Afterthought concerning "Flippers" post...

F

FliGuyRyan

Joined
Dec 2, 2005
Messages
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After seeing the thread on "Flippers" and some of your opinions, I read something to the extent of, "Using a thumbstud on an assisted-opener is dangerous, and doesn't make sense if there is a flipper available on the same knife."

Given this general statement... why, do I ask, are manufacturers putting the thumbstuds (in my opinion less-functional than say a Spyderco hole) on an AO in the first place? Good example is the Leek - one of the best knives ever produced by ANY knifemaker, yet a thumstud is provided when the AO is obviously the way to go. Is this a back-up method for the models that the AO can be removed, or just a marketing tool to provide more "features." Besides being dangerous, all the knives I've handled are harder to open anyways as opposed to the hole method.

Also, when I've tried to open my dad's Leek with the thumbstud, I almost sent myself to the hospital. Any of you been injured, and how many use the thumbstud on their AO knives?

Curiosity strikes again, any takers?
Ryan
 
Well, I had a scallion for awhile and I always opened it by pushing straight forward on the thumb stud. It would pop right open and I never had a problem.
 
On some knives, such as the Leek, the thumbstuds double as the stop pins. So they are there on the Leek to make the knife function.

There are also many AO knives with thumbstuds and no flippers. The maker put studs on instead of flippers because most people can use the studs without hurting themself. The classic Random Task has studs and no flipper. Knives with both give the user an option. Some prefer one, some prefer the other.
 
In my case regarding the Leek, I'd like to use the thumbstuds. They are far too small and nearly flush with the handle to allow any sort of simple access. I don't mind them acting as stop pins on such a light-duty design. Try opening a Leek without a spring using the thumbstuds and you'll see how difficult they can be. Accessibility to these thumbstuds is an issue that needs to be addressed in future models. Adding a groove to the handle that will allow the thumb to catch more of the thumbstud when opening is the simplest solution.
 
The Leek thumbstuds are too small to be effective unless you have tiny midget hands. They are really just stop pins for the blade.
 
I remember reading a story here on blade forums about an AO knife on display at a knife show and two separate in people cut themselves using the thumbstud instead of the flipper. I have two AO's that have both flippers and studs. In using the studs, I can definitely see how an accident can happen especially if you're used to non-AO thumbstud knives.
 
It's kind of silly that all these people keep hurting themselves with AO & thumbstuds... I have very large hands, and have never had a problem. I think it boils down to learning how to properly use the knife.
 
Hmm, i would agree, use the flipper.

The stumbstuds on my AO's are so close to the scales when in a closed position, i would not think to try and stuff my nail under it at a weird angle to open it, especially when that convienent little flipper is right there just for the purpose of opening the knife.

This is a no brainer imho. Do you open your Bali's with two hands?

Have any Crkt's m-Series/ again same thing, the thumbstud is the blade stop, not a user friendly item to open with, the flipper however does work very well.


Of course, ymmv, dont cry when they bite back, some dont like thier thumbstud flicked much at all.

WR
WR
 
I think some of the people that find using the thumbstud akward do not understand that for many people, it isn't akward at all. You are not everyone.
 
This was more a survey than a "Why do you use it?" thread. I knew by posting I'd see mixed results, but I think the majority are leaning towards the flipper. This is only reason for me to ask then, "Why aren't more manufacturers using flippers?"

Personally, I'm very turned off to the fact of an absence of the flipper. My CRKT M16-13M is a wonderfully designed knife... now if they'd only give better blade steel (hint, hint, HINT!), but it does make a great beater knife.

Anyways... very great feedback, and especially eojk, Rat Finkenstein, and WarRaven's comments. Thank you all... let's hear some more thoughts...

Any, by the way, what's the deal with the SOG Flash?
-Ryan
 
FliGuyRyan said:
My CRKT M16-13M is a wonderfully designed knife... now if they'd only give better blade steel (hint, hint, HINT!),...
Click to expand...

