Parts of a Pocketknife
A pocketknife, also known as a jackknife, is a common tool among outdoor enthusiasts such as campers and hikers. The knife consists of a handle and various "arm" attachments that fold into it. A prominent feature of the pocketknife is its spring mechanism, which allows each part to lock into place. Pocket knives come in a range of designs, colors and attachment types, and they are a sought-after collectors' item.
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Blade
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The most obvious part of the pocket knife is the blade (or blades). When unlocked, this part is usually the same length as the handle and has one unsharpened side, for safety reasons. The blade is the part of the knife that is used for cutting, and it can be plain, serrated, curved or straight. As opposed to the "belly," or sharp, side of the knife, the spine of the blade is thick and blunt. When the blade is clipped into the pocketknife's handle, this is the side that is exposed.
Spring
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The spring is a vital part in the mechanism of the pocket knife. The spring attaches the blade from the blade spine to the handle. Most pocket knives produced in the 20th and 21st century have some sort of spring variation, to improve the level of safety; however, older pocket knives often have manual locks. Switch blades and tuck-in blades always have springs that allow them to be safely opened and closed. Multiple springs and multiple-sided springs are common on pocket knives with more than one blade, such as Swiss Army knives, which have multiple functions and attachments.
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Handle
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The exterior shell of the pocketknife is known as the handle. This is the part of the knife that you hold. The handle is often the most interesting part for collectors who are interested in pocket knives, as this is the part that varies the most. The handle can be made out of a number of different materials, ranging from types of wood to steel, aluminium or bone. Its surface can be carved with a range of designs.
Blade Lock
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The blade lock is the mechanical part of the knife. Not all pocket knives have a blade lock. A blade lock often consists of a button or a lever, the part that engages or disengages the folding blade.
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References
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