The Parascale is a folder built for bushcraft. The Deadbolt lock is an industry-shifting innovation on so many levels. TJ Schwarz just uncovered one more and put it into the Parascale outdoor folding knife. If you’re wondering why you’ve never seen a paracord-wrapped folder before, it’s because you probably haven’t—unlike a frame lock or liner lock, the Deadbolt only impacts the pivot, making the Parascale a highly useful outdoor folding companion.

From his bench in Boise, Idaho, TJ Schwarz set out to marry the Deadbolt lock innovation and a highly utilitarian outdoor/survivalist knife. The Parascale delivers in spades with a 3.2″ drop point, deep-bellied blade with a satin finish. It’s balanced by a durable glass-reinforced nylon handle wrapped in paracord—an ideal tool to always have on hand when you’re miles from anywhere. A thumb stud lights it up and the IKBS ball bearing pivot system quickens the opening action. It locks into place with the Deadbolt and will stay there—enduring incredible stress and weight—until it’s simply closed with the prominent button.

It’ll have your back in the backcountry.

How the Deadbolt Lock Works

Steel bolts interlock with the blade when it’s deployed to yield incredible strength. A prominent button sits at the pivot point for simple, intuitive disengagement without fingers crossing the path of the blade.