When knives first began to appear as pocket knives, they were developed so that they could fold in half and be able to ride in a secure, hidden location. When the knives were opened, it was usually done with a thumb or another finger, which meant that a person would have to use two hands in order to open up his knife. This is something that worked for many people but could also be dangerous in the long run.
This is part of why liner-lock knives were developed. With the liner-lock knife, it is possible to open and close the blade with only one hand in a safe manner. The knife was designed by Michael Walker, who took what was at one time called the electrician’s knife and made some adjustments to it. The electrician’s knife was a knife that had a button which you could press to open and close it. However, it did not lock. Knife maker Walker changed the older style so that it would lock, which meant a safer, sturdier blade.
The liner-lock knife that can be found in hunting and fishing equipment stores today is commonly referred to as a folding knife. When the knife is unfolded, it is held open by a leaf spring or lock-bar system. The lock-bar presses against the bottom of the blade and does not allow it to close until the lock-bar is pressed. Then, it closes by itself. It will stay closed until the lock-bar is pressed one more time.
The liner-lock knife is useful because it allows you to safely keep your knife closed when you do not want to be using it. It locks the blade closed so that it will not come open by accident. This mechanism creates a way to keep a knife in the house or in a tackle box without worrying about the safety of other people who may be digging in drawers or boxes to retrieve it. The liner-lock knife also works to lock the knife open so that you will not have to worry about the knife falling shut accidentally on unsuspecting fingers or constantly collapsing while you are trying to complete a task. The lock-bar on the liner-lock knife works in both ways.
The liner-lock knife also allows you to open and close the blade with one hand. This makes the entire knife much easier and more convenient to use. These blades are also made of strong materials, typically steel or titanium, to better withstand rigorous use and the constant movement of the internal mechanism. These materials can also withstand rust and tend to maintain their sharpness better than other metals. With this type of construction, it is reassuring to users that the knife will last.
Whether for outdoor use or for your home, having a solid folding knife at your disposal is important. If you do not have one, consider a liner-lock knife for its safety, ease of use, and durability.
