Recommendation? I could use some advice: Large easy opening folders

The Freeman 451 Button Lock Flipper is one of the easiest open, big knives I know of. It's a little bit out of your price range at $225, but let me know if you think it looks like it might work for you.
https://www.freemanoutdoorgear.com/products/451-folder
20150612_78b1a6_3ec1c063-ae85-4ec1-a25c-b2ece2e8f40b_1024x1024.JPG
 
I have pretty bad arthritis in my hands from 35+ years in the building trades. It gets almost unbearable in colder weather. For me, sometimes opening the knife is easy, releasing the lock can be the struggle. When the pain gets too bad I go for a Spyderco with the opening hole, with either a back lock or compression lock or a Benchmade Axis lock. I find my Framelocks with thumbstuds are ok to open but are sometimes a struggle to close depending on the lock bar tension, and/or the accessibility to the release. Anyways I really don’t have much experience with blades longer the 3.625” but the Spyderco Shaman, Caly3.5 work well for me. Maybe a Benchmade Adamas, Crooked River, or Hogue has some 4” blades that utilize a lock similar to the Axis lock. Anyways good luck with your hunt.
 
Last edited:
If a spydie hole is ok, there is always the classic Endura. Well under budget compared to the Manix xl. You probably find something like a thumb stud to put into the spydie hole too to make it stick out more if you really needed too.

You can find oversized thumb studs online on knife supply stores. You just need to know the size of the threaded part. If you find a knife you like but maybe the thumb stud is kinda small, you might be able to replace it for a few bucks.

I don't recommend too many Gerbers, but this is one of them. Very comfy handle for a big hand. How to open it? Add a kwik thumb bar (found on knife supple sites). It uses small hex bolts to hold it on the knife.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Gerber-Gator-Drop-Point-Folding--16336

One of my favorites. Not the biggest thumb stud tho. Might be able to replace it tho.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Ultimate-Hunter-Tri-Ad--28916
 
I'd recommend a Benchmade axis lock or some variant. Most are relatively easy to open and close. I'd also check out, in person if possible, Kershaw assisted flippers. Many of them ate easy to engage/deploy but I've had a few that are overly tough to open the Drivetrain most recently.
 
The Case Back Pocket is actually pretty easy to open with a pinch.
C9uZ4ik.jpg


The old Sheepsfoot (or lambsfoot) patterns are really good for a pinch open also. While the normal blade size is 3" - 3.5" they do come larger.
uLPMUKJ.jpg


Autos are hard to find in your price range, but sometime you can get lucky. The old ones often ran over 4".
Wir1skH.jpg
 
Cold Steel folders are great, but the back lock can be tough to disengage. The American Lawman and Code 4 are the most practical for EDC. Perhaps a Spyderco Endura 4 or Police?
 
MTHall720 said:
Thanks to all for the advice. I was wondering about the Manix 2XL as well. With the Manix could I just use my thumb to one handed open it? I can't use my middle finger to flick it open and don't do well with the Spydie drop open or twist tie method.
Click to expand...
I just use my thumb to roll open the blade all the way forward. Works like a charm every time, though not as impressive to the ladies probably lmao.
 
First, I become not so good hands fella lately
But my 25 years nearly sole EDC id CS Voyager Tanto large VG-1
Knife fits me perfectly, still is till tomorrow

One advice I can add - try to avoid all fancy or fashion inspired (sorry fans :^)
handles made with aluminum, steel, G10, micarta etc etc
Zytel works just great, Busse Resiprene-C or many rubber based handles
Usually cheap grips are much more friendly to us
 
Last edited:
Cold Steel AD10 is 3.5" blade , but has a big folder feel due to broad blade and generous handle .

Smoothest , easiest opening and closing of any Tri-ad lock . I can do left handed , which is my "weak side" and has moderate arthritis of the thumb .

4Max Scout is larger and reported to be pretty smooth , but I can't testify because I don't have one yet .

Many wave type openers might work for you .

Or use the gravity , shake down method to open inertially . Most of the larger , longer , heavier blades actually open easier this way than smaller ones .
 
I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands - thankfully to be fixed fairly soon. But it's taught me a lesson about opening and closing knives. Benchmade assisted opening knives are far and away easiest for me to open and to close. I currently have a Barrage and a Violi, lost a mini barrage somewhere in the yard and still hold out hope for finding it.

Both the Barrage and Violi get the job done, but overall prefer the blade shape and slightly slimmer for the pocket Violi.
I also have a slight preference for the texture of the scales on the Violi. Neither are what one would call a large folder, but neither are they small. And they are quality. Decent blade steel, and built to last. Carry well in the pocket with good clips. To me at least, they're the best solution - especially for those days when the hands are really bad. And there are good and bad days.
 
If you want something large that opens and closes easily consider a Bastinelli Big Dragotac Titanium Framelock.
https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/344756/
D2 Blade 4 3/4". Because of the way the handle curves you have a huge surface to pinch the blade to open it, and 4 3/4" gives you a big fulcrum. It also has a big Terzuola style stud which makes one hand opening a pleasure.
I have edc'd one for a few years, they are excellently made. You may have to hunt around to find one but its worth it.
Good luck with your search.:)
 
The benchmade Contego will easily flip open once broken in. Or of course you can use the thumb stud. Same with the Hogue Ritter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top