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

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.
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As a Spyderco fan, I always open my Spydercos with a thumb.
The Manix2 xl has good ergo s and seems to be stronger than one of my old favorites, the Military. Very good for work or edc.
 
Having a disability changes things. Some states have provisions to help those with physical limitations.

I was not recommending breaking any laws.

A small fixed blade may be a better option anyway.
 
Kershaw has the speed safe opening system. It has 40 models with a plain edge. The speed safe opens nearly as fast as a switchbalde. I tend to favor the 3655 model which is 3.5 inch blade. I do not know if there are longer blades.
 
The Hogue EX-01 is pretty good at slicing, not the thinnest knife behind the edge but it does slice well, and opens very easily, the Presidio 2 opens very easily and also the lock bar is very easy to move, doesn't give a lot of resistance. The Manix 2 does open very easily, but the Manix is quite stiff to close unlike the Presidio 2. The bearing lock has a lot more stiffness when trying to close the knife than the Presidio 2 does. I would suggest the Hogue or Benchmade over the Manix if we are talking ease of manipulation for your hands. I have all 3 of those knives.
Just wanted to let you know how each one compares for your situation. I'd go with the Presidio it is very light and easy to manipulate.
 
Benchmade Freek would be good, very easy to open and close.
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Ex 01 button may be easy, but not 100% sure
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Manix 2 probably not ideal to close
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Presidio 2 like the Freek very easy to open and close
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DocJD said:
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 .
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Yeah, it’s kinda YMMV with the Tri-Ad lock. My Voyager XL disengages easily, AK-47 was hard as a MF on day one.
 
A Falkniven PXL comes to mind as one of the smoothest opening knives I've ever owned. It's definitely in the large folder category.
 
ferider said:
If thumbholes are an option, and you want a good slicer, Spyderco has many options around 4“. The Manix XL might not be the easiest to close though. How about the Amalgam ? Typically $189, though, but a great knife, and gentle on the eyes of other people ... easy to open via hole or flipper.
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My hands are getting stiffer by the year. I find the Spydie Para 2 a big knife, that is easy for my hands to open.
 
I've got pretty mangled up hands from 50 years in the building trades and, like @DaveReb , generally have more trouble disengaging locks then opening folding knives. Like our OP, I also have a preference for longer knives. I've got quite a variety of opening and closing mechanisms in my accumulation and often select a day's carry based on how my hands are feeling on any particular morning.

Flippers are easy openers unless they depend on too-stiff detents and/or if finger placement on the lockbar inhibits blade deployment, though most are frame locks which can complicate release for those with limited grip. I've moved on from most of the ZTs I've bought for those reasons, but still have lots of (mostly higher-end) frame locks and flippers that operate well for me.

I'm generally fine with my Spydies, though my short, thick fingers only allow me to middle-finger flick a couple of them. Thumb hole opening is fine for me on all, and longer knives like my Military's, Police's, and Endura's are all easy openers and release just fine. I tune my backlocks so they free-drop half way and then are easily finished off with thumb or forefinger.

Benchmade AXIS lock knives and their descendants are the easiest openers and closers of the lot. Thumbstud flicking or sweeping open are easily accomplished and one can easily pull back on the lock buttons and let the blade drop open. My only issue on release is my preference for pulling back on both release buttons to avoid straining the Omega springs (I've never had one break on the three dozen BMKs I've owned, though I've probably just jinxed myself). I can't close the last two fingers on my hand, so if the butt of the knife won't wedge up against my palm I simply bring my ring finger tip under the handle so the blade can bounce harmlessly off my fingernail.

All that said, from one arthritic old guy to others, my recommendation for a large folder that's easy to open and close would be the full-sized Crooked River, very close to the OP's secondary market budget (I got a great deal on mine at $130 on the Exchange) which also affords plenty of well-designed handle to hang onto, excellent sharpening and forefinger choils, and well-placed jimping over the front bolsters. Definitely an arthritic's dream knife. :D

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eveled said:
Having a disability changes things. Some states have provisions to help those with physical limitations.

I was not recommending breaking any laws.

A small fixed blade may be a better option anyway.
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Do you know of any states that allow you to carry an automatic knife if you are disabled?
 
Barry H said:
My hands are getting stiffer by the year. I find the Spydie Para 2 a big knife, that is easy for my hands to open.
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So the Amalgam should be perfect, if you want a larger knife than the PM2 (see the OP): same lock, same hole as the PM2, and in addition a flipper, if the hole doesn't work.
 
ferider said:
So the Amalgam should be perfect, if you want a larger knife than the PM2 (see the OP): same lock, same hole as the PM2, and in addition a flipper, if the hole doesn't work.
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I personally think the Amalgum would be too big for me. BUT!, awesome ergos, would love to see Spyderco do a shorter version of that, like the PM2
 
DMG said:
Do you know of any states that allow you to carry an automatic knife if you are disabled?
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Pretty sure every state has some variation there of!! Even New York has a disability clause!!!
 
jfk1110 said:
Pretty sure every state has some variation there of!! Even New York has a disability clause!!!
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Great. Link me to where it says that someone can carry an automatic knife legally if they have a disability.
 
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