Abstract: A two-piece handle is provided having a male handle half and a female handle half, each of which may be formed separately by molding, machining, or other processes. The male handle half includes a projection near the rear of the handle, and has a first hole in the projection for receiving a leaf spring rod. The female handle half has an integral spring holder which includes a recess for receiving the projection of the male handle half. The spring holder has a second hole for receiving a leaf spring rod through it which intersects with the recess. When the projection of the male half is fitted into the recess of the female half, the first hole and the second hole line up sufficiently to enable the insertion of the leaf spring rod. When the leaf spring rod has been inserted, it aids in retaining the male handle half in an assembled state with the female handle half, while also serving a spring for the blade locking mechanism.