Hi folks. Mike sent me over from another forum and said I might find the drawing I'm looking for from one of you. So here is my origional description.
"My question has to do with knife names and specifically, what would be the name of the knife I'm about to describe. It *may* not even exist, but that's why I'm here. Is there a knife that has a retractable blade, but the blade slides straight out, and sraight back in to the handle. I *think* they are called 'stiletto styly'? "

Thanks to Mike, I now know that they are called OTF knives. :)

"Just curious about them, and how the *innards* work. Can anyone help me out with either pictures, a link, or an explanation as to how they operate. I'm assuming a double spring, double stop, and double catch, but I know very little about knives, other than steak. Thanks for any help you might be able to render."

Also thanks to Mike, I've found microtech's site and though it was helpful, I really wish there were a technical drawing for that style somewhere. That, I could NOT find. Are there any pictures of the knife in it's disassembled state that anyone knows of? :help: Thank you!
Clockman Al

I learned about how autos work by buying really cheapie versions and knockoffs of the Microtech OTFs and other side opening autos, and just taking them apart and seeing all the mechanisms and guts inside. I wouldn't want to take apart a Microtech, as they cost several hundred dollars.

After you see what they're made of, you can buy the same buttons, springs and all other kinds of things like that at the knifekits.com website.

I learned about how autos work by buying really cheapie versions and knockoffs of the Microtech OTFs and other side opening autos, and just taking them apart and seeing all the mechanisms and guts inside. I wouldn't want to take apart a Microtech, as they cost several hundred dollars.

After you see what they're made of, you can buy the same buttons, springs and all other kinds of things like that at the knifekits.com website.
Thanks Josh. I have a *passing* interest only, in that I would like to see how the operate. I'm a maintenance manager/mechanic, with an insatiable interest in how things *work*, but as you pointed out, that would be one heck of an investment just to satisfy my curiosity. :D I would have no idea where to find an inexpensive *knock off* so a drawing or picture would do quite nicely if there are any available. I'm out of my league as to where to look for that. Are they common enough to be in Wallmart type of stores? For a *reasonable* price, I would buy one and take it apart.
Thanks again.
Al