The best way to introduce folding knives is to clarify what they are not. They are not a replacement for a fixed blade knife. They are not an ax. They are not potato peelers. They are not made of any one type of metal. They are very likely the best purchase you have ever made for your everyday needs, regardless of what you believe is common, most affordable, or easiest to use. A foldable blade may not be able to handle tough jobs like chopping through a thick branch, but for light-duty tasks and everyday carry, it can be just perfect.

If you’re a solo adventurer a knife is an absolute essential item. Even if you don’t plan to use it for hunting or self-defense, a blade can be used for all kinds of survival tasks, from cutting twine and cord to making snares and carving tent pegs. However, as most knives are rather large and heavy they can be impractical to carry on your person. That’s where the folding knife comes in.

Folding knife is essentially a pocket knife that has been designed with serrated blades on the front and rear sides of the blade― they fold back on themselves to form an ax-like shape when closed and the entire knife becomes smaller than 3 inches in length. The folding knife is the most versatile, customizable, and affordable of all pocket knives

It Is Not Easy To Choose A Folding Knife

There are many types of folding knives that can fit into people belonging to different professions. Military men, law enforcement officials, hunters, campers, hikers, sportsmen and even bird watchers can all benefit from these useful tools.

The two most common types are slip joint and lock back or locking folder. They largely differ in blade shapes and locking mechanism on the back side of the knife.

1. Slip Joint 

Great for tasks where you need less cutting power or where you need the knife to be small and lightweight. It is no substitute for a fixed blade knife, but it comes in handy when you want something small and lightweight.

2. Locking Mechanism 

Many folding knives come with a locking blade. There are various lock mechanisms available, including liner locks, frame locks and the more complex slip joint mechanism. A locking blade is usually safer to use for activities where a whole hand can be used to grip the handle, such as when cutting large items, which prevents accidentally cutting oneself with the sharp part of the blade. Heavy-duty, thicker blades cut through the toughest of materials without being too unwieldy and heavy to work with. Ideal for anyone who needs to use a knife that can take a beating and not be broken or bent out of shape. These knives have a locking mechanism that keeps the blade secure when it is open.

Folding Knives-A Wide Range Of Applications

  • A folding knife is a type of pocketknife where the blade is stored in the handle which folds into the closed position, instead of being stored in a sheath. A person who crafts or uses these knives is called a “folder.” The blades inside these knives are typically locking blades (i.e., they lock when you deploy them with one hand). The blade locks into position with one hand, via gravity or an integral locking mechanism. The handle folds into the open position so that the blade is accessible. When closed, the knife may be inserted in pants or jacket pocket, or in a shirt or vest pocket, and so can be carried anywhere.
  • The Pocket knife is a handy tool to have around for any number of purposes. Whether you want to cut some rope, throw some darts, or just have a durable blade by your side at all times, you’ll be happy with one of these stylish knives. Some folding knives even double as machetes! People love their new found functionality so much that they are increasingly being used on hikes and camping trips.
  • It is used for all kinds of cutting and slicing chores, from opening boxes to slicing bread to cutting rope for traps. It is also used as an emergency weapon for self-defense or for hunting, fishing, camping or other tasks that demand a pocket knife. The knife is also handy for field dressings on games. If you are on a camping or hiking trip, you might need to use your pocket knife for any number of purposes. For example, if you are building a fire, then the folding knife can come in handy for cutting logs to use as firewood.
  • Folding knives are compact, lightweight, inexpensive to make and carry, easy to open with one hand (with some practice), and easy to carry in the pocket. They generally have one very sharp edge (a cutting blade) with a wide flat grind (an edge with many curved outer surfaces). A pocket knife can also have a blade that locks into place, allowing it to function as a fixed-blade knife.

As many people know, there are many situations in which you might want to use a folding knife. I personally find them handy when on camping trips because I can throw them in my pocket and take them with me on hikes.