Best Jackknife

In contrast to knives with a fixed blade, hinged knives have the advantage that they can be packed to a comparatively small size. This facilitates transport, which can be an advantage, for example, at work or during outdoor activities. A folding knife can also be safely carried in a vest or trouser pocket without the risk of injury when it is brought out.

A further characteristic of folding knives is that the blade is always sharpened on one side only, since the blade is usually not completely recessed in the grip. The bowls themselves are usually made of wood or plastic and can have a wide variety of colours and shapes, but the latter are always dependent on the locking mechanism. With more noble folding knives, the handle can also be made of ivory, mother-of-pearl or precious metals. Rubberized grips are frequently used in outdoor areas, as they are still securely in the hand even in wet conditions. Many knives are additionally equipped with one or more recessed grips to minimise the risk of the hand slipping into the blade

However, in contrast to knives with a fixed blade, folding knives are less stable. This characteristic is due to the design, as the blade is connected to the handle by a joint and is not part of a – usually – continuous metal piece. The joints may wear out or wobble over time or after very intensive use, increasing the risk of accidental opening and generally increasing the risk of injury. They should therefore be used as far as possible only for work requiring relatively little effort. Of course, quality can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. So it may well happen that a high-quality, very well made and accordingly expensive folding knife can be more robust than a comparatively inexpensive and simply made knife with a fixed blade.

Folding knives can be easily distinguished from each other by the opening mechanisms. If both hands are needed to open the knife, this is called a two-hand knife. With one hand the handle is held while with the other hand the blade is pulled out and locked. One-hand knives can be opened with only one hand. The pressure of the thumb is usually sufficient for this.

Basically folding knives are allowed in Germany according to the weapons law. However, there are a few exceptions to be considered! Single-handed knives with a lockable blade are not allowed to be guided if their blade is longer than 12 centimetres (also applies to fixed knives). Transport must take place in a closed container. Exceptions will only be granted if there is a legitimate interest. This interest can be derived, for example, from the practice of a profession, sport or customs. Generally forbidden are all kinds of fist and drop knives as well as the so-called “butterfly knife”. Jumping knives are prohibited if their blade length exceeds 8.5 centimetres.

Folding knives should be cleaned after each use. It is usually sufficient to wipe them with a cloth. If rust has stuck to the blade or another metal part, the use of polish is recommended. In the case of folding knives, increased attention should be paid to the folding mechanism and the locking mechanism. Soiling can be removed with soapy water. A toothpick usually does the trick for stubborn soiling in hard-to-reach places. It is also advisable to rub the blade thinly with gun oil (e.g. Ballistol).