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Folding Knives

Folding Knives: 18,000+ EDC, Tactical & Collector Pocket Knives — Every Lock, Every Steel, Every Budget

Knifeworks carries over 18,000 folding knives across every category — from daily carry flippers in premium steels like CPM-MagnaCut and S35VN, to frame lock collectors, button lock tacticals, traditional slipjoints, and assisted openers. Whether you're looking for your first quality pocket knife or adding to a serious collection, the right folding knife is here. Benchmade's AXIS Lock, Spyderco's Compression Lock, Demko's Shark Lock, Vosteed's Vanchor, and dozens of other proven mechanisms are all represented. Use the filters to narrow by brand, blade steel, lock type, blade length, and price. Not sure where to start? Call our team at 888-225-9775 — we carry knives because we love them.

EDC Folders Tactical Flippers Assisted Opening
Automatic Folders Gentleman's Carry Collector & Limited
Under $50 Made in USA  
  • Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Ram (YH378) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Ram Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters

    Buck 112 Ram Ebony Wood (3.00" Satin 420) YH378

    Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Ram (YH378) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Ram Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters Brian Yellowhorse is an immensely skilled Navajo craftsman. A member of the...

    $175.95 $106.95
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  • Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Bass (YH367) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Bass Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters

    Buck 112 Bass Ebony Wood (3.00" Satin 420) YH367

    Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Bass (YH367) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Bass Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters Brian Yellowhorse is an immensely skilled Navajo craftsman. A member of the...

    $175.95 $106.95
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  • Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Scuba (YH390) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Scuba Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters

    Buck 112 Scuba Ebony Wood (3.00" Satin 420) YH390

    Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 112 Scuba (YH390) 3.00" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Scuba Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters Brian Yellowhorse is an immensely skilled Navajo craftsman. A member of the...

    $175.95 $106.95
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  • Shieldon Bazoucan (9050G) 3.19" Grey Titanium Coated D2 Sheepsfoot Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle

    Shieldon Bazoucan G-10 (3.19" Grey D2) 9050G

    Shieldon Bazoucan (9050G) 3.19" Grey Titanium Coated D2 Sheepsfoot Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon concentrates on outdoor tools solution,...

    $72.48 $50.78
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  • Skif Knives Sturdy(420SE) 3.75 Stonewash 9Cr18MoV Drop Point Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle w/Gray Stainles Handle Skif Knives Sturdy(420SE) 3.75 Stonewash 9Cr18MoV Drop Point Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle w/Gray Stainles Handle

    Skif Knives Sturdy - Blk G10 (3.75" 9Cr18MoV) 420SE

    Skif Knives Sturdy(420SE) 3.75 Stonewash 9Cr18MoV Drop Point Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle w/Gray Stainles Handle SKIF Sturdy II is a new generation of the popular model from 400 Series. This “classic” knife is suitable for every-day tasks,...

    $42.00 $34.95
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  • Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 110 Tortoise (YH399) 3.75" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Tortoise Etching,Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters

    Buck 110 Tortoise - Ebony Wood (3.75" 420HC) YH399

    Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 110 Tortoise (YH399) 3.75" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Tortoise Etching, Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters Brian Yellowhorse is an immensely skilled Navajo craftsman. A member of the...

    $179.99 $118.99
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  • Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 110 Black Widow (YH403) 3.75" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Black Widow Etching,Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters

    Buck 110 Black Widow- Ebony Wood (3.75" 420HC) YH403

    Brian Yellowhorse Custom Buck 110 Black Widow (YH403) 3.75" Satin 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade w/ Black Widow Etching,Ebony Wood Handle w/ Etched Brass Bolsters Brian Yellowhorse is an immensely skilled Navajo craftsman. A member of the...

    $179.99 $118.99
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  • Shieldon Tortank (7091D) 4.06"  9Cr18MoV 67-layer Damascus Steel Acid Etched Reverse Tanto  Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber and G10 Handle

    Shieldon Tortank - CF/ G10 (3.62" Damascus) 7091D

    Shieldon Tortank (7091D) 4.06"  9Cr18MoV 67-layer Damascus Steel Acid Etched Reverse Tanto  Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber and G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors...

