How To: Opening and using a traditional folder when holding something you need cut

mnblade

mnblade

Joined
Feb 7, 2000
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I know a lot of guys say they carry one-hand openers because, if they have hold of something in one hand, it's difficult to open a traditional folder. Well, here's a method I use. Thought it might be helpful or at least worthy of discussion .....

1) So, you have hold of something, say a rope or whatever (in this case, I'm just demonstrating with a branch on a tree in the park):

HoldingPnut.jpg


2) Reach into your pocket and take out your knife. Stick it between two fingers on the hand that's holding the branch like so ...

HoldingPnut2.jpg


3) Next, open the blade:

HoldingPnut3.jpg


4) And at last, make the cut:

HoldingPnut4.jpg


Oh, one other step: Take a second to marvel at how well a sharp, thin, traditional blade cuts. Feel a bit smug and superior, and then drop 'er back into the pocket of your jeans. :cool:

-- Mark
 
It's all about convenience for some.
I carry both a one-handed locking folder and a traditional slipjoint.
Best of both worlds.
 
Ken44 said:
Now try that same thing with a squirming trout:p
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Pardon my ignorance (never been a trout fisherman), but do you really need to cut a squirming trout? Usually when I'm fishing for bass or specks or whatever, the fish goes onto a stringer and gets cleaned at day's end. By then, they're mighty sluggish.

-- Mark
 
I hold my knife in my Right hand and open it with my Left thumbnail. I have been in some situations where I needed to hold onto something and get a knife. I have never not been able to get that thumbnail out to open my blade though.
I carried a Kershaw leek for a while, it was nice to have, but a bit much at times.
 
1. Open knife.
2. grab what needs to be cut.
3. cut.

It is all about preparation...
 
Are we really debating whether it's easier to open a one hander or a traditional? I love traditionals and usually carry them, but there have been plenty of times when my OHT was VERY handy. I'm not always lucky enough to be in "proper cutting mode" every single time. In those situations, they're damn useful.
 
mnblade said:
Pardon my ignorance (never been a trout fisherman), but do you really need to cut a squirming trout? Usually when I'm fishing for bass or specks or whatever, the fish goes onto a stringer and gets cleaned at day's end. By then, they're mighty sluggish.

-- Mark
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I usually open my trout up and take out the innards as soon as I catch it. Their still alive and are very slimy and squirmy. I don't do this with Bass, or any other fish.
That was just one example of when I find a one handed opener useful.

Not a thing wrong with anyone that wants to carry a traditional knife only. I just like to carry both, and I don't think there is a thing wrong with that either.
 
You forgot two steps: how to open a two-hand folder with one hand (while you're holding on to the branch at the same time); also, you forgot an intervening step before putting the folder back in your pocket: close it!!
 
Irminsul said:
You forgot two steps: how to open a two-hand folder with one hand (while you're holding on to the branch at the same time)
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Well, you wedge the knife between two fingers on your left hand (the hand holding the rope), and use your right hand to extract a blade. I couldn't take a picture of this, 'cause I was alone on a bike ride. I would have needed a second person to snap that pic.

Django.cj said:
Are we really debating whether it's easier to open a one hander or a traditional?
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Nope. Just showing what works for me. I prefer the cutting power of a traditional slippie, even if that means losing some of the handiness of a modern one-hander. YMMV.

-- Mark
 
Hey Mark, how do you open a knife, use it and close it, all while taking pictures.
That is what I want to know.

Awesome job letting us all know how you do it anyways. :thumbup:

Ken, I do the same, they usually spend just a few minutes on my stringer before they meet the knife.
Not sure why, but thats the way I was taught to do it.
 
I always use the left thumb nail and inside of my left index finger while holding the knife in my right hand. That way, my left hand keeps holding what needs to be held, and my knife gets opened with no problem. But them I don't carry a knife that is very hard to open. The only time I can see the true advantage of a one hand opening knife is, if you don't have but one hand. But then my friend who goes by the nickname 'one armed bandit' lost his right arm in Vietnam, simply carries a small sheath knife or two. One small puuko or little finn on the hip, and a small necker like a Buck Hartsook around his neck. Works for him.
Carl.
 
johnny twoshoes said:
Ken, I do the same, they usually spend just a few minutes on my stringer before they meet the knife.
Not sure why, but thats the way I was taught to do it.
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Yep, I was taught that it was because game fish like trout and salmon are high in fatty oils, they tend to go off quicker than other fish or meat. The oxidation of the oils can give them a fishy(or even rancid) taste. Also best to get them on ice and out of the air as soon as you can.

jackknife said:
The only time I can see the true advantage of a one hand opening knife is, if you don't have but one hand.
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I've got two hands, and you'll just have to trust me in saying there has often been times when a one handed knife had its advantages for me.




Edit- The advantage one gave to Jason Hobbs is much greater than any they have gave me. His son may be dead if not for a quick opening knife.
Most may have seen this story on the news a few weeks back, but if not here is a link with him telling his story...

...http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?54132-caly-3-5-vs-mountain-lion&highlight=

...http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ountain-lion?highlight=caly+3.5+mountain+lion
 
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I lay the knife in on my palm, hold the blade with the thumb and index finger of the same hand, then I pull the handle away from the blade with the middle finger.

Lockbacks like 110's I open just like a tactical folder, utilising thumb pressure where a thumb stud or spydie-hole would be.

I mostly do so just because it looks cool, though. Most often I open a knife before I cut something because a good edge needs attention and respect, especially when its in close proximity to fingers.
 
avoidspam said:
I can't help thinking women probably handle this situation far better than men....;)

Sam
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What in the world does that even mean:confused::p

Are you saying women can open knives better than men? Half the women I know can't even open a slipjoint without breaking a nail, and can't figure out a lock on a modern knife:p
No offense to women intended. I realize that many know how to use a knife very well.
 
I agree, I'll gut a trout right away if I'm gonna eat it, but a good whack on the head makes it a little less cruel and a heck of a lot easier.
 
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