cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
Disadvantages of the Drop Point
1. Point is not as sharp as a clip point
2. Less suitable for piercing
If you're looking for a great all-purpose knife that can stand up to anything a drop point is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The most recognizable knife that features a drop point is the hunting knife, although it is used on many other types of knives as well, including the larger blades in Swiss army knives.
The back (un-sharpened) edge of the knife runs straight from the handle to the tip of the knife in a slow curved manner, creating a lowered point. This lowered point provides more control and adds strength to the tip. While the tip on a drop point is not as sharp as the tip on a clip point, it is much stronger. Because of this tip strength and the ability to hold up to heavy use, drop point blades are popular on tactical and survival knives.
Because the point on a drop point blade is easily controllable, they are a popular choice on hunting knives. The lowered, controllable point makes it easier to avoid accidentally nicking internal organs and ruining the meat. Drop point knives feature a large "belly" area that is perfect for slicing.
The only real disadvantage of the drop point blade is its relatively broad tip, which makes it less suitable for piercing than the clip point. However, this broad tip provides point strength that is not found on clip point knives.
SPEAR POINT BLADES
Advantages of the Spear Point
1. Strong point
2. Sharp point (if double edged)
3. Very controllable
Disadvantages of the Spear Point
1. Small cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
A spear point blade is similar to the needle-point blade in that is good for piercing. However, its point is stronger and it contains a small "belly" that can be used for slicing.
A spear point is a symmetrically pointed blade with a point that is in line with the center line of the blade's long axis. Both edges of the knife rise and fall equally to create a point that lines up exactly with the equator of the blade. They can be single or double edged, although most forms of the spear point knife come with a double-edged design.
Spear point blades are often used on throwing knives.
In contrast to the needle-point blade which has a very sharp but weak point, a spear point knife has a strong point that is also sharp enough for piercing. However, a spear point blade is only good for piercing if both edges are sharpened. The lowered point is easily controllable and is useful for fine tip work.
Spear point blades contain a small belly which can be used for some cutting and slicing applications, however, the belly is relatively small when compared to drop point and clip point knives.
A spear point knife is a great choice for the knife enthusiast who is looking for a good balance between piercing and slicing ability. It combines the sharp point of a dagger with the strength of a drop point blade, while maintaining some of the "belly" that is used for slicing. Over-all, it is a great hybrid blade design that is extremely functional.
TANTO BLADES
The Tanto blade has a high point with a flat grind, leading to an extremely strong point. The front edge of the Tanto knife meets the back (unsharpened) edge at an angle, rather than a curve. The Tanto blade does not have a belly, which is sacrificed in exchange for a stronger tip, so it is not useful as a general utility knife. However, it's extremely strong point allows it to be used in tough situations where piercing hard materials is needed.
Advantages of the Tanto
1.Extremely strong point
2.Great for piercing hard materials
Disadvantages of the Tanto
1.No cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
2.Hard to control point
TYPES OF KNIFE BLADE MATERIALS
Every knife owner knows that the blade is what makes or breaks a knife. Before buying any type of knife, you should always know what material the blade is constructed of, as each type has its own advantages and drawbacks. Though each category often has numerous grades and variations, it's important to have a general knowledge about the blade materials. Below is a gist of the most common types of knife blade materials.
Stainless Steel Blades
The stainless steel blade is one of the most popular for knives because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is a metal alloy generally made out of at least 11% chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum and carbon. However, there are many different grades and compositions of stainless steel that vary with the properties used to make the material. While these blades are favored because of their resistance to rust, they do stain in certain environments and are not usually as sharp as other materials, like carbon or ceramic. The knives that commonly use stainless steel blades include kitchen cutlery, diving knives and pocket knives.
Carbon Steel Blades
Before the popularity of stainless steel, carbon steel was used for most blades. Carbon steel blades are among the sharpest blades available and are much easier to sharpen than stainless steel blades. The lack of chromium in the blades means that it is highly susceptible to rust and corrosion and requires careful cleaning after each use. Carbon steel also gets discolored easily, which is why it is rarely used for high-quality kitchen knives. However, its overall durability and sharpness make it a popular blade material for survival knives, hunting knives and pocket knives.
Titanium Blades
Titanium is a very strong material that's rust-resistant and easy to tell apart from other blade types because of its dark, silver coloring. Titanium blades tend to be softer compared to other types, so they're sometimes coated with other material. Their non-magnetic and durable properties make them popular with diving knives, pocket knives and even bomb-defusing knives.
Ceramic Blades
Ceramic blades are less common than the previous knife types and are mostly found in kitchen cutlery and pocket knives. The advantage of ceramic blades which is a non-metallic solid substrate that’s completely resistant to corrosion is an extremely hard blade and has the ability to maintain sharpness for long time periods. Ceramic is very brittle and vulnerable to cracks if dropped, and these blades can only be sharpened with specific tools.
TYPES OF KNIFE HANDLE
The handle is an equally important aspect of the knife because without it, the knife would lose its functionality. For anyone looking to buy a new knife, whether a chef or outdoorsman, the handle is a significant feature that should not be overlooked. Here is some information about common styles and types of knife handles.
