Folding knives are also referred to as pocket knives, as their blade can be folded into the slot in the handle for safe transport. One of the best-known examples is the Swiss Army Knife, which – depending on the model – offers not only a blade but also a wide range of additional functions and tools.
General information on folding knives
Compared to knives with a fixed blade, folding knives have the advantage that the blade can be folded away, reducing them to a relatively small pack size that also allows safe transport, for example in a trouser pocket. However, compared to fixed-blade knives, folding knives are less robust due to the joint. Over time, with regular or particularly heavy use, folding knives can start to wobble or loosen, increasing the risk of injury. They should therefore primarily be used for tasks that require only a small amount of force.
A key feature of folding knives is that the blades are always ground on one side only. The handles or handle scales can be made from various materials such as wood, metal or plastic. Higher-end models may also incorporate ivory, precious metals or mother-of-pearl.
In the outdoor sector, rubberized grip scales are often used, as they still sit securely in the hand even when wet. Many pocketknives feature a finger groove to prevent the hand from accidentally slipping onto the blade. The shape and design of the handle also depend on the type of locking mechanism used.
Types of distinctions
by type of opening
Folding knives can be distinguished by how they are opened. If you need both hands to open the knife, it is a two-handed knife. One hand holds the handle firmly while the other pulls out or unfolds the blade. A typical example of such knives are the famous red Swiss Army knives. In contrast, one-handed knives can be opened using only one hand. This is usually done by pressing the thumb into a specially designed recess or hole.
by type of locking mechanism
The many different types of folding knives can be distinguished well by their locking mechanisms. One commonly found example is the rocker lock, in which the blade can be locked and unlocked via a long metal rocker running through the handle. To unlock it, there is an indentation at the rear end of the handle where the rocker is exposed so you can release the lock. Another common locking mechanism is the slotted ring lock, as typically used on Opinel knives. By turning the metal ring at the front end of the handle, the slot through which the blade is folded in and out is shifted, thereby locking the knife in place. In addition to these locking mechanisms, there are numerous others such as back and side spring locks as well as scale and pin locks.
Questions: folding knives
Are pocket knives legal in Germany?
In principle, folding knives are legal in Germany under the Weapons Act. There are, however, exceptions. One-handed knives with a locking blade are subject to a carrying ban if the blade length exceeds 12 cm. They may therefore only be transported in a locked container. Exceptions are only permitted if there is a legitimate interest (e.g. for professional use, sport or preservation of traditions).
All forms of push daggers and gravity knives are prohibited. Switchblades are banned if their blade length exceeds 8.5 centimeters. In addition, so-called butterfly knives (balisongs), which – like gravity knives – can be opened relatively quickly with a flicking motion, are prohibited.
What should you bear in mind when caring for folding knives?
In principle, folding knives should be cleaned after each use. If flash rust has formed on the blade or other metal parts, it can be removed with polish and a cloth. Regular cleaning of the locking mechanism and joint is particularly important. Soapy water can be used for this. Stubborn residues can be removed with a toothpick. Afterwards, it is advisable to coat the blade thinly with gun oil.
