A pocketknife is a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle. They are also known as jackknives, folding knives, EDC knife, or may be referred to as a penknife, though a penknife may also be a specific kind of pocketknife. A typical blade length is 5 to 15 centimetres (2 to 6 in).
Slip-joint folding knives feature a spring-based mechanism that allows the blade to open and close smoothly. The blade is held in place by the tension of the spring when it's opened. This knife is versatile, compact, and typically used for everyday tasks like opening packages and cutting small items.
This includes a “pocketknife” or “Swiss army knife,” box cutter, or “utility knife.” According to California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and may be concealed as long as they are in the folded position. There is also no restriction on the blade length of a folding knife.
A lock knife is not a folding pocket knife and therefore it is an offence to carry around such a knife regardless of the length of the blade, if you do not have good reason. A lock knife has blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button.
Walking around in public with a knife can be illegal in many jurisdictions and is generally considered a safety risk. Depending on local laws and the context, you could face legal consequences such as fines or even arrest. It's always best to check and abide by local regulations regarding weapon possession and carry.
In California, it is legal to carry knives of any blade size openly, and most knives, except for illegal types like switchblades over 2 inches, allow for concealment. Ballistic knives, disguised knives, and undetectable knives are among the illegal types, with specific laws against concealed carry of dirks and daggers.
Switchblades: Instant deployment with the press of a button. Ideal for situations requiring immediate access. Folding Knives: Manual deployment with options for assisted opening. Suitable for most daily tasks but may take a few extra seconds to deploy.
A balisong, also known as a butterfly knife, fan knife or Batangas knife, is a type of folding pocketknife that originated in the Philippines. Its distinct features are two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles.
Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife
This one's a standard issue to the US Navy SEALs due to its reliability. It is known for its practicality and simplicity. This knife comes with a 6” 440A stainless-steel blade for various purposes.
A dirk is a long-bladed thrusting dagger. Historically, it gained its name from the Highland dirk (Scottish Gaelic dearg) where it was a personal weapon of officers engaged in naval hand-to-hand combat during the Age of Sail as well as the personal sidearm of Highlanders.
California Penal Code 21310 PC makes it a crime to carry a concealed fixed-blade knife, also called dirks or daggers. You may openly carry a fixed-blade knife provided that: the knife is contained within a sheath, and. the sheath is worn suspended from your waist.
Butterfly knives, also known as balisong or fan knives, are considered switchblades under California Penal Code sections 21510 and 17235 PC. These knives have blades concealed inside handles that are secured by a latch and can be flicked open with one hand.
Fixed Blade Knives
A fixed blade knife is one with a blade that does not fold or retract, remaining exposed when sheathed in a scabbard or sheath. Fixed blades offer several advantages for self-defense: Strength and durability. Fixed blades are typically thicker and more robust than folding knives.
There are many reasons high-quality knives are expensive, but they all boil down to one thing: the very quality they tout. They're more durable and safer than cheap knives, feel better in the hand, and you know where they're coming from. So get what you pay for with a good knife, like a Trek.
Iconic Design
In 1891 Karl Elsener, the owner of Victorinox, was under contract by the Swiss Army to produce a folding pocket knife to be suitable for use by soldiers for opening canned food and disassembling the Swiss service rifle.
A pocketknife is a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle. They are also known as jackknives, folding knives, EDC knife, or may be referred to as a penknife, though a penknife may also be a specific kind of pocketknife.
Carbon steel blades are also well-known for having high wear resistance, which enables them to keep their edges sharp for longer than stainless.
For most people, medium-sized EDC knives in the 2.5" to 3.5" blade range offer the best balance of portability and capability. This size range is large enough to tackle more demanding cuts while still remaining unobtrusive in the pocket.
Use in Emergency Situations
Even when you encounter a risky situation, the pocket knife will give you an edge to survive. You can use it to cut bandages or clothing, seatbelts, or break a window.
The most common type of switchblade is the side-opening or out-the-side (OTS) knife. These resemble traditional manually-operated folding knives, but feature a coil or leaf spring which powers a blade that is released when the activation button is pressed.
1958, Congress enacted the federal Anti-Switchblade Act, which banned interstate sale of switchblades, and outlawed them in federal territories or on federal waters. Because few states had domestic switchblade factories at that time, the federal act made it illegal to purchase switchblades in most states.
A flipper knife uses an outward protruding flipper tab that allows the sharp edge to be rapidly deployed with a quick flick of pressure or force. This makes flipper knives more convenient and faster to use.
Others refer to all folding knives as jack knives. The term “jack” is thought to refer to the term “jack of the leg”, which comes from the use of “jack” as a generic term for man.