Switchblade Collectors Terminology

A list of common english language terms used to define variations of switchblades. Derived from a larger list of colloquial terms used at knife trade shows and in collectors books and periodicals.

Some specific switchblade and knife terms are a legal contention, and are defined by the AKTI American Knife and Tool Institute. Other terms are used to describe combinations of mechanical or esthetic features among collectors. Some terms describing automatic mechanisms are so specific to a manufacturer that the brand name is used to describe the machinery, such as Ka-bar Grizzly, or Aerial, or Korn patent rocker release or Case Zipper.

The full list of switchblade terms is beyond listing in this enclopedia article, and this list of terms is offered to impress upon the reader the vast variety of switchblade types. Space is not available to write a definition for each term or present in glossary format.

Blade Grinds & Types

(Damascus, Teflon & Stainless are not specific to automatics or stilettos)Dagger grind, Bayonet, Bayo, Plain blade, Swedge Blade, Half grind, Ramped sear hole, Long Tang, Kris blade,

Button Release Mechanisms

Leverlock, Reverse Lever, Press Button, Square button, Oval button, Tall button, Fat button, Flat button, Flylock, D Stamp Bracket, Pinned Bracket, Tabbed Bracket, Exposed Bar, Pull-Ball, Penblade Release, Squeeze Knife, Clamshell, Toggle, Modern Spoon, Double Action, Scale Release, Lanyard Release, Bolster Release,

Blade Locking Mechanisms

Lockback, Picklock, Humpback, Fulcrum release, Ring pull, Tilt bolster, Cam lock, Liner lock, Button open/close, Clasp knife, OTF.

Tang Stamps or Importers Names

Ace, Ackermanchen, Alamo, A&K, Astor, BV&F, Cobra, Colt Zoppis, Coricama, Cross, Cutlery Angeli, Divus, Danex, Edwin Jay, EIG, Elio, Ethan, Fabico, Folgore, Frosolone, G.C.Co, Hoffritz, Inter, Latama, LaVespa, MadeInItaly, Mauro Mario, Mauser, Omega, Panamex, Raimondo, Richter, Romo, Rosco, Rossuret, Saphr, Scarperia, S.M.Co., Svoboda,

Mainspring or Kickspring Designs

Dovetail spring, Slip in spring, One piece spring, Round Rod spring, Stacked spring, Beveled spring, Coil spring, Pinned spring, Torsion spring, Leaf spring

Repair Problems or General condition

Proud blade, Popper, Kickback, Banana, Bent spine, Liner gap,

Other terms

Swinguard, Flat Guard, Fish, fish tail, wasp waist, Shuresnap, Lazy W, Bowtie, Derby bolster, double end, shellpuller, NATO, Red-dot safety, Trapdoor, Fish bonker, Conversion, Transitional, Paratrooper, Side cocker, No-Button, Shell Wrap, Full lined Ears, Toothpick, Custom, Tactical, Spikes, Cupids, Corsica, Catalanas, Vendetta, Lefty (left handed design), Clone, Brass Copy,

Legal Terminology

The article list above is not complete or approved.

For the current approved definitions see the AKTI website under references.

The American Knife and Tool Institute ( AKTI ), is addressing the inequities of regional law, by refining a glossary of knife terms including switchblades, stilettos, Bowies and gravity knives. The definitions are cultured from court rulings and first hand knowledge by collectors. The AKTI hopes the use of this glossary will achieve standardized common terms for knife types or measuring points among legal officers and collectors, leading to sensible knife legislation and law enforcement, with considerations to the knife makers and collectors in America today.

ee Also

References

* The AKA, Automatic Knife Association Website
* The AKTI, American Knife & Tool Institute standard knife definitions http://www.akti.org/PDFS/AKTIDefinitions.pdf
* Switchblades of Italy, by Zinser, Fuller, Punchard & Saltzman 2003 Turner Publishing ISBN 1-56311-933-1