I am writing this post, not as any expert, but somebody who wants to learn. I am certainly not new to knives, feel naked if I am not carrying one. To the point. I am entertained by all these guys on YouTube doing knife reviews. Most of them seem to be bias toward elevating, into almost divine status, any knife that flies open lightening fast, then drops back down into place with zero friction. It almost bothers me now watching the elevation of this "drop shutty" narrative. As if this is the way all knives are supposed to be. Ya, I know Greg Medford is opinionated. However, he is a master of his art. I absolutely adore the slight friction in the action on most of his washer-based knives. I watched a YouTube vid with him giving his take on the "drop shutty" game. He was wondering where people even came up with that narrative. He thought it showed that people did not know how a knife is supposed to work, that one wants some friction when the blade is closing so it stays where you put it and does not slice your fingers. I tightened up the pivot on my Spyderco Military so it opens with ease, and when closing it stays right where I leave it, until I move it into its next position. Fantastic action in my sense. So at this point, I fully admit, I am not a drop shutty fan boy, and I think that narrative may be the most popular with those who are sitting around playing with their knives and not using them. I work my ass off on my remote 4 acres, chores and tasks most every day. Most often one hand is involved with one task, while my other hand is using my knife. I appreciate a blade that opens with a little friction and closes with the same. Enough of my rant.
I want to hear from you. Is there a (divine) purpose for "drop shutty" action? Is it just preference? Are there situations where that kind of frictionless action would be a benefit, aside from using a knife as a fidget toy? What are your thoughts?
