Olamic 247 opinions/suggestions

[nails1908@gmail.com]

So I'm thinking this is going to be my next knife. I can't decide whether I want the plane Jane or one of the PVD Stonewashed versions.

I am typically partial to thumb deployment as it is a little less aggressive appearing. Can these knives be deployment via thumb hole?

I've gone back and forth over a few different knives here, possibly even the Steelcraft Mini Bodega or the Spyderco Slysz Bowie. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

 

[madcap_magician]

I've heard some reports that say the thumb hole is workable, but not all that great. It's primarily a flipper.

I forget who it was, but one reviewer said that the chamfered edges around the hole actually make it harder to open.

 

[HappyDaddy]

If it can be opened with the thumb hole, I haven't figured out how. Since I don't really care to do it anyway, I haven't really worked too hard at it. Bottom line though is that it isn't easy.

 

[SaraLikesKnives]

If it can be opened with the thumb hole, I haven't figured out how. Since I don't really care to do it anyway, I haven't really worked too hard at it. Bottom line though is that it isn't easy.

Pretty much my thoughts too. I've managed it a couple times before, opening the knife via the thumb hole, but it's not easy and probably wouldn't work for day-to-day applications. The detent is pretty sturdy on these knives, and while it works fantastically with the flipper tab, I don't think the hole was meant for opening use.

 

[jfindon]

It's not so much the shape of the thumb hole, it's that the detent is very strong to make it a good flipper. There have been numerous threads here lately (including a long one made by me), but I can save you the reading if you'd like and say that virtually everyone who has one or held one agrees they are amazing, and Eugene's presence on the forum has been a very welcome thing.

 

[madcap_magician]

It makes sense, since the detent being strong is what makes it a good flipper... and also makes it hard to open via thumb stud or hole.

Kind of like why the Lionsteel TRE isn't a great flipper or a great thumb stud opener.

Trying to accomplish contradictory goals.

 

[nails1908@gmail.com]

I guess what I was wondering is can a 247 be tuned to be a little easier to open via thumb hole, with the understanding that the flipper may not fire like a rocket then.

Also, any opinions on the version? The PVD looks sharp but is this too nice of a showpiece to get PVD?

 

[Hackenslash]

I have a PVD, sculpted handle with gold hardware and back spacer and I love it! Olamic really does PVD coating right. The tone and hi-lights are remarkable. My 247 is one of my favorite knives.

In terms of hole opening...I'm not sure that's a place you want to go. It would probably weaken the detent to the point that the knife no longer flipped and possibly was a danger to deploy unintentionally. The edges of the hole are chamfered, unlike a Spydiehole. It's really difficult to get good purchase on the edge, and the hole is narrow so you can't sink your thumb meat into it.

I think you might have better luck tapping the spine of the blade and adding a thumb disk.

 

[Officer's Match]

One thing a lot don't think about, but any strong detent flipper can be easily opened slowly by applying thumb pressure to the stud/hole first and then light finger pressure on the flipper. Works like a charm and becomes second nature after a few repetitions.

 

[Armadew]

If it can be opened with the thumb hole, I haven't figured out how. Since I don't really care to do it anyway, I haven't really worked too hard at it. Bottom line though is that it isn't easy.

Have you tried this method?

(Sorry for the crummy pictures)

On flippers that have a strong detent, I pinch the opening hole, etc. with my thumb and index (or middle, depending) finger to break the detent, then follow through with just the thumb.

It also works on some flippers without secondary opening methods as long as there is room to get purchase on the blade.

 

[Armadew]

One thing a lot don't think about, but any strong detent flipper can be easily opened slowly by applying thumb pressure to the stud/hole first and then light finger pressure on the flipper. Works like a charm and becomes second nature after a few repetitions.

This is what I do with my Hinderer/ZTs :thumbup:

 

[bodog]

One thing a lot don't think about, but any strong detent flipper can be easily opened slowly by applying thumb pressure to the stud/hole first and then light finger pressure on the flipper. Works like a charm and becomes second nature after a few repetitions.

That's how I open most flippers that are too big to immediately have a grip on, like the ZT0560. It's not all the easy to flip the blade open and then move my hand far enough forward to have a good grip unless I'm thinking about it. I really don't like to think about opening a knife. So I do what you suggested and enjoy it for what it is and how it suits me. It a flipper that I don't flip.

I'm sure the 247 can be done exactly the same way.

 

[Armadew]

That's how I open most flippers that are too big to immediately have a grip on, like the ZT0560. It's not all the easy to flip the blade open and then move my hand far enough forward to have a good grip unless I'm thinking about it.

I use my second knuckle to open large flippers:

Ending in a grip like this: