Abstract: A safety mechanism that protects against inadvertent closure of the blade of a folding knife. In one embodiment, the safety mechanism is implemented in a folding knife having a liner lock with a flexible, resilient locking element. The safety mechanism is movable between a safety position in which the safety mechanism interferes with movement of the flexible locking element to its unlocked position and a release position in which the locking element can be moved to its unlocked position for closing the blade. The safety mechanism is resiliently biased toward the safety position and is retained in this position unless sufficient pressure is applied to the safety mechanism to overcome the biasing force. A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, can be used to apply the required biasing force to the safety mechanism.