Arthritis in hands, what would a good knife choice?

Thorgrim said:
You know - I don't pay much attention to a thread being resurrected. If someone wants help and I can offer it, I will. Who knows, he may have still been opening those Amazon boxes with his teet.
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To be fair, this is both a timeless issue and one that can become an issue for people in time. Who knows how many of the posters from 2013 have since developed arthritis?

Well, I have a little arthritis. I've also got carpal tunnel issues. As a result, I have fallen out of love with both nail nicks and thumb studs that need to be slow-rolled. Even some of the spydie holes have gotten less fun. While the market has changed since the original post, assisted action is often significantly worse than a good manual with slick action due to the extra step of having to overcome tension in closing it. The same can be true with other types of automatic, including the switches on some double-action OTFs.

Obviously, fixed blades are the best but not always the right choice. Most of the time, it's that good manual with a crisp detent and slick action. Also consider an EDC pry bar. I didn't start carrying a titanium pry bar just for the random scraping, prying, or cap-lifting. I sometimes use it to get at nail nicks on my multi-tools. 😜
 
Good timing bringing back this old post.....

I'm working on a new design. It's going to have somewhat sculpted handles. These are a nice walnut set. The large, egg shaped bulb of the handle really fills the hand nicely.
These almost feel more like a motorcycle throttle than a knife handle. Definitely maybe not an EDC, but I'm thinking of calling it a Straight Back Farmer?


Just started shaping the grip.
So far, it's Very comfortable.
 
This one solved all my aching hands issues ~ Spyderco Autonomy 2 My most carried and used knife even when I am carrying a belt knife or another folder.
 
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As a girl, I can recommend the company's knives "BPS KNIVES". Fairly light and easy to use, and never strain the muscles with them easily on a hike.These knives are just handmade, I also have joint problems and this company suited me.
 
Ron Sabbagh said:
I have been impressed with the Spyderco Lil’ Native Slip It.

Easy to open with the Spyder Hole or just pinching the blade. No lock to fuss with. Grippy G10 scales. Punches way above it’s size and easily slips into a pocket.

(photo borrowed)

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I bought a small knife thinking that would be better, but it wasn't until Gary W. Graley Gary W. Graley made an especially stiff lanyard for it that I could use it without endangering my fingertips while opening it. I failed to mention above that I also developed "tension tremors" a.k.a. "essential tremors" really badly about ten years ago. They're controlled somewhat through medication now, but I still have problems with anything small or fiddly, and the harder I try the worse I shake. While it's not always the best choice for all who have hand problems, a big meaty knife with an easy-to-operate lock has been the answer for me. I may end up carrying an OTF auto if my hand my problems get worse. For now, the PM2 works well.
 
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Thorgrim said:
You know - I don't pay much attention to a thread being resurrected. If someone wants help and I can offer it, I will. Who knows, he may have still been opening those Amazon boxes with his teet.
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With his teet? 🤣
 
Chronovore said:
To be fair, this is both a timeless issue and one that can become an issue for people in time. Who knows how many of the posters from 2013 have since developed arthritis?

Well, I have a little arthritis. I've also got carpal tunnel issues. As a result, I have fallen out of love with both nail nicks and thumb studs that need to be slow-rolled. Even some of the spydie holes have gotten less fun. While the market has changed since the original post, assisted action is often significantly worse than a good manual with slick action due to the extra step of having to overcome tension in closing it. The same can be true with other types of automatic, including the switches on some double-action OTFs.

Obviously, fixed blades are the best but not always the right choice. Most of the time, it's that good manual with a crisp detent and slick action. Also consider an EDC pry bar. I didn't start carrying a titanium pry bar just for the random scraping, prying, or cap-lifting. I sometimes use it to get at nail nicks on my multi-tools. 😜
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Yeah, I'd kind of hoped this place wasn't redolent of trolls who feel the need to point out the slightest deviance from forum culture (bearing in mind that there are probably millions of forae out there, each with their own culture). Still, damn the arsehats ,there are plenty of good people here to warrant sticking around.
 
lightskyam said:
I guess assisted opening would be the way to go, but I had one a few years ago and sold it because I was told it was illegal to carry assisted opening in my area. Any suggestions?
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I don’t have experience from arthritis so I am just guessing, but if you like traditional patterns perhaps a Case Russlock could work for you?

Edit: didn’t realise the op was ten years ago…
 
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