Folding Hunting Knives: A Quick Overview
Folding hunting knives are among some of the more popular blades on the market today. They come in all makes, models and sizes as well as a wide variety of blade types. Sometimes called cutlery, hunting knives are sharp-edged instruments used for cutting as well as weapons. Most knives usually come in sizes of 12 inches or less with a handle to grip with and with one or two knife edges with which to cut.
Hunting knives are categorized as fixed blade, folding or pocketknives, and with the fixed blade, there's usually a sheaf provided for transporting. Typically, fixed blade knives are stronger due to the lack of moveable parts and the tang, which is the extension of the blade that goes into the handle.
Folding knives serve a multitude of purposes from camping to knives used for work purposes. Each folding knife style is unique, designed to perform a wide range of tasks. There is also a wide range of blade types to choose from based on what you want the knife to be used for.
On the other side of the coin, are the folding hunting knives that are considered more convenient due to the pivot in the handle, and the fact that it can be folded into the handle for easier transportation, safety and convenience.
They come typically equipped with a locking mechanism that aids the knife user in avoiding having the instrument close on the hand. While folding hunting knives are flexible, they aren't good for every task. However, they are flexible enough to be good options as an all around knife and are generally preferred over other hunting knives that serve a specific purpose.
Folding hunting knives like the Warthog Folder or the Magnum L.S.T. Jr. are great for sporting, hunting and military uses. The Gerber offers a synthetic, lightweight handle, finger grooves and tactile texturing for maximum grip and comes in a size that is easily manageable by any sporting enthusiast. They are popular with outdoorsmen.
Folding Hunting Knives Locking Mechanisms
There are several different locking mechanisms available on folding knives, with these three being the more popular:
- Slip Joint
- Lock Back
- Liner Lock
The Slip Joint locking mechanism is used mostly on pocketknife models and is not so much locked as it's held in place by a spring device so that if there is too much pressure applied to the knife, it will close.
The Lock Back mechanism is also referred to as a spine lock. It pivots and is connected to a spring that can only be disengaged by depressing the latch release on the handle.
The Liner Lock is spring type and fits in the handle groove, and snaps into place underneath the blade upon deployment.
In addition, folding hunting knives come with some other locking mechanisms including Frame Lock, Button Lock and Stud Lock.
While not all knives are made the same, most good folding hunting knives should have some of the following features:
- Blade and overall length that is manageable
- Made from a material that is rust resistant like stainless steel or AUS8A
- A good locking mechanism to avoid accidents like a Side Lock or Lock Back
Folding hunting knives are designed to be flexible, and depending on what you plan on using it for will go into what knife you wind up buying. While there is a diversity makes and models of knives on the market, knowing the variations as well as dealing with a reputable company will make all the difference in the world when you decide to purchase one.
Hunting knives are categorized as fixed blade, folding or pocketknives, and with the fixed blade, there's usually a sheaf provided for transporting. Typically, fixed blade knives are stronger due to the lack of moveable parts and the tang, which is the extension of the blade that goes into the handle.
Folding knives serve a multitude of purposes from camping to knives used for work purposes. Each folding knife style is unique, designed to perform a wide range of tasks. There is also a wide range of blade types to choose from based on what you want the knife to be used for.
On the other side of the coin, are the folding hunting knives that are considered more convenient due to the pivot in the handle, and the fact that it can be folded into the handle for easier transportation, safety and convenience.
They come typically equipped with a locking mechanism that aids the knife user in avoiding having the instrument close on the hand. While folding hunting knives are flexible, they aren't good for every task. However, they are flexible enough to be good options as an all around knife and are generally preferred over other hunting knives that serve a specific purpose.
Folding hunting knives like the Warthog Folder or the Magnum L.S.T. Jr. are great for sporting, hunting and military uses. The Gerber offers a synthetic, lightweight handle, finger grooves and tactile texturing for maximum grip and comes in a size that is easily manageable by any sporting enthusiast. They are popular with outdoorsmen.
Folding Hunting Knives Locking Mechanisms
There are several different locking mechanisms available on folding knives, with these three being the more popular:
- Slip Joint
- Lock Back
- Liner Lock
The Slip Joint locking mechanism is used mostly on pocketknife models and is not so much locked as it's held in place by a spring device so that if there is too much pressure applied to the knife, it will close.
The Lock Back mechanism is also referred to as a spine lock. It pivots and is connected to a spring that can only be disengaged by depressing the latch release on the handle.
The Liner Lock is spring type and fits in the handle groove, and snaps into place underneath the blade upon deployment.
In addition, folding hunting knives come with some other locking mechanisms including Frame Lock, Button Lock and Stud Lock.
While not all knives are made the same, most good folding hunting knives should have some of the following features:
- Blade and overall length that is manageable
- Made from a material that is rust resistant like stainless steel or AUS8A
- A good locking mechanism to avoid accidents like a Side Lock or Lock Back
Folding hunting knives are designed to be flexible, and depending on what you plan on using it for will go into what knife you wind up buying. While there is a diversity makes and models of knives on the market, knowing the variations as well as dealing with a reputable company will make all the difference in the world when you decide to purchase one.
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