Lock back folders with thumb holes: Any which are very fast opening one handed?

MTHall720

MTHall720

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
2,957
I have had two Spydies which I liked except for never quite getting the knack for fast opening one handed.
I just got a BM Pika with G10 scales, limited production. It has a lock back, and I am having trouble trying to open this fast. Are ALL thumb hole lockbacks going to be a lot slower to open than my thumb hole BM Onslaught which is quick opening, but is an Axis lock?
 
You can open them fast and easily once you get the hang of it. It’s closing them one handed that doesn’t work well.

I just got back from the Spyderco factory in Golden, (empty handed). There were several knives I liked, except that they were lock backs. It’s a very clumsy one handed system for me. I wish they put compression locks on more models.
 
with a thumb hole or stud its generally a point in which you kind of build up pressure with your thumb, like when you flick your finger. The idea isnt to push out but to push forward. the force will be driven by the pivot outwards and swing the blade open. it takes a little getting used to but after some practice itll do nicely. same with the middle finger flick
 
Every lockback in production has strong blade detention. This is a charachteristic of the lock type. Inherently, this makes them difficult to "flick open". It's must better to open any knife (aside from autos and AO) in a controlled manner. This reduces the premature wear on several surfaces. It is also important to note that some folks have better dexterity and/or nad eye coordination than others.
 
Even the Ka-Bar Dozier folder with the thumb hole can be flicked open, and it's a lock-back for under $20. As mentioned there is some detention, so you have to open it a little with your thumb in a controlled manner before flicking it, but it's definitely doable with practice.
 
I can flick open Navy k631 (thumb hole, lock back) after break in period.

For spydies closing, if the model comes with choil, you can safely press the lock, let the blade drop and the kick hits your finger. Then rotate the handle and close it. Totally one handed operation. Need some practice though ;) .
 
I lubed and loosened my pivot screw a hair on my Spyderco Endura 4 and it flicks open rather well. I was looking for the same kind of action when I first got it. It also broke in a bit which helped.
 
Are you trying the "Spydie Drop?" Hold the hole between your thumb and forefinger at the first knuckle, with the handle down and the pivot toward your palm. With a quick flick down, the handle should drop away from the blade and "SNAP" your knife is open. It's a bit violent, as far as openings go, but is quick, and I've yet to meet a Spydie that had a problem with it.
 
Daniel Dorn said:
Are you trying the "Spydie Drop?" Hold the hole between your thumb and forefinger at the first knuckle, with the handle down and the pivot toward your palm. With a quick flick down, the handle should drop away from the blade and "SNAP" your knife is open. It's a bit violent, as far as openings go, but is quick, and I've yet to meet a Spydie that had a problem with it.
Click to expand...

Haven't tried the Spydie drop yet but will give it a try though.
 
I have to add, practice will strengthen the thumb and using hole, 0% chance of slipping. The Enlan EL02, uses thumbstud with axis lock, is more prone to slipping, the blade ends up open halfway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top