Recommendation? Manual Folders That Can Be Open/Closed Single-Handedly?

C

Count Zero

Joined
Sep 28, 2024
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53
Ok....

So I'm looking for a new folding knife that can opened and closed single-handedly. Preferably, I'm looking for something American-made and w/ a 3.5" - 4" blade. Price cap would be +/- $400.

I'd been using a Kershaw Livewire for a little while, but it stopped functioning reliably after about a month and a half of moderate use, and by moderate I mean slicing boxes and being opened and closed at least 30Xs a day. I then tried a Spyderco Manix 2, as that seemed to come highly recommended as a good edc knife, but after replacing the stock plastic (cheap!) ballcage w/ an aluminum "upgrade" I really didn't notice any improvement in functionality.

Right now, I'm looking at a Microtech Stitch and a Heretic Pariah, but am a little hesitant to pull the pin on either one atm on account of some of the negative reviews/observations I've seen on-line.

That said, I was wondering what else is out there in terms of MIA manual folders utilizing some variation of that Benchmade Axis Lock with a 3.5" - 4" blade (no sheepsfoot or wharncliffes, please)? Weight really isn't an issue for me, nor is blade steel, although I think I'd prefer something made w/ either M390 or Magnacut. Other than that, I'm open to any and all suggestions at this point.

Thanks.
 
So. Just to narrow this down a bit.

What exactly do you want this knife to do?

Why were you not happy with the action of the manix?

Otherwise. The generic term for the axis lock is the crossbar lock. Which will pretty much open up all the knife brands that do that.
 
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All of these are capable of one hand operation.. you have many options. D Drop bear brought up a good point - What do you need a knife to do ? Bearings are fun to flip but clog with dirt, liner locks / frame locks don’t have springs to maintain, lock backs tend to be less expensive etc..
 
Google up the full size
Doug Ritter RSK Mk1-G2,

Manufactured by Hogue. Crossbar lock. 3.44" Magnacut blade. G10 handles with steel liners. Well made and bomb-proof. Runs about $180.
 
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Thanks for the responses so far.

About the Manix. Two things, 1) I'm working w/ gloves on, so manipulating the lock isn't always easy, and 2) the lock itself is gritty and always feels like it's fighting me to actuate.

In terms of intended use, I'm looking for something that I can use to process boxes and that can stand up to being opened/closed upwards of 200Xs a week w/o failing after a couple of months of being "on the job". So something w/ a robust design that could, in a pinch, also conceivably serve a secondary "tactical" function. I'd just as soon get a fixed blade, but in the general environment in which I work that might not be the best choice atm, whereas a beefier folder wouldn't really raise an eyebrow.
 
And you don't want a sheep's foot or wharncliffe for all those boxes you are breaking down?

Because this one just dropped. That pretty much doesn't fill any of your criteria. But would sit high on my list of tactical/utility.

K

Thread 'KANSEPT Main Street is a standout in any knife collection or EDC setup✨✨'

The KANSEPT Main Street stands out as a sophisticated and robust folding knife designed by the renowned Dirk Pinkerton, who is known for creating knives with a focus on utility and functionality.
This premium version enhances the classic Main Street design with luxurious materials and features, making it a top-tier option for both collectors and practical users.

Key Features:​

  • Blade:
    • Material: CPM 20CV steel, known for exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.
    • Length: 3.36 inches, perfectly balanced for both precision...
 
If the crossbar lock is a "go/no-go" choice, then I'll give knarfeng's suggestion a +1. Doug Ritter does a lot of good for the knife community too, so there's that.

If you're willing to consider a different locking mechanism, the boring old Buck 110 should be one you look at. Lockbacks can be closed with one-hand, and there are aftermarket clamp-on thumb studs and disks to make it one-hand opening. It's an icon for a reason, and I'm confident it would meet your demands.
 
I would also recommend the hougue deka. I think you can get magnacut or 20cv in 2 blade shapes. I agree, the manix is not like a good axis lock. Was very stiff and hard to pull back. Benchmade has alot of options too. I'd personally pick m4 if I was getting a benchmade for the respectable heat treat. I like the spydie hole version of the griptillian.

Why no sheepsfoot or wharncliffs? I'd think that would cut the best for boxes.

