Automatic folding knife: types, manufacturers

Those who have never carried a folding knife with them and did not use it will find it difficult to understand why others do it. Meanwhile, in a skillful hands, a knife is an excellent multi-functional tool with which you can make a lot of useful.

During military operations, the presence of a knife in a fighter is considered mandatory. This weapon is included in its equipment. Depending on the specifics of the combat tasks being performed, one or another specific type of knife is used. Also, the knife is also indispensable during hunting or fishing. In ordinary urban conditions, there is no need to bite the wire or cut the carcass of the extracted beast. Nevertheless, even in a peaceful environment, a person faces life situations that the knife will help him to cope with.

Automatic folding knife (popularly known as "urban knife", or "tactical") is a versatile multi-functional tool with which you can perform a number of necessary actions: cut a box or tape, sharpen a pencil, etc.

What are the types of folding knives? What is their story? Who is involved in their production?

The first folding knives. Start

The very first samples of models of folding knives appeared in ancient Rome. Compared with the modern version, the Roman folding knives were very primitive. Simple were both their external design, and the very principle of work. Very often such knives broke. Nevertheless, the demand for them has constantly increased. Compared with a stationary knife, folding was more in demand. This is due to the fact that he has such an advantage as the ability to covertly wear.

The appearance of Spanish navah

During the late Middle Ages, the ban on wearing large knives was active. An alternative to products with fixed blades was the appearance of large folding cutting products - the naves, which have a semicircular toothed shank with a corresponding slot in the shoe. The Spanish Navajo has a large blade size and is considered to be the longest knife of a folding type. It was used as a means of both self-defense and robbery. The hidden blade made it easy to wear. The owner of the Navahi could safely carry it in his pocket, without risking injury. The homeland of these cutting items is Spain.

French Folders

Invented by the French folding knife, like the Spanish Navah, took over the baton in the creation of similar products, the beginning of which was laid in ancient Rome. Folder is considered the first product, in which the fixation of the blade is carried out by a special mechanism of the turning type. Folding folding knives, depending on their functional purpose, come in various sizes and designs. The scope and range of consumers of this product during its consumption has significantly expanded.

Mechanisms of folding knives

In our time, there is an intensive improvement and modification of folding knives. There are new mechanisms, additional elements of equipment. The design of modern folding knives is much more attractive than that of their predecessors. Aesthetic improvement is achieved through the use of various decorative pads. Depending on the external design and work principle, folding knives can be divided into the following categories:

• The knife is automatic folding.
• Semi-automatic . It features reliable mechanisms and locks. Opening the blade requires extra effort.
• Skeleton . When manufacturing the handle for a knife, no linings or additional materials are used. It is made of the same material as the blade itself. This knife is characterized by the presence of a simple handle containing through holes.
• Flick knife. In this product, the blade is thrown forward by the spring, which comes into effect when the trigger button is pressed. A folding knife has an advantage over time compared to other folding knives. The throwing out of the blade in this mechanism takes place much more quickly, without requiring additional efforts. You can remove the blade from the handle with one hand. This model of the mechanism of a folding knife is used by the military and hunters.
• With the blade retainer. Mostly it is a large product. According to the legislation, a special permit is required to wear these blades.
• Without latch. Such a thing is still called a penknife by the people. It is a simple folding knife in which the blade is firmly inserted into the handle without additional fixation.
• Knife keychain. Typical are small sizes, which reduces the functionality of the blade. Used as a gift.
• Butterfly knife".

• Collection knife.

Automatic folding. Tactical and technical characteristics and requirements for the knife

To produce blades of folding automatic knives, heavy-duty stainless steel is used, capable of withstanding a high load and not requiring frequent sharpening. Handles of such knives are made of rubber, plastic or metal. The main requirement for the material to the handle is high strength and durability. Particular attention is paid to the selection of the shape of the handle. The choice of a convenient handle with a tight fixation in the hand can be considered correct. The use of this knife is legally limited: a special permit is required to own it. In this cutting product it is forbidden to have a blade that is nine centimeters long in length.

How does the automatic knife mechanism work?

A distinctive feature of the mechanism is its simplicity in operation. To use this knife, you do not need to have special skills, like for knives - "butterflies". It is enough to press the trigger button with your finger, which will activate the handle mechanism. The knife is equipped with a special lock that folds the blade into the handle and holds it there or throws it out of the handle. The mechanism works by opening and closing the knife.

The frontal discharge knife is mainly equipped with automatic equipment. It is typical for him to throw the blade and fold it along the longitudinal axis. But there are also automatic folding knives with lateral ejection of the blade. In this case, the process of opening and closing the knife occurs along the arc from below the handle. Features of mechanics are reflected in the production of blades. The automatic folding knife for front exhaust is equipped with a blade with a two-sided sharpening.

The Russian manufacturer "Microtech"

One of the most common manufacturers of folding knives in Russia is Microtech. It produces folding automatic knives of Russian production. Mostly these are blades with two-sided sharpening. But there are also samples of knives with a one-sided sharpening, a partial and full serieur. A characteristic feature of this manufacturer's products is that the series of knives produced has a front blade release.

• Microtech Scrab single edge. A model that is considered one of the most popular among consumers. The blade has a convenient clip that allows you to freely carry it in your pocket without fear of losing it. The knife is equipped with a special cullet in the form of a metal cone, inside which is a ball of tungsten. It is indispensable in an extreme situation, when you need to break the glass in a car. In Russia, this knife received a certificate and is used as a household item.
• Microtech Scrab double edge. The version of the knife manufacturer "Microtech" with an identical design. Its difference consists in the presence of a blade with a double sharpening.
• Microtech Makora I. Opening - closing of this knife is done with one finger. The handle is equipped with anti-slip inserts located in its side parts. The button is large, which makes it possible to use a knife in gloves.
• Microtech Makora II. The design of this knife is identical to Microtech Makora I. From its predecessor, Makora II is characterized by its larger dimensions: with a significant elongation of the blade, the width and thickness of the product remained unchanged. Improvements also touched anti-slip inserts. They are made from carbon fibers or textured metal sheets. Makora II looks much more aesthetic than its predecessor.