    $135.95 $94.88
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  • Shieldon Charkos (7092D) 4.06"  9Cr18MoV 67-layer Damascus Steel Acid Etched Drop Point Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber and G10 Handle

    Shieldon Charkos - CF/ G10 (4.06" Damascus) 7092D

    Shieldon Charkos (7092D) 4.06"  9Cr18MoV 67-layer Damascus Steel Acid Etched Drop Point Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber and G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon...

    $140.95 $98.36
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  • Shieldon Barraskewda Folding Knife (604S1-G) 3.74 in Grey D2 Reverse Tanto Point Blade, Gray Stainless Steel with Carbon Fiber Inlay Handle

    Shieldon Barraskewda SS, CF (3.74" D2) 9042S1G

    Shieldon Barraskewda Folding Knife (604S1-G) 3.74 in Grey D2 Reverse Tanto Point Blade, Gray Stainless Steel with Carbon Fiber Inlay Handle The Shieldon Barraskewda features a D2 steel, reverse tanto blade, with a grey finish. The handle is made of 3Cr14...

    $118.99 $83.99
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  • Shieldon Empoleon (SHI9049G1B) 3.5" Drop Point D2 Black Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle

    Shieldon Empoleon - Blk G-10 (3.5" D2) 9049G1B

    Shieldon Empoleon (9049G1B) 3.5" Drop Point D2 Black Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon concentrates on outdoor tools...

    $61.99 $43.99
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  • Shieldon Barraskewda Folding Knife (604S1-B) 3.74 in Black D2 Reverse Tanto Point Blade, Gray Stainless Steel with Carbon Fiber Inlay Handle

    Shieldon Barraskewda SS, CF (3.74" Black D2) 9042S1-B

    Shieldon Barraskewda Folding Knife (604S1-B) 3.74 in Black D2 Reverse Tanto Point Blade, Gray Stainless Steel with Carbon Fiber Inlay Handle The Shieldon Barraskewda features a D2 steel, reverse tanto blade, with a black finish. The handle is made of...

    $118.98 $83.28
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  • Shieldon Empoleon (SHI9049G1G) 3.5" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle

    Shieldon Empoleon - Blk G-10 (3.5" D2) 9049G1G

    Shieldon Empoleon (9049G1G) 3.5" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon concentrates on outdoor tools solution,...

    $71.38 $49.98
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  • Shieldon Relicanth (SHI7070G) 3.11" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle

    Shieldon Relicanth - Blk G-10 (3.11" D2) 7070G

    Shieldon Relicanth (7070G) 3.11" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Black G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon concentrates on outdoor tools solution,...

    $63.99 $41.99
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  • Shieldon Relicanth (SHI7070G1) 3.11" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Tan G10 Handle Shieldon Relicanth (SHI7070G1) 3.11" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Tan G10 Handle

    Shieldon Relicanth - Tan G-10 (3.11" D2) 7070G1

    Shieldon Relicanth (7070G1) 3.11" Drop Point D2 Grey Titanium Coated Plain Blade, Tan G10 Handle Shieldon signifies a shield on your body with the knives and protects you against any obstruction outdoors. Sheildon concentrates on outdoor tools solution,...

    $63.99 $41.99
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  • Cold Steel AD-10 (CS28DDDEBK) 4" CPM S35VN Drop Point Black Plain Blade, Flat Dark Earth G-10 Handle Cold Steel AD-10 (CS28DDDEBK) 4" CPM S35VN Drop Point Black Plain Blade, Flat Dark Earth G-10 Handle

    Cold Steel AD-10 - DE G10 (4" S35VN) CS28DDDEBK

    Cold Steel AD-10 (CS28DDDEBK) 4" CPM S35VN Drop Point Black Plain Blade, Flat Dark Earth G-10 Handle If you are planning a big game hunt, a dangerous expedition or an exciting adventure and want to carry a high-performance folding knife that will not...

    $224.95 $143.99
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  • CIVIVI Voltaic (C20060-2) - 3.44" 14C28N Drop Point Bead Blasted Blade,  Stainless Steel With Black G10 Inlayed Handle CIVIVI Voltaic (C20060-2) - 3.44" 14C28N Drop Point Bead Blasted Blade,  Stainless Steel With Black G10 Inlayed Handle

    CIVIVI Voltaic - SS/Blk G10 (3.48" 14C28N ) C20060-2

    CIVIVI Voltaic (C20060-2) - 3.44" 14C28N Drop Point Bead Blasted Blade,  Stainless Steel With Black G10 Inlayed Handle  The CIVIVI Voltaic has a black blade with a smooth wooden handle offers a beautiful construction. While fully functional,...

