How To Open/Close A Liner Lock Knife With Assisted Opening Blade

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Proceed to checkout Continue shopping Home / How to Open/Close a Pocket Knife: Your Guide How to Open/Close a Pocket Knife: Your Guide

Understanding how to open and close a pocket knife is crucial for safety and effective use. This skill is important, especially if you own pocket knives that use a liner lock mechanism with assisted opening blades, which is common in modern pocket knives. Mastering the right techniques on how to open and close a folding knife allows you to use your knife confidently and safely.

How To Open/Close a Liner Lock Knife with Assisted Opening Blade

Some of our knives use a liner lock (shown with the red arrow in the photo below) to hold the blade open while the knife is being used to prevent the blade from closing on the user's hand. To close the blade, use your thumb to push the lock to the side. While the lock is being pushed to the side, the blade can be closed.

This short video shows how to properly open and close a liner lock knife with an assisted opening blade:

Understanding Liner Lock Mechanisms

What is a Liner Lock Knife?

A liner lock knife features a unique side-spring lock mechanism. This design helps keep the blade securely open during use, which prevents accidental closure and offers better control. The lock is located within the knife’s handle liners and can be disengaged with your thumb, allowing you to fold the blade back into the handle. Learning how this mechanism works is critical when learning how to close a pocket knife to avoid injuring yourself. 

How Assisted Opening Works

Assisted opening knives use spring mechanisms to open the blade once you initiate the action. Typically, flipping a thumb stud or pushing a tab triggers the blade, and the internal spring mechanism assists by pushing it open. These knives are valued for their quick and smooth deployment, making them a preferred choice for many users.

How to Close a Liner Lock Pocket Knife

Correctly closing a liner lock knife is crucial to avoid accidental cuts and injuries. Here’s how to close a pocket knife that has a liner lock safely and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Closing Instructions

• Hand Positioning: Hold the knife in your dominant hand with the blade edge facing up, towards you.
• Engage the Liner Lock: Place your thumb on the liner lock bar and push it to the side to disengage the lock.
• Start Folding the Blade: With the liner lock moved aside, gently begin folding the blade back into the handle with your index finger.
• Secure the Fold: Once the blade is partially folded, release the liner lock and continue folding the blade until it’s fully and securely closed.

Safety Tips When Closing a Pocket Knife

• Be Mindful of Fingers: Keep your fingers away from the path of the blade as you close it to prevent injury.
• Ensure Full Engagement: Always check that the liner lock has fully disengaged before folding the blade.
• Store Safely: After closing, ensure the blade is securely seated in the handle to prevent accidental opening.

How to Open an Assisted Opening Knife

Step-by-Step Opening Instructions

• Grip the Knife: Hold the knife comfortably in your dominant hand.
• Locate the Thumb Stud/Flipper: Find the thumb stud on the blade or the flipper tab near the handle.
• Deploy the Blade: Apply pressure to the thumb stud or push on the flipper tab. The assisted opening mechanism will engage, pushing the blade out quickly and smoothly.
• Secure the Blade: Ensure the blade is fully extended and that the liner lock engages, preventing the blade from closing unexpectedly.

Learn More at Palmetto Wood Shop

Mastering how to open a pocket knife or how to close a folding pocket knife with a liner lock mechanism is essential for both safety and functionality. Familiarizing yourself with the knife’s opening and closing mechanisms will help you gain confidence for various tasks. Prioritize safety by following instructions to prevent accidents, and regularly practice making these actions second nature. Want to learn more about pocket knives or shop for various quality options for everyday use? Explore our collection of engraved pocket knives at Palmetto Wood Shop.

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