Abstract: A folding knife is provided having a handle that pivotably holds a blade member adapted to be housed within the handle in a storage state, and to be deployed to a service state by swinging laterally and forwardly in a path orthogonal to the handle. The handle is constructed of facing first and second members elongated between front and rear extremities, and defining a compartment which houses the blade member. The second handle member is pivotably joined to the first handle member in a manner to permit rearward swinging movement which opens the compartment to allow deployment of the blade member. Forwardly returning movement of the second handle member secures the blade member in its service state.