US Patent 11358291 Out-the-front knife with low friction button

An out-the-front knife comprises a handle having a blade channel, a slider channel, and an opening. A blade in the blade channel is configured to travel along the blade channel. A firing mechanism in the slider channel is configured to extend the blade to an open position and retract the blade to a closed position. The firing mechanism comprises a slider that has a nub that fits into the opening and extends outside the handle. A button has a nub opening that receives the nub and at least one bearing opening. A friction plate is interposed between the button and the handle. At least one bearing is inserted into the at least one bearing opening. The at least one bearing supports the button on the friction plate.