How important is a folder that can be deployed quickly?

K

kickplate69

Joined
Jan 26, 2011
Messages
185
Sometimes people get so caught up in how fast a blade can be whipped out. It's kinda like the knife version of the quick pistol draw that will save the day. Me, I like a blade that comes out with minimal effort, but I don't get too hung up on a knife that takes a little longer to get out ( like the cold steel spartan, for my hand size, it's not comin out fast- but I like the blade and it sees time in my pocket for rotational edc ).
How do you feel about slower deploying blades? Are they a deal breaker for you or no big deal?
 
The spartan can actually come out pretty fast using the wave thumb plate.I think it's a pretty big deal If your talking about having to use it to save your life . If you just mean a faster or slower deploying knife in general use than to me it's fine either way. Imo, I think a person is going to have 1 of 2 reactions when you try to get your knife. They are either going to runaway , leave or stop what they are doing out of fear or they will be even more inclined to do something to you and they will probably try to do this before you can get it out. They will not want you to deploy it and they won't wait.
 
I like that old saying, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

I don't think it's necessary to have a blade that deploys super fast, but I like it when they do. Flippers, A/O's, and automatics are some of my favorites, but I can open almost every knife I own quickly and confidently. It's all about technique and practice.
 
Oddly enough, I very much like blades that can be opened quickly, reliably, and be closed just as fast. Flippers are among my favorites. I much prefer my R.J. Martin Overkill over my Sebenza, SR-1, XM-18, and many others. Though I feel I like my Spyderco Para2 just as much. I think ease of opening is the deal breaker for me though.

Fumbling with the pointed thumb studs on my Sebenza or the "technique" for my XM-18 does NOT float my boat. I do like my SR-1 over my Sebenza because I can open it with one fluid motion.
 
It doesn't really matter to me, especially when I carry a SAK. :p I prefer that a knife open and close with one hand at work or when camping, but the speed isn't a big issue for me.
 
For me the speed of deployment is not an issue, but a blade must be easy to deploy, no matter if it's with one hand or with two. If speed would be an issue for a certain activity, I'd take one of my fixed blade knives.
 
Doing a lot of work which often requires the use of a knife, I find it most useful if the knife can be deployed EASILY with one hand, as the other hand is often tied up holding something in place until the knife can be brought to the job. FAST isn't important, ease of deployment, especially while wearing gloves, is important.

Andy
 
As long as its easy and consistent to open it with one hand it works well enough for most things. I don't carry a knife for SD, except maybe a la griffe when jogging, so needing fast deployment isn't that helpful, but what is a great benefit when working one handed is a knife thats easy get out of your pocket and open, which makes most waved folders handy work knives if the blade profile isn't ridiculous. But an auto is limited because for the most part they tend not to be very stout knives, and the whole legality issue...

I think a cqc7A with a wave would pretty much be a perfect work knife, small enough to be handy, nice utilitarian blade, amazing handle shape, and a wave which makes getting it open with gloves on easier.
 
Andrew Colglazier said:
Doing a lot of work which often requires the use of a knife, I find it most useful if the knife can be deployed EASILY with one hand, as the other hand is often tied up holding something in place until the knife can be brought to the job. FAST isn't important, ease of deployment, especially while wearing gloves, is important.

Andy
Click to expand...

My sentiments exactly, well said.
 
Speed of deployment is a non-issue for me. I prefer 'slow-but-sure' deployment and even that only takes a second. The only cool thing about waved knives (to me) is the ability to use the feature as a bottle-opener.
 
Last edited:
depends on which knife you're talking about.

My secondary doesn't necessary have to be a fast deploy. I usually use it for daily task or even lending it to friends who need a tool
Primary stays with me at all times. I don't require it to be quick draw (although usually i like it to), however, I spend a great deal of time & effort to "get to know them", making sure I am comfortable & have no problem deploying the blade if I need it.
 
have to agree with timberweasel about the 'slow, but sure'...with smooth thrown in...best opening blade I've ever owned is a Benchmade AFCK, smooth as silk, and will snap out with a flick of my wrist if need be. One of the few knives I'll not be selling off.
 
Speaking as a high-speed gov spec tac operator...I need my folder to deploy instantaneously. My life depends on it several times a day.
 
I like for my blades to deploy with one hand, as many have replied. But if it is a slow one handed opening I'm cool with that because the last thing I want in a one hand opener is a blade that is so loose that it slams against the stop pin making a sound like thunder! Some people like it that way and aren't content until it does this way. I've tried to explain to a couple of guys that live next door about how this shortens the life of the stop pin, and how it causes unneeded wear on the lock, liner lock.

Yet, everytime they are over, it sounds like a thunderstorm is approaching!:eek::D
 
This is my first post, so first, Hello! I like this topic. After using a knife daily (hourly very often) in the nursery business for years (cutting canvas, burlap, twine, and rope from sometimes precarious positions) I too appreciate a one hand opening. I depended on a Buck Esquire given to me by my wife some 40 years ago. I loved that knife, then I made the mistake of lending out...never to see again. Anyway, the bolsters loosen up enough, and it becomes second nature to start the blade out with thumb and third finger and snap the rest. Another characturistic I needed was a knife that didn't require a lot of "pocket placement" or other planned choreography to open, and one that would slide back into my my pocket as easily. My advice is as a first priority get a practical hard working knife, but one that has the potential to be one-hand opened. Speed will come from use and familiarity. Chisel grinds, particularly when ground on the wrong side, are not good work knives in my opinion. Good luck, and Thanks for letting me share.
 
It depends how slow the knife deploys. A knife that has a nail nick in it, I'm not going to carry; it's unreasonable. A knife that I can pull out, deploy with one hand, and simultaneously go to the job, is fast enough for me.
 
One handed opening and closing is all I care about as well, which even includes lockbacks. I never see a knife as a self defense tool. Thats what my pistols and a ccw are for. When I can't carry a gun my knife is a miniscule comfort as far as protection goes. Knives are tools.
 
Like any martial art, you first learn how to do something slowly, then smoothly. The speed will occur naturally with practice and development of muscle memory.

If you've ever seen a good knife trainer make a draw and go throw some techniques, you will be more aware at how smooth his motions are than the speed, and yet the speed is there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top