Folder, slippie, for buddy with sore thumb

annr

annr

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Nov 15, 2006
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My buddy strained his thumb and is having trouble opening his knife with the nail nick. I would like to get him a nice folder that opens easily. He generally uses pocket knifes with about 2-3 blades (trapper, razor from what I've seen) none longer than 3 inches. He uses them for opening boxes, letters, and bags, etc., at home and work. He works in a manufacturing company of high-end instruments. The idea would be to get something that one can carry wearing casual attire or business suit. He also brings them on international trips. The knife should probably be under $50 because he tends to lose things.
 
A friction folder seems perfect. Like an Opinel : you don't even need to pinch the (very pinchable) blade. Hit the butt on a table, the blade will pop out. Prefer the version without lockring and a small size (N°6) to avoid legal issues when travelling. It's so cheap, there's nothing to regret if he tucks it in a drawer as soon as his thumb is healed.
 
I second the panel no 6. Get one in a fancier wood and it would go swimmingly with a suit.
 
an opinel is always a good choice. although it is not heavy it has kind of a conspicuous handle so you might try sanding it down. certainly it has a supremely easy pull.
swiss army knives are a good, inoffensive and inexpensive choice that doesnt have too strong of a pull. everyone seems to know what they are and i speculate that they would be recognized overseas as well. you could pick one that would suit your buddys line of work nicely.
i kind of like my buck 301 stockman. has a nice easy pull. but its a three spring knife and may be kind of conspicuous in a suit. dont know what the buck 303 looks like but if it doesnt have three springs it would probably ride better in a suit.
 
A Buck 309 sounds like a really good candidate. Most single blade lock backs can be pinched open, Bucks 500 series would be worth a look. I think Case might also make a small one.

Jim
 
Thanks for the good suggestions! I just located an Opinel No. 7 that I had forgotten about (it has ring). You are right wouldestrous, it isn't heavy, just bulky, but I think I'll offer it to him, and we can start with that to see how he likes the "feel."
 
Can he open the blade with his other hand? He could use his strong-side hand to "open" the handle down and away from the blade, rather than "opening" the blade up and away from the handle.
 
Grateful said:
A Buck 309 sounds like a really good candidate. Most single blade lock backs can be pinched open, Bucks 500 series would be worth a look. I think Case might also make a small one.

Jim
Click to expand...

The one knife that he can still use is a single blade lock back, but for some reason I don't think he is crazy about it. (It was a gift from a guy in Spain--the knife is so-so, it's just easy to open and close, I kind of see why he isn't super keen on it. The scales are worn out.)

I liked the idea of the single blade lock back and gave him one of mine that I'm not using. He is able to get the blade open, but he can't squeeze the release on the handle. I had to close the knife for him.

The buck 309 looks good, but I'm kind of worried about springs, too, since he had trouble closing that one knife. I can let him try some of my SAKs and Cases. Are the Buck 500's lock backs? They look like it....and look nice.
 
RobbW said:
Can he open the blade with his other hand? He could use his strong-side hand to "open" the handle down and away from the blade, rather than "opening" the blade up and away from the handle.
Click to expand...

I wondered about that, he is a professional classical musician, and I think that he doesn't want to get into a jam--can't afford to cut anything!
 
The Buck 500's are lock backs. The back springs on there 300 series are generally smooth and easy. If you wanted to try a 309 seeing it in person before buying would be a plus.

Jim
 
Check out kershawguy he has a Damascus slippie type for about $50 that both locks and has thumbstuds. Kershaw Double Cross It's pretty trick! (I didn't realize where this was posted so I took out the photo)
 
Ix-Nay on the umbstud-thay.
 
I find that most 300 series Buck knives (301, 302, 303, 305, 309) have softer springs than most SAKs, with the exception of the SAK Classic.
 
Thanks, everyone. Went with the Buck 501--decided not to risk the springs, and he just couldn't warm up to the opinel.
 
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