The switchblade tattoo is one of the more popular knife tattoos due to its unique looks and the meanings that can be attached to it. If you were already thinking about getting some kind of knife tattoo, then you might find that a switchblade design is the perfect pick of the bunch.
Created back in the 1700s, the switchblade knife has long been seen as one of the more convenient knives around because of its foldable design and also as one of the more feared knives because of its use in many crimes around the world.
They were created so people could safely keep the knives in their pockets without the fear of stabbing themselves thanks to the unique spring design. These days the switchblade is outlawed in most places, but many people still see the switchblade as one of the coolest knives ever designed, which is one of the many reasons why the switchblade tattoo is so popular.
If you are thinking about getting a switchblade tattoo or you simply want to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place! On this page, we will take a look at some of the switchblade tattoo meanings that people like to use as well as some of the ways these knife tattoos can be designed.
Popular Switchblade Tattoo Meanings
The switchblade tattoo is often worn by people in the military since the knife was very popular during multiple wars. In fact, many American military personnel returned from World War II having bought these popular knives since they were only produced in Europe at the time.
Interestingly, a lot of people like to get their switchblade tattoos to show that they believe in the right to protect themselves with knives like the switchblade. The switchblade is a classic knife so, just like with classic guns, people like to get images of items that really strike a chord with people of all ages. If you want to show that you take pride in being able to take care of what’s yours with your own two hands, then you might find this switchblade tattoo meaning to be the right one to use.
Another very popular switchblade tattoo meaning is pain. It could mean that you have been through a lot of pain in your past or even that you aren’t afraid of pain. The meaning might not be too obvious to everyone who sees the tattoo, but that might actually be okay for some people since it could have a very personal meaning.
Revenge is yet another common meaning associated with the switchblade tattoo. It does not necessarily mean that the owner of the tattoo wants to get revenge with a switchblade. In most cases it simply means that the person will hold grudges and will get their enemies back in their own way.
Revenge is actually one of the more popular prison and gang-related meanings for this tattoo as well, and in most of those cases, the switchblade actually represents going after their enemies with their knives.
Other Switchblade Tattoo Meanings
A slightly less popular switchblade tattoo meaning is fearlessness. The knife itself can represent someone believing that they have the “weapon” inside of them to deal with anything that comes their way. This meaning could also be used motivationally to encourage the owner to face their fears whenever they are confronted with them.
Sometimes people get their switchblade tattoos to show that they are “sharp,” as in they are observant and/or they are quick-witted. You really can use any type of knife to symbolize these things, but the switchblade design is pretty common since it is such a well-liked look. You really can’t use this meaning with too many other images, so if you are known for being sharp, you might find that a switchblade design is a fantastic option for you.
Another interesting switchblade tattoo meaning is “cutting ties.” This is a great meaning to use if you want to show that you have cut ties with people or things in your past that kept you from living a fulfilling life.
Switchblade Tattoo Designs and Placement
Even though the switchblade tattoo can have some great meanings attached to it, a lot of people choose it over other knife tattoos specifically for its looks. It can have a classic or customized handle, the blade can have countless looks, and it’s pretty easy to make it fit wherever you want to place it.
What’s great about the switchblade tattoo is that it can be designed in many different ways. You could go with an old-school wooden-handle design, or you might opt for a more modern look. You could include other elements, such as flowers, to add in even more meaning, or you might just want to get the switchblade by itself.
As far as placement goes, it really depends on whether you are getting the switchblade tattoo by itself or combined with other images. If you get it by itself, it can work very well as a forearm tattoo, a leg tattoo, or even straight down your back. If you are including other images, you will want to work with your artist so you can choose a place where it will look best on your skin.
Is the Switchblade Tattoo Right for You?
If you found that one or more of the switchblade tattoo meanings mentioned above make sense for you and you like the look of the knife, then you’re probably a great candidate to get one of these tattoos. Keep in mind, though, that there are still a lot of people who will always assume that any type of knife tattoo has negative meanings attached to it.
Regardless of the design, it’s a good idea to find a top tattoo artist in your area to make the switchblade tattoo for you should you choose to get one. They can make it look as realistic or as animated as you want it to look, and they will make sure that it is designed to go along the natural line of your body.