For wife with arthritic hands, easy opening/closing knife rec?

Rich S said:
Just had another thought. Look at the Opinel twist locks, either #6 or #8 depending on the size you need. Easy to open and the twist lock is secure and easy to close. I'm thinking about the same thing as I too am developing arthritis in my hands. I've used either a round file or Dremel sanding wheel to open up around the thumb nick to make them into the old style easy openers - can make it as large as needed. Also Opinels are dirt cheap (inexpensive, but robust). Just a thought.
LLAP
Rich
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Hmmmm.....intriguing option, thx!
 
Hogue makes a button lock that starts around $90. That seems like the easiest to manipulate.
34151-101R.jpg


It's a shame OTF gravity knives don't really exist any more.


I do think that a fat handled, easy sheathing fixed blade with a sheath that spring clips over your pocket or waistband is the most useful choice. No belt or fingers necessary:

974.jpg

There's a good reason this is the normal work knife in Scandinavia.


I don't find Spydercos very easy to open. It's such a long arc from the center of the blade hole compared to a stud. Makes for a more complex motion.
 
My wife has reumatoid arthritis and the cartilage degradation in her hands has got really bad. I gave her an original spyderco delica, the one with the plastic clip and while she liked it it was hard for her to close. Brought her to my local shop and let her play with a ton of blades. Finally she picked a kershaw leek backwash.
 
Given that you both are working on a farm, an appropriate size fixed blade might be the better option.

LLAP
Rich
 
For a lightweight (1.9oz) easy opening/closing (Axis lock) with a 3.25" blade, the Benchmade 530 is fantastic.

BM530_5.jpg
 
Kershaw skyline. Kizer flippers.
 
hi pier, based on yourit description, it sounds like your wife's arthritic condition is limited to her thumb only. having said that, generally, any instruments with thicker grip is easier on hands of individuals with arthritis regardless of its type or number of digits the disease affects. Not getting into to much detail, I believe medium size knife with good amount of handle thickness would be easy on her thumb. I'd avoid lock backs or skip joints with finger nail grooves.
I would recommend Benchmade presidio ultra series or Hogue Ex-03 if she wants one hand opener.
 
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Spyderco UKPK, easy to open slip joint with wide handle and no lock.
 
I like the Benchmade Mini Grip solution that a lot of people have said. Sounds like a good fit! Another option to consider is a fixed blade neck carry. Maybe an ESEE Izula, Tops Tibo or Becker D'Eskabar?
 
I'd recommend a friction folder. The tang is designed to open similar to a razor, and there are usually a few custom ones in the exchange reasonably priced.
 
I too have arthritis in my hands and some days they are pretty sore and stiff.

I've found, for me, a Spyderco lockback knife with the round opening hole works best for me. Or the small Benchmade MiniGrip with the thumbhole. The Minigrip opens very easy do to tbe axis lock. Which is quite strong and easy to disengage too. I like as well that the handles feel fuller to me, making them easier to grasp. Especially when my hand is cold or wet.

For a Slipjoint pocketknife, look for an Easy Open model. The EO notch allow the blade just to be pinched and pulled open. And some are quite easy on the pull. If you're curious about those, you can check the traditional forum for specifics. Very helpful there.

Both decent used MiniGrips and Spydies pop on the exchange quite regularly.
 
RX-79G said:
Hogue makes a button lock that starts around $90. That seems like the easiest to manipulate.
34151-101R.jpg


It's a shame OTF gravity knives don't really exist any more.


I do think that a fat handled, easy sheathing fixed blade with a sheath that spring clips over your pocket or waistband is the most useful choice. No belt or fingers necessary:

974.jpg

There's a good reason this is the normal work knife in Scandinavia.


I don't find Spydercos very easy to open. It's such a long arc from the center of the blade hole compared to a stud. Makes for a more complex motion.
Click to expand...

!!!!!!

That Scandinavian blade looks great!
Im gonna have to get one for each of us, I think!

The Spyderco enthusiasts are vocal and persuasive. Just gonna have to get one to try it.
 
Joe58 said:
I too have arthritis in my hands and some days they are pretty sore and stiff.

I've found, for me, a Spyderco lockback knife with the round opening hole works best for me. Or the small Benchmade MiniGrip with the thumbhole. The Minigrip opens very easy do to tbe axis lock. Which is quite strong and easy to disengage too. I like as well that the handles feel fuller to me, making them easier to grasp. Especially when my hand is cold or wet.

For a Slipjoint pocketknife, look for an Easy Open model. The EO notch allow the blade just to be pinched and pulled open. And some are quite easy on the pull. If you're curious about those, you can check the traditional forum for specifics. Very helpful there.

Both decent used MiniGrips and Spydies pop on the exchange quite regularly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the details! I shop the used gun market all the time, I need to do that with knives. Thanks for the reminder!
 
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