The Khalsa is one of my favorites & Dave hit it right on the head about its smooth action. Since it's a tip-down carry model, the "drop" motion can be employed for opening. Also, since the only way I've carried mine is clipped to my pocket, I never experienced the blade hump catching & opening the blade as Dave had mentioned.
The detent on the ones I've owned held the blade closed just fine but it also lends itself very well to being opened with a flick of the wrist. (I know it's not recommended; however, a very slight flick is really all that is needed to get the blade moving.) It's also very easy to open when wearing gloves by placing your thumb in front of the hump & using it as the opening device. In fact, if you search the older threads you'll find one in which Sal Glesser talks about Bob Taylor opening one on Sal's chin like an Escalator. (Definitely not recommended!)
I find the handle ergonomics very good as well. The large choil also accomodates either forefinger or thumb when you want to choke up on the blade a bit for more delicate tasks.
There is one problem, however, that I and one other forumite that I know experienced with this model. On at least some Khalsas, the pocket clip screws are secured to just the thin micarta scales. The screws loosened & started to strip the threaded holes on mine after only a few days of pocket wear. I returned it to Spyderco Customer Service where, since it is discontinued & no longer available from the factory, it was replaced by another model. I have since picked up another Khalsa on which the metal liner is threaded to accept the pocket clip screws. I don't know whether this was a change in OEM spec or done as an aftermarket modification and I don't care. It works!
These are discontinued & may become increasingly difficult to find. If you are interested, I suggest that you look around for one now. I've seen a few bargains recently in the $50 range.
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Cheers,
--+Brian+--
aka Dagda the Insatiable, Member of the Terrible Ironic HORDE
"I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, Babe, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride."