Edit, reread your post with gloves on. I don't wear gloves usually but would like to think an axis lock would be harder to manipulate with gloves. I'd recommend a spyderco endura. The large hole makes it very easy to open one handed even with gloves, has a good flatter but not wharncliff blade shape, and the lockback is the best one I've ever used, it is actually easy to use and close one handed and I'd think more reliably with gloves on. It's quick too. I had to open and pour 50 bottles of peroxide the other day and had to flip it out cut and close and put back in my pocket 50 times in a row and It was just fine. You could get a k390 endura and save a couple hundred bucks for another knife too. I don't think it gets more robust or reliable than a lockback. I've been using mine everyday for 6 months opening closing it no less than 30 or 40 times a day and it's as solid as day 1. Drop shut smooth with no play. I don't expect it to wear out in years.
 
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Kershaw bel air is the one that has stunned me the most lately. Or, a sebenza would easily fit that bill. Or a bugout. But I much prefer the bel air shape to the bugout.
 
Count Zero said:
…and by moderate I mean slicing boxes and being opened and closed at least 30Xs a day.…
Click to expand...

Count Zero said:
So something w/ a robust design that could, in a pinch, also conceivably serve a secondary "tactical" function…. whereas a beefier folder wouldn't really raise an eyebrow.
Click to expand...

I literally have hundreds of knives that fit your spec, and you have a good budget. But when I read this I immediately thought of a Hinderer Wharncliffe - comes in many configurations, 3.5 or 4” blade, choil or no choil, skinny or fatty, etc. The flipper and frame lock are easy to use with gloves. For instance:

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Etc.
 
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Count Zero said:
Thanks for the responses so far.

About the Manix. Two things, 1) I'm working w/ gloves on, so manipulating the lock isn't always easy, and 2) the lock itself is gritty and always feels like it's fighting me to actuate.

In terms of intended use, I'm looking for something that I can use to process boxes and that can stand up to being opened/closed upwards of 200Xs a week w/o failing after a couple of months of being "on the job". So something w/ a robust design that could, in a pinch, also conceivably serve a secondary "tactical" function. I'd just as soon get a fixed blade, but in the general environment in which I work that might not be the best choice atm, whereas a beefier folder wouldn't really raise an eyebrow.
Click to expand...
Benchmade's Griptilian might fit the bill. Light, incredibly rugged, available in several steels, and affordable. I've had no spring problems with mine after years of use.
 
Thanks for all the further suggestions!

Have been looking at the Benchmades all morning.

Should probably have enough info to make a decision later today. Fingers crossed.
 
elevator man said:
I would also recommend the hougue deka. I think you can get magnacut or 20cv in 2 blade shapes. I agree, the manix is not like a good axis lock. Was very stiff and hard to pull back. Benchmade has alot of options too. I'd personally pick m4 if I was getting a benchmade for the respectable heat treat. I like the spydie hole version of the griptillian.

Why no sheepsfoot or wharncliffs? I'd think that would cut the best for boxes.

Edit, reread your post with gloves on. I don't wear gloves usually but would like to think an axis lock would be harder to manipulate with gloves. I'd recommend a spyderco endura. The large hole makes it very easy to open one handed even with gloves, has a good flatter but not wharncliff blade shape, and the lockback is the best one I've ever used, it is actually easy to use and close one handed and I'd think more reliably with gloves on. It's quick too. I had to open and pour 50 bottles of peroxide the other day and had to flip it out cut and close and put back in my pocket 50 times in a row and It was just fine. You could get a k390 endura and save a couple hundred bucks for another knife too. I don't think it gets more robust or reliable than a lockback. I've been using mine everyday for 6 months opening closing it no less than 30 or 40 times a day and it's as solid as day 1. Drop shut smooth with no play. I don't expect it to wear out in years.
Click to expand...
For me. If gloves were the priority. I would think one of those shark locks or back style lock flippers would be the go.(think I could find my gloves to try it ?)


She make a straight up meal of opening that. But those back locks are basically pinch out of the pocket, forefinger on the mechanism. Pul out and gravity opens the knife.

 
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Spyderco K390 steel. Best box cutter and holds a sticky sharp edge for days

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Emerson 154CM steel. Excellent box cutter

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Benchmade Cruwear steel. Decent box cutter with second best edge retention

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Demko 3V Steel. Easiest to operate gloved and slices like a laser

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Microtech M390 steel. Extremely easy to operate gloved and once you put a real edge on it - it’s a slicing machine

All are roughly 3.5-4 inch blades - all make great users.
 
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