Its never going to happen my friend. They're down to 420J2 for some knives. I'd give up on CRKT and look at Kershaw. The new Junkyard Dawg flipper should be nice, and they're looking to add another other flippers soon as well (just wait for the Blade show pics from the Kershaw booth as it should be a good year all around).
 
420J2!!!! Are they freaking MAD! That's rediculous. They have good designs, but they're stooping to hit the average Joe market only, and not putting enough efforts on the mid to high-end range... sad really...

Ryan
 
I EDC a Kershaw Leek and use the thumb stud almost exclusively. I wear XL gloves so have rather large hands and have never had a problem opening the Leek. I use the flipper pretty much just when I am playing with the knife and on rare occasion when I am using it.
 
FliGuyRyan said:
420J2!!!! Are they freaking MAD! That's rediculous. They have good designs, but they're stooping to hit the average Joe market only, and not putting enough efforts on the mid to high-end range... sad really...

Ryan
Click to expand...

I have no problem if a company wants to appeal to the mass market. That's how one succeeds in business, but if I'm getting cheaper materials I want one of two things:

1. A reduction in prices

or

2. A clear demarkation of what is a "premium" product and and what is the basic product. (think BM's different classes)

For example, they are going to start getting away from marking their blades with the steel used. You see, knowing that average users don't care about what the steel is, they don't want to suffer some "image problem" from having someone see the steel and complain. I have a CRKT that I won in a contest, and its not marked what the steel is. I suspect its AUS4 and I feel lucky that its not 420J2. Its a great design, but I wouldn't have bought one. Its a shame that designers like Kit Carson, Brian Tighe, and Koji Hara are having their designs so poorly represented. For my money, when they start making blades of 420J2 they might as well get a deal going with Tom O'Dell to start selling them by the pound.

No, I think Kershaw is the company to watch in the future. They're actively looking for more designers to collaborate with, and even using the Sandvick steels, they're STILL better than the current line of CRKT steels IMHO. I just hope they continue to appreciate the customer looking for something more than just a basic knife.
 
Depending on the knife, thumb stud, size of your hands, and if the AO is functioning correctly, I would say that there is very minimal danger in using the thumb stud . . at least not much more than any knife. When using the thumbstud myself, I never apply pressure on the blade or stud once the assist kicks in. It is more of a slight push, usually I use the back of my thumb fingernail to wedge the thumbstud away from the handle, this way your thumb is in no way touching the blade . .the assist starts and off it goes. Now, as long as the rest of your body part are awy from the blade's swinging motion (your index, middle, ring, and pinky should be curled in towards your wrist) your good.

I have never once, on any of my AO's harmed myself . .or even came close to. As far as the leek, I actually use the thumbstud on it the most, because it is a little easier to hit than the assist point because of it's thin profie.

I don't know maybe that's just my opinion . .but again, I love the AOs.
 
Hair said:
I think some of the people that find using the thumbstud akward do not understand that for many people, it isn't akward at all. You are not everyone.
Click to expand...

So you can manipulate a M-21's thumbstuds to open the knife, easily?


Lol

You are really special.:jerkit:

WR
 
WarRaven said:
So you can manipulate a M-21's thumbstuds to open the knife, easily?


Lol

You are really special.:jerkit:

WR
Click to expand...
I've never handled an M-21, but I like to use the thumbstuds on my M-16. Do they feel similar?

I never said I was special, or better than you. I don't like using thumbstuds on AO knives either. But I am not everyone.

Some people do like using thumbstuds on AO knives, and I am sure some feel comfortable using them on an M-21. I never said such was the case for me. I said such was the case for some.

Different people have different preferences. What feels strange or akward to one can feel natural and comfortable to the next.

So why give me a childish reply? :jerkit: yourself.
 
Actually it was just in reply to yours, you said it was not awkward, i asked you if it was, then you say its different.

Ok bud.

WR
 
ok, i re-read it again, an i totally have it different.

I apoligize Hair for my remark.

Yeah the studs are the same on the two btw. too damn tight for me too manipulate in any timely fashion.

Although, i do still think,why not use the handy flipper.It is right there.
You are right, thats just me.


WR
 
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