The Evolution of Pocket Knives: Friction Folders

Before slide locks, liner locks, and frame locks, there was a different type of pocket knife – the friction folder. This type of knife doesn’t have a lock at all, but instead relies on an extended tang that sinks between the handles to hold the knife in place.

The Source of Friction

Friction folders have been around for a long time, making them one of the oldest types of folding pocket knives. With a low-tech design, they were initially popular for their simplicity. However, advancements in knife design have largely replaced them with more modern options. But friction folders still offer a unique advantage – they are technically legal to carry in places where locking blades are prohibited, such as the United Kingdom and certain areas in the US.

The Modern Revival

While friction folders are no longer as common as they once were, some EDC brands have brought back contemporary takes on the classic pattern. WESN, for example, offers a modern twist on the friction folder design.

Folded or not, the friction folder remains an intriguing piece of pocket knife history, and its simplicity has led to a resurgence of interest in this classic design.