You can tell if your pocket knife’s blade needs to be replaced by looking out for any of the three following signs:
Your blade may appear rusty or dull.
Your blade’s cutting edge may have developed nicks and pitts, and no longer give a smooth cut.
Your blade may even have broken completely.
Because pocket knife blades are designed to wear out and be replaced, it isn’t necessary to spend time sharpening your blade; simply replace it. Most pocket knives come with up to five replacement blades, so you won’t have to buy new ones immediately.
How to replace a pocket knife blade
Note: The replacement process may vary slightly for different models of pocket knife, so we’ve chosen the most common type for this guide. If your pocket knife’s blade replacement procedure is different, you can always find instructions in the box it came in, or on your manufacturer’s website.
This guide will show you how to replace the blades on a pocket knife with a sliding replacement system – where the blade is pulled from the end of the knife, without the need to open the housing.
Step 1 – Locate your knife’s quick release mechanism
You will first need to locate your knife’s quick release mechanism. A look at the manufacturer’s guidelines should tell you where this is.
On this knife, the quick release mechanism is located close to the top edge of the blade liner, near to the blade.
Step 2 – Extend blade
If your knife is a retractable model, extend the blade fully.
Step 3 – Engage quick release mechanism
In this case, simply press and hold the button on the liner to release the blade from its housing.
Step 4 – Remove blade
Grip the blade carefully between thumb and forefinger, being sure not to press down on the tip or cutting edge.
Now, simply pull the blade outward in a smooth motion, away from the knife, until free.
Step 5 – Replace blade
Engage the quick release mechanism once more, and push one end of your replacement blade into the blade housing (from the end of the knife inward). Do this with the blade’s notches facing upwards and the cutting edge facing down.
Keep pushing until the release mechanism pops back into place – you can now let go of the button, and use your knife as usual.