    $86.99 $73.99
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  • CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-DS1) - 3.74" Damascus Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with G-10 and Carbon Fiber Inlayed Handle CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-DS1) - 3.74" Damascus Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with G-10 and Carbon Fiber Inlayed Handle

    CIVIVI Savant - SS/G10/CF (3.47" Damascus) C20063B-DS1

    CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-DS1) - 3.74" Damascus Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with G-10 and Carbon Fiber Inlayed Handle It has long been appreciated that CIVIVI produces high-quality folding knives that are more affordable than comparable blades...

    $125.99 $106.99
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  • CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-2) - 3.74" Bead Blasted 14C28N Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with Black G-10 Inlayed Handle CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-2) - 3.74" Bead Blasted 14C28N Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with Black G-10 Inlayed Handle

    CIVIVI Savant - SS/Blk G10 (3.47" 14C28N) C20063B-2

    CIVIVI Savant (C20063B-2) - 3.74" Bead Blasted 14C28N Drop Point Blade,  Stainless Steel with Black G-10 Inlayed Handle It has long been appreciated that CIVIVI produces high-quality folding knives that are more affordable than comparable blades...

    $85.99 $72.99
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18,000+ Folding Knives In Stock The deepest folding knife selection online — EDC flippers, frame locks, liner locks, button locks, traditional slipjoints, and assisted openers from over 100 brands. Every lock type, every steel, every budget.
Authorized Dealer — Full Warranty Every folding knife is sourced through authorized dealer channels. Benchmade LifeSharp, Spyderco lifetime warranty, Demko manufacturer warranty — all valid from day one. No grey market, no warranty voids.
Fast Shipping from Louisiana Most in-stock orders ship same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana. Free ground shipping on orders over $99. Your next carry knife ships fast.
Expert Help at 888-225-9775 Not sure which lock, steel, or brand is right for you? Our team carries and uses these knives. Call, email, or browse — we'll help you find exactly the right folding knife for your carry and budget.

The Complete Folding Knife Buyer's Guide

Everything you need to choose the right folding knife — lock types explained, blade steel guide, blade shape guide, handle materials compared, and a use-case quick reference. Whether you're buying your first quality pocket knife or adding to a collection, this guide covers the decisions that matter. Click any topic to expand.

Folding Knife Lock Types: Frame Lock, Liner Lock, AXIS Lock, Button Lock & More Explained+

The lock mechanism is the most important mechanical specification on a folding knife — it determines how the blade stays open under load, how it closes, and whether it can be operated one-handed. Here are the most common lock types across the Knifeworks catalog:

Lock Type How It Works Brands Best For
AXIS Lock Spring-loaded bar rides in a channel — deployed from either side of the handle, ambidextrous, very strong Benchmade (patented) Smooth ambidextrous one-hand closing; extremely reliable under hard use
Compression Lock Liner bears against the blade's spine — closing force increases lock engagement; no fingers in blade path Spyderco (patented) Maximum security, one-hand operation; highly regarded by enthusiasts
Frame Lock The titanium handle frame itself flexes to lock the blade tang; no separate spring required Chris Reeve, Hinderer, Bestech, Vosteed, many others Strong, slim profile, premium feel; popular in titanium EDC folders
Liner Lock A separate spring steel liner flexes to lock the blade tang; most common production lock Nearly universal — CJRB, EIKONIC, many production brands Reliable and widely understood; lightest lock format for G10/carbon fiber handles
Button Lock Spring-loaded button on the spine depresses to release the blade; fast and intuitive Vosteed (Raccoon), Pro-Tech, Benchmade (some models) Fast one-hand closing; positive lockup; great for frequent users
Lockback Rocker bar on the spine snaps into the blade tang; classic design Spyderco, Cold Steel (Tri-Ad), Buck, many traditional brands Time-tested reliability; Cold Steel's Tri-Ad variant is one of the strongest lockbacks ever made
Shark Lock Spine-mounted fin engages blade spine; doubles as thumb ramp; fingers never enter blade path Demko Knives (patented) Intuitive one-hand operation; the safest closing motion of any lock type
First Folding Knife? Choose by Lock Type First. Before brand, steel, or blade shape — choose your lock type. If you want the easiest one-hand closing: AXIS Lock or button lock. If you want maximum security under hard use: Compression Lock or Shark Lock. If you want traditional carry or legal simplicity: slipjoint. Everything else is refinement of that decision.
Folding Knife Blade Steel Guide: S35VN, MagnaCut, M390, 20CV, D2, 154CM & More+

