Easy-open knives

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.
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You might not have read the OP's first line in his post... ( I don't like Spydercos.)
funny...
OF course, given that he doesn't like Spydercos...then one is free to wonder ...
I DO respect his opinion, (as I am NOT fond of Benchmade), but I have good reasons...
I see there are a goodly number of good suggestions...
 
I agree with Benchmade axis lock knives. My 940 flips open almost like a spring assist with a slight brush of the thumbstud.

There are many models under $150.
 
One-handed my easiest to open and close knives are my Spyderco PM2 and Spyderco Military, the large opening holes work well with my thumb. I've owned a lot of knives with thumb studs that were easy to open but my thumb would sometimes slip off of the thumb stud or miss it, so they weren't 100% positive. My most positive opening knife with thumb studs was a Kershaw Blur. Its thumb studs stick out a lot and are sharp so they are easy to hit and your thumb is not as likely to slip off. These take less dexterity than a Spyderco but still take some. Now if you are going to open the knife with 2 hands then I think the typical Benchmade with thumb studs and axis lock is pretty easy to operate.
 
If you don't like Spydercos, maybe something with wave/disc opening?
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Or Axis type locks are usually easy opening.
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You want easy of opening but you don't want Spyderco.

If your dexterity is not what it used to be and don't want holes (which is about the easiest way to grab a blade to open), thumb studs and nail nicks will not help either. Flippers are not what I would chose either because they require some finger tension on the flipper tab to open them reliably.

So... WAVE we go. Original EMERSONS, unless secondary market, will not fit the budget. But you could get your hands in a Kersaw-Emerson collaboration, whichever blade/handle shape suits you.

You don't even need to fumble with the knife to open it. Just grab the protruding end (fit a lanyard so it dangles out of the pocket and can be easily grasped) and pull out agains the back seam of your front pocket. Voila, knife is open and ready to do whatever needs to be done.

Mikel
 
Since Spyderco is out, go Benchmade Axis IMO, or the Hogue Ritter.(same lock)

Benchmade Griptilian
Benchmade Mini Grip
Benchmade Bugout
Hogue Ritter
 
JBoone said:
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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I've been playing with my brand new Benchmade Boost 590BK - $127.99 on discontinued sale - w/Axis lock (my first).
Real easy to open - can't stand the Axis lock for closing though. I find it awkward to use unless I use two hands - something I won't do unless I have to.
Pity - great knife otherwise.
My grandson or nephew is going to be thrilled some day when I pound down too much beer and give it to them as a present..... ;)
 
I've had arthritis (osteo) since I was 25 or 16 years. Front flipper is the easiest to open and close. My only one is a Civivi McKenna Damascus, but at $90 fits your budget.

I gave my cousin a Hogue Deka and is very easy too.

A Kershaw Launch automatic is good too.
 
So many knives fall under this criteria. Pretty much most modern folders are easy to open, and close.

I think that is pretty obvious though.

:) said with respect.
 
Billy The Hungry said:
So many knives fall under this criteria. Pretty much most modern folders are easy to open, and close.

I think that is pretty obvious though.

:) said with respect.
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Not with arthritis they aren’t. My dad can’t even open some of the folders which I can easily flick (and we won’t even get started on unlocking...)
 
JAB said:
Not with arthritis they aren’t. My dad can’t even open some of the folders which I can easily flick (and we won’t even get started on unlocking...)
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Hate to hear that about your dad. My mother has horrible arthritis in her hands, too.

My PM2 is beyond easy to open and disengage. But the OP said he doesn't like Spyderco knives.

Perhaps a small fixed blade should be looked at.

Edit: I'll just shut up. I'm going on 32, and I'm big strong and healthy. I'm sure what's easy to me isn't to arthritic hands.
 
Okay, the OP was poorly worded, so thanks for playing along, fellas.

I'm 41, and I don't have arthritis, yet. There's a good chance that I will, and I don't understand the limitations that can place on your ability to grip and manipulate tools. So I took this as a chance to learn a little.

The Ritter/Hogue RSK would probably be my choice, as much for Doug's ongoing service to the knife community, as the knife itself. The only reason I don't have one already is because it's a little above my price limit. I should fix that.
 
Unfortunately , you really don't know how arthritis will affect your hands until it happens.
My father is 88 y/o with arthritis and can't unlock most modern framelock / linerlock folders or even cycle an OTF. An axis lock is impossible for him to unlock.
It started when he was in his early 80's, we were siting around a table playing with a bunch of knives and he was having trouble with all of them.

For him the easiest to operate is a simple lock back knife where he can pinch the blade to open and push the back lock to release.
He carries an old, no name lockback , similar in size and shape of a Civivi Rustic Gent. He said I gave it to him years ago , but I don't remember....
 
My dad had severe arthritis in his hands near the end, and even he could actuate a button lock. Take a look at them.
 
You do know that there's a traditional pattern called the "Easy Open" that's been around for 200 years? People like your dad are who it was designed for. It also works good if you wear gloves, etc. There's no need to reinvent the wheel.

vZfs6IE.jpg
 
Shorttime said:
Okay, the OP was poorly worded, so thanks for playing along, fellas.

I'm 41, and I don't have arthritis, yet. There's a good chance that I will, and I don't understand the limitations that can place on your ability to grip and manipulate tools. So I took this as a chance to learn a little.

The Ritter/Hogue RSK would probably be my choice, as much for Doug's ongoing service to the knife community, as the knife itself. The only reason I don't have one already is because it's a little above my price limit. I should fix that.
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The Hogue Ritter would be an excellent choice. How large do you want the knife to be? I have a mini Hogue Ritter and it is all the knife I need, and it comes in under your price limit. The large is only $10 over your limit.
 
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