Custom "Pinch Openers"

[Blues]

After the Blade Show my right thumbnail was pretty much toast so that's when I really began appreciating knives which could be pinched open without using the nick so I could let the nail begin to grow back out.

I don't own any traditional Easy-Openers but all of these fit the bill and have been carried since having returned from the show...

Kerry Hampton:

Joel Chamblin:

Jerry Halfrich:

Ken Erickson:

Ray Kirk:

 

[Blues]

John Howser:

Ray Smith:

Keith Johnson:

Rick Menefee:

So, show us your nail savers...

 

[kamagong]

I only have one.

Kerry's pic

My wife wholeheartedly shares your preference for pinch openers. She wanted a knife to cut fruit when at work, and she wanted one that wouldn't break her nails. The only one she liked was a French Laguiole. Laguioles can also be pinched open.

 

[Knife Crazied]

All them are beatuiful

 

[Peregrin]

These are the only two I have that are pinchable:

Ohta Small Camper:

Ohta Wharncliffe Trapper:

Good thread Blues! Nice knives too! I like them all but that Hampton is just perfect to me.

 

[Blues]

Those are a couple of winners there, Gary!

 

[VCM3]

Most often at work,I pinch the blade open,if the knife allows
I like a style like that.
Sometimes in the haste of work,your fingernail can jump off the nick,you can drop the knife,or worse,cut yourself.
Cool thread Elliott :thumbup:
Nice knives,keep 'em coming
-Vince

PS,This lockback by Jerry,is a pincher,plus,no nail nick to fill up with crud,from field dressing,or in my case,filleting.Not a slipjoint,so it opens easily

closed,enough blade to pinch,but it rides low,too

 

[JB in SC]

My folders have to meet that criteria, my nails aren't very strong.

 

[Blue Sky]

Kerry Hampton:

Wow, I really like this one, what a great knife. :thumbup: Makes me wish I could get into the custom thing just a little. Nicely done half-stop too.

 

[T.K.C.]

There are some truly incredible knives in this thread!!! WOW!

 

[hunterfisher808]

I hate looking at threads like this

 

[338375]

Great pics guys... I've caught myself in the past "pinching" knives. Didn't want to say anything though, cause I though there might be some unwritten law about not using the nicks

All pictured are very nice, but there is something about your Howser knife Elliott, that keeps making me go back for another look :thumbup:

 

[ken erickson]

Here is one I made a while back and really liked. I was able to pinch this one with no problems. (this knife is sold). While opening and closing knives all week long, I must admit its nice to "pinch and pluck"

Ken

 

[Blues]

Great pics guys... I've caught myself in the past "pinching" knives. Didn't want to say anything though, cause I though there might be some unwritten law about not using the nicks

All pictured are very nice, but there is something about your Howser knife Elliott, that keeps making me go back for another look :thumbup:

Mike, that was my first look at a Howser in person and I must say he does nice work at a reasonable price.

We won't tell anybody about your pinching. Your secret is safe with us.

Thanks to all for adding some great knives and the comments as well.

 

[Knife Crazied]

I can't open a slip joint if I can't pinch it. I have no finger nails. They are horrible. I should show you just how bad they are chewed. I have a nervous habit of biting my nails when upset. I might upload a pic to show you just how bad they are.

 

[Blues]

I can't open a slip joint if I can't pinch it. I have no finger nails. They are horrible. I should show you just how bad they are chewed. I have a nervous habit of biting my nails when upset. I might upload a pic to show you just how bad they are.

Please don't. We get it.

 

[Thomason]

A Ray Kirk pincher. "Oosti" model, about 3 3/8 inch, damascus and ironwood.

 

[kc custom]

Being a maker nail nicks and such are all over the place and of every type
for me, that being said I would bet the standard 4.3 toothpick I've been
carrying for going on 2 years gets "pinched to open" well over 50% of the
time.
Ken.

 

[Brutus013]

A Ray Kirk pincher. "Oosti" model, about 3 3/8 inch, damascus and ironwood.

Wow, that's awesome. I really like Ray Kirk's work, I'd seen some of his knives before but it's only now I have a name to go on.

 

[fewpop]

Nice knives being shown here. Recently I spent about 3 weeks in a soft cast on my right hand due to a sudden bout of tendonitis in my thumb. Never had that before and it sucks. I'm still facing possible surgery (may have a bone cyst) to get back to normal, so, that being said, easy pinch openers are looking better than ever. I may be modifying my preference for strong backsprings to more moderate backsprings.

Interesting how life just changes things for us without consultation sometimes.

Here's 3 of mine that open easy with light pinch:

Menefee, Dozier, Menefee