How to close a liner lock knife is one of the most commonly asked questions. It’s very simple, but you need to be careful not to pinch your fingers. Here’s how to do it: place your thumb on top of the liner lock (the bar running down the side of the blade) and push inward towards the handle with your other fingers. This will release the lock and allow you to fold the blade back into the handle. Be extra careful when closing knives with serrated edges, as they can be sharp!
What Is a Liner Lock Knife?
A liner lock knife is a pocket knife that features a mechanism that locks the blade in place when it’s open. This prevents the blade from accidentally closing while you’re using it. The liner lock is a thin bar that runs down the side of the blade, and it’s activated when you push it inward towards the handle with your thumb.
Pocket knives are extremely versatile tools, and they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Some are designed specifically for everyday use, while others are made for more specialized tasks. Liner lock knives are one of the most popular pocket knives, mainly because they’re so easy to use. They’re also very affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
How to Close a Liner Lock Knife Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Determine
If the blade is exposed and the liner lock is not engaged, your knife is considered open. If the blade is hidden away and the liner lock is engaged, your knife is considered closed.
Step 2: Find the Liner Lock
Now that you have the knife open find the liner lock. It will look like a small bar or tab sticking out from one side of the blade. This is what holds the blade in place when it is opened.
Step 3: Slide the Liner Lock
Once the blade is exposed and locked in place, you can slide the liner lock back into the knife’s handle. Use your thumb to apply pressure to the liner lock and push it back until it clicks into place. You can now safely release your grip on the knife.
Step 4: Re-Lock the Knife
Now that the liner lock is back in place, you can re-lock the knife by pushing down on the locking mechanism. This will ensure that the blade stays locked in place and doesn’t accidentally open while you’re carrying it.
Step 5: Test the Lock
Once you’ve found the sweet spot for your liner lock, give it a good test by opening and closing the knife a few times. If the lock is too loose, the blade will wobble and could close on your fingers. If the lock is too tight, it won’t be easy to open and close the knife. Try a few different positions for the liner until you find one that feels right.
Step 6: Check for Safety
After you have ensured that the blade is fully retracted, you should double-check to ensure that the knife is safe to handle. Liner lock knives are generally relatively safe, but it is still important to take a few precautions. For example, make sure your fingers are not in the way of the blade when closing it and keep the knife away from children.
That’s it! You have now learned how to close a liner lock knife safely. Be sure to practice these steps a few times to do them safely and confidently. If you want to know more about how to close a liner lock knife, keep reading.
Close Some Other Type of Pocketknife Lock:
Frame Lock
Frame locks are one of the most popular types of pocketknife locks. They are found on various knives, from tiny EDC knives to large hunting knives. To close a frame lock knife, you will need to use your thumb and index finger to pinch the blade shut. This is how you will hold the knife while closing it. Then, use your thumb to push on the frame lock button with your other hand. This will release the lock and allow you to close the knife.
Hawk Lock
The Hawk Lock is a liner lock knife with two small wings protruding from the blade. To close the knife, you must first retract the blade back into the handle. Then, grip the handle with your thumb on one side and your four fingers. Next, push down on the wings with your fingers while pulling the blade towards you with your thumb. This will cause the blade to pivot on the Hawk Lock and close. You can also use this technique to open the knife by reversing the process.
Inset Liner Lock
To close an inset liner lock knife, start by holding the blade with your thumb on one side of the handle and your index finger. Then, push the blade back into the handle until it locks into place. Finally, to release the lock, push on the tab or lever located on the side of the handle.
Mid-Lock
This lock style is found in knives that have a bolster-type guard situated halfway up the blade. To close the knife, you must pivot the blade until the tang (the piece of metal that extends down the length of the blade and into the handle) hits the end of the bolster, then apply pressure to close it.
Push-Button Lock
In order to close a push-button lock knife, you must first retract the blade. Once the blade is retracted, hold the knife firmly in your dominant hand and use your thumb to press the button on the side of the knife. This will release the lock and allow you to fold the blade back into the handle.
Slipjoint
The slip joint is one of the most common locking mechanisms found on knives. It uses a simple back-spring to hold the blade in the open or closed position. To close a slip joint knife, apply pressure to the back of the blade (near the pivot point) to release the spring tension and fold the blade closed.
Sub-Frame Lock
On knives with a sub-frame lock, such as the Spyderco Civilian, you will need to pinch the blade and slide it forward until it locks into place. There is usually a detent or other mechanism that unintentionally keeps the blade from closing.
Tip-Lock:
Push the little metal tab on the back of the blade down and forward with your thumb while pushing on the blade itself with your other fingers. This will release the lock and allow you to fold the blade back into the handle. Keep reading for more information about how to close a liner lock knife.
What Should You Check on A Pocket Knife Before Using It?
Pocket knives come in all shapes and sizes and with various features. But, one thing they all have in common is that they need to be checked for safety before use. So, here are the things you should check on your pocket knife:
- The blade: Make sure the blade is sharp and free of nicks. Dull blades are more dangerous than sharp ones because they are more likely to slip.
- The lock: Make sure the locking mechanism is secure and engaged. A loose or damaged lock can cause the blade to close unexpectedly, leading to serious injury.
- The handle: Ensure that the handle is not cracked or otherwise damaged. Damaged handles can cause the knife to slip out of your hand, leading to a nasty fall.
- The screws: Make sure the screws are tight and not loose. Loose screws can lead to the blade coming loose from the handle, resulting in injury.
By checking these things before using your pocket knife, you can help ensure that it is safe to use. Remember, safety comes first!
What Safety Precautions Should You Take With A Pocket Knife?
When you are using a pocket knife, there are certain safety precautions that you should always take. Here are some tips to help keep you safe:
- Always keep the blade pointed away from you and other people.
- When you are not using the knife, be sure to close the blade and store it in a safe place.
- Make sure you are familiar with proper opening and close the knife before using it.
- Never try to catch a falling knife – this can lead to serious injury.
Frequently Asked Question
Should You Clean a Pocket Knife After Each Use?
It’s generally a good idea to clean your pocket knife after each use. This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up on the blade, which can eventually lead to corrosion. Additionally, it’s important to keep the blade clean to continue to function properly.
Are Liner Lock Knives Safe?
Yes, liner lock knives are safe when used properly. However, like all knives, they should be handled with caution and care. Keep your fingers clear of the blade when closing the knife, and always be aware of your surroundings when using any knife.
Are Liner Lock Knives Legal in The Uk?
The legality of liner lock knives in the UK is a bit of a grey area. There is no definitive answer as to whether or not they are illegal, as the law does not specifically mention them. However, it is generally accepted that they are legal as long as they are used for lawful purposes.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to close a liner lock knife, it’s time to put your new skills into practice. Be sure always to keep your blade sharp and in good working condition; a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. Your liner lock knife will provide years of reliable service with proper care. Thanks for reading!
You May Also Read: How to Lock Up Kitchen Knives
