A knife the blade of which folds or shuts into the handle; esp. a large knife of this type in which the blade when opened is rigidly fixed by means of a catch.
1755. in Johnson.
1827. in Hone, Every-day Bk., II. 1182. The rude clasp-knife lifts the coarse meal to the ruddy lips.
1833. J. Holland, Manuf. Metals (Cabinet Cycl.), II. 9. About the year 1650 clasp or spring knives began to be made with handles of iron, which in a little time they covered with horn, tortoise-shell, &c.
1883. Stevenson, Treasure Isl., I. i. 8. He … drew and opened a sailor’s clasp-knife.
