I need a knife that does not require a thumb....

[boez]

I recently had surgery repairing the Ulnar collateral ligament in my right thumb. This makes it so most conventional thumb stud knifes painful or uncomfortable to use. I'm looking for a alternative ($150 or less) that is legal in Michigan. Any suggestions?

 

[palonej]

Flipper???

 

[PirateSeulb]

I would look at flipper knives I don't know MI law so if you have any bullets to share on what their laws are it would help us narrow it down and steer you in the right direction.

 

[flatblackcapo]

fixed blade

 

[NJBillK]

Flipper???

But what about a lock mechanism? Most are framelocks, which may not work.

Spyderco with a middle finger flip and a lockback?
Delica?

 

[PirateSeulb]

Most every lock and or opening I see problems with leaving me to think an Auto or something like that would be the answer but that may not be legal.

 

[BP_]

Maybe a PM2? Can flick with index or middle finger, and disengage lock with index finger. Both mine don't take much pressure to disengage, and swing free when not locked up. Can definitely find one for less than $150. Maybe even under a hundred used on the exchange.

 

[SpySmasher]

Not for nothing but Michigan knife laws may change soon. You could get yourself a double-action switchblade. I'd call the governor's office.

 

[Razor]

Protech are great Knives.

 

[TheEdge01]

Take a look at the Case Russlock knives. Easy to open and I believe some come equipped with a pocket clip.

 

[That_Knife_Guy]

The spyderco ParaMilitary's have a compression locks which you can disengage with your index finger and you could flick it out with you middle finger.

 

[aleforme]

Another vote for a PM2/3 or even a Sage 5. Seems a compression lock would work best for you and the PM's are crazy easy to flick up with an index or middle finger after a little break in.

 

[williamisthe1]

maybe axis lock with middle finger flick and use middle finger to close with wrist flick.

 

[Lapedog]

Does it have to be a locking knife? Maybe a slipjoint or friction folder would be more suitable for someone without full use of their thumb? There are models with an extended tang like the Higonokami which helps keep the knife open.

Alternatively perhaps the OP could use a flipper knife and simply close the knife two handed, operating the frame or linerlock with his opposite thumb.

 

[Kiah]

If a lock or clip aren't requirements, something like a Svord Peasant might fit the bill. An Opinel can be opened one handed without much thumb movement as long as you have a surface to tap the heel and snag the blade, and the lock can be worked with the index finger.

For something more modern (and solid), the Spydercos with compression locks mentioned might be an option to look at. Never actually used one, so not sure how much of a grip one would need with the thumb on the scale to disengage the lock.

 

[Kiah]

Does it have to be a locking knife? Maybe a slipjoint or friction folder would be more suitable for someone without full use of their thumb? There are models with an extended tang like the Higonokami which helps keep the knife open.

Alternatively perhaps the OP could use a flipper knife and simply close the knife two handed, operating the frame or linerlock with his opposite thumb.

Posting at the same time. The Higonokami might be an issue as the blade is typically held open with the thumb.

 

[hexenjager]

If autos are legalized in Michigan, one of the axis lock autos might be something to look at. I don't find it as handy as my thumb but I can run the axis on my Adamas auto with my index finger well enough. I'm sure it would become second nature in time. My concern would be whether your thumb can comfortably keep enough of a grip on it to secure it when it snaps open. The presidio is near enough to your price range that you may be able to find one on the used market to fit your budget.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I used this for about 10 years till someone decided they liked it more than I did one night and took it from my workbench. It's very easy to catch on the pant seam or pocket corner opening it in a similar fashion to a waved blade just using the end of the blade as opposed to a hook near the tang.

 

[NJBillK]

Ted: Nice.
I was thinking a one-arm, but having never handled one, I don't know what pressure is needed by the hand (and thumb)...

I guess that would change with each individual knifes pull, though I would think it should be fairly low due to the leverage.

 

[The Zieg]

Use your other hand. You should leave most gripping off the menu for the post surgery period after that surgery. My dad had it and it kept him off golf for a long time.

If you're a righty, that means switching to left, and the SAK one handers are perfect as they use a thumb hole like a Spyderco and their liner lock is reversed, unlocking to the right.

Good luck!