Easy-open knives

Shorttime

Shorttime

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Oct 16, 2011
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I don't like Spydercos.

There, that's out in the light of day.

Another thread got me thinking about how some things get more difficult when you're older. Arthritis and a lifetime in the trades means my hands may not always do what I want them to, in a couple years.

So, the question: what knives have you... more experienced.... people found are easier to open and close, with the physical changes that come with "experience"?

I suppose the easy answer is "pocket fixed blade", but suppose for a moment that I like the process of folding and unfolding a knife for use.

Just for the sake of discussion, let's also say that the price ceiling should be $150. I've spent more than that, but didn't feel comfortable with properly using a more expensive knife.

Any suggestions are welcome!
 
There are lots. Spyderco's Walker liner lock and compression lock models open with just a nudge. Benchmade's Axis lock models would also fall into that category along with Spyderco's ball bearing lock.
 
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If you don't like Spydercos, I assume you don't like opening holes. So what remains in one-handed opening mechanisms are Thumbstuds, Flippers and Automatics. What do you think (and how about legality where you live) ?

Once you pick the opening mechanism, let us know about desired size, application, etc., then it's easier to recommend something. $150 is a good budget, lots of great knives out there ....
 
Something like a zt0450, a Drop agent or a BM Bugout are IMO some good options
On the “budget” side the Kershaw / Emerson models are fine too

one of my friend is into knives too but just like you he just doesn’t like Spyderco. Just the way the knives look with the hole in the blade is a no-go for him
Sad since Spyderco makes some great models, but to each is own ;)
 
When i saw my father struggling with his old-timey slipjip, I bought him a UKPK.

D6E2CC1D-06BB-492E-8CDC-B621B0D0EE1E.jpeg

If he had an aversion to holey knives, Ida bought him a Manly Wasp.

B169A45D-C19B-4BD0-ACEA-8FCB68CACAE5.jpeg

Both are still slip joints, so no lock to manipulate. Both have more purchase for opening than an old-timey.
 
Nothing easier than an E-Z-OUT :D
Except maybe a ProTech :cool:
Leek is sweet also, at 1/2 your budget :)
image.jpg
 
Here are a few I owned that I feel they could be easily opened one or two hands, without really strong spring(so they will close properly, but just won't snap shut) and are easy to carry in pocket:

tCnjEsP.jpg

Benchmade large Grip, great ergo, the axle lock is easy to disengage with two fingers.

RCtVFpn.jpg

Buck 112 Slim, I choose this one instead of traditional 110 or 112, since I feel it is easier to disengage the lockback(where 110 or 112 you might have to press harder and deeper to disengage), and when closing, it doesn't slap shut like 110. Also the lightweight is really easy to carry.


TCrOAAs.jpg

Many Spyderco are just really lightweight and easy to work with, and most of them do not have really strong backspring but sufficient to be very secure.


npTg8TU.jpg

Civivi Rustic Gent, I quite like this knife, great fit and finish and easy to open with two hands. The back lock is similar to 112 Slim and the half stop is a small bonus for extra security.
 
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comis said:
Here are a few I owned that I feel they could be easily opened one or two hands, without really strong spring(so they will close properly, but just won't snap shut) and are easy to carry in pocket:

tCnjEsP.jpg

Benchmade large Grip, great ergo, the axle lock is easy to disengage with two fingers.

RCtVFpn.jpg

Buck 112 Slim, I choose this one instead of traditional 110 or 112, since I feel it is easier to disengage the lockback(where 110 or 112 you might have to press harder and deeper to disengage), and when closing, it doesn't slap shut like 110. Also the lightweight is really easy to carry.


TCrOAAs.jpg

Many Spyderco are just really lightweight and easy to work with, and most of them do not have really strong backspring but sufficient to be very secure.


npTg8TU.jpg

Civivi Rustic Gent, I quite like this knife, great fit and finish and easy to open with two hands. The back lock is similar to 112 Slim and the half stop is a small bonus for extra security.
Click to expand...

I was about to post the miniature version of your top choice. The easiest opening knife I own is my Mini Gripitlian. It’s fantastically smooth. Most Axis Lock Benchmades are from my experience. They’re almost always a good choice too.

q8eeqja.jpg
 
ferider said:
If you don't like Spydercos, I assume you don't like opening holes.
Click to expand...

It would be easy to think that, which is why I should have been more specific.

I like the opener hole, although I think disks work better.

It's the very thin tips that I don't like. The backs of my knuckles are perpetually brush-burned, and I like a little more behind the point than what Spyderco gives.

I don't much care for the Spyderbump (TM), either. Gets in the way more than anything, IMO.
 
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Benchmade knives with the axis lock are easy to open in my opinion. Not much resistance at all. My daily carry is usually the bugout.
 
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Alberta Ed said:
There are lots. Spyderco's Walker liner lock and compression lock models open with just a nudge. Benchmade's Axis lock models would also fall into that category along with Spyderco's ball bearing lock.
Click to expand...
I have Spyderco’s D’Allara 3. The lock on it is the ball lock and it can be difficult use. Shame really.
It is a fun knife.
 
Any Benchmade folder. It's a bit above your budget but the first knife that came to mind was the Hinderer slippy. $275 new probably much cheaper used.
 
Freeman 451 with the button lock. You can open it with the flipper, the indentation on the blade or by holding down the lock button and swinging it out. Drop shut close.
 
Do you think you could operate an assisted opening knife with a flipper tab? Check to see if assisted opening knives are legal in your area. I'm not a fan of assisted knives but I also don't have finger dexterity issues.

Also, what size blade do you usually prefer?

A few assisted flippers to look at with different size blades.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...tonewashed-plain-blade-olive-aluminum-handles

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS...tonewashed-plain-blade-black-aluminum-handles
 
I have the same issues with my hands/fingers. Been in the trades for 35+ years and it seems my hands are in pain more than their not. I get severe thumb joint pain( doc says from wear and tear) especially in cold damp weather, and I get a lot of that in Cleveland Ohio.
I know you said you don’t like Spyderco but When my arthritis pain flairs up the opening hole with the compression lock is the easiest for me to manipulate. My second favorite is the axis lock. With Frame locks and liner locks it really depends on the knife and your hands. Thumb stud location and access to release the lock bar are huge factors for me. I have a CRK Sebenza 21 that I can manipulate fine but the Inkosi I have is near impossible when my finger pain flares up. AO’s and flippers are easy to open but again the lock release is a major factor, at least in my case. Anyways the best knives for me on my bad days are knives with axis locks and Spydercos with the compression lock. Good luck with your search.
 
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