Knives, folding, automatic Zlatoust

One of the most popular Zlatoust automatic knives is the knife "NS - 3". The production of this product uses knife steel grade 40Х10С2М. The hardness of the blade is 56HRS. The weight of the product is 150 grams. For manufacturing of overlays the pasted morenie and waxing wood is used. The knife blade is decorated on both sides by ornamental engraving. The design of the knife "NS - 3" consists of a riveted body, a steel blade axis, fixing parts made of sturdy steel and a spring designed for knocking out the blade. The design of this product allows, if necessary, to disassemble it, which greatly facilitates the repair process. The knife comes complete with a sheath made of leather, with a button - clasp and suspension. You do not need to get permission to purchase this knife. According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, the automatic folding knife "NS-3" is not a cold steel.

Knifes folding automatic Zlatoust are produced by a few manufacturers who periodically provide their new models. The mechanisms of the products are equipped with the Back Look system, which provides a convenient opening - closing the knife and fixing the blade. A characteristic feature of these knives is the presence of engraving on the blade and interesting decoration of the handles.

Folding automatic knife "Bear"

Talented Ural gunsmiths continue to improve their products. One of the most exclusive Zlatoust folding automatic knives is a model made of stainless steel and having on the handle a magnificent pattern with the image of a bear. This folding automatic knife got its name "Bear". For the manufacture of this product, the craftsmen use steel with nickel and gilding. Blade is treated by blackening.

• The width is 2.5 cm.
• The length is 8.2 cm.
• The total length of the knife is 19.5 cm.

Producing a knife "Bear", the masters of Zlatoust except for work on lathes use traditional processing and decoration using engraving cutters for varnish and metal. Skillful use of nickel plating and gilding procedures allows creating an exclusive author's sample of the original folding knife.

Making knives in the city of Vorsme

Historically, leather, soap and handmade crafts have been developed in Vorsma: the manufacture of knives, scissors, a surgical instrument, cutlery, and weapons. The city is famous for its knife makers.

The most famous companies are: Bulat, Vlastina, Metalist, Ponomarev's workshop, Fursach AA workshop, Svarog, Yurova AV, Hermes, Titov's workshop. S., "Kustari" Ltd., "Zhbanova" workshop, Sedov's workshop are the most famous companies producing automatic folding knives.

Vorsma is known to connoisseurs of cold steel both in Russia and abroad. Many of the manufacturers cooperate with famous in Russia and abroad masters - gunsmiths, carvers, jewelers ("Union of Masters", "Union of Artists", "Guild of Masters - Gunsmiths").

Folding knife "Lynx".

One of the most popular models of the manufacturer - the manufacturer "Zhbanov's Workshop":

• The total length is 205 mm;
• The length of the blade is 9 cm;
• Blade width - 21 mm;
• Thickness - 2,1 mm;
• Handle width 25 mm;
• Thickness of handle - 22 mm;
• Manufacturer - Zhbanov IN

For the production of the blade, steel x12mf is used. Hardness - HRS 62. The blade is held in the handle with the help of a lock and is thrown out automatically. A certificate is required for the products. There is no cover in the package.

Folding automatic knife "Flint-2"

One of the most famous models of the products of the manufacturer "Sedova Workshop."

For this product, bulat steel with HRS 64 units is used. The handle is made of ebonite.

• The length of the knife is -213 mm.
• The length of the handle is 123 mm.
• The thickness of the handle is 20.4 mm.
• The length of the blade is 88 mm.
• The width of the blade is 14.1 mm.

Laser engraving is applied to the surface of the blade.

Italian Knife Manufacturers

The most successful Italian knives are two popular companies:

• Extrema Ratio. The most famous manufacturer of cold steel, officially cooperating with the Ministry of the Armed Forces of Italy. Extrema Ratio products have characteristic asymmetric spilled forms. For the production of blades, steel grade N 690 is used, with hardness of HRS - 58 units. The blades are equipped with a two-sided or one-and-a-half sharpening.

• Frank Beltrame. Italian manufacturer, specializing in the manufacture of automatic folding knives in the form of a stylet. The dagger long blade of models Frank Beltrame 12 cm long is designed for stabbing and is considered a combat cold steel. Handles of these knives are made from the horns of a deer or a bull. The design of the products is equipped with a convenient automation, which includes a reliable spring system. The knives are equipped with a guard and a fuse.

Experts recommend

They can not only cut an adhesive tape or cord, or open any package or sharpen pencils. It can also be used as an improvised bottle opener or screwdriver, some models are equipped with separate special blades for this.

There are folding knives equipped with latches, bat, which are used by rescuers, firemen and motorists.

Those who have decided to buy a folding knife, experts recommend choosing the right option to pay attention to the following criteria that distinguish a good product:

• Grade and quality of steel;
• How comfortable is the handle;
• Whether the mechanism of fixing the blade is reliable, ensuring the safety of the owner;
• Presence of factory sharpening;
• Acceptable appearance and dimensions of the product;
• The presence of a clip in the body for easy wearing;
• The presence of an accompanying expert opinion that the knife is not a cold steel;
• And of course, the price - it should be optimal.

The correct selection of a folding knife should provide the owner with the convenience of using it in various life situations, and also eliminate the problems associated with wearing and using the product.