KNIFE TYPES
Fixed Blade Knives
A fixed-blade knife will never surprise you in
use because it is a solid piece of steel anchored to the handle. For those who
want a blade they really trust for tough jobs, such as field dressing and tough
camping tasks, a fixed blade is the answer. Fixed blades are durable
and hold up to the elements well because of their straight, simple construction
without folding mechanisms. In fixed blade knives, the blade is one piece of
metal that runs the length of the knife. When the blade reaches the beginning of
the handle, it can either taper into a rat-tail that is surrounded by the handle
or not taper and continue as a tang that is covered on either side by handle
"slabs." The Bowie knife is a very popular type of a fixed blade knife. (Click HERE to view our selection of fixed blade knives.)
Folding Knives
Folding knives are generally not quite as durable
as fixed blade knives, but provide safety and the carrying convenience of
compact size. Folding blade knives come in a variety of configurations, some of
which lock into place. Locking folders allow much of the same
confidence of a fixed-blade while letting you close the blade into the handle
for safety. The blade(s) on a folding knife pivots on one or both ends of the
knife depending on the design. Different locking mechanisms are favored by
various individuals for reasons such as perceived strength (lock safety),
legality, and ease of use.
Click HERE to see our selection of folding blade knives.
Butterfly Knives (Balisong Knife)
Butterfly knives are quite unique and require a
separate description. Butterfly knives are considered a type of folding knife
but open and close very differently than the common folding knife. It is usually
larger than ordinary locking-blade knives but rarely more than a few inches
long, constructed of two pivoting, hollow handles attached to a solid blade when
not in use, the handles fold back over the blade, which is stored within the
handle cavities; when in use, handles latch together opposite the blade. Like
switchblades, butterfly knives can be used
for any task performed by an ordinary locking-blade knife but are better known
for their intimidation value when used for personal protection. (Butterfly
knives are illegal to own in a few states so if you are considering purchasing
one, make sure that it is legal to own where you reside.)
