Easy one hand open and closing.

S

snapcap

Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
9
At times I have to hold on to a rope or something with one hand and need to use the other to cut.
What type of folder lock is sturdy and easy to open and close with one hand?
I usually flick out the blade, does the axis lock work with flicking or do you have to manually lock it in place?
 
well, just about any of the popular locks will allow you to flick (dependant on the knife) and will also allow you to do it all one handed. I have never heard of a knife that you open then engage the lock manualy.

Unless I am misunderstanding you, a frontlock, axis lock, liner lock, compression lock, would all work fine, along with some other locks that I am too lazy to name.

If you would like more specific advice give us some more details about price range, and size and we can make some suggestions.
 
Snapcap, I have a BM-943 with an Axis Lock and yes you can use the lock to flick it open and closed with a little practice to get the timing down. Another great one hander is a Bali-Song butterfly knife, easy to open and close. And if ya want you can get fancy with it too. Check out the Balisong / Butterfly Forum
 
you can open and close an axis lock without touching the blade, and you also don't put your fingers/thumb in the path of the blade to release the lock.
 
The Ken Onion Kershaw models such as the Leek & Chive are very easy to do one handed. In fact they are made for it. I've cut some pretty big (foolish) stuff with my little Chive and have never had lock failure. They really retain an edge too. I've done cardboard, small rope and other all purpose things with great success.

Steve
 
The axis lock is clearly what you're asking for. Go to the store and try it. It's all in the wrist. Just hold the lock down (pull it towards the bottom of the knife) and flick it out--or in. If you don't mind a more challenging close (liner lock) but want the absolute best action period, try a 3 inch M16. I've used assisted openers, but they're not nearly as fast to open as my M16.
 
you can open and close an axis lock without touching the blade
Click to expand...

This depends on the model in hand to a large extent. If this is what you want pick a larger blade model. The shorter one like the Ritter Mini are a bit harder to make this work consistantly due lack of weight in the blade forward of the pivot. It can be done but requires a bit more wrist action. My neighbor across the street tried to show me how he could do this and threw the knife down in his yard. It was kind of funny actually.

EDIT: He got it on the second try though, after wiping of the grass and dirt. :D

I can do this to some extent with my Dodo from Spyderco also.
 
Get an AXIS lock. a BM710 is a nice size for flipping open AND closed. I know what you mean about trying to cut something when only one hand is free. With an AXIS lock you can take out the knife, flip the blade open, make your cut, and flip the blade closed and put it back in your pocket. This takes a little practice of course, but it's not that hard.

Here's my AXIS lock demo videos showing how they can be flipped open and closed:

http://home.comcast.net/~wadef/bf/bm710hssr.wmv
http://home.comcast.net/~wadef/bf/axislocks.wmv

Clicking on the links should launch Windows Media Player. If the videos look dark just turn up the brightness adjustment in Windows Media Player.
 
Well, I guess it'd depend on the person and how tight you've got the blade, but I've never had any trouble flicking my d2 minigrip (or any other minigrip for that matter...I've tried maybe four now). It does take a good 20 minutes of practice before you "get it," and you won't have it 100% mastered for a couple days probably. But now, I don't even think about it. People with large hands tend not to like the mini grip, but I have average sized hands and it works well for me. I also like the dual spring design of the axis lock so that it stays locked even if one spring does fail.

But yeah, heavier/longer blades do flick more easily, it's just that, with a good 20 mins of practice on your minigrip, I don't think you'll be able to tell the difference. If you loosen it up a little, you could even just pull down the axis lock and turn the knife upside down to open it (or up to close it).

Also try a balisong. Good one handed opener/closer, if you don't mind a longer learning curve and a few cuts.
 
I too would recommed a Kershaw/ Ken Onion the assisted opening variety; in particular the Bump. (there is a new Bump, called the Spec. Bump; it is all black.)
 
If the knife is in the hand, what prevents the thumb of that hand from opening the blade without risking doing some sort of "flip?"

ANY one hand opener should do what you want.
 
a OTF DA microtech would work. THAT you can open and close without tuching the blade AND it is a lot of fun :D :D :D
 
Just about every folder out there closes easily with one hand, you just have to get used to it. I can even flick my delica open with out touching the blade at all. Ti lite flicks open easy as well. Just about everyone will tell you the axis lock is the best. My favorite is a liner lock, some are very strong, tight, dont wear out quickly, and the easiest/most comfortable to work imo. And less parts to break.
 
I'd agree with you on liner locks for the most part. I love my M16, and I can actually open it faster than an assisted opening Kershaw Scallion. But closing a liner lock is definitely slower than an axis lock. Nonetheless, you can usually get a good liner lock cheaper than an the axis lock. Also, it hasn't come up yet, but I don't think I'm going to take my d2minigrip in sandy/dirty/wet places so I can avoid cleaning the lock for longer. I'll take my M16 definintely there, where stuff just falls through it.
 
If it's legal, a D/A OTF like a Microtech Scarab, or a balisong is definitely the way to go for one hand open, one hand close.

If that's not an option, an AXIS is probably the safest, although you'll need practice to flick it close like Wade. Liner/frame locks are easy to close, but since you're touching the blade, and a knuckle or two might get in the way, it's not the safest.
 
Anything with an axis lock works fine one-handed as long as there's no mud or sand involved which has hindered mine in the past. If in a dirty/dusty environment, try a liner lock with a carson flipper.
 
An auto like a Protech TR-3 or a Microtech MSE. Used by many EMT's and LEO's.

If carrying isn't an issue you can't beat a small fixed blade in a pouch sheath. All you have to do is grab it and it's ready.
 
Fastest opening one handed besides an auto is a well worked in Axis lock-
especially a 710 well lubed with a good quality lube. I have carried one for a few years and love it. :D
 
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