Lefty folder, suggestions?

M

Matt Langley

Joined
Dec 25, 2002
Messages
223
This is my first post, I've been reading here for a while though.

My first and only one-hand-opener to date is a Buck Odyssey I-HCS http://www.buckknives.com/products/details.php?ID=186 which although cheap isn't too bad of a knife. This was when I first realised that folders weren't just copies of the Buck 110 anymore, and now came with pocket clips and different lock designs. (I've gotta say, I didn't buy it too long ago either. I've been living in the dark)

I've also got a Fallkniven F1 and WM1, and a Boker lock-back something-or-other which doesn't get much use though it's got a wickedly sharp blade.

Getting to my point, I was thinking of getting a new modern folder only I see there are lots of knives like this now and most seem to be right-hand design only. Since I'm a lefty I was wondering if there were any other leftys out there who could give me an idea of some good blades to consider. I've been looking at the Benchmade Axis-locks but I was wondering what else there was and rather than searching all over the net and then having to try and compare them though descriptions written by the manufacturers, I thought I'd come ask here instead. (preferrable without a serrated blade)
 
Welcome to the Forums, I am sure you will get a lot of suggestions on lefty carry folders. You can't go wrong with any of the Benchmade axis folders. I recently picked-up a Spyderco Carbon Fiber Left Hand Police model in plain edge that is awesome. Good luck and happy hunting;)
 
For a lefty folder I would suggest a balisong, however if that's not your thing I would reccomend the Al Mar SERE 2000. It is awesome.
 
Matt, welcome to BFC.

You can't go wrong with any of the Axis locks.

IMO, the besr LH knife is a small LH Sebenza.
 
I would suggest an axis lock from Benchmade. Totally left hand friendly. The knives are even tapped to move the clip for left handed carry. Benchmade offers a lot of designs, so pick one that you like.
 
after using an axis lock BM, you'll be hard-pressed to go back to anything else. They are sweet as can be.:D
 
I'm also a lefty, and two of my favorites are the Spyderco FRN Delica and Endura. Both are very "lefty-friendly".
 
Spyderco Delica/Endura/Native
They either come in FRN or Stainless handle.
I have the Native FRN (Before... I lost it) and the Endura FRN, and they're great.
I just got the Native stainless handle and that pretty good too.
All have ambidextrous pocket clips.
 
Axis locks are a great way to go. A left handed Sebenza would do wonders, too, if you've got that type of cash.
 
Spyderco LH SS Police SE G2 steel
Spyderco LH Mariner SE G2 steel
Spyderco FRN models(about 1/2 the lineup, up to the c77 spyderhawk now)

BM Axis lock models(how many are there?)

Chris Reeve Sebenza, LH model

and any bali...
 
Very interesting question because plenty of good manufacturers are disregarding left-hander needs completely. I would prefer rather with ambidextrously operating knife over dedicated left-hand (non-ambidextrous) version of regular one. Being right-hander (maybe a bit closer to ambidextrous than it is common to be) I can imagine a lot of pretty realistic situations when I should reach and operate my knife with my left hand. This is the main reason why I use to carry my knives in right rear pocket (much easier to deploy with left hand than from right front one) and why I prefer possibly ambidextrously operating designs. Unfortunately they are pretty rare...

Some good solutions were mentioned. To do not repeat I could add:
  • SPYDERCO Chinook 2 (coming next year) if you like sturdy, heavy, overbuilt heavy-duty folder.
  • SPYDERCO Calypso Jr. Ltw. – discontinued but still available lightweight EDC folder.
  • SOG Vision (Titanium, Night or X-Ray) or Pentagon Elite with Arc Lock – they are totally ambidextrous like BM Axis Lock equipped knives.
  • New CRKT Hawk DOG folder (coming next year) should be totally ambidextrous to carry and operate too.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it.

I've look at all the knives mentioned, or atleast the ones I could find. I'd love a Balisong but I live in the UK and the law prohibits importation of such knives.

I really like the look of the SOG Vison (well the X-Ray Vison really), except for the serrated edge which is something I can't stand on a knife. I'd be interested to know where I could get a pic of the Chinook 2, the Chinook was good apart from two points, the blade's too long and I don't really want a lock-back (which was my main problem with most of the Spyderco models).

The Sebenza looked really nice but I don't think I could justify spending that amount of money on a knife.

I think the answer is going to be a Benchmade Axis-Lock of some sort.

Why has no-one mentioned Emerson? They have atleast 3 left-handed models. Are they over-priced or under-good?

Thanks,

Matt
 
Matt,
For Chinook 2 pictures search SPYDERCO web site at www.spyderco.com. I suppose they should display it there since they have it catalogued.

BENCHMADE Axis Lock equipped models – yes, greatly probably they provide the widest range of designs too choose among since you do not like SPYDERCO lock backs.

Are Emersons over-priced or under-good? Unluckily both one and another, additionally they are over-hyped. We have discussed this matter literally a while ago, please use “Search” function (the button directly under “Remember 9-11-2001 band”) to get more info.
 
If you decide to go fixed blade, Bob Dozier's well-made and affordably-priced hand made fixed blades can always be gotten with a left-handed sheath. A.G. Russell shows a lot of Dozier knives you can get in lefty carry right away.
 
Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin
Are Emersons over-priced or under-good? Unluckily both one and another, additionally they are over-hyped.
Click to expand...
On top of that, since you live in the UK, I doubt you would find an Emerson that fits the requirements of the laws there.
 
Originally posted by calyth
On top of that, since you live in the UK, I doubt you would find an Emerson that fits the requirements of the laws there.
Click to expand...
Luckily (looking from knife possession standpoint) I don’t live in UK and luckily there is no knife limitations here, in Poland.
However it seems Matt could have problems carrying each more or less sensible knife, not only the ones made by Emerson Knives, Inc.
 
Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin

[*] New CRKT Hawk DOG folder (coming next year) should be totally ambidextrous to carry and operate too. [/list]
Click to expand...

Dexter posted pictures of this one on the What's New area. Man alive, does this folder look nice. It also has an opening slot with plenty of thumb-room for either hand. Nice and chunky peice of hardware.
 
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