One-handed Folders

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ASBOB

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Feb 8, 2008
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Three months ago I suffered a bad stroke, and just got out of hospitals and rehab centers. My left side is paralyzed and I am wheelchair bound.

But now that I am home, knives are still my love. However, things have changed, because I can only use one hand; slipjoints, e.g. are out. My two current favorites are the Benchmade mini-grip, and an Al Mar Mini-Sere. In general, axis locks seem the easiest to use. Lockbacks are out, and liner locks are doable, but not great (the mini-sere seems best of the lot).

So my big questions are;

1) What folders would you recommend for one handed operation? I am considering the following, but truly welcome both more suggestions and your opinions on these ideas:

--Benchmade 530
--A.G. Russell Featherlite One-Handed
--Spyderco Tenacious (how stiff—or easy—is the liner lock on this?)
--Kershaw Storm II

The Kershaw is suggested because it is an inexpensive frame lock. Wouldn’t this be easier to use than a liner lock? Of course, this raises the other question:

2) What kind of lock would you suggest?

My sincere thanks for any and all advice.
 
the axis lock seems to be the way to go for you. cant go wrong with a benchmade, either.

also consider the spyderco para military compression lock. pretty simple to use and on par with the axis lock as far as lock strength (some say it is stronger, i dont know).
 
Many liner lock knifes and of course the Axis Lock will work. My suggestion it to stick with a narrower blade like the BM710, Mcusta type blade. Wider blades make it harder to close one handed than long blades IMHO.

Also check out the Seki-Cut Bob Lum Encounter series. Both the large and small models work one handed quite well.

BM 710
Mcustas
Seki Cut Bob Lums
Spyderco Sage

Any order

;)
 
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Good ideas; my thanks.

Some questions: any reasons for the 710 over the 503? just curious.

Similarly, the seki-cut is a liner lock; what makes it shine in comparison to other liner locks?

my thanks, again.
 
I'm going to suggest a Kershaw Ram, a lightning fast flipper with a Hawk lock. Then a BM Axis lock...My favorite being an HK 14210. IMO both of these locks offer effortless one hand operation.

Dave
 
I suggest taking a look at the Stud Lock from Kershaw. Depending on the size you are interested and the price range you are looking at these could be the ideal ticket. They require very little movement of your fingers to close. Basically just move your finger tips out of the way of the blade and push forward on the thumb stud with your thumb. Very very quick. The new ones do require some playing with to break them in.

There are three basic knives out with it and all three are recurves. The spec bumb is s30v and G10 and street price is ~$100 or so, the speed bump is Sandvic 13c26 and can be had in three handle materials, my favorite is the all black aluminum. Online this knife can be had for around $50. Both of these have ~3.6" blades are are aggressive looking so may not be a great choice for sheeple friendliness. There is also a Mini Mojo with an about 2.5" blade. I have that Al scaled speed bump and I am in the process of getting a Mini Mojo
 
The Benchmade Axis lock is of course a great construction, but I don't quite understand why you are refusing to consider lockbacks. Lockbacks that have the "button" located in the middle of the handle instead of in the back are fully operational with one hand. Really easy to close. Would be a shame to reject the majority of Spydercos repertoire because of a detail like that.
 
I agree, you dont really need to rule out all lockbacks. Some that have a choil you can hold the very top of the handle, depress the lockback and flick the blade closed. Your index finger will hit the choil and then you can flip the knife around and finish closing it. Thats how I close my Spyderco Delica.
 
Glad to hear you are alive and kicking after the stroke. Sorry to hear of the loss of one side, but there are quite a bit of folding options for you.

Anything axis by BM is great. I've got a BM Mini-grip that has been the only knife that I've been able to comfortably and confidently open and close with one hand without ever needing to look at it. The Mini-grip just feels like right in your hand. You can also look at aeromedix dot com - Ritter makes a variation of the BM mini-grip. It's an excellent knife also.

I know a lot of people say that a lock back, Spyderco, is easy to close one handed, but I haven't been able to master it without using my leg to get the blade closed.

I've never had an issue getting my CRKT M-16 Liner lock without LAWKS opened and closed one handed either.

Good luck in whatever you chose.

Take care.
 
Switchblades could be an option depending on what state you live in and how much you are willing to spend. Some states that normally restrict usage of switches have provisions for those who can't use both hands.
 
A Benchmade 943 Axis lock would be perfect for you.

JMHO - You can thank me later..
 
440hard said:
A Benchmade 943 Axis lock would be perfect for you.

JMHO - You can thank me later..
Click to expand...

The Benchmade 940 series is tough to beat and VERY SMOOTH! I like the A G Russell Featherlite too for pocket carry and you can learn to open and close it easy but it might take a little practice to get the hang of the lock. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
In some states, people with only one arm are allowed switchblades. Check out your state laws.
 
ASBOB said:
Good ideas; my thanks.

Some questions: any reasons for the 710 over the 503? just curious.

Similarly, the seki-cut is a liner lock; what makes it shine in comparison to other liner locks?

my thanks, again.
Click to expand...

Nothing really makes them stand out but they are light, thin, come in a large and small version and the are super smooth opening and super easy to close one handed and built well if you aren't looking for a full out tactical knife. Fairly priced too.

The four knives I suggested are probably some of the easiest one handed closing knives I have used not to say there aren't others for sure. One plus is you're looking at $120 or much less for any one of these.

I focus on the closure since many knives are easy to deploy one handed but not near as easy to close one handed.

http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/...P-COLOR: #0000ff; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #0000ff
 
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The Kershaw Ram is an excellent idea and the Hawk Lock is very strong, but easy to use. I like the idea of the automatics also and that might be worth checking into as there are some inexpensive ones available out there!:thumbup::D
 
I can personally vouch for the Storm II, i still carry one almost every day.
easy one handed open and close,simple,elegant and inexpensive.
The Smaller Storm is also quite nice,but not nearly as hefty as the Storm II.

You might also want to check out the GRooVe.
 
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