Sophie's Angel Collectible Knives

     There are many variations of knives to choose from these days. The following is just an example of some of the styles available.

POCKET KNIVES - Pocketknives are still high on the list of favorites - great to carry in your pocket for all the times you might need a blade. The blades don’t lock open, but that’s not critical for their utilitarian use. Many pocketknives have more than one blade for multiple uses.

LOCK BACK -A "lockback" is a type of folding knife that locks open. Locking folders provide much of the confidence of a fixed-blade while open, yet enable you to fold the blade for safety and carrying convenience. A lockback gets its name from a rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening the blade causes the "rocker" to lock against the blade so it locks open. Pushing down on the rocker at the back of the handle releases it and enables you to close the blade. Lockbacks require 2-hand closing, though some are 1-hand openers.

FIXED-BLADE -A fixed-blade knife will never surprise you in use because it is a solid piece of steel with a handle anchored to it. For those who want a blade they really trust for tough jobs, such as field dressing and tough camping tasks, guide them to a fixed-blade. Fixed-blade knives can have tang or slab construction. A tang runs the length of the handle but tapers and disappears within. With slab, two handle slabs are attached to either side of the handle steel. The steel part of the handle is larger and visible the length of the handle. Slab handles are heavier but stronger.

One-Hand Open/Close-Many knife users are looking for the convenience of a knife that opens and closes with one hand, and also provides lock-open safety. For climbing and activities where one hand is occupied, a one-hander is essential. For other activities, a one-hander may be personal preference. There are many types of one-handers, so choose one that fits your activities.

Liner Lock-A "Liner Lock" is a folding knife that locks open via a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. Similar to a "Lockback," opening the blade activates the lock. Unlocking is achieved by placing your thumb on the front part of the liner and pushing to the left, which releases the blade. A liner lock enables you to close the blade with one hand. A thumb hole or thumb stud in the blade is typically used for one-hand opening.

Frame Lock-A "Frame Lock" operates like a liner lock, only the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. When the blade opens, the frame lock moves into the handle opening and locks against the blade. Pushing to the left releases it from its "locked position" so you can close the blade.

Assisted Opening- "Assisted Opening" knives are the ultimate in one-hand convenience. They also use a liner lock for locking the blade open. To open, release the safety, then push the blade release ridge. After the blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism (ASAP) completes the blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To close, push left on the front of the liner to unlock it, close the blade and engage the safety on top of the handle.