Blade steel determines how long your knife stays sharp, how tough it is against chipping, and how much maintenance it requires. Here are the steels you'll encounter most across the Knifeworks folding knife catalog:

Steel Edge Retention Toughness Corrosion Resistance Best For
CPM-MagnaCut ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ Best all-around premium steel — exceptional in all three categories simultaneously; found on Benchmade, Pro-Tech, Spyderco flagship models
M390 / CPM-20CV ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance; collector and premium EDC tier; requires diamond sharpening
CPM-S35VN ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Premium production standard — outstanding toughness, excellent for hard-use daily carry; sharpens on standard equipment
CPM-S30V ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ Proven mid-premium stainless — reliable, balanced, widely used by Spyderco and others across the mid-tier catalog
154CM
Handle Materials: Titanium, G10, Carbon Fiber, Micarta & Aluminum Compared+
MaterialWeightGrip TextureDurabilityBest For
TitaniumLightSmooth to lightly textured; anodizes to many colorsExcellent — corrosion-proof, non-magneticPremium EDC, collectors, frame lock builds; the prestige handle material
G10LightAggressive — excellent grip, especially wetExcellent — moisture-proof, impact resistantHard-use EDC, tactical carry, wet environments; most popular production handle material
Carbon FiberVery lightSmooth with woven texture; distinctive visual patternExcellent — extremely strong for its weightPremium lightweight build; collector aesthetic; often paired with titanium liners
MicartaModerateWarm, natural feel; improves with useExcellent — moisture-proof, toughOutdoor use, working knives, buyers who want a traditional feel with modern performance
AluminumLightMachined texture; anodizes to many colorsGood — lighter than steel, can dentLightweight EDC, budget-accessible premium feel; common in Kershaw and mid-tier production
Stainless SteelHeavySmooth or machined; significant heftOutstanding — nearly indestructibleTraditional pocket knives, heavy-duty working folders; buyers who want maximum durability
Folding Knife Opening Mechanisms: Flipper, Thumb Stud, Thumb Hole, Assisted & Automatic+
Opening TypeHow It WorksBest ForLegal Note
Flipper TabProtrusion on blade spine; flick with index finger to deploy; smooth on bearingsFast one-hand deployment; most popular in modern production EDCLegal everywhere manual knives are allowed
Thumb StudSmall stud on blade flat; push with thumb to open; ambidextrous versions on both sidesTraditional one-hand opening; preferred by many for controlled deploymentLegal everywhere manual knives are allowed
Thumb Hole (Spyderco Round Hole)

Folding Knives — Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers from the Knifeworks team on the most common folding knife questions — from lock types and legal carry to steel selection and care.

What is the best folding knife for everyday carry?+

The best EDC folding knife depends on three factors: how you carry (pocket, clip, bag), what tasks you use it for, and your budget. For most buyers, a 3"–3.5" drop point blade in CPM-S35VN or Nitro-V steel with a reliable lock mechanism covers everything from package opening to food prep to light utility work. The Benchmade Bugout (AXIS Lock, S30V), Vosteed Raccoon (button lock, Nitro-V), and Spyderco Para 3 (Compression Lock, S45VN) are three of the most consistently recommended EDC folders in this range. For a first quality pocket knife, any of these is an excellent starting point.

What is the strongest folding knife lock?+

Lock strength is measured by resistance to blade closure under load. The Benchmade AXIS Lock, Spyderco Compression Lock, Demko Shark Lock, and Chris Reeve integral lock are all considered among the strongest production mechanisms. Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lockback — designed by Andrew Demko — is regarded as the strongest lockback ever put into production. For practical purposes, all of these locks are stronger than any load a folding knife should be subjected to in normal use. The more important question is which lock is most intuitive for your carry and use style.

