easy open + liner lock or lock back

[knarfeng]

That's pig Latin, and means, loosely translated, "Don't post pics or discuss knives with thumbstuds in the traditional forum" which is why I took our discussion of the Case T[censored]k to e-mails.

:thumbup::thumbup:

If you apply the rules of "pig latin" to the phrase, I said, "Nix on the thumb studs."

 

[Will Power]

Coaltrain, I bought Shaggy's 85 Linerlock and I'm thrilled with it. BUT the tab is quite stiff to close I'm afraid, this is a feature of linerlocks with a backspring as well. While I like these, and they're far safer than a linerlock without a spring, (these can open in the pocket! ) I'm wary of recommending these types of knives for you. The require a firm squeeze and can be tricky particularly in the cold or wet.

I think that GEC lockbacks have quite a mild backlock that doesn't require a lot of pressure.

You like the Toothpick style it seems, how about a French Laguiole style knife? I have lockback versions from Fontenille-Pataud, not a cheap knife but superb quality, very, very moderate pull and a lockback that's smooth and need little pressure. They offer many sizes and multiple handle options. MOKI from Japan make an ultra smooth action lockback with superb action, again very easy open/close and super quality.

Regards, Will

 

[Jack Black]

ixnay on the umbthay udstay.

Jknarfeng - while I frequent a few forums quite a bit over the years, I have no idea what your said "ixnay on the umbthay udstay" - is this knife terminology or am I missing something here.........

Interesting thread. Sorry to hear about your problems Stan, I think it's something most of us suffer with as we get older. Have you thought about trying one of those new EO 15's with the Sheepsfoot blades?

 

[coaltrain]

Will - thanks for the suggestion. The Fontenille-Pataud knives are just beautiful! But I still am hesitant with any type of lockback.

Jack Black - I had considered that knife, but after using my new Charlow #15 a little, even that is a bit hard for me to operate with the spring tension.

At the risk of being moderated, I want to explain how hard it is to operate these knives (without a pity party of course!). I can't open a new plastic milk jug screw top - can't open a bag of potato chips the conventional way. Also a hard time pushing something with one finger such as a lockback. I have found a modern folder series that does work for me but they don't have any character or history about them. This is the main reason I need to carry a knife as I need it as a tool throughout the day. I was hoping to be able to use some of these beautiful traditional folders but it looks like it isn't going to work out. I had to try however to satisfy my curiosity about them.

I have gathered a couple fixed blade knives from GEC and Queen (I guess that is OK to mention here - fixed blade traditionals?). I think that might be the direction I will have to follow with my collection. Any heavier use of a knife is done here at the homestead so carrying isn't a problem there. I do feel much better using a large fixed blade as I can keep much better control with one.

 

[Jack Black]

Sorry to hear things are so bad Stan. Still, there are some beautiful traditional fixed blades. Hope you find something that works for you :thumbup:

 

[Big Mike]

I have a bad case of RA which makes my fingers and hands very weak to the point of almost unusable some days. Also it is almost impossible for me to use a thumbnail to open.

Stan, sorry to hear of your problem.

Have you given any serious thought to carrying a small fixed blade?




Big Mike

 

[coaltrain]

Thanks for the sentiments folks, but no need really. My motto through life has been "it is what it is". For a person who has never been sick in his entire life it has been really something, but now after a couple years I just consider it all a challenge. This is where the knives have come into play a lot more in my life than they used to along with other tools such as canes and finding different ways to get through everyday tasks.

The fixed blades are the direction I am going to follow. After absorbing this discussion from last night and sleeping on it all, I've made that decision now. I've already acquired a couple fixed blade knives as I said which are in the traditional style and really like them. I also love the feel and smell of the real leather sheaths that they came with. Since I am home all the time now, I have a couple scattered around the house at easy reach and also out in the barn. I am also interested in some of the custom hand made knives I see come available here on the forum. I purchased one so far and really like the feeling of the hand work and art involved with their creation. Not so much traditionals I guess, but each one unique in their own way.

 

[Big Mike]

Not so much traditionals I guess, but each one unique in their own way.

There are plenty of Traditional fixed blade knives out there my friend. :thumbup: :thumbup:




Big Mike

 

[Woodrow F Call]

You might look for an 85 EO slipjoint. (No Lock)

I had a 42 Lockback, the lock was a bit stiff. I would not recommend it.

Another good looking and handy knife that you might like are the Weaver Jacks. Lots of blade to grab.... they did come in EO and didn't even have a nail nick.

 

[pinnah]

Opinel?

I started my kids with Opinels because they lacked springs. Springs + weak fingers = sadness.

I've put easy-open notches in a few Opinels. With this done, it's easy to pinch open the blade, even if it's tight with wetness.

But it comes at a cost of ruining the feel in my hand. So at this point, I'm satisfied with getting good at the "coup du savoyard" done by wrapping the butt end of the unlocked knife on anything hard. This lifts the blade out enough to make it easy to pinch open.

Once you can pinch the Opinel's blade, the lack of springs makes both opening and closing very non-dramatic. If crude, industrially finished beech isn't your thing, the #6 and #8s are available in nice stainless with very pretty premium woods.

 

[markpmc]

+1 on the weaver jack.
I bought this one spur of the moment. I think it fits your needs. #85 EO Razor Arm. You have the option to pinch, nail nick or use the edge of 'something' to open it. Queen also shipped some barlows w/ razor arms as well. Neither of these has a linerlock. Can't find a pic of my queen barlow.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Opinel is an excellent suggestion. A Svord Peasant is another option. Both are inexpensive to boot.