A folding knife according to one embodiment is provided and includes (a) a handle defining a blade cavity; (b) a blade having a first end which is pivotably coupled to the handle about a pivot; and (c) a biasing element disposed within the blade cavity of the handle. The blade has a detent formed therein on a lower edge thereof proximate to the pivot. The biasing element has a fixed first end and an opposing free second end which has a rounded ball member formed thereat. As the blade is closed towards the retracted position, the blade contacts and deflects the second end of the biasing element until the rounded ball member of the second end engages the blade detent, resulting in the blade being held in the retracted position. As the blade is pivotably opened, the rounded ball member of the second end disengages from the detent and energy stored in the deflected biasing element is released and directed into a biasing force against the blade causing the blade to pivot towards the extended position, thereby assisting a user in opening the blade.