Mnandi Considerations from a Picky Left-hander . . .

[EvilBoffin]

1st - - as stated, I AM A LEFTY...

I really enjoy 'easy-open/close' knives like my lefty Sebenza 21's and Ti-lock (after getting used to its unique design).
This high level of confidence (and uncut fingers...) also applies to one-handed opening a Lionsteel TRE flipper and Spyderco Native 5 with its spydie-hole ...

Unfortunately, I have yet to deploy any knife by pinching both sides of the blade with one hand.... my fingers just can't do that safely. Even if I could learn to pull it off reliably, I don't consider that procedure very comfortable or graceful.
So, Nail Nicks - especially the 'new-style' nick on the current Mnandi that is reportedly harder to use - discourage me from trying one.

Also, Lefty Mnandi's with warm, 'dramatic' wood inlays have proven to be near impossible to find.
If I'm going to buy an elegant gent's folder that must be opened two-handed like an old-fashioned slip joint, then damnit, it MUST be something special !!
Ultra light-colored box elder, typical cocobolo or generic bocote just don't justify the cost for such a small knife ...

With all that in mind, my questions are -

1 - I know that the clip and pivot on any right-hander Mnandi can be reversed for left-side use, but the frame lock and closing movement would remain the opposite of my lefty Sebenza's that have become so familiar.

SO - - - Is this a realistic configuration, that could expand my purchasing options to include right-handed Mnandi's ??
Or would it just confuse my closing routine for EDC's (muscle memory, and all that) enough to be frustratingly awkward or even potentially dangerous to my lefty digits ??​

2 - Realistically - should I simply forget the Mnandi all together, and just stick with my small 21's and Ti-lock ??

 

[nightime]

Not to derail your question, but as a picky left hander myself, I'm wondering if you don't have a problem with the fact that the tilock only offers right hand carry (they really messed up the one truly ambidextrous folding knife they had with that issue).

Also, I wouldn't recommend going for a right handed mnandi with left carry. That closing will confuse you after getting used to the goodlife.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

I do just that, and it's just as easy to close as a true lefty. After doing it for a few days the reversed closing becomes second nature. Here's one that I carry.

 

[JB in SC]

Without a doubt the rare inlays would be an impossible quest in a left hand Mnandi. It's a beautiful little folder.

I'll stick to lefties only, but I'm not a collector.

 

[EvilBoffin]

Not to derail your question, but as a picky left hander myself, I'm wondering if you don't have a problem with the fact that the tilock only offers right hand carry (they really messed up the one truly ambidextrous folding knife they had with that issue).

Also, I wouldn't recommend going for a right handed mnandi with left carry. That closing will confuse you after getting used to the goodlife.

Nightime - as for the Ti-lock concerns, I agree to an extent...

The CLIP is the only thing that is not friendly to a left-handed grip, so I replaced the pinch-style stock clip with a stonewashed MillitClip. It has a much smoother and more consistent shape, so the tips of my fingers fall naturally on it and it doesn't interfere with my grip during use. The finish and style complement the 2017 'In Motion' edition design much better than the blasted OEM clip.

I also found the right-side orientation of the clip works GREAT when attached to my left-hand pants pocket, because the lanyard naturally falls back to my side, instead of forward in front of my hip. That gets in the way much less than the lanyard orientation of my Sebenzas when clipped to the pocket.

 

[nightime]

Nightime - as for the Ti-lock concerns, I agree to an extent...

The CLIP is the only thing that is not friendly to a left-handed grip, so I replaced the pinch-style stock clip with a stonewashed MillitClip. It has a much smoother and more consistent shape, so the tips of my fingers fall naturally on it and it doesn't interfere with my grip during use. The finish and style complement the 2017 'In Motion' edition design much better than the blasted OEM clip.

I also found the right-side orientation of the clip works GREAT when attached to my left-hand pants pocket, because the lanyard naturally falls back to my side, instead of forward in front of my hip. That gets in the way much less than the lanyard orientation of my Sebenzas when clipped to the pocket.

What about the fact that carrying it in your left pocket has the blade facing the inside of your pocket? I dread one day putting my hand in my pocket only to rub up against an accidentally opened blade. I prefer it being snug against the back of my pocket for added safety.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

What about the fact that carrying it in your left pocket has the blade facing the inside of your pocket? I dread one day putting my hand in my pocket only to rub up against an accidentally opened blade. I prefer it being snug against the back of my pocket for added safety.

I carry a righty in my left rear pocket, have it in the far outside corner. That puts the blade against the seam, so it can't pop open and bite me.

 

[EvilBoffin]

I see your point (pun) about the blade tip orientation in a front left pocket due to a right hand-only clip setup.
I've never personally experienced that issue, but it certainly makes sense to be careful for front-pocket carriers.

It's possible the shape of the Ti-lock's deployment 'barbell', and location of its pivot at the very bottom of the pocket makes it one of the harder knives to partially open inside a pocket...