Does anyone actually "flick" like this?

J

JamesA

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
696
Just a quick question:

I keep running across references, and have been for a long time, of people "starting the knife open with their thumb and then flicking it the rest of the way open." Most recent is in the Sebenza thread that's currently active in this forum.

This opening method seems incredibly overcomplicated to me. Either thumb it all the way open or, if it's your thing, flick it all the way open. But I've tried hybriding it with a couple different knives, and it's consistently slower than either other way of opening. At least for me.

Is there anyone out there who actually regularly opens their knife by opening it a little bit with your thumb and then wrist-snapping it open the rest of the way? If so, why?

JamesA
 
I have a friend who does just that.

He has no choice as his prior injuries from accidents on the bikes precludes any other movement which is comfortable to him. He gets it out pretty damned quick as well thos way.

Brownie
 
I usually open my Benchmade 942 that way. It's more like one continueous motion than two separate actions though. Just seems natural. I also pull the axis lock back and flick the blade open that way on occasion.
--Josh
 
I open them that way sometimes. It really is fast. You do it all in one motion, kind of flick your wrist and thumb all at once. Thumb garauntees it gets started and your wrist gives it some momentum to really make it snap.
Its also good for opening a knife with your left hand that only has a right handed thumbstud. Just hook the tip of your index finger under the thumbstud and flick your wrist upward as you flick your finger out. Knife snaps right open.
 
Depends on how regular you mean, but yes I open that way often enough.

I actually prefer that method to holding down the Axis lock and flicking it from the closed position as, at least with the BM 705 say, I've noted a tendency with the latter method for the blade to flick back again on occasion, which can be a bit hazardous.

Yes it can be quick.
 
I handed a $300 knife to a "maker" at a show once and before I could stop him he tried to flick it. Lost his grip on the knife and it boomeranged (1/2 open) past 3 tables, hit the carpet and slid under the 4th table.

IMO flicking is senseless, probably so does Chris Reeve.

You want to flick - buy a switch blade ;)
 
Since I've done it, if you have a knife with a fairly strong closed detent, flicking alone won't bring the blade out. You have to thumb it to get it started then the centipredal (?) force can get it's claws on it better.
 
its fun, but not very practical. I favor flicking into reverse grip myself, its just more cool:)
 
I used to flick my Emersons and Benchmades open, but I just rely on the wave or the thumbstud now. I never lost my grip, but flicking tends to weaken the mechanism, and the flick really doesn't open it that much quicker.
The only time I flick now is if I want to open the knife and switch to a reverse or icepick grip. I practiced that so much it's ingrained.
 
Originally posted by DaveH
Since I've done it, if you have a knife with a fairly strong closed detent, flicking alone won't bring the blade out. You have to thumb it to get it started then the centipredal (?) force can get it's claws on it better.
Click to expand...

That might explain it. I've never found a knife that I can't snap open using one way or another. If I did, maybe I'd see the sense in the "open then flick" method.
 
I can flick most blades open with just my thumb, but some need that extra swing. I try to get a knife open the easiest way possible and in some situations it needs to be fast... With a flick and swing it seems to be consistant and quick.
 
Back in the old days ,before flick-its and one armed bandit attatchments,that was the common way to quickly open a Buck Folding Hunter.My old Buddy from the Great State of Texas has a really nice scar on His right thumb from this very method.:eek: tom.
 
I very rarely flick my folders open. The main reason is that I can't stand blade play in my knives. Flicking a knife open is the fastest way to introduce "slop" into your knife's lockup.

On the other hand, some knives were made to be flicked open - waved Emersons, Cuda Maxxes, etc... go ahead and flick those things all you want because they were made to take it!
 
I generally carry a CUDA MAXX in my right pocket, and a TALONITE EDC in my left. The EDC is used for more mundane tasks, and for times when you don't want to scare sheeple...

The method that Matt Shade describes covers how I open the EDC. Nothing violent, just a quick flex of my left index finger, and a little follow through with my wrist/hand, and snap, the little EDC is open. The knife is designed to handle it, and is a simple, positive movement....no fumbling and shifting of grip. Works for me:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top