Deploying the Southard with the Spyder Hole [Now With Video]

T

tatteredmidnight

Joined
Mar 19, 2010
Messages
335
So until last night I considered the Spyder Hole on the Southard to be a consideration to aesthetics only. Last night though, I realized that even with my absurdly fat thumbs (literally 1" across my thumb, its like a retarded big toe on my hand) I can reliably and easily deploy the blade with the Spyder hole.

For me, it turns out that my pointer finger was pressing the frame lock against the blade, increasing resistance. Thanks to the clever lock-stop that prevents over-extending the lock, there is an excellent, and grippy, purchase for my pointer finger laid out for me already. By moving my pointer to the lock-stop, the blade deploys easily with a thumb flick.

Has anyone else had this experience? Is pointer finger placement a concern with all RIL designs? The Southard is my first RIL, and while i really appreciate the solid lockup and smooth action, like every other lock, it has its peculiarities.

[Edit to add video]

[video=youtube;S2iyAI3nXxQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2iyAI3nXxQ[/video]

Thanks.
 
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I'm sort of at a loss to understand why a knife needs to incorporate more than one blade deployment method. If I buy a flipper, I buy it to open it using the flipper. So while the thumbhole in a Southard can probably be made to work smoothly and efficiently, it's simply not the method I ever plan to use to open mine.
 
I think it's sort of a maker's mark thing. Even the fixed blades have Spyderholes. :D
 
bld522 said:
I'm sort of at a loss to understand why a knife needs to incorporate more than one blade deployment method. If I buy a flipper, I buy it to open it using the flipper. So while the thumbhole in a Southard can probably be made to work smoothly and efficiently, it's simply not the method I ever plan to use to open mine.
Click to expand...

Well they DO make an attempt at making it functional.

When in my left hand I can flip it open with my "birdie" finger. It's fun. Give it a go.
 
Its mostly because i can. I obsessively open and close my folders like a lot of people, so finding a new way to operate a knife is a big deal.

I'm also interested in whether the phenomenon extends to other RIL knives, guess I'll have to pick [another] one up and find out.
 
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I was curious to see weather or not I can flick it using the Spyderhole. With some practice, I can do it now with relative ease, funny that it seems easier to flick with the thumb hole than to slow open with it. I deploy only with the flipper though, I just wanted to see if I can actually use the Spyderhole. I believe I had a similar experience with the finger placement as you. It did take a couple of minutes to figure out how to do it. Much like the Techno, there is a a little learning curve to have them flick out. It's all just a matter of avoiding pressure on the framelock with your fingers.
 
The Sage II has my name all over it and would give me non-flipper RIL knife on which to "experiment". The Techno is also speaking to me. And then there is the Domino... Sal makes too many great knives.

Thanks Sal.
 
I typically alternate between the spyderhole and the flipper. When I first got it, I was wondering if the spyderhole was functional so I gave the hole a little nudge and voila. It opens flawlessly. I actually get the perfect opening every time I use the spyderhole. Love it. I really am glad that the Southard has the spyderhole and the flipper; varieties help making the knife more interesting and fun. I love the Southard flipper, owning and using it just put a smile on my face every time I use it.
 
I use the hole because sometimes people see a flipper come swinging out and think it's a switchblade. Then you are always the scary knife guy. I think the Southard's spyderhole is fairly usable once you get used to the strong detent.
 
I vote for a scale-release D/A Southard with thumbstuds, a Spyderhole, and a flipper. That way I'd have all my bases covered. :p
 
At least you didn't rule out the scale-release D/A. Actually, a V&D version of the Southard would be pretty slick. :D
 
Hah, well I can't use an auto in my state, but I won't begrudge anyone who can. Wonder where I'd have to put my fingers to make that work?!?
 
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