Ken Onion Knives

S

sweetluv110

Joined
Aug 2, 2002
Messages
13
Dear Friends,
I am looking at the Ken Onion Knives with the idea of adding
a few to a new collection I am starting. I would like to know which Onions knives are considered the easiest operating and best looking on the market.

The main reason for this question is that I am disabled and with the arthritis my hands don't move as well as they used to. They still work but the opening and closing may be a bit stiff. I will of course take the advice I am given as I have been away from knives for awhile.

My best to all
Ken
Sweetluv
 
depending on what your needs are, the scallion would be a good choice. It's small, but not as small as the chive. The assisted opening feature IMO is easier than an auto. Or for something with a little more ass, take a look at the Boa.
 
the kershaw k.o. whirlwind would be a good choice for you. the liner lock is easy to close, its nice and light. the boa and avalanche are heavier knives with heavier liner locks, harder on the fingers. I have arthritis from my knees to the tips of my feet. a little in my hands. I know just how you feel. try that knife I do not think you will be disappointed!!!:)

p.s. uyou can get it reasonablly at smoky mountain knife works
 
The Scallion is now available with several colors of aluminum scales as well. Great little knife.
 
I'm partial to the index trigger. I don't carry my Ricochet much anymore because I prefer the trigger on my Boa and my Chive. Of course opening is easier with a SpeedSafe, but they are harder to close than a regular knife. Don't know if this is something that would concern you, but you may want to take into consideration.

-Z
 
I have to agree, the new aluminum handled Scallions are excellent! The best of the breed so far.
Dave
 
I'd seriously consider the Boa. The blade steel 440V, it has bronze bushings and it has a great feel in the hand. The "flipper" is very easy to operate as well.
 
Are you guys sure we should be recommending a 440V knife to someone with arthritis in their hands?

I don't mean to sound prejudiced, but 440V is such an incredible pain to sharpen my 16 year old non-arthiritic hands hurt like crazy when I'm done on my 204.
Then again I don't use diamond stones... YET!
 
Originally posted by YoungCutter
Are you guys sure we should be recommending a 440V knife to someone with arthritis in their hands?

I don't mean to sound prejudiced, but 440V is such an incredible pain to sharpen my 16 year old non-arthiritic hands hurt like crazy when I'm done on my 204.
Then again I don't use diamond stones... YET!
Click to expand...
I had let my Boa get incredibly dull before I got my Sharpmaker and while it took the diamond rods to get it sharp again, it shouldn't be much of a problem if you don't let the blade get dull. Since I got the blade to the 30 degree angle with the diamonds, I haven't needed them since. You'd probably want to get someone else to sharpen anyway if your hands are bad.
 
Baba Louie, Ken has a six year wait list for his custom knives. And even if you were lucky enough to find a "used" one for sale somewhere, it would run you over $800.00. They only way to get a custom Onion, it to be the first in line at his table at a knife show. They will all be gone in ten minutes.
 
Hi, this might be stupid to ask ... but does the chive and scallion open the same way? If not, which is faster and easier? I'm all confused about the openings of these knives (i don't have one). I here about triggers and speed safe opening mechanisms. Anyone willing to explain it? Thanks a lot.
yozuri.
 
It's actually almost so simple you could kick yourself, but then, that's what they said about the AXIS lock, I just couldn't understand one until I saw it.

The speedsafe mechanism works much like the kickstand of a motorcycle or high-quality bike, you start it part of the way manually, and a torsion bar takes over. Kershaw will tell you about how you have to get it something like 15% of the way there, but because of the way the speedsafe works, you essentially give the thumbstud an authoritative push and off it goes, it's almost like pressing a button.
When people talk about speedsafe "triggers" (a severe misnomer by the way, technically they are flippers) they mean the way the guard of the blade on the Chive, Scallion, and Boa stick out the back of the handle when the folder is closed. This means not only can you pop it via the thumbstud, but also the "flipper" or extension poking out on the spine of the handle, this is especially useful for left-hand opening and a little extra speed. You just tap on that guard poking out and the next thing yaknow, you've got an open and locked knife.

You probably won't really really understand until you get one, but I hope this description suffices for now. My recommendation is to shell out the $30 for a Scallion or Chive and give it a try, if you decide you really like the speed-safe, then you can bump up to higher priced models if you so desire, either way, they are cool and functional knives.
 
Dear Friends,
I want to thank you for your suggestions concerning Ken Onion knives. Scallion,Chive,Boa and Whirwind seem to be the choices. The knives that have speedsafe are a plus.

The next three days I will make a decision and then probably send off for two knives. I will keep you updated as to what I am getting and when. I wont be carrying any kife I get as for the most part I am stuck in the chair.

I spent many years in the gun trades and selling knives. I lost all the knives in a rental shed fire while in Florida. So you see this will be a new beginning. I lost my wife in May of 1999 suddenly and now finally at the age of 60 I feel like I am ready to have some fun again. Thanks again for your comments and have a nice end to the weekend.

My Best
Ken Sweetluv
 
My condolences for your past hardships and I wish you the absolute best of luck in your new beginning. Welcome aboard, It's good to have ya.
 
Thanks for the description youngcutter. I will proabably buy a scallion in the next few days. Thanks again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top