Fixed blade knives are commonly used by people, but they are not suitable for all conditions. Therefore, many of us have foldable modifications. But few people know that such a knife design has a long and very interesting history.
Few people know that the first folding knives appeared more than two thousand years ago: according to the Novate.ru editors, the oldest blade of this type was found by archaeologists on the territory of modern Austria, and the time of its creation was determined around 500 BC. In addition, it is known that in the Roman Empire, the design of folding knives was quite popular.
However, even after the end of the ancient era, folding knives did not lose their usefulness both for ordinary people and for people of military professions. In addition, there is a gradual evolution of the design of gadgets of this type, and over time it has significantly transformed.
If we consider the technical side of both fixed and retractable blades, it can be noted that the design of the second is much more complicated than the first. This is largely due to the peculiarities of the practical use of both types of weapons. First of all, the design of a folding knife must be such that it is effective during use and also safe when closed.
One of the main problems that designers face is the issue of securely fixing the blade in the folded position of the knife. If earlier the blade was simply fixed by friction force, today a number of corresponding systems have been created - Back Lock, Liner Lock, Axis Lock and their varieties - they are the most popular.
An equally important component of the design is the main assembly of the mechanism, which was originally a simple axis on which the blade was mounted. Today it is complicated by special washers and bearings that make the blade easier to move when opening and closing.
Another advantage of modern modifications of folding knives is the ability to open them with one hand, which was previously inaccessible. Today companies come up with a variety of systems that provide automatic folding of the knife with the press of just one finger.
All of these systems are compact enough to provide another undoubted plus of a folding knife - a small size, which allows you to carry it with you without any problems. Therefore, this type of cold weapon got its nickname "pocket knife" quite rightly.
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