A retractable blade is most commonly called a utility knife or a box cutter. Depending on its specific design and region, it may also be referred to by several other names.
Contemporary utility knives
One of the most popular types of workplace utility knife is the retractable or folding utility knife (also known as a Stanley knife, box cutter, or by various other names). These types of utility knives are designed as multi-purpose cutting tools for use in a variety of trades and crafts.
There are three main types of knife blades: straight, serrated, and partially serrated. Straight blades are good for many things, serrated blades are great for cutting through tough stuff like bread, and partially serrated blades can do both.
The term "jackknife" originates from the traditional pocketknife where the blade folds neatly into the handle.
Switchblades are often restricted because they are legally classified as dangerous, easily concealed weapons. Historically, bans were fueled by 1950s media and cinema (like West Side Story), which sensationalized them as symbols of violent youth gangs. Because they open instantly with the push of a button, lawmakers viewed them as particularly hazardous.
In the high-end folding knife community, the original "Holy Trinity" refers to three legendary American makers who pioneered the modern premium tactical folder. Together, their designs set the gold standard for durability and precision.
A "Texas toothpick" can refer to two entirely different things: a classic, slender pocket knife or a popular Tex-Mex appetizer.
Navy SEALs do not have a single standard-issue knife, but rather carry a mix of specific duty blades, hard-use survival tools, and custom-chosen personal knives.
Copper is a transition metal, which is much harder and cannot be cut with a knife. The hardness of a metal is determined by its atomic structure and bonding.
A clip blade (or clip point) is a versatile knife blade shape characterized by a spine that appears to have the forward third "clipped" off, sloping down toward the tip in a straight or concave curve. This design creates a sharp, fine, and lowered point ideal for piercing, detailed work, and quick, precise cuts.
The karambit is a curved knife originating in Southeast Asia. Most karambit knives are small and easily concealable. One of their most easily identifiable features is their safety ring at the end of the handle. According to Indonesian legend and tradition, the karambit's design is based on a tiger's claw.
Spear Point Knife
Symmetrical in shape, a spear point blade features a tip that lines up with the blade's center. Often used on throwing knives, spear point blades effortlessly pierce and stab. The blade's sharp point provides strength, durability, and long-lasting use.
A switchblade (also known as switch knife, automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, flick knife, gravity knife, flick blade, or spring knife) is a pocketknife with a sliding or pivoting blade contained in the handle which is extended automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or ...
Karambit knives are not universally illegal, but they are highly restricted in many jurisdictions due to their menacing hook shape, their reputation as martial arts weapons, and strict concealed carry laws.
Once exposed, the pressure of the blade against the material keeps the blade out of its housing. The moment that pressure is released, the blade retracts, even if the user is still holding the knife's slider. Self-retraction protects against accidental lacerations in case there is a slip during cutting.
The CIA doesn't issue a single, official knife to its personnel; instead, operatives typically carry versatile, non-metallic, or concealable blades suited for specific missions. Historic and publicly recognized blades range from the famous Cold Steel Kobun used during Operation Jawbreaker to highly covert non-detectable tools.
The legendary KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife (Mark 2) is the most iconic blade associated with the United States Marine Corps. Officially adopted in 1942, it features a 7-inch clip point blade made of 1095 carbon steel and a stacked leather washer handle.
Navy SEALs use a highly adaptable arsenal tailored to specific missions. Standard weapons include the M4A1 rifle, Glock 19 pistol, and MK46 machine gun. Their specific guns are categorized by function:
The only knife federally banned across the U.S. is the ballistic knife (a spring-loaded knife that shoots its blade). All other restrictions—such as bans on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives—are determined entirely by individual state and local laws, which vary drastically.
In many cultures, giving someone a knife or another sharp object is thought to symbolically cut or sever the bond between giver and receiver. The knife's sharp edge represents division, which can be interpreted as bringing misfortune to a friendship, romantic relationship, or family tie.
In the sharpening phase, we do not recommend any current WD-40® Brand Products although some may be used later for storage & protection. For sharpening stones the lubrication can come from water or oil.
The religion that requires followers to carry a knife is Sikhism. Initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs are mandated to wear a sacred, curved ceremonial dagger or small sword known as a kirpan.
Christians who do not believe in the Trinity are called nontrinitarians. Instead of viewing God as three co-equal persons in one being, they believe God is a single entity or that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not co-equal.
The Swiss Army Knife Syndrome is when a myriad of tools are bundled as one… most of which you'll never use because the original standalone device simply does a better job: If something needs to be fastened, you use an electric screwdriver − much faster!