How To Close A Smith And Wesson Knife

Closing a Smith & Wesson knife, while seemingly straightforward, requires a specific procedure to ensure safety and prevent damage to the knife or injury to the user. The mechanisms can vary slightly depending on the model, but the core principles remain consistent. This article provides a detailed guide on how to safely and effectively close several common types of Smith & Wesson knives.

Liner Lock Knives

The liner lock is a prevalent locking mechanism in many folding knives, including those manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It is characterized by a spring steel liner within the handle that, when the blade is fully opened, springs into place behind the blade’s tang, preventing it from closing.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Grip the Knife Securely: Hold the knife firmly in your dominant hand. Ensure your fingers are clear of the blade’s path to avoid accidental cuts. A standard grip involves holding the handle with your fingers wrapped around it, providing a stable and controlled hold.
2. Locate the Liner Lock: The liner lock is a thin metal piece located inside the handle, visible when the blade is fully extended. It will be positioned against the base of the blade, preventing it from folding closed.
3. Disengage the Liner Lock: Using your thumb (or forefinger, depending on your preference and the knife's design), carefully push the liner lock to the side, away from the blade’s tang. This action moves the metal liner out of its locked position, freeing the blade to move. Apply only enough pressure to disengage the lock; excessive force is unnecessary and could potentially damage the mechanism.
4. Begin Closing the Blade: Once the liner lock is disengaged, use your other hand to gently start closing the blade. Maintain a firm grip on the handle with your dominant hand to prevent slippage. Use your index finger and thumb of your non-dominant hand to control the blade's movement.
5. Control the Blade's Movement: As you close the blade, maintain control over its speed. Avoid allowing the blade to snap shut forcefully, as this can dull the blade’s edge or damage the locking mechanism over time. Guide the blade smoothly and deliberately.
6. Completely Close and Secure the Blade: Continue closing the blade until it is fully seated within the handle. Ensure the blade is completely closed and that no portion of the cutting edge is exposed.

Example: Imagine you are closing a Smith & Wesson M&P knife with a liner lock. After gripping the handle firmly, you use your thumb to push the liner lock to the left. With the lock disengaged, you use your other hand to slowly and deliberately fold the blade back into the handle until it is fully closed.

Lock Back Knives

The lock back mechanism is another common locking system found in many Smith & Wesson folding knives. It is characterized by a rocker bar located along the spine of the handle. When the blade is open, the rocker bar engages with a notch on the blade’s tang, locking it in place.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Grip the Knife Securely: As with the liner lock, hold the knife firmly in your dominant hand, ensuring your fingers are clear of the blade’s path.
2. Locate the Lock Back Release: The lock back release is typically a rectangular button or lever located on the spine (back) of the knife handle, near the pivot point of the blade.
3. Depress the Lock Back Release: Use your thumb or forefinger to firmly press down on the lock back release. This action pivots the rocker bar, disengaging it from the notch on the blade’s tang. You should feel the lock release, allowing the blade to move freely.
4. Begin Closing the Blade: While holding the lock back release depressed, use your other hand to gently begin closing the blade.
5. Control the Blade's Movement: Just as with the liner lock, control the speed at which the blade closes. Avoid letting the blade snap shut. Guide it smoothly and deliberately.
6. Completely Close and Secure the Blade: Continue closing the blade until it is fully seated within the handle. Ensure the blade is completely closed and that no portion of the cutting edge is exposed. Once closed, you can release the lock back release.

Example: Consider a Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops knife with a lock back mechanism. You grip the knife firmly and then press down on the lock back release located on the spine of the handle. While keeping the release depressed, you use your other hand to carefully fold the blade back into the handle until it is fully closed.

Frame Lock Knives

The frame lock is similar in principle to the liner lock, but instead of a separate liner, a portion of the knife's handle (the frame) itself acts as the locking mechanism. This provides a very strong and durable lock.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Grip the Knife Securely: Hold the knife firmly, ensuring your fingers are out of the blade's path.
2. Locate the Frame Lock: Identify the portion of the handle frame that is sprung inwards to engage with the blade's tang when open. It will look very similar to a liner lock, but it will be thicker and made of the same material as the handle itself (often metal).
3. Disengage the Frame Lock: Push the frame lock to the side, away from the blade's tang, to disengage it. It may require a slightly firmer push than a liner lock due to its increased thickness.
4. Begin Closing the Blade: Use your other hand to gently start closing the blade while maintaining pressure on the disengaged frame lock.
5. Control the Blade's Movement: Control the speed of the closing blade. Don't let it snap shut.
6. Completely Close and Secure the Blade: Guide the blade until it is fully seated within the handle and the cutting edge is completely concealed.

Example: Imagine you have a Smith & Wesson tactical knife with a frame lock. After a secure grip, you identify the frame lock which is part of the handle. You push it firmly to the side, away from the blade. Then, carefully guide the blade closed with your other hand until it's fully retracted into the handle.

Additional Safety Considerations

• Maintain Your Knife: Regularly clean and lubricate your knife's locking mechanism. A clean and well-lubricated mechanism will operate more smoothly and reliably, reducing the risk of accidental closure or failure.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice closing your knife in a safe environment until you are comfortable with the procedure. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your speed and accuracy.
• Never Force the Blade: If the blade does not close smoothly, do not force it. Inspect the locking mechanism for any obstructions or damage. Forcing the blade can damage the mechanism or cause injury.
• Keep Your Fingers Clear: Always keep your fingers clear of the blade’s path when closing the knife. This is the most important safety precaution to prevent accidental cuts.
• Respect the Tool: A knife is a tool, not a toy. Treat it with respect and handle it responsibly.

Practical Advice

Understanding how to properly close a Smith & Wesson knife, or any folding knife for that matter, is crucial for safe and responsible knife ownership. These skills translate into everyday life scenarios where you might need to use a knife for various tasks, such as opening packages, cutting rope, or preparing food while camping. Mastering the correct closing procedure minimizes the risk of injury and ensures the longevity of your knife. Regular practice and adherence to safety precautions will instill confidence and competence in handling your knife safely and effectively.

Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with the specific locking mechanism of your knife model is essential. Not all knives are created equal, and slight variations in design may require adjustments to the closing procedure. Consulting the manufacturer’s instructions or seeking guidance from experienced knife users can further enhance your understanding and skill.

By following these guidelines and exercising caution, you can confidently and safely close your Smith & Wesson knife, ensuring both your personal safety and the continued functionality of your valuable tool.