One Handed Traditional Knife

A

ASBOB

Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Messages
1,304
I've become interested in traditional folders lately. However, I have a special requirement: they have to be one-handed openers (I'm a hemiplegic with a paralyzed left side). So far on my list to consider are:

Case Trapperlock
Boker Copperliner
Boker Trapperliner

Anything else I should take a look at?

My thanks.
 
You might still be able to find a Paul Chen Hanwei Sheffield folder. 4" closed,440c, Bonestag scaes and stainless liners, thumb stud and button lock. An unusual and very well finished knife, not that cheap though.
 
Case also has the Slimlock line. Very elegant with natural handle materials and BG-42 blades, but again, not cheap.

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That Paul Chen Hanwei Sheffield folder looks interesting, but I could only find one site that had it, in England. Any other ideas of where to look for one?

Some good ideas here. Thanks, and keep 'em coming.
 
On the Trapperliner, how is the steel for rtouching up? I was debating between this and the Case Trapperlock in cv.
 
ASBOB said:
On the Trapperliner, how is the steel for rtouching up? I was debating between this and the Case Trapperlock in cv.
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I was just looking at the description of the Boker Trapperliner on A.G. Russell's site, and it's described as 'Solingen stainless at 54-55 RC'. With that in mind, I'd think it'd be fairly similar to Case (either Tru-sharp or CV) for ease of sharpening.
 
Moore Maker lists a 'German Single Blade Trapper' that looks essentially the same as the Trapperliner (might be identical pattern). It's a liner lock w/one-hand opening 'tab' on blade. The difference is the steel, they use 1095 carbon. And smooth bone handle.
 
If your budget is allowing consideration of customs (or priced in similar range), you might consider the Mnandi by Chris Reeve. Very elegant framelock 'gent's knife' with a deep, wide nail nick suitable for one-hand opening.

mnandibocote.jpg
 
While a fine knife, I have a hard time placing the Mnandi in the "traditional" category though (admittedly) it does borrow some attributes.
 
Blues said:
While a fine knife, I have a hard time placing the Mnandi in the "traditional" category though (admittedly) it does borrow some attributes.
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No argument there. It's just kinda hard to find a 'true' traditional knife that's also one-handed (if there is such a thing). I can see how some might see one-handed opening as non-traditional too, unless you start looking at some of the old-school 'traditional' switchblades. That's a whole new can o' worms in itself.

Dave
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I can see how some might see one-handed opening as non-traditional too, unless you start looking at some of the old-school 'traditional' switchblades.
Dave
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I've never owned one, but there are some one hand opening knives with "razor" blades that were pretty popular back in the day and among some collectors.

example:

9463.jpg
 
Sort of the same boat as you - I have almost no use of my left arm/hand due to surgeries & radiation treatments for cancer. That said I can open my Case Swayback Jack & Seahorse Whittler OK. As long as I can get a decent hold with my good hand I can catch the back of the knife & open it by using it against something. The Swayback Jack's half-stop is good because I can then reposition it for a better grip & continue opening it. Awkward looking sometimes, but it works.
 
Blues said:
I've never owned one, but there are some one hand opening knives with "razor" blades that were pretty popular back in the day and among some collectors.
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I think those are sometimes called 'one arm' razors (or something like that)? They have sort of a radiused cut in the tip, to allow for snagging at the edge of your pocket to open. I've seen 'em. That's an interesting idea.
 
I think those are sometimes called 'one arm' razors (or something like that)? They have sort of a radiused cut in the tip, to allow for snagging at the edge of your pocket to open. I've seen 'em. That's an interesting idea
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That design dates back to the 1860s. There were lots of amputees after the Civil War, and this design was made so a one handed man could open a folding knife. Many copies have been made since. The Case 05 pattern is one to look at.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
No argument there. It's just kinda hard to find a 'true' traditional knife that's also one-handed (if there is such a thing). I can see how some might see one-handed opening as non-traditional too, unless you start looking at some of the old-school 'traditional' switchblades. That's a whole new can o' worms in itself.

Dave
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As someone that also loves switchblades, as well as traditional folders, this is always the first thing I think of when these type of threads come up.

There's a guy down in Texas that converts a few styles of Case knives to autos. I met him and handled some of his conversions at Blade last year. He's a super nice guy that does really fine work, but not cheap.

Here's a picture of a Case Copperlock he converted:
 

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