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Old 06-18-2014, 04:36 PM
Jeremy Jeremy is offline
Steel Addict
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 234
Welcome . All the different names you hear for folder names in English are all just more specific terms for different types of folders. A slip joint folder is one that is typically thought of as more "traditional". It doesn't lock open and has a spring for tension on the tang of the blade, both open and closed. Then there are lock backs (the spring on these have a notch that lock the blade open), liner locks (the thin liner is bent so it "springs" into place against the tang, locking the blade when open) and frame locks (just like a liner lock, but thicker-one side of the knife, the frame, is cut and bent to do the same thing as the liner).

But there are also many different methods to open the knife: a nail nick (common on slip joints), thumb studs to push against with the thumb, holes of various shapes and sizes to place the thumb in/on to push the blade open, etc. One different method is the "flipper". It has a...not sure what the right name would be..."tail"? When closed, it sticks out of the spine side between the scales or frame, near the pivot. It's part of the blade that was left and shaped resembling a finger guard when open. When holding the knife and it's closed, a quick push down on the tail towards the frame with your index finger causes the blade to quickly "flip" open, thus caused a flipper. This is commonly used on liner and frame locks. If you google the term flipper folding knife, you'll see lots of examples.

Hope that clears things up at least a bit? I know it's pretty general in terms of definitions. Feel free to ask any clarification points. When guys who are way smarter than me see, they'll steer you straight .

Jeremy
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