How to Close a Knife Blade: Tremendous Tips for Safe and Easy Use

By Avi Green October 10, 2023

For those who spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen, understanding how to close a knife blade is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient workspace. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, mastering this skill can make your culinary experience much more enjoyable.

In this guide, we will delve into various methods for securely and easily closing different types of knife blades, from kitchen knives to multi-tools. Implementing these tips can help prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your knives.

Understanding Knife Types and Their Closing Mechanisms

Folding Knives

Folding knives are popular for their portability and convenience. These knives typically come with a locking mechanism to ensure the blade stays in place during use.

Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are a type of folding knife that often features multiple tools. They can have different types of locks, such as slip joints, liner locks, and lockbacks. Knowing how to close a liner lock knife or a lockback knife is essential for safe handling.

Kitchen Knives

Unlike folding and pocket knives, kitchen knives are generally fixed-blade knives that do not fold. However, some kitchen knife sets come with safety sheaths that must be properly managed. Read more about essential knives in a set here.

How to Close Different Types of Knife Blades

Closing a Slip Joint Knife

Slip joint knives do not have a lock but rely on a spring to keep the blade open. To close them, apply pressure on the back of the blade until it snaps carefully back into place. Always keep your fingers out of the path of the blade to avoid injury.

Using the Liner Lock Mechanism

Liner locks are commonly found in tactical and pocket knives. To close a liner lock knife, use your thumb to push the metal liner away from the blade. Once the liner is clear, gently pivot the blade back into the handle. Learn more about sharpening your knives here.

Handling a Lockback Knife

The lockback mechanism requires you to depress a lock bar on the spine of the knife to release the blade. Press the lock bar carefully and fold the blade back into the handle. Make sure to hear a click, indicating that the blade is securely closed.

Safety Tips When Closing Knife Blades

Keep Your Fingers Clear

One of the most important safety tips is to keep your fingers clear of the blade's closing path. Use your other hand to hold the knife handle securely while you close the blade.

Use Both Hands When Necessary

While some knives can be closed with one hand, using both hands provides better control and minimizes the risk of slipping. This is especially useful when closing larger or more complex knives.

Check the Lock Mechanism

Before closing the blade, ensure the lock mechanism is functioning correctly. A faulty lock can lead to accidental injuries.

Maintaining Your Knife Blades

Regular Cleaning

Regularly clean your knife blades to prevent the build-up of food particles and other debris. This helps in maintaining the sharpness and effectiveness of the knife.

Proper Storage

Store your knives in a designated knife block or sheath. Avoid tossing them into a drawer where they can get damaged or pose a safety hazard. For more about knife storage, visit this article.

Sharpening Blades

Keep your knives sharp to reduce the need for extra force when cutting, which can make closing the blade easier and safer.

Conclusion

Learning how to close a knife blade is a vital skill for anyone who uses knives regularly. By understanding the different types of knife locking mechanisms and following safety tips, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience. Remember to regularly maintain your knives and always handle them with care. For more about the uses of a paring knife, click here.