Switchblade - Your Art History Reference Guide!

ArtHistoryClub Information Site on Switchblade Art History Art History Search        Art History Browse             News        Gallery        Forums        Articles        Weblinks        welcome to our free resource site for all art history lovers!

Switchblade

A switchblade (also known as stiletto) is a type of knife with a folding blade that springs out of the grip when a button or lever on the grip is pressed – a so-called 'OTF' (out-the-front) design. It is generally a short knife (usually less than twenty centimeters) with a thin, narrow dagger-like blade, however the 'stiletto' style folding type can be as long as any type of folding pocket knife. The normal term in British English is flick-knife.

While switchblades are often low quality knives, and due to their thin narrow blades cannot slash or cut effectively in a fight, there are also knives that are made to high standards and specifications for tactical use. It is frequently depicted in movies and TV as being used by gang members.

The switchblade should not be confused with the butterfly knife.

Last updated: 10-20-2005 19:23:56
Last updated: 01-04-2007 01:18:57
The contents of this article are licensed from Wikipedia.org under the
GNU Free Documentation License. See original document.
Art History Search | Art History Browse | Contact | Legal info