Recommendation? Easy open slip joint knives?

miso2 said:
@SV-97
I see. Then, a single blade #15 could be perfect!
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15s would work well. Look for a clip point, a sheepfoot or a navy knife. All of those are very, pinch-able. 85s with their EO notch would also be great. 83s and 72s are locking, but because of that, they would work very well for you as there is basically no resistance to opening them. And, yes, the #15 one-arm "razor" would be an interesting option. It's not pinch-able but has the cut out for one-handed opening. 85s also came with this cut out.....and that model also has the EO notch. Very difficult to find one these days, but that may be awesome since it offers two different options for you in one knife.
 
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Here is a photo of everything I own that could work for you. The top row are all pinch-able (for me). Note that the #47 viper is usually only pinch-able in Tidioute trim, but the Northfield pictured here is an exception (in other words, if you opt for a viper, only buy one that's Tidioute).

The two on the lower right (66 and 33) are not pinch-able, but have very light pulls. The three in the bottom-middle (83, 72 & 99)are Lockbacks and, therefore, are effortless to open.

Finally, the three on the bottom left (85s and a 15)either have EO notches or the one-arm cut out.

As you can see, the one-arm 85 (usually) has both features.

Look hard at the Lionsteel (top left). It's pinch-able AND has a VERY light pull, so you could certainly use the nail nick if you wanted. And despite this, it still has a crisp walk. Pretty cool. Best part, there's an early reserve open for them now, so you can reserve your choice of covers.

Good luck in your search.
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I have not read every post as of yet, but will provide my opinion. I would look at a GEC #48 Weasel or Improved Trapper as they have a medium pull but very nicely made.

You can always go with Vic SAKs as the consistently have a easy pull, but the spring is sufficient for to keep the knife closed and there still tends to be a bit of a "snap" closing one. Go with the medium to larger sized ones.
 
Okapi knives. The Biltong sheepsfoot and the rudeboys' ratchet knife have a lot of blade exposed. The Genet shows less blade, but is still pinchable with a firm grip.

MAM knives from Portugal. These are friction folders, also available with a liner lock, which makes them no less easy to open.

Leaf-shaped blades are common on Spanish knives. These show a lot of pinchable blade. Aitor, Joker and Pallares de Solsona are a few that come to mind.

Opinels are variable, both from knife to knife and from season to season. I have a No.8 that flicks open with one hand if the humidity is down, but takes a serious pull if it is damp. Wait for the weather to change; your Opinel may loosen up.
 
redsparrow said:
Nice group MCar MCar !! Useful info for those looking for easy opening GECs. Hope the 33 is seen again soon.
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Agreed, I'd love to see a new run of 33s. I'd also like to see a slightly larger swell center pattern from GEC (34?:rolleyes:). The light pull on these 33s does see appropriate to the pattern.
 
miso2 -

Or just use a coin (penny or dime). Less expensive than buying a special opener.

Rich
 
The Case mini Copperfield is easy to pinch open, as is the main blade on a Case Canoe. A.G. Russell makes a lockback Barlow that is easy to pinch open. I have a couple from Le Thiers per Chambriard that are also easy to pinch open.
 
0520161237-936x1664.jpg I'd respectively say pick the knife you like and adapt to it (short of a shallow nick).
I've taken the advice of several members here on tips for knife opening.

This Washington hj was a true bear for me to open... Both blades if I remember correctly. Now it is very smooth and manageable. I don't know if it was flipping my thumbnail over repeatedly or using a file board? on my thumbnail to sand instead of a nail clipper.
This is a couple of year process (learning and manipulating) that I'm not sure you want to invest in. For me it was, I am admiring the knife on the arm of my chair.
Enjoy yourself on whatever you choose
 
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A few guys beat me to some of these, but I'll add my thoughts anyway: Lionsteel Roundhead and GEC Sheepsfoot 15 (the extra blade width makes it easy to grab without using the nick).
 
willard0341 said:
View attachment 775861 I'd respectively say pick the knife you like and adapt to it (short of a shallow nick).
I've taken the advice of several members here on tips for knife opening.

This Washington hj was a true bear for me to open... Both blades if I remember correctly. Now it is very smooth and manageable. I don't know if it was flipping my thumbnail over repeatedly or using a file board? on my thumbnail to sand instead of a nail clipper.
This is a couple of year process (learning and manipulating) that I'm not sure you want to invest in. For me it was, I am admiring the knife on the arm of my chair.
Enjoy yourself on whatever you choose
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Explain "flipping my thumbnail over repeatedly". Is it as gruesome as it sounds?
 
Ha!!! It is uncomfortable, the left side of my right thumbnail looked like a critter had been chewing on it.
 
Might be worth trying the 'coup de savoyard' with your opinel. With that it's super easy to pinch open, even with my disabled hands that can't pinch open a Navy Knife very easily. Another recommendation for the Lionsteel mentioned above, due to the dual nail nicks and light pull it's a very easy open. You can use the nail from both thumb and forefinger in tandem to open so you only have half the pressure on either. I'm very happy with mine for opening with my super weak pinch.
 
Thank you, guys!
I have to say that the Lionsteel really fascinates me. If the pull is light with the dual nicks, it would be for me.

MCar MCar
Very nice pics and very helpful!
What is the middle one in the three on the top right? Looks good and pinchable.
 
OK. I have watched some videos of slip joints which I like the designs. As you guys suggested, Lionsteel Barlow, GEC 14&15 seem to have light pulls.
I cannot find Lionsteel anywhere at the moment.

On the other hand, GEC #14 and #15 (Huckleberry Boys Knife with a caplifter) are available.
#14 has a long pull, and #15 has a cut out and a sheepfoot blade.
Out of these two, which one you say lighter or easier to open?
 
miso2 said:
On the other hand, GEC #14 and #15 (Huckleberry Boys Knife with a caplifter) are available.
#14 has a long pull, and #15 has a cut out and a sheepfoot blade.
Out of these two, which one you say lighter or easier to open?
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The Sheepsfoot #15 is, in my opinion, easier to open (by pinching the blade at the EO notch) than the #14. It's not that the #14 has a stiff pull -- it's fairly light -- but when it comes to ease of opening, the long pull isn't ideal. It keeps your thumbnail closer to the pivot, giving you less leverage than a nail nick (which is typically closer to the tip of the blade), and much less leverage than pinching open a knife with an EO notch like the #15 Crown Lifter.

Most everything I would suggest has already been mentioned, but you might also want to take a look at the AG Russell Medium Lockback Barlow. Very light pull (but still with a satisfying snap), reasonably priced and good quality/value.

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(In addition to the yellow, I believe it's also available in Cocobolo and a black synthetic.)
 
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Thanks for your input. I am leaning toward #15, which seems to be able to be opened without using the nail nick.
For now, I am only looking at non-locking slip joint knives. Thanks for the suggestion, though. It is a beautiful knife.
 
You definitely can't go wrong with that #15 Crown Lifter. I've certainly been happy with mine.

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I will say that an EO notch makes just about any knife much easier to open. These #25's are notoriously stiff, but this one with an added EO notch can be pinched open easily.

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