Push button knife

Types of Push-Button Knife

Automatic knives have various types based on how the blade extends and retracts, materials used, and the intended purpose.

• Out the Front (OTF) Automatic Knives

  These knives slide the blade out from the handle's front and are popular because of how cool they look and how easy they are to use one-handed. A push button on the handle opens and closes the blade. Some common uses for these knives are cutting, self-defence, and outdoor stuff.

• Fold-up Blade Automatic Knives

  Like regular folding knives, these blade lock into the handle but open with a button instead of a thumb stud. This makes them more convenient because one hand is free. Folding automatic knives are popular for everyday carry (EDC) and tactical use.

• Belt Station Blade Knives

  These knives automatically lock the blade in place when opened with a button. A different button releases the blade to fold it back. This two-button design prevents accidental closure. The frame lock blades are robust and handle heavy-duty tasks such as cutting rope, wood packing boxes, and crates. They are also used in workshops and warehouses.

• Side Opening Knives

  Side-opening push-button knives open like a switchblade, pushing the blade out from the side. Many view this type as a tactical knife due to its quick deployment in self-defence. Popular for law enforcement and military use. Common blade shapes are drop point and serrated for cutting gear. This type is not allowed in all places, so checking local laws is important.

• Escapement Knives

  Escapement knives are a special type of automatic knife that uses a rotating lever mechanism to open and close the blade. This is different from the push-button style. The blade locks securely in place when fully opened. A small lever snaps the blade back into the handle to close it. This mechanism is very strong and durable, making it ideal for heavy use. Escapement automatic knives are often used in industrial settings where cutting tough materials is required.

Material & Durability for Automatic Knives

Automatic knives are made of different strong materials to keep sharp for longer and withstand tough conditions. These durable materials protect the knife's inner parts from rust and damage, allowing people to depend on the knife for years of reliable use.

• Stainless Steel

  Stainless steel is one of the most common materials for knife blades due to its corrosion-resistant properties. Adding chromium allows the steel to withstand rust and stains from moisture, sweat, and chemicals. This makes stainless steel ideal for outdoor, marine, and wet environment use. Stainless steel blades are easy to care for, requiring only simple washing and drying to prevent rust. Knife makers forge the steel into shapes that hold sharp cutting edges. Common stainless steel varieties include 440C for toughness and premium alloys with carbon for edge retention. Their combination of durability and low maintenance makes stainless steel blades vibrant for automatic knives.

• High Carbon Steel

  High-carbon steel blades offer superior sharpness and edge retention for those willing to perform more maintenance. The addition of carbon provides unmatched sharp cutting edges that endure heavy cutting tasks. This steel type is more susceptible to rust, requiring regular oiling and thorough cleaning after use. While less common on fully automatic knives, high-carbon blades might be found on models designed for dedicated users who value performance. Historic traditional pocket knives also featured high-carbon blades for their ability to be honed razor-sharp for precision cutting.

• Damscus Steel

  Damascus steel blades combine artistry and functionality by layering different steel types to create a visually striking patterned blade. The inner steel compositions impart unique qualities, such as hardness for edge retention and toughness to resist chipping. The corrosion-resistant outer layer also ensures longevity in humid or wet conditions. This steel has become popular for its strength and beauty.

• Ceramic

  Ceramic blades provide superior rust and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for wet environments or users wanting low maintenance. They retain sharp edges longer than steel but are more fragile for heavy-duty tasks. Ceramic blades are often found on lighter automatic knives designed for precise cutting.

What to Consider When Buying Push-Button Automatic Knives

There are several important factors to consider when purchasing push-button auto knives in bulk. These include the materials used, the types of steel, and the blade styles.

• Blade Length

  Push-button knives with blades under 3 inches are easier for customers to carry daily. They can do most small cutting jobs and are legal in more places. Blades longer than 3 inches are better for tougher jobs or cutting bigger things but are subject to stricter laws.

• Blade Steel

  Regarding the steel used for the blades, stainless steel resists rust and stains, making it good for cutlery in wet or outdoor spaces. High-carbon steel blades sharpen to a sharper angle and stay sharper longer, but they rust without care. Users who need military-grade gear often prefer premium steel types for exceptional toughness.

• Handle Materials

  Automatic knives come in many handle materials. Aluminium and titanium are lightweight metals that last through years of use. Carbon fibre and G10 laminate are strong synthetics that won't conduct heat or electricity. Steel handles provide unparalleled ruggedness but may add extra weight. Consider what balance of strength, weight, and grip texture users will appreciate when choosing a handle material.

• Blade Styles

  Different blade shapes suit various cutting needs. Drop point blades excel at general tasks like opening packages or slicing rope. Tanto blades provide superior strength for prying or penetrating tough materials. Serrated edges efficiently tackle textiles and fibrous materials. Multi-functional blades with combined features offer versatility in hiking or emergency scenarios. Selecting a blade style that aligns with customers' typical cutting requirements ensures the knives are practical tools for their needs.

• Locking Mechanisms

  The lock that secures the blade is a crucial safety feature. Handle locks protect fingers during storage. Release buttons and switches lock the blade tight for safer use. Open locks and close locks securely to withstand tough tasks.

How to Care and Maintain Automatic Knives

Regular maintenance keeps automatic knives safe, working well, and looking great for years.

• Clean the Blade and Handle

  Users should clean the blades, handles, and releasing mechanisms with a soft cloth after each use. If knives are used in dirty outdoor jobs, they may require more frequent washing. Customers should be advised never to use harsh chemicals that could harm the metal or other parts.

• Lubricate the Mechanisms

  User-activated areas, like the opening and closing parts, need lubrication with a knife oil or light machine oil. This keeps everything moving freely. Customers should be instructed to apply oil sparingly and to locations that don't collect dirt. They should also be reminded not to use cooking oils, which could gum up mechanisms over time.

• Sharpen the Blade

  Customers should be told to use sharpening tools made specifically for knives, like stones, guides, or rods. They should sharpen following the angle of the existing edge. Small serrated sections may need special serration sharpeners. Blade guards should protect edges during storage.

• Inspect for Damage

  Users should regularly check automatic knives for worn parts, rust, or anything bent or cracked. Catching issues early prevents failure when it's needed most. Customer service can assist with questions about repairs or replacing damaged items. Following these recommendations will allow users to depend on their automatic knives as trustworthy cutting tools for many years.

Q&A

Q1. Are automatic knives suitable for cutting tasks?

A1. Push-button knives are designed primarily for self-defence and tactical use, although they can cut things. Many areas have rules restricting carrying such knives daily.

Q2. Are serrated and plain-edge blades required by law in automatic knives?

A2. The law does not differentiate between serrated and plain-edged blades for automatic knives, so both types are usually equally illegal or legal.

Q3. Do automatic knives are equipped with multiple blade types?

A3. Some multi-blade automatic knives are available, allowing users to switch blades for different tasks. However, this adds extra moving parts that could jam or fail.

Q4. Are automatic knives difficult to maintain?

A4. It's easy to keep automatic knives clean and modified with common techniques used on regular pocket knives.

Q5. What is the benefit of a lock on an automatic knife?

A5. Locks are safety features that securely hold the blade in place when open. They also protect fingers when closed.