Abstract: The present invention is a folding knife having a minimal thickness while maintaining suitable strength and durability. The knife has a first elongated blade with a cutting edge and a tang of predetermined thickness through which a countersunk opening is formed; a knife handle to which the blade is attached for pivotal movement in a first blade plane between first and second terminal positions; and a first pivot mechanism pivotally connecting said first blade to said handle comprising first and second ends and that extends through the handle and the countersunk, the first end being substantially positioned within the first blade plane and the second end being positioned adjacent the handle.

Abstract: A safety lock for a folding knife comprising a sliding safety button positioned in a slot formed in one side of the knife handle. The button includes a first portion extending outwardly from the handle for manipulation by a user, and a second portion having a beveled surface that is slidingly engageable with a pin protruding from the blade tang. The pin in the blade tang may comprise a pre-existing structure, such as that included in some assisted opening mechanisms, or may be specifically added to the blade tang of a conventional folding knife for the purposes of forming the safety mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: A knife handle formed of two diverse materials includes a frame of rigid, thermosetting plastic having external surfaces and an elongated, internal cavity. A somewhat rubbery, resilient material covers portions of both the external surfaces and the cavity walls of the frame. The cavity is open at the distal end of the handle and is of substantially rectangular cross section. The resilient material covers all four walls of the cavity from the open end for a portion of its length, and covers only the two longer sides within the main body of the frame. A tang extending integrally from the knife blade is inserted into the cavity, contacting only the resilient material, with interference fit, within the cavity. Assembly is completed by inserting a rivet through aligned openings in the tang and handle, the handle openings being entirely surrounded by the resilient material.