Abstract: A folding knife having improved releasable locks for holding the knife blade in an open position for use and for holding the blade in a closed position with the cutting edge housed in the knife handle. Two inner handle plates form a slot for receiving the knife edge in the closed position. One inner plate includes a first tab that is biased into the slot and is shaped to engage a flat end on the blade to prevent closing the blade until the first tab is manually pushed away from the blade end. The other inner plate includes a second tab that is biased into the slot opposite the first tab and has a small hard ball secured to the tab located so as to enter a corresponding hole in the blade when the blade is fully closed. The blade can be opened by manually rotating the blade with sufficient force to overcome the tab biasing force.

Abstract: A folding knife that is self opening when removed from a container such as a holster or pocket. The knife includes a handle and a knife blade with the blade hinged to the handle for folding from an extended, use, position to a stored position in a slot in the handle. A pin is formed on the knife blade adjacent to the hinged end, extending away from the blade when the blade is folded. When the knife is pulled from a container, the pin will snag the container just before the knife is fully removed, causing the blade to unfold to the use position. Preferably, the pin is hook-shaped with an end extending along the blade towards the blade tip. A releasable locking arrangement to lock the blade against folding while in use and for releasing the blade when desired for folding is preferably included.