Are folding knives legal to carry?+

Manual folding knives are legal to own and carry in most US states, but blade length restrictions, carry method restrictions (concealed vs. open), and location restrictions (schools, government buildings, airports) vary significantly by state and municipality. Assisted-opening knives are legal in most states but a few jurisdictions treat them as switchblades. Automatic (switchblade) knives are restricted or prohibited in many states. Before purchasing any knife for carry, verify the laws in your specific state, county, and city. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice — we recommend consulting your state's statutes or a local attorney if you're unsure.

What is the difference between a frame lock and a liner lock?+

Both lock by having a spring-flex member slide behind the blade tang when open, preventing closure. The difference is what that member is made of. A liner lock uses a separate spring steel liner inside the handle scales — the scales themselves are structural but the lock is its own component. A frame lock uses the handle frame itself (usually titanium) as the locking member — the handle flexes to lock, meaning the entire handle is doing double duty. Frame locks are generally found on titanium-handled premium folders; liner locks are found on G10, carbon fiber, and aluminum handled production knives. Both are equally reliable when properly designed and executed.

What blade steel should I choose for a folding knife?+

For most daily carry buyers, CPM-S35VN is the correct answer — premium stainless with outstanding toughness, excellent edge retention, and easy enough to sharpen on standard equipment. If you want maximum edge life and sharpen infrequently, step up to M390 or CPM-20CV. If you want the best all-around steel available today, CPM-MagnaCut. If you're buying your first quality knife and want value without compromise, Nitro-V (found in the Vosteed Raccoon) delivers genuine premium credentials at an accessible price. For wet or marine environments, Nitro-V's nitrogen-enhanced corrosion resistance makes it the standout choice.

How do I choose the right blade length for a folding knife?+

Blade length affects carry legality, pocket presence, and task capability. For most EDC use, 3"–3.5" is the sweet spot — long enough for practical tasks, short enough for comfortable daily carry and legal in the most jurisdictions. Under 3" is ideal for office-friendly carry, restricted jurisdictions, or buyers with smaller hands. Over 3.5" is appropriate for outdoor, camping, and hard-use applications where blade length matters for the task. Check your local blade length restrictions before choosing — many cities and states have specific limits between 2.5" and 4".

How do I maintain and sharpen a folding knife?+

For regular maintenance: wipe the blade clean after use, apply a light drop of oil to the pivot after heavy use or exposure to water, and store with the blade closed and clean. For sharpening: most stainless EDC steels (S35VN, 154CM, VG-10) sharpen well on ceramic rods or whetstones at 20° per side. Premium steels like M390 and MagnaCut benefit from diamond sharpening equipment for efficient material removal. Pull-through sharpeners work but remove more metal than necessary — a whetstone or ceramic rod produces a better edge with less material loss. If you're new to sharpening, a guided angle system like the DMT Aligner ensures consistent results every time.

What is the difference between a flipper and a thumb stud opening?+

A flipper tab protrudes from the blade's spine and is activated by flicking with the index finger — fast, natural, and easy on ceramic or ball bearing pivots. A thumb stud is a small protrusion on the flat of the blade, pushed with the thumb from a natural grip. Both are manual opening methods legal anywhere manual knives are allowed. Flippers on bearing pivots are generally faster and smoother than thumb studs on washers, but many enthusiasts prefer thumb studs for their precision and control. Spyderco's round hole is a third option — a thumb-operated hole in the blade flat that is genuinely ambidextrous and works equally well with gloves.

18,000+ Folding Knives · Authorized Dealer · Expert Support · Fast Shipping

Every Lock. Every Steel. Every Budget. The Right Folding Knife Is Here.

Browse the full Knifeworks folding knife catalog — from the most practical daily carry flippers to collector-grade titanium frames and limited production pieces. Benchmade, Spyderco, Demko, Vosteed, Begg Knives, Pro-Tech, and 100+ more brands, all sourced through authorized channels with full manufacturer warranties. Questions? Call 888-225-9775 — we'll help you find the right knife. Fast shipping from Columbia, Louisiana.

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