Open back construction folding knife

[stillshot2]

It seems the common preference of folding knife owners is open back construction because it's "easier to clean" but I find it allows a lot more dirt and crud to get into the knife in the first place. I prefer a back spacer that, when knife is carried tip up, basically blocks all the crud from ever falling into the knife. And when it's time to clean a q tip or even a paper towel folded a couple times just takes a quick swipe through with the knife scales when open and it's clean again. Who else prefers a closed back construction?

 

[Tsujigiri]

I like closed back because it's more comfortable in the hand, and the blade is fully covered so other things in my pocket can't work through their way through the back and get cut. Plus, it's more expensive to machine a backspacer than to through a couple generic standoffs in, so I appreciate the extra effort the same way as I do when I see a 3d machined pocket clip. I don't see how open back is easier to clean; if you blow diagonally into a closed back knife, loose lint comes out just as easily.

 

[DocJD]

Most of my normal carry folders are Tri-ad , modified lock back and all those are closed back .

These locks are my fav by far , but when closed, the notch part of the lock mechanism is exposed .

Pocket lint and debris alone can build up and get crammed down into this "cup" shaped space .

With too much neglect , over time with many opening /closing cycles , the lock may be prevented from fully closing .

Easy to detect , prevent / clean . Generally ,otherwise, a super strong , reliable , low maintenance lock .

 

[Grasshopperglock]

Look up, "cake decorating tip cleaning brush".

It's a little tiny, nylon bristle, brush used to clean out those cake icing funnel looking things.

It's the best brush I have found for cleaning inside a knife. Especially for lint.


Edit to add: These, (I get mine from Hobby Lobby, same brand)

 

[gooeytek]

I prefer open construction. It's lighter, and when in use, it's an easier situation to clear something out that gets stuck in between the scales.
When I have a knife in my pocket, nothing else shares that space.

 

[stillshot2]

Pocket lint and debris alone can build up and get crammed down into this "cup" shaped space .

With too much neglect , over time with many opening /closing cycles , the lock may be prevented from fully closing .

Easy to detect , prevent / clean . Generally ,otherwise, a super strong , reliable , low maintenance lock

True that area requires a little more attention, but that seems more specific to back lock knives in general.

I prefer open construction. It's lighter, and when in use, it's an easier situation to clear something out that gets stuck in between the scales.
When I have a knife in my pocket, nothing else shares that space.

That would be true if steel but most closed construction seem to be lightweight FRN, which could be something people don't like on a knife but doesn't bother me. And like you my pocket knives get a dedicated pocket as well.

 

[Jsega51]

Look up, "cake decorating tip cleaning brush".

It's a little tiny, nylon bristle, brush used to clean out those cake icing funnel looking things.

It's the best brush I have found for cleaning inside a knife. Especially for lint.


Edit to add: These, (I get mine from Hobby Lobby, same brand)

I have both open back knives, knives with backspacers and closed back knives like a slipjoint. They all get equally filled with pocket lint and crap. I too use a brush like above, they make them for cleaning Ti and other reusable plastic straws (like some Yeti tumblers use).