CRK leftie models for right-handers

[ADBrown]

Curious if any of you right handed users of CRK folders have ever purchased a left hand model because the RH was of stock? I just purchased a beautiful small 21 box elder in Devin Thomas laddered Damascus (NIB) from around 2015 or so. I loved the look of the knife so much I figured if the lefties have had to adapt to RH models, I might as well give it a go!

What’s been your experience?
Thanks, Allan

 

[Drop bear]

Left handed has some merit defensively. So you can knife if your gun gets tied up.

I am a lefty and so mostly do the reverse.

 

[ferider]

I’m a “righty” but RILs feel truly ambidextrous. Shouldn’t be a problem, Allan, try your left hand on one of your right hand knives ....

 

[guy g]

If necessary, you could have CRK install a dual thumb stud.

 

[ADBrown]

I’m a “righty” but RILs feel truly ambidextrous. Shouldn’t be a problem, Allan, try your left hand on one of your right hand knives ....

Yep, good idea. My plan would be to open the lefties with my left hand, but with double studs (as was suggested elsewhere in this thread) I’d be able to swap pockets!
Thanks Rolland!

 

[ADBrown]

If necessary, you could have CRK install a dual thumb stud.

Absolutely!!

 

[Ajack60]

Yep, good idea. My plan would be to open the lefties with my left hand, but with double studs (as was suggested elsewhere in this thread) I’d be able to swap pockets!
Thanks Rolland!

You don’t want to put a left handed knife in your right pocket. The spine will not rest on the outer seam to prevent an accidental poke or cut.
With a left handed knife, learn to open it left handed and then switch hands for using. It takes a while to learn to close a left handed knife with your right hand. Same goes for opening, once you learn to avoid undue pressure on the lock bar, opening will be easier If you have double lugs.
Don’t wast your money on double lugs, on a left handed CRK, with a single lug,the lock bar will be extremely close to the thumb lug. That makes it tough to open.
Quick pic for reference, both are 31’s

 

[loon#r]

I owned a lefty regular sebenza and regret selling it. Because of the relatively neutral handle it felt great in either hand.

 

[luethge]

Kind of off topic

I’m a lefty - been carrying right hand knives most of my life. You can get away with on some knives. As mentioned above, the spine of the blade is going to contact your hand reaching into pocket - not a problem if the knife has heavy detent, huge potential for a problem if it’s got lighter detent ( I’ve cut myself a few times this way ). One advantage is that keys are less likely to contact the cutting edge. The other problem with righty knife in lefty pocket - clips. The 21 clip is perfect for either pocket. The 25, Inkosi and 31 have that slight angle to them making them a little more likely to snag ( not nearly as bad as Hinderer’s or striders though ). The lock bars on a Reeve make it a little difficult to open with your non dominant hand and tiny thumb studs as well.

Here’s a pic for no reason

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

I carry off-handed, and prefer it over carrying a knife designed for that hand. Opening the knife is easy, I use my middle finger to start the knife opening, then my thumb finishes. With a little practice it's just as fast as using a knife designed for that hand.

 

[ADBrown]

If necessary, you could have CRK install a dual thumb stud.

I thought of that but because they don’t have replacements for 21 Damascus blades should they crack the blade installing the studs the only option is S35 drop point. I won’t risk it. I can open/close the blade easily with my left hand.
Allan

 

[guy g]

I thought of that but because they don’t have replacements for 21 Damascus blades should they crack the blade installing the studs the only option is S35 drop point. I won’t risk it. I can open/close the blade easily with my left hand.
Allan

Good deal ! As long as it works. My Umfaan has dual studs and I can open it with ease.