Wood handle
Wood is one of the most popular knife handle materials for a variety of reasons. The top reason is most likely its comfort. Wood is known for being very soft and easy on the hands, which makes it ideal for knives that are used often, such as kitchen knives. Depending on the type of wood that's used, these handles can be very expensive and delicate. Wood also makes it extremely easy to carve artistic designs and create handles unlike any other types. Some of the common types of wood used for handles are rose wood, ebony and hard teak.
Wood does have a number of drawbacks that you should keep in mind when thinking about buying a knife with a wood handle. The biggest factor is its maintenance. Wood is difficult to clean and harder to maintain, as it can be damaged easily.
Micarta
Micarta is a manufactured synthetic material that is a composite of linen or paper. Micarta handles are known to be especially strong and durable and commonly used for heavy duty survival knives. These knives can withstand the extremes of heat and cold, and knife makers typically note its resistance to wear. Another advantage of Micarta handles is that they come in a range of colors, such as black, red, tan and other bright hues.
Metal Handle
Metal is a very popular choice for handles because of its durability and strength. There are two common types of metal typically used for knife handles: Titanium and Stainless steel. The benefit of stainless steel is that it's resistant to corrosion. Titanium is similarly corrosion-resistant and lightweight, but has a higher threshold to withstand tension.
Despite the strength of metal handles, they are seen as cold and uninviting, unlike the decoration and style of wood handles. Chefs also stay away from these types of handles because if they're near a flame for too long, they can become scorching hot.
Stag Handle
Stag handles are made out of naturally shed deer antlers, which makes these handles increasingly rarer and costlier. However, two of the major advantages of stag are that the rough texture makes a sturdy grip and the shape of the antler gives it natural curves.
POCKET KNIFE LOCK TYPES
Pocket knives rely on a variety of mechanisms to open and close. Some of the most common pocket knife locks are, Liner locks, Frame locks and Ring locks, Back lock & Mid lock.
Liner Lock
The liner lock is easily the most popular knife lock found in folding knives. It was invented in the early 80s’ by knife-maker Michael Walker and was quickly adopted by a number of mainstream knife makers.
The liner lock functions with one section of the liner angled inward toward the inside of the knife. From this position, the liner is only able to go back to its old position with manual force, thereby locking it in place.
The tail of the liner lock, which is closest to the blade, is cut to engage the bottom of the blade under the pivot. If the user wants to disengage the lock, they must manually move the liner to the side, away from the blade bottom. The liner lock was a great advancement in knife lock technology and assisted in the evolution of the tactical knife and one-handed knife.
Frame Lock
The main difference between a liner lock and a frame lock is that a frame lock uses the handle to form the frame and therefore the lock. The handle, which has two sides, is often cut from steel that is much thicker than the liner of most locks.
Just like the liner lock, the frame lock is situated with the liner inward and the tip engaging the bottom of the blade. The frame lock is released by applying pressure to the frame to move it away from the blade. When it is opened, the pressure on the lock forces it to snap across the blade, engaging at its furthest point.
Frame locks are known for their strength and thickness, but it is only with correct construction that they operate at full capacity. If the angle of the blade bottom is not matched correctly with the lock, the lock may not travel the correct distance, damaging its effectiveness.
Back Lock
The back lock is one of the oldest and most reliable locking mechanisms on the market; it even predates the liner lock. Due to its simplicity and affordability, the back lock is one of the most well-known knife locks and has many supporters.
The back lock functions with a locking arm, which sits along the handle spine and is molded with a hook that fits into a notch on the back of the blade, behind the pivot. This hook is dragged by tension from the back spring into the notch, therefore locking the knife with a snap. Because it is reliable and economical to construct, the back lock is one of the most common locks used in folding knives, such as the Buck 110.
Mid Lock
The mid lock is similar to a back lock, except the release mechanism is in the middle of the handle spine as opposed to near the butt end of the knife. This shortens the locking arm, producing more tension and lock strength.
Mid locks are famous because of their ability to withstand large amounts of pressure. In demonstrations mid lock knives have maintained their integrity under hundreds of pounds of pressure, impressing many knife owners with their immense feats of strength. This has increased in the purchase mid lock knives.
Ring Lock
A ring lock is closed when the user turns a metal ring wrapped around the pivot of the knife to a position where a break in the ring allows the blade to be opened. After the blade has been opened, the ring must be turned again, so that the space through which the blade was opened is blocked. This keeps the lock static in the open position.
The ring lock, which is also called the twist lock, first gained popularity in the 1950s, when the knife company OPINEL added it to their line. Most of the success of the ring lock can be attributed to its durability, easy use and low cost.
Lever Lock
A lever lock is locked by a post or pin in or near the pivot bolster, which can be inserted into a hole drilled in the base of the blade. With the pin through the blade hole, the blade is locked, either in the open or closed position. The lever lock is often used on automatic knives and is related to the plunge lock. It is also the lock that operates most switch blade knives, allowing the knife to pop out in dramatic fashion.
A slight variation on the lever lock is a locking system in which the blade is constructed with a post on its spine near the pivot. The back spring has a round top piece that has a hole drilled in it to match the post. When the blade opens, the post hits the hole in the back spring and a firm lockup occurs.
EPILOGUE
A man’s strength and wisdom is much like a fine blade, refined by fire, forged and ground to perfection by an expert craftsman. Finally when you have a perfect knife that never loses its edge, it bespeaks of a steadfast character that’s both trustworthy & dependable. It’s a silent companion, who obeys only your command....
So choose your blade wisely, use it carefully and look after it.
Briha
