Gent's Folders: Thumbstud(s) vs. Nail Nicks

Do nail nicks present a better appearance than thumbstuds on "fancy folders?"

  • No, opening the knife one-handed is more important

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Yes, the stud can "take away" from the lines of the knife.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Doesn't matter most of the time.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
marcangel

marcangel

Joined
Dec 20, 2001
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I wanted some opinions on this one. My primary interest is in gent's folders, but since I'm lefthanded, probably 90% of the handmade knives are not for me, since they're liner locks with only a right hand thumbstud. I'm a little leery of spending more than $1000 on a "lefty" because if I fall "out of love" with it, it's near impossible to sell at anywhere near fair market value. The good news is that many of my favorite makers (W. Osborne, Steigerwalt, Centofante, Kious) make a good nuber of knives with "convential" lockback and nail nicks. I personally think these blades tend to be a bit "sleeker", but I'm obviously biased. So I thought I'd ask your opinions....
 
I think that the answer to that question is a definite, yes.

I have a couple of really nice gents folders by Jot Khalsa and A.T. Barr that are liner locks. However, there are some knives, like the side-lock folder I purchased from Frank Centofante at last year's Blade Show and my Whitewing (yes, I know it's not custom, but it's still nice) pearl lockback that wouldn't be right with anything but a nail nick.
 
Sometimes a nail-nick will disrupt the flow of a knife. Sometimes it will look like an unnecessary scratch or gouge in the blade. A well placed thumbstud, perhaps with an inlay that matches or compliments the handle material, can enhance a knife much in the same way an earring can enhance a lady's evening ensemble. This is not always the case - a thumbstud can certainly disrupt the flow of a knife as well and a nail-nick can be very nicely done.

From an artistic perspective, it really depends on the overall design and style of the knife. I've seen both styles work extremely well, but I've also seen both styles fail. From a utilitarian perspective, I prefer thumbstuds, as I don't tend to let my nails grow too long.

I understand that it's largely a matter of preference - I'm just sharing mine.

More food for thought - do you think either a nail-nick or a thumbstud would have worked with this knife?
sliver222.jpg


I don't. I think either one would have ruined it.
 
A small diamond or ruby thumbstud would look just fine on that Herman.
 
You'd really put a stud on your Herman? Danbo, I didn't figure you the type...
 
I don't think a thumb stud is not elegant. Most thumb stud knives were clearly designed as one handers. The only time that thumb studs look book bad is when they are on knives that were not designed for them.
 
Here's my Christmas present from my wife, I don't think a thumbstud would "go too well" with this one, and Warren agreed!:p
 

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To me it really depends on the knife. Sometimes a thumb stud is going to look great and sometimes it is the totally wrong way to go.

As far that Herman is concerned, I agree that a thumb stud or nail nick would detract from the appearance, but if I had to choose one or the other I would go for the nail nick.
 
Well, it seems fairly evenly split! But IMHO, a stud on the Sliver or the Innova would be "not right!":rolleyes:
 
Wulf,
I have to say that the Herman knife is probably the most beautiful knife I've ever seen. It looks like its in motion just sitting there (kind of like a classic car). Wow, if only I could afford such a knife!!!:(
 
Hi guys,
Just thought I'd chime in here. Nothing catches my eye like a fine slim gent's folder. Hot blued damascus is great, but a simple stainless lockback with great lines is just as appealing. With a silky smooth action and the right blade shape, you don't really need a nail nick. I don't always use one, and some people mistake my mark (a diamond w/ JP inside it) for one. When I do, I try to make mine as minimal as I can.
Liner locks are nice, and some can be considered gent's knives. I make those also. They can be done as damascus frames with just a titanium leaf also. The thumb stud is fine for a one-hander, and they are still pretty popular. I make them as small as possible and still be able to open the knife repeatedly without getting a sore thumb. For a gent's knive, they really need some filework or gemstones inlaid in them.
John Perry
 
I'm not a gent's folder guy myself (I prefer tactical design), but that doesn't keep me from having an opinion about them. :)

I think that Thumbstuds can destroy the looks of a gentleman's knife, but if it's done right: no problem at all! Just make it smaller than on most tactical folders and add an inlay (MOP or something).

Nail nicks still look a bit better than a well-designed stud on gent's folders, but the difference is small and the increased usefulness of one-hand-openers compared to nail nicked knives is remarkable.
 
John,
I had the opportunity to handle one of your folders this past weekend - a lockback gent's folder with neither a nailnick nor a thumbstud. I found the knife was very easy to open and the action was smooth as butter. Further, I really liked the way this particular knife looks - exactly as it is.

The knife, by the way, was being carried by your table-mate from the Blade show. He really seems to like it too!
 
Hi Wulf,
Yea, that was a fun knife to build. I'm glad Dan got it. He is one dedicated knife guy!
John Perry
 
John,
Good to see you on the forums!

Hey folks! Not only does John make an excellent folder, you should try his salsa!!!

C Wilkins
 
Interesting question. I do think there are classic designs that don't look so appealing to me with a thumbstud. I never really thought about it unitl you asked..., and I don't collect many folders of that type anyway, but when you mention Ken, and Warren's work.., I can think of many examples that would suffer esthetically if a thumbstud was added. (IMO)...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Thanks for the attaboys!
Yea, I would like to show some pics. Darby talked me into upping my membership so I can post my own. As for the salsa, I like habaneros and I love the burn. If my bald head is sweating, its just about right.
If anyone wants my recipe, I'll gladly post it.
JP
 
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