They are safer and more convenient than the fixed blades. Folding knives have a pivot point and typically have a lock mechanism, which allows the blade to close into the handle only when unlocked.

Folding knives are naturally, by design, not as strong as fixed blade knives. They are a common general purpose tool and are used extensively for camping and hunting. They tend to be more compact and lighter, allowing them to be easily carried and concealed. The "Switchblade knife" is a spring-action knife, snap-blade knife, or any other knife having the appearance of a pocketknife. They typically have a blade two or more inches long that can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, or other mechanical action or device. So, a pocket knife without any type of "automatic release" would not be considered a "switchblade knife".

The Butterfly Knife, also known as a gravity knife or balisong is typically illegal. They are designed to be deployed rapidly with a flipping action of the wrist, producing a slashing action. They are a folding knife that has two handles that rotate around its tang. They are opened by centrifugal force. Both the switchblade and the butterfly knife have an evil or threatening reputation because of their slashing action.

Fixed Blade

Hunting knives were the very first knives, and are the most popular of the fixed blade type. You don't want to be fumbling around with it when someone is assaulting you and your life is in danger.

It would be important to check the laws in your area to make sure you can indeed carry a knife and if you can, what are the size limitations. Even though you may only carry a knife as a tool and nothing more, the law does not care.

Most of the new and popular folding knives to come along in the last twenty years have been tactical-style knives. Tactical knives were originally designed primarily for police and military use, but quickly became popular for their size, strength, and ease of use. Although, most are now sold for general utility knives to the general public. They are still heavily utilized by active and reserve military, police forces, fire departments, and rescue units. Tactical knives tend to be a little bulkier and heavier than traditional knives, but also tend to be larger, stronger, and more convenient.

There are several distinctive and identifying features of a tactical-style knife:

1. Single-bladed - Tactical knives almost without exception have a single blade. There are no options for the multiple blades available in traditional pocket knives.

2. An aid to assist in opening the blade easily and rapidly, such as a hole in the blade, a thumb stud, or a spring-assist.

3. A pocket clip to keep the knife readily available at the top of the pocket. Many models can be adjusted to be carried tip-up or tip-down.

4. A lock variant to hold the blade locked open during use. The axis lock is used in the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian in the picture. Lock-backs, axis locks, triple locks, frame-locks, and other variants are available. All are good - most are chosen based on preference rather than any major difference.

There are models available in almost any variation you might like -- any steel type, lock type, blade shape, and handle material.