Open Benchmade Mini-Pika one-handed?

C

coldlocus

Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
29
The Mini-Pika seems to be a great knife considering the price. But heard that it's hard to open one-handed after a search. But I would like to hear some more opinions from you guys. Is it that hard to open one-handed?
 
I have one and I have no problem opening it one handed, closing it one handed is a little trickier since its a lockback.
 
yea it is a little difficult to open and close