EDC knife for a stroke survivor

L

livinginthecountry

Joined
Jun 23, 2010
Messages
7
A good friend of mine suffered a severe stroke a few months ago. As a result he has lost all use of his right arm. Although we are hoping that will improve over time, so far it has not. I am doing research with the goal of getting him a knife that he can use with his left hand, probably as a Christmas present. My criteria so far would include: opens and closes easily using the left hand, has a left hand pocket clip, about 3"-3.5" blade, $150.00 or less. He already owns several knives, both folding and fixed blade. I am specifically seeking input from members who own and/or have used the knife you are recommending. The purchase will be on-line from a site supporter. There are no knife stores in my immediate area, so I will have to rely on the suggestions I get here. I will not be able to actually handle the knife before purchase. I am thinking that he might like an assisted opening knife as he doesn't have one of those, but am concerned about being able to close the knife easily using only the left hand. Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.
 
You do not say how big of a knife but a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian, or any Axis lock knife is easily opened and closed with one hand. I own several of these so I know. This was one of my considerations when choosing a "one knife" (if I had to only have one knife and what if I only had the use of one hand).
 
Axis lock Benchmade all the way. Extremely easy with either hand, and takes little strength to operate.

If you want to throw a flipper in the mix check out the 300 model. It allows him to open the blade 3 ways, with thumb stud, flipper, or just axis lock.
 
how about benchmade Griptilian that have opening hole? I only had the thumbstud one... but I think round hole for opening works better than a thumbstud. but then again, Benchmade's own axis lock can be used to open/close just by little swing and that's my favourite way opening it.
 
Six years ago I got a rare spinal cord disease and lost the use of my left arm, so I know what he's going through. Send him my regards.

The first knife I got was a Spyderco UKPK. Big, easy to use hole, and a slipjoint so you can close it by folding it against the body. The axis lock Benchmades also work well.

Good luck!
 
Livinginthecountry--feel free to get in touch if I can be of any further help.

Bob
 
There is fixed blade designed specifically for one-handed use. It is called the Maddox. Do a search on "Maddox knife." The original was made by Spyderco, but the design is made by someone else now. I gave it to two friends with only use of one arm and they both found it very useful. It's not a pocket knife, but has a sheath. My friends used it in the kitchen and to cut steak.
 
+1 on axis lock they are easy to use one handed. also +1 to spyderco slipit or slip joint with spyderco hole. both would be easy one handed opening and closing.

Edit,, also Kershaw chill that I have is great and really easy to use one handed. so maybe look into liner locks as well.
 
Some states will allow the impared to have an automatic knife. maybe you could look into those.
 
Re automatics. I checked this out too. Be sure and check first. My state, eg (CA) makes no allowance for disabilities when it comes to automatics. Also, make sure he can close it. Otherwise, the logical idea.

Also, make sure he exercises. In many cases the limb comes back.

Great luck!
 
I don't know where you're from, but if it happens to be NH, autos are legal. Otherwise, +1 on the axis lock knives s and slipjoint Spydercos. Maybe a small fixed blade?

Sean
 
Spyderco with a spyderhole?
My ZT is pretty easy to open with one left hand, as I'm right handed,
Good luck man!
 
having helped a relative in a similar situation, I believe a small fixed blade, worn horizontal on the belt, cross draw, is the best solution.
 
Thank you to all of you who took the time to reply to this thread. I have been given some great ideas and will follow-up on them. After 3 months in the hospital--in and out of intensive care--he is now home. He goes to physical and occupational therapy 3 times a week at an in-hospital therapy unit. He is a strong and determined person who is working very hard at rehabilitation. Although he has made great progress, he still has a way to go. Once again, THANK YOU! for your help.
 
Benchmade Axis lock or an OTF knife would be my suggestion. They are as easy to close as they are to open.
 
Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight S110v. Spyderhole, ambi-dextrous ball bearing lock.
 
K.O.D. said:
Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight S110v. Spyderhole, ambi-dextrous ball bearing lock.
Click to expand...

I own the Manix 2 and it's a great knife but the CBBL requires quite a bit more force to pull back compared to the Axis lock which I can literally operate with just my pinky.
 
I wish him good luck with his rehab. Never give up! :)

The Griptilian or Mini Griptilian would be really handy. They can open by pulling back the axis bar and flicking the wrist, and close the same way. They have general purpose blade shapes and comfortable, secure handles.

The Spyderco UKPK is a favorite of mine. No lock, but the strong backspring keeps it from shutting down unexpectedly. It has an index finger choil for added control, and if you close the blade with your finger in that choil, you won't get cut. It is a small lightweight knife with a 3" blade / 2.5" cutting edge.

The Maddox is a great solution if he likes a compact fixed blade. It is actually a small ulu with a long handle.
 
I've been there, had those issues--hopefully he will regain motor control, often you can from a stroke. I had lost total control over my left hand due to encephalopathy--basically lack of oxygen to the brain, same effects as a stroke. I have regained 95% of my function. As to the knife, the recommends for an axis lock are appropriate, but I would add a ZT 777 CF to the list. It is light, which is often overlooked but is important, and operating with one hand is easily doable. Also has reversible clip if he wants a clip at all.

Best wishes to your friend, as others have said tell him from a fellow victim, that Physical Therapy is really worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top