Name/Title
Sheffield spring lockEntry/Object ID
64; Full Code: 64.18.22-KN-NBTags
Knife, Folders, Automatic, EDCDescription
This artifact is a Compact Push-Button Automatic Knife, documented as a 1981 acquisition from the United Kingdom. It represents a specialized branch of 20th-century European cutlery focused on high-speed mechanical deployment and one-handed operational readiness. The piece utilizes a plunge-lock mechanism combined with a high-tension internal coil spring, documenting a design optimized for immediate utility.
Core Components & Engineering
The Blade (Symmetrical Spear-Point): A single-edged blade with a centered tip and a flat grind.
Metallurgy: Stamped "INOX" (Stainless Steel) at the ricasso. This indicates a high-chromium alloy designed for corrosion resistance, a critical requirement for a tool maintained in a 45-year curation cycle.
Geometry: The spear-point profile provides a balance between piercing capability and a controllable slicing edge. The symmetry ensures the blade tracks predictably during linear "inputs."
The Hilt (Textured Polymer / Zytel Assembly):
Architecture: The handle is constructed from a high-density, injection-molded polymer featuring a diamond-checkered texture. This provides a high-friction mechanical interface, ensuring the hilt remains secure in the hand during the high-torque opening cycle.
Ergonomics: The "pistol-grip" flare at the pommel acts as a physical retention stop, anchoring the tool in the palm.
The Mechanism (Plunge-Lock Automatic):
Operational Input: Deployment is initiated by depressing the metallic button located near the pivot.
Mechanical Logic: An internal coil spring provides the potential energy. Depressing the button retracts the locking pin, releasing the blade into a 180° arc.
Locking System: Once open, the button snaps back, locking the blade in place via a "Plunge-Lock." This converts the folder into a structurally stable fixed-blade.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Shefiled Spring WorksDate made
circa 1981Dimensions
Dimension Description
3”Length
2 inAcquisition
Acquisition Method
Purchase
