As we’re sure you’ll agree, pocket knives are one of the most handy pieces of equipment that you can have. Especially when it comes to effortlessly being able to make cuts while out on the go!
From camping to opening up a cardboard box, a pocket knife is a staple tool across the country.
Pocket knives come in a variety of different shapes and styles which is why it is important to make sure that you are using your specific one correctly.
Even though all pocket knives are built to serve the same purpose, each one can contain a slightly different locking function, and we’re here to help you learn how to use your specific one.
In this post, we are going to be talking you through the most popular methods that you can try out in order to successfully and efficiently close your pocket knife.
Below, you will find a helpful breakdown of the 3 easiest ways you can close your pocket knife. Whenever you’re ready, just read on.
Method One: Closing Without a Lock
If you currently have a pocket knife that doesn’t have a locking system already built in, then this method is going to be the best option for you to follow.
In order to close your pocket knife after you are done using it, follow the steps below:
Take the hilt: First things first, you are going to need to hold your pocket knife by the hilt. From there, adopt a firm grip with your thumb, fingers and palm of your hand.
Grip the back of the blade: After you are firmly holding the lock with your hand, proceed to take your dominant hand and hold the dull side of the blade.
Gently insert the knife into the slot (Also check out How To Wear A Boot Knife): Once you have completed the two steps above, you can then go ahead and begin to insert the knife blade inside its slot. After you have inserted it all the way into the slot, you will have successfully closed your pocket knife.
Top Tip: For extra safety measures, we recommend that you use two hands to close your knife instead of one.
This will help to lower the chances of any injuries, especially if you are just getting the hang of how to close a pocket knife without a built-in lock.
Method Two: Closing With A Button Lock
If you happen to have a pocket knife that has a button lock closing function, then this method is going to be the best one for you to follow.
The majority of pocket knives these days have a built-in button locking mechanism for extra safety and protection – check out the following steps to ensure that you are able to close yours correctly after you are done using it:
Hold the knife by the hilt: Just like in the way that you would with the first method, start by holding the knife by the hilt, firmly grasping with your fingers, base of your hand and thumb on the side.
Hold in the button: Once you have done this, go ahead and gently but firmly press on the button. This will typically be located on the side of the knife, although keep in mind that this can vary depending on what type of pocket knife you are using, as well as the manufacturer that you have purchased it from.
Gently push the blade inside the slot: After you have pressed down on the button, you are then going to need to make sure that you are keeping the button firmly pressed down, otherwise you are going to find that you are unable to push the blade into its slot. With your free hand, gently push the blade until it clicks into place, making sure to keep your finger on the dull part of the blade to prevent any injuries.
Method Three: Closing With An Axis Locking Feature
Last but certainly not least, the final way that we are going to be showing you how to close a pocket knife is with an axis lock – so this will only apply to those who have a pocket knife that has this built-in locking feature.
Check out the steps below to ensure that you are able to close yours correctly:
Grasp the hilt: Just like with the other methods that we have listed in this guide, start by grasping the knife by the hilt.
Pull the pin on the side of the hilt: After you have firmly grasped the hilt, you can then go ahead and begin pulling the pin located on the side of the hilt directly towards your thumb.
Push the blade into the slot: While you are doing this, you are then going to need to simultaneously push the blade into the slot. It’s as simple as that!
The Bottom Line
All in all? Even though pocket knives come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, the good news is that each one is designed to serve the same purpose of being convenient and compact.
Now that you have taken the time to read through our guide above, we are hoping that you now have a much better understanding of how you can go ahead and close your particular pocket knife after you are done using it.
Of course, as pocket knife sizes and shapes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, it is important to make sure that you are also following any instructions provided to you specifically by the manufacturer of your pocket knife.
If you can’t find any specific instructions online (Also check out Best Online Survival Resources), we recommend taking a look in your owner’s manual (that you should have received upon purchasing your pocket knife) where you will be able to find all of the relevant instructions for using your pocket knife as well as additional safety information.
Hello, my name is Tim Roth and I have lived in Texas all of my life. I have seen it all - tornadoes, flash floods, and other natural disasters that have come our way.
I have kept a survival kit for all my family members in my basement since I was in my 20s. Every time a new member comes along, I make them a new kit. No one in my family will be caught out in a disaster - I make sure of it.
I teach a survival class at the local hall as well. It’s free for anyone who wants to learn about keeping themselves and their family safe, should the worst happen. We cover how to help children and the elderly, make your own evacuation and survival kits, and much more.
