Abstract: A foldable knife (10) comprises a handle (14), a blade (12), means (24) for securing the blade (12) to the handle for pivotal movement between a closed position wherein the cutting edge (20) is received in a recess (34) in the handle (14) and an open position wherein the cutting edge edge (20) is exposed, a bar spring (16) secured at one end to the handle (14) in the recess (34), and a mechanism (18) secured in an opening (58), (60) in the handle (14) and extending through a hole (44) in the bar spring (16), the mechanism (18) comprising an enlarged portion (48) and a reduced portion (b 50), and means (54) for moving the mechanism (18) between a locking position when the enlarged portion is in the hole (44) for limiting movement of the bar spring (16) for preventing movement of the blade (12) and a release position wherein the reduced portion (50) is in the hole (44) and sufficient movement of the bar spring (16) is accommodated for moving the blade (12) to the closed or opened positions.