Liner Lock Knives - A History of This Versatile Knife Style

When knives first began to appear as pocket knives, they were developed so that they could virtually 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 these knives, 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 had a button which, when pressed, would open and close. However, it did not lock. Walker changed the older style so that it would lock, which meant a safer sturdier blade.

The liner lock knives that can be found in hunting and fishing equipment stores today are commonly referred to as folding knives. When it is unfolded, it is held open by a leaf spring or lockbar system. The lockbar presses against the bottom of the blade and does not allow it to close until the lockbar is pressed. Then, it closes by itself. It will stay closed until the lockbar is pressed one more time.

This type of hunting knife is useful because it allows you to safely keep your knife closed when not in use, ensuring that no accident occurs. 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 that 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 sharp edge falling shut accidentally on unsuspecting fingers or constantly collapsing while you are trying to complete a task.

The liner lock knife also allows you to open and close the blade with one hand. This makes the entire unit much easier and 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.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in the Northwest.
Read about the importance of folding knife maintenance and sharpening at our retail website for tactical hunting knives and multi-purpose tools.

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