Techniques involving a kicker assist mechanism and other functionality are described. In one or more implementations, the techniques describe a device that includes a lever coupled to a stop-pin and configured to cause deployment of a blade from a handle of a folding knife. The lever may be configured to pivot about the stop-pin in response to a push or pull force directed at one end of the lever and engage the blade with an opposing end of the lever with a force to cause the deployment of the blade. The blade may be configured to deploy in a pivotal movement from a closed position of the folding knife to a deployed position in response to the force employed by the opposing end of the lever.