Crkt

[ravenQ8]

I bought an M18 and when I first opened it didn't think I would be too impressed but I was wrong. Great value, good design, very easy one handed opening with the flipper. So I didn't hesitate to buy an M16-03 and a Ryan model 7. Once these knives are open I'm very happy with them but they're not really well designed for one-handed opening. The M16 is okay with some good wrist action but the flipper is too small to do the job alone like the M18 does and the thumb studs are too small to be of any use at all.
The Ryan has no flipper of course but the thumb studs, while generous in diameter are not tall enough and get lost in the the scales. They're also smooth and my thumb slips right off.
All-in-all I still like them but they could have been so much better.

 

[RH]

here's a tip - the large studs on the Ryan can be removed (though maybe not replaced), revealing a respectably sized hole.

 

[ThorTso]

I recently purchased two CRKT products, namely a Polkowski Kasper Companion and the Ryan 7.

I have had them about two weeks now. I did a search on this forum and discovered that some people actually removed the thumb studs of the Ryan 7. Well, I don't like to tamper with things...if it aint broke, dont fix it.....Two days ago, the studs came loose all by themselves, although very tight when I bought it. I then discovered the beauty of the original Steve Ryan Biohazard design for this model 7!!!! It has a lovely spyderco-like hole.

Check out the real custom knife by Steve Ryan without the thumb stud:
http://128.242.104.138/album/37428634UwGSoV

I have decided to put the studs in a safe place and leave it with the hole...it looks and feels and opens better ......Try it.

 

[ravenQ8]

Cool! Thanks guys, I'm going to give it a try. Another interesting feature of the Ryan I "discovered" was the liner lock lock, or safety. Pretty neat.

 

[ThorTso]

Pleasure ravenQ8.

Yes the liner securing feature is pretty neat and is called LAWKS. It stands for Lake and Walker Safety System. Most new CRKT folders have it incorporated. Makes for a much safer operation when using the knife.