Do you "flick" your knife open? Why or Why not?

While I don't usually "flick" or "flip" my folders {TNT's are all I carry} open very often, it is really nice to know that Tom has no problem with this, and put it in PRINT TOO!!!. Flicking a TNT is rather anticlimactic to me.It's such a pleasure to feel the silky smooth action.
 
I flick 'em. If a knife cant hold up to a little reasonable flicking, I sure as hell dont want to rely on it for my saftey...
 
I flicked my folder (any folder) for the LAST time when the dolt next to me said loudly, "Wow! A switchblade!":rolleyes:
 
Thanks guys.

This was the kind of info and opinions I was looking for. I always kinda figured it would be hard on a knife, and I had never seen CRK's FAQ on "flicking" before. I think my flicking habit started with some knives a couple years ago. The Gerber EZ-Out and the Gerber Gator probably started this habit. For the record, my two year old Cold Steel Gunsite II must have over 1000 flicks on it with out any visible damage. That doesnt mean it doesnt have hidden damage.
Other than flicking, I try to not be too hard on my knives, I clean them once a month dirty or not, and try to maintain a "resonable" edge. Reasonable to me meaning coarse hair shaving sharp at a 23-27 degree egdge. Not hair popping but close.
So I'm going to try to reduce the flicking... Right now, I probably flick what ever knife is my EDC at the time 10-20 times a min for about 30 min a week. Meby I can find a flicking patch or support group... :D

Chris
 
The only knives I flick open now are my Kershaw Liner Action drop points and sometimes the CRKT M-16 by using the flipper. The Liner Actions were designed to be opened quickly with a flick, otherwise the opening would be jerky and unsafe, and instead of a stop pin there is the whole back of the handle to stop the blade.

Also I could count the Kershaw Chive and Scallion. Although the flick is the result of the Speedsafe, the speed/force with which they open is the same as flicking...but like the CRKT M-16, the thumb studs act as the stop pin.

Otherwise I do not like to flick my folders open at all, including Axis locks or lock backs. I just use the thumb hole, stud or disk.
Jim
 
I own a REKAT pocket hobbit and if anyone knows anything about this knife they would know this knife is meant for inertia opening. Yes, there is a small thumb stud for thumb opening and if you have the correct sized hand then it's perfect. However, this is not a perfect world and with fighting folders so popular these days it's point to open them quickly. I would rather open a knife with the stud or or hole which ever the knife has. I also own a Cold Steel Recon folder and if you try an inertia opening on this you just might get addicted. Take care and be safe.:eek:
 
I open my folders with the intended thumbstuds or “wholes” because I am not sure if “flicking” causes defects on a long-term basis.
But it is assuring to know, that if I need a knife immediately, it just needs a short movement with my wrist to open the folder without using a thumbstud or a “whole”.
 
Yes, I do, for the following reasons:

1) Speed of depolyment of a e folder is of the essence if you are forced to defend yourself with it. A recent seminar featured drawing under simulated stress and easily flicked knives (SOG Arc-lock) or those made easy to open (EKI Commander) proved fastest. I took a Pinnacle knowing I'd have to cut targets and wanting the strongest lock I had. In terms of opening speed (it would seldom flick) I was the slowest in the class and the stud cut a furrow in my thumb; had to switch to my Delica to complete the course.
2) FWIW, the instructor recommended the Endura as the best compromise of weight, quality, and performance. He also recommended a partial thumb hole opening, followed by a partial "flick" to lock the blade in place for maximum deployment speed.

3) I now carry a CRKT KFF, which is unnaturally smooth, and the blade shape & weight distribution allow for reliable flicking. The stop pin seems strong enough to me. I worry given the softness of AUS6 about the back of the blade peening, but if it does, it was a $35 knife. I'll probably switch to an Axis AFCK when they become available, though (my KFF Pro won't flick & I hate loosening pivot screws).
 
I have a Gerber LST that I have been flicking for 17 or 18 years now, and it hasn't seemed to hurt it. I don't do it as often now as I used to.

Steve
 
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