A switchblade includes a casing having first and second ends and a cavity. A blade has a cutting edge with a retracted position in which the cutting edge is inside the cavity and a deployed position in which the cutting edge extends outside of the cavity from the first end. A spring is operably connected to the blade to bias the blade to the deployed position. A lock at the first end has a hold position that engages with the blade to prevent movement of the blade with respect to the casing and a release position that permits movement of the blade with respect to the casing. An actuator at the second end extends through at least a portion of the casing. A lever connects the actuator to the lock so that the actuator can reposition the lock between the hold position and the release position.