Adélie Crossbar Locking Utility Knife with Pocket Hook! Fully Printable, No Screws, No Springs, No Glue

Introducing The Adélie Utility Knife

This is a fully functional 3D printable utility knife that takes standard Stanley style blades. Too broke to afford a Benchmade? Too cheap to spring for a CQC? Just print one of these, which is totally just about 5% as good! Probably!

Insofar as I am aware, this is the world's first “Axis” or crossbar locking folding knife that is also equipped with a “Wave” style pocket hook opening mechanism. Never mind a 3D printed one – This the only one, period. These two great pocket knife innovations are finally brought together. There may be imitators cropping up some time in the future, but this is the original.

Assemble and use at your own risk. Knives are sharp. Do I really have to tell you what the purpose of a knife is?

Strong, easy to print, and functional. Hundreds of examples made. Print yours today!

Features

• Completely 3D printable design requires the purchase of no screws or external hardware except the blade. No screws, springs, or glue required.

• Fully functional crossbar locking mechanism which both locks the blade carrier open and also detents it closed so it won't open in your pocket.

• Penguin Beak opening hook can be used to open the knife manually, or automatically snap it open when drawn from your pocket! See it in action:

Trust me, that never gets old.

• Reversible deep carry pocket clip for left or right handed users.

• Fully ambidextrous controls for both opening and closing. Lefty friendly design!

• Bushing pivot operates freely, and even allows for performing the “Axis Flick” trick, just like a commercial Axis/crossbar knife!

• Don't trust printed screws? Optionally compatible with M6x1.0 hardware if you are 🐔. Use M6x1.0, 12mm long setscrews!

Printing Tips

• Regular liners are designed to be printed in ordinary PLA. Axis lock spring action may be impacted if you use other materials. Revised liners for PETG/ABS also available!

• Print all parts in their supplied orientation, with their flat parts against the bed, except the clip which prints standing on its edge.

• For best performance, print in black and white. Obviously.

Updates

Due to the continual treadmill of (papering over my screwups) innovation and improvement, the following updates have been made to these files as of 2026-01-06:

• Screws revised to true M6x1.0 size.

• Revised Axis lock ramp angles to improve detent/retention to hold blade closed.

• New three part Axis lock assembly eliminates print overhangs and mitigates previous issues with lock bar being pushed through the liner under extreme duty use.

• Minor revisions to bushing diameters and precision of clip fitment. 

Exploded Diagram

Bill Of Materials

Assembly Instructions

Notices and Fine Print

This is a non-commercial design, for personal use only. Commercial reproduction or selling this design in any way for any price is absolutely prohibited. This includes “just breaking even on time and materials” or any other excuse. Not for distribution via eBay, Etsy, nor reposting via any other channel either commercially or non-commercially.

You assume all associated risks with printing and building this model. Ultimately, this is sticking a live knife blade in a chunk of plastic you printed yourself. Employ all reasonable precaution that this entails. This model is provided as-is and with no guarantees. You are also responsible for ensuring the legality of the use and carry of this model in your place of abode.

Dork Design

      When in doubt…

      …Wing it!