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Finger Guillotines?

C

China is Fi-na'

Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
5
Closing my Victorinox Cadet got me thinking as the spring tension in slip joint slams the tiny blade closed. I would think the larger Cold Steel folders with more massive blades and stronger lock springs could be pretty effective finger amputators if a finger got caught between the blade and handle during closing. Anyone have any horror stories? Do you have any knives that have an appetite for fingers? Also I'd like to see how thick of a carrot or cucumber something like a Rajah II could chop during closing.
 
If you play with sharp toys and things that go boom , you can get hurt . They ain't idiot proof . But if you're careful and know how , they are safe enough .

I've used the XL Cold Steel folders for years with no problems . If you have a firm grip around the handle , just up close to the blade , then the unsharpened part of the blade will make contact against your finger when it's partially closed . Built in safety feature . But , yes you always need to respect these knives or they will bite you ! :eek:

There are many past threads with stories and pics of bloody self inflicted wounds , if that's your pleasure . Spyderco SE blades are famous . Nearly always operator error . :confused:
 
When I first got my serrated clip point XL Voyager (pre Tri-Ad model) years ago, I pushed on the lock bar and the blade swung closed on my index finger (I figured it would stop before hitting my finger, for some reason :D). I had a cut about 1/2" long and 1/8" deep. Not even close to an amputation, though it did bleed like a mutha. The scar is barely visible today.
 
None of my cold steel Triad lock folders have near the snap of some of my traditional slip joint folders. You want a finger nipped, get one of those traditional slipjoints with a gator strength spring, and you will know true squeamish fear at getting a finger in the way.
 
I found slip joint usually has stronger spring than lockbacks for similar size blade/knife.

An Endura SG and Benchmade HK did bite me when closing. Pinky finger is the victim. Scar is barely visible.
 
Traditional slippies are indeed finger-getters.

However, the terrifying large folder in my collection is an original run Cold Steel folding Bushman. I think it's one of the most dangerous to operate knives I have every owned.
 
I was playing with my Case single bladed wharncliffe mini trapper and for some inexplicable reason, it decided to bite me as I closed it. I swear I took all precautions and made sure all my digits were out of the way, but NNNOOO it decided to take a sizable slice out of my index finger. At least I know it cuts real good.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Traditional slippies are indeed finger-getters.

However, the terrifying large folder in my collection is an original run Cold Steel folding Bushman. I think it's one of the most dangerous to operate knives I have every owned.
Click to expand...
That's the two handed closer isn't it?
 
China is Fi-na' said:
Closing my Victorinox Cadet got me thinking as the spring tension in slip joint slams the tiny blade closed. I would think the larger Cold Steel folders with more massive blades and stronger lock springs could be pretty effective finger amputators if a finger got caught between the blade and handle during closing. Anyone have any horror stories? Do you have any knives that have an appetite for fingers? Also I'd like to see how thick of a carrot or cucumber something like a Rajah II could chop during closing.
Click to expand...

100% depends on how sharp the blade is, and at what angle it's sharpened at. I had a cold steel recon 1 snap shut on my thumb once when I slipped off the thumbstud and got in the path of the blade. Wasn't a horrible cut, but the blade wasn't stupid sharp either. Moral of the story, be careful with your knives, they aren't mans best friend, they will cut you and cut you good.
 
shinyedges said:
That's the two handed closer isn't it?
Click to expand...

More like three hander. You need to position the knife so that the blade doesn't slam shut, pull back on a stiff spring plunger lock with a cord tied to it, then carefully press the massive blade so that it begins its terrifying travel to the closed position.

I wasn't raised Catholic, but I generally prefer a 4th hand to cross my body as I disengage the blade.

It's a pretty cool and affordable knife, and I honestly believe that CS designed it as a knife that is only opened or closed once in awhile. They marketed it as a sort of folding fixed blade that you could open up at camp, use all weekend then carefully close it when you pack up.

Still, it scares the hell out of me. It bit me pretty good about 6 or 7 years ago, and it's been pulling drawer duty since then. I don't want to throw it away, but I can't think of anyone I earnestly wish bodily harm on enough to give it to.
 
I got very used to closing my Spyderco Stretch and Delica lock back one handed by catching the blade on my finder as it falls because there is a bit of choil there that makes it easy to do so safely.
The Cold Steel Finn Wolf, not so much, lol. That thing will take a digit if you do that, and I nearly learned the hard way a couple times.
I also have a Buck Marksman on the way. and thats been described as a possible guillotine if closed incorrectly.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
More like three hander. You need to position the knife so that the blade doesn't slam shut, pull back on a stiff spring plunger lock with a cord tied to it, then carefully press the massive blade so that it begins its terrifying travel to the closed position.

I wasn't raised Catholic, but I generally prefer a 4th hand to cross my body as I disengage the blade.

It's a pretty cool and affordable knife, and I honestly believe that CS designed it as a knife that is only opened or closed once in awhile. They marketed it as a sort of folding fixed blade that you could open up at camp, use all weekend then carefully close it when you pack up.

Still, it scares the hell out of me. It bit me pretty good about 6 or 7 years ago, and it's been pulling drawer duty since then. I don't want to throw it away, but I can't think of anyone I earnestly wish bodily harm on enough to give it to.
Click to expand...
Damn, that doesn't sound safe. I looked at getting one, but I read that they were awkward to close. On, the topic of knowing someone to gift that beauty to, I may know of a guy who'd sheath it in a tube sock for safe keeping ;)
 
I've nipped a few fingertips with the tip of a blade while closing my slipjoints, somehow not paying enough attention and not realizing the finger wasn't clear of the end of the knife. One week I was on a big tune-up/sharpening kick and I think I did it three or four times. :p There's a knife maker on YouTube who has some interesting videos (some more about philosophy of life than about knives). He always ends a session with something like: Go out in the backyard and whittle on a stick. Take lots of band-aids. :D
 
Another Cold Steel Pocket Bushman owner here. Got it years ago on impulse.
After some tinkering I got it where I could close it ok.
Like having a pet rattle snake...not if, but when. In a drawer too. I would never gift that knife.
 
China is Fi-na' said:
Also I'd like to see how thick of a carrot or cucumber something like a Rajah II could chop during closing.
Click to expand...

Well, you could by one and get some veggies and find out.

I am with the members above who have said "slipjoint." A Vic spring aint that bad. I have a Eye Brand trapper that is a bear trap. That thing terrifies me.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Traditional slippies are indeed finger-getters.

However, the terrifying large folder in my collection is an original run Cold Steel folding Bushman. I think it's one of the most dangerous to operate knives I have every owned.
Click to expand...


I have one of those too. It is a nipper, and I have been nipped by it. I still have about 3 or so traditional slipjoints that I would consider 10's on the spring strength scale, that snap closed harder.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Traditional slippies are indeed finger-getters.

However, the terrifying large folder in my collection is an original run Cold Steel folding Bushman. I think it's one of the most dangerous to operate knives I have every owned.
Click to expand...
Thanks guys ! I can now cross off both all slip joints and the Bushman form my wish list . Saving both $$$ and fingers .:p
 
DocJD said:
Thanks guys ! I can now cross off both all slip joints and the Bushman form my wish list . Saving both $$$ and fingers .:p
Click to expand...

Oh, some knives are absolutely worth letting a bit of blood. I have plenty of slippies that I let drink from time to time because they are worth it. The pocket bushman...nah.
 
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