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Winchester pocket knives come in different styles, and so are the locking mechanisms to keep the blade secure. Despite the different styles of Winchester knives, you can close and store the knife in your pocket with ease.
It might sound irrelevant, but the first basics that you ought to learn after buying a pocket knife are mastering how to close the knife. While working with the pocket knife, it’s paramount to learn to securely close the knife for your well-being.
Even though Winchester knives are special, they have different locking mechanisms, which results in some differences when closing them. Thus, you can work safely and securely if you possess one.
Different locking mechanisms of the Winchester pocket knife
Each pocket knife has a blade which typically locked inside the frame. Therefore, it’s paramount to understand the pocket knife you have to understand how it works and it’s a closing mechanism.
Knives with liner locks
Knives with liner lock design are the most common pocket knives. Usually, the arrangement of the liner lock has a metal lock that snaps upon pulling out the blade of your knife.
Since the metal piece holds the bottom of the blade, it’s crucial that you loosen it manually to fold the blade.
The liner lock can either be positioned at the back or front, which doesn’t affect the reliability or the knife’s functions. A knife with a liner lock can perform heavy-duty tasks with outstanding reliability.
Knives with Frame lock
Normally, knives with frame locks are relatively smaller in terms of design and light to carry around. In addition, you will discover the knife’s lock mechanism has a little change. You will find that the knife has a lock frame instead of having a locked metal that snaps when the blade is out.
Even though, the frame lock works similarly to the liner lock.
Closing knives with liner and frame locks
Since both liner and frame locks are the same, you should follow the following steps to close knives with these lock mechanisms.
1. Discover the liner or frame lock behind the blade on the underside of the hilt – To ensure the knife is secure, the liner and frame lock normally move a portion to the outer or inner lining behind the blade.
For liner locks, they keep the blade in place by using a portion of their interior lining. However, the frame locks use the outer knife casing to be in place.
2. Use your thumb to push the liner or frame lock away from the blade of the knife – You should hold the blade such that the sharp side faces up. It’s advisable to move the locking mechanism to ensure it’s not in contact with the blade; hence the knife will have less tension.
The reason for holding the knife upside down is to ensure the blade doesn’t fall on your thumb whenever you are moving the lock mechanism.
3. Prior to closing the knife, move your thumb – Use the dominant hand to close the knife. I recommend you make sure that the blades are entirely in the slot prior to moving the blade. For Winchester pocket knives with liner and frame locks, you should be cautious when handling and carrying them.
A simple way to close your pocket knife
Knowing the basics of closing your pocket knife is necessary before getting a more advanced technique. To simply close your pocket knife;
Hold the knife properly
Make sure you get the best grip of the pocket knife with the entire palm. The best way to get great support is to use the thumb and index finger to tightly hold the knife. Also, make sure that the sharp side of the blade faces in the opposite direction.
Loosen the lock
Depending on the lock mechanism of the Winchester pocket knife, you can loosen the lock. Different pocket knives have varying guides to loosen locks.
Fold the blade back safely
Upon unlocking the blade, change how you hold the pocket knife. The sharp blade could cut you and thus make sure to keep the fingers away. To slowly push the knife’s blade, and close it till you hear a snap, make us of both hands.
Check your knife
It’s essential to check your pocket knife to make sure it has been properly closed. Beginners normally forget this step, but it’s necessary to ensure you are safe. If you are closing the Winchester pocket knife, don’t stop until you hear a snap. You should put the knife in the pocket only after successfully closing it.
Mastering how to close a Winchester pocket knife is a basic thing you should learn. Even though there are different pocket knife lock mechanisms, the most common are liner and frame locks. For liner and frame locks;
• Find the liner and frame lock
• Use the thumb to push away the lock
• Move your thumb before closing the pocket knife
While closing different pocket knife lock mechanisms, make sure to;
• Hold the knife properly
• Loosen the lock
• Fold the blade properly
• Check your knife
I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net