One-hand traditionals?

C

commygun

Joined
Jun 10, 2003
Messages
14
Can anyone suggest some traditionally styled production folders that can be
opened readily with one hand? I use a knife alot at work and would like to
use something that looks a little less menacing than a Griptilian or Endura,
less for political correctness than for more my own aesthetic satisfaction.
Thanks.
 
The copperliner and trapperliner from boker sound like just what you are looking for. Thumb stud and liner lock with traditional slipjoint styling.

They're generally pretty common on ebay. I have a copperliner and like it a lot.
 
Spyderco jess horn, but boy, they're expensive. Boker just released a more-tradtional looking knife, but I have to say that it's far from traditional looking.
 
Thomason, thanks for that link. I have wondered what the appeal of the razor blade was, now I know. I may have to try one of those. I've gotten so spoiled by one hand openers and my Ken Onion Kershaw in particular that since I've started carrying a traditional slipjoint again I kind of hesitate for just a moment when I bring it out before it kicks in that I need two hands to open this thing. Kind of a readjustment, LOL.

That may be just the answer to carrying a tradtional and still being able to one hand it open.
 
jmknife said:
Don't overlook the Spyderco Kiwi. A great blend of the old and the new.
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That is an interesting knife. I may have to add it to the wish list as well. I've grown a bit weary of the black, clip on, uberkewl moderns so the fact it has bone slats and no clip makes it interesting. It still has that Spyderco big-eyed, bird head blade, but I might be able to live with that.

You guys keep pointing out more and more nice stuff. What is a feller to do. "Hey Boss! I need a raise cause I gotta buy more knives faster!"
 
Allen, you just keep making me want that one more don't ya. I had to bookmark it just so I could think about it some more. Nice looking blade. I should have one traditional one-hand opener, right? Shouldn't we all? Or maybe 2 or 3? LOL
 
Case has one (SFO) in CV and chestnut bone as well. I think they have em over at vintageknives.com and I see em on the 'bay rather frequently..
 
I bought My dad a kiwi, in SS, and He loves it. I must admit that i'm jealous of it, too.
 
longbeachguy said:
The copperliner and trapperliner from boker sound like just what you are looking for. Thumb stud and liner lock with traditional slipjoint styling.

They're generally pretty common on ebay. I have a copperliner and like it a lot.
Click to expand...
I'd seen a Copperliner, but it was pretty tiny. This thread got me looking again, and I found the Trapperliner was a bit more my speed. Snagged one in jigged green bone off the 'Bay, and overall, I like it a lot. The action (one hand open, liner lock with detent) is smooth, the construction is very good, and it feels very nice in the hand — you don't know it's not a slipjoint until you go to close it!

It's not perfect, though. The thumb stud, while having a nice smooth rounded-wedge shape, is plastic, heat-welded into a hole through the blade. Also, the blade has a saber grind; I'd prefer a higher grind, although this one cuts pretty well as-is.

Lastly, one of the dangers of buying sight-unseen is that you sometimes get the ones with the minor glitches that might not be acceptable at retail. On mine, the rear end of one of the scales is a little thin, and sits below the bolster a tad. It's on the right side, though, and I'm thinking of asking STR to craft me a slim pocket clip, and that thin scale would let the clip sit nice 'n' flat... :D
 
stefanschlaegel said:
Kershaw Double Cross and Double Duty - both with 2 blades and one hand opening. The Double is is good for whittling because of the wharni-blade
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I was just looking at those in the catalog. I would love to handle one in person. Looks like a nice blend between a traditional pocket knife and one hand opening. Stefan, or anyone else who has handled one mind sharing their impressions?
 
I have the Double Cross with the Wharncliff, and have been very pleased. Fit and finish is at the top of the scale. It is light weight and rides well in the pocket. The liner locks have a strong snap to them when they engage. The AUS6 seems to have been hardened pretty well, as mine holds an edge for everyday tasks. The one handed opening aspect takes a little bit of getting used to, and if you have large hands you might have some trouble. After playing around with it a bit, my medium sized hands got the swing of it pretty quickly. The metal knurled knobs they use for one handing on the blades were a little sharp when I got it, but with some fine sanding smoothed out nicely. It's in my EDC rotation and I would recommend it. Haven't handled the Double Duty, but would expect it to be similar, and maybe better if you have bigger hands, as it is larger. Hope this helps.
 
The Double Duty and Double Cross were discussed earlier this month: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397931

After that discussion, I bought a Double Duty to go with my Double Cross, and I dig 'em both. Excellent fit & finish, smooth operation and perfect lock-up, and they feel good in the hand. What's not to like?

(I'm thinking seriously of cutting down the Double Duty's big ol' spey blade into a wharncliffe. I really like the wharnie on the Double Cross...)
 
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