One-Handed Knives
Gerber, Ruike, Camillus & Nitecore

Yes. One-hand folding knives are freely available and may be carried without special restrictions under Article 4 of the Swiss Weapons Act. You don’t need a justified reason to carry a one-handed knife. Prohibited, however, are butterfly/balisong knives, gravity knives, switchblades (automatic knives) with blades over 5 cm and throwing knives. Important: spring-assisted one-handed knives are not switchblades – they are legal because the blade must first be moved manually. Source: fedpol.admin.ch.

Every one-handed knife is a folding knife, but not every folding knife can be opened with one hand. Classic folders (slipjoint, no opening aid) need both hands – one to hold, one to lever the blade open at the nail nick. One-handed knives have a mechanism (thumb stud, thumb hole or flipper tab) that lets you open the blade with the same hand that holds the knife. Advantage in use: the second hand stays free for the workpiece.

With a one-handed knife you move the blade yourself – with the thumb on the stud, hole or flipper tab. With a switchblade (automatic knife), the blade deploys on pure button press by spring force. In Switzerland, switchblades with blades over 5 cm are prohibited; one-handed knives are legal. Spring-assisted knives are also not switchblades in legal terms, because you have to move the blade manually past a tipping point first – they count legally as one-handed knives.

Liner lock and frame lock are locking systems that prevent the blade from unintentionally closing during use. With liner lock, a spring-loaded steel rail inside the handle snaps behind the blade – pressed sideways with the thumb you release it, then the blade folds inward. With frame lock, the handle scale itself takes on the lock function – very robust, classic on titanium folders (Ruike M108-TZ, M121-TZ Hussar, M875-TZ). Both systems allow one-handed closing, which sets them apart from lockback knives.

For EDC and outdoor we recommend 14C28N (Sandvik) as a low-maintenance all-rounder – rust-resistant, easy to sharpen, balanced edge retention. Found in many Ruike models. For premium demands, MagnaCut is the first choice (Gerber Fastball MagnaCut) – a modern powder steel with high edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness combined. Mid-range steels like AUS-8, 7Cr17MoV or Beta+ (Ruike’s proprietary recipe) offer good edge retention at a fair price. Tool steels like D2 are very edge-retentive but somewhat rust-prone.

Titanium is the material of choice in the premium folder segment because it combines four properties: high strength (comparable to stainless), low weight (45 percent lighter than steel), corrosion resistance (practically rust-proof, even in saltwater) and a refined look with warm haptics. Ideal for frame lock, because the handle scale itself becomes the lock and titanium is stable enough without a separately mounted liner. In our range: Ruike M108-TZ, M121-TZ Hussar, M875-TZ and Nitecore NTK10. Downside: significantly higher price and sensitivity to scratches (patina effect).

Most one-handed knives have a hollow grind or flat grind with a secondary bevel and 18–22 degrees angle per side. For everyday use, a water stone 1’000/3’000 or a guided sharpening system (Lansky, KME) for constant angles is enough. For powder steels like MagnaCut or tool steels like D2, diamond stones are recommended because they are harder than ordinary water stones. A leather strop at the end brings razor sharpness. More choice of stones and sharpening systems in the sharpener filter.

The pivot is the most important maintenance point. For folders with plain bearings (classic phosphor bronze washers), regular cleaning with compressed air and a drop of light oil (Ballistol or gun oil) is enough. For folders with ball bearings (IKBS, ball bearing – Gerber Fastball, Ruike Hussar), a thin oil (e.g. Nano-Oil) should be used. When dirty: carefully loosen pivot screw, remove blade, clean with isopropyl alcohol, lightly oil, reassemble with original torque. Don’t over-tighten, or the buttery-smooth opening will be lost.

For pure EDC use (packaging, cords, apple), 6 to 8 cm of blade is the ideal sweet spot – enough cutting length at compact pocket carry. Examples: Gerber LST Mini (~7 cm), Gerber Fastball (~7.5 cm), Ruike LD11 (~6 cm). Blades under 6 cm like the BCB Mighty Mini or Nitecore NTK10 are ultralight companions for discreet daily use and keychain. Blades over 9 cm like the Gerber Order or Ruike P122 target outdoor and tactical use, less unobtrusive in EDC.

For getting started we recommend a one-handed knife with thumb stud, liner lock, 14C28N steel and a blade length between 7 and 8 cm. Three highly recommendable models: the Ruike LD11 as a compact EDC with stainless handle and thumb stud – very robust price-to-performance. The Gerber LST Mini as an ultralight EDC classic (4 colours available). The Ruike P108-SB as a robust outdoor folder with G10 handle. For the entry into the premium segment, the Gerber Fastball MagnaCut with flipper and powder steel is the right choice.

In Switzerland, yes, without special preconditions, provided it’s a normal one-hand folding knife (Article 4 of the Swiss Weapons Act). There are two limitations though: First, public nuisance – anyone who shows a knife demonstratively or uses it in escalating situations risks a charge of threat or intimidation, regardless of the knife type. Second, house rules and security zones: schools, concerts, sports stadiums, demonstrations, airports and courthouses often have their own bans. For everyday pocket carry, in the car, in the toolbox and on outdoor tours, there are no restrictions whatsoever.

Yes. All one-handed knives are available from our warehouse in Menzingen (ZG) – no waiting time, no customs fees. Free shipping within Switzerland and Liechtenstein from CHF 100. Personal advice in our showroom or by phone at 041 755 34 33. In case of dissatisfaction, our 30-day voluntary right of return applies.