Good lefty folders

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darkaether

Joined
Dec 23, 2006
Messages
1,377
I'm looking for a nice folder for my left pocket preferably tip up, 2.5"-3.75", truely left handed or ambi. I've already tried a sebenza and it was ok but I want to try something different. I like the spydercos and ZTs but the only thing I've noticed was the Military and its a little bigger than I'm looking for. Anything you guys would recommend?
 
Spyderco Endura 4, maybe? It even has a version with an Emerson clip. I'm left handed myself and it's been good to me so far, but I'm planning on replacing it with a Delica, since the blade is too long.
 
I've found left handed opening a breeze with the Spyderco Paramilitary2 and Sage 2. That the full size Military are all excellent for lefties.
 
Another lefty here...Other than Sebenza's, I like the ZT 560/561 alot. 550/551 are OK (I have one for sale in the classifieds here ;) ) Spyderco PM 2 and Manix 2 are good, as well as a number of Benchmade offerings.
 
Recent lefty purchases I've made: LH Spyderco Military and LH DPx HEST 2.0. Both are awesome.
 
I'm right handed but was wondering how you lefties like the thumb hole cutout as an ambi knife. Does it work out well? I've only handled one and it didn't seem to work that great. Do you prefer dual thumb studs? Oh or axis knives? Axis knives are great ambi knives but the problem I seem to have is that they are just a tad bit hard to unlock quickly because the lock bar is flush and doesn't pertrude so your thumb can catch it.
 
Southpaw myself.

All of these are fully amibdextrous

Benchmade Griptilians (Several other Benchmade Axis-Locks as well)
Buck Vantage
Ontario RAT-1
Ka-Bar MULE
SOG Salute
CRKT Cruiser
 
alude904 said:
I'm right handed but was wondering how you lefties like the thumb hole cutout as an ambi knife. Does it work out well? I've only handled one and it didn't seem to work that great.
Click to expand...

Some ambidextrous folders with liner locks, the liner lock will block the thumb hole, just enough that a southpaw has a hard time getting a good hold on it to open the knife. Buck Vantages are a good example of it, so I put zip ties on the blade to make a thumb stud.

345BLS-Zip-Tie.jpg
 
My favourite lefty knives are Spyderco lockback or ball bearing lock knives, and Benchmade axis lock knives. I also use a few Cold Steel lockbacks and an old Recon 1 (I don't recall the name of the lock, it's similar to the axis).

There are quite a few models to choose from. I've been carrying my Native 4 a lot lately, it's very nice and quite compact.
 
Spyderco manix 2 blue transluecent handles. The knife is completely ambi and opened easily for me even with my off hand. The knife is 2.85 oz and has a 3 3/8 in blade. The knife feels very solid too, I think this is because of the ball bearing lock.
 
South paw here...I have no trouble with my BM 585 and 580. Same with the ZT350. All are easy to use with the left hand.
 
I like the BM 520 and 525. Scales are a little aggressive, but as a southpaw, they are easy to use and tough. Had a Sebenza and it was nice.
 
if you like benchmades they have a "knife wizard" on there site, you can put spicific features in and it brings up diffrent knives that have those features
 
I ordered a PM2. I broke my thumb about 6 months ago and pushes good and strong but I can't pull with it very hard yet.

I tried a Manix2 at a gun show a few weeks ago and had a little trouble closing it. Does the ball thing smooth out a lot when they break in? I can close an axis easily.
 
Among your choices:

Benchmade Axis lock knives - lots of models to choose from, fully ambi-friendly
Spyderco Sage 3 "bolt action" lock
Spyderco Manix 2 caged ball bearing lock
Spyderco lockbacks (Caly3, Sage 4, Delica, Endura, etc.)
 
CR Sebenza, left handed model. I plan on ordering one soon in the small size, with carbon fiber handle.
Im a lefty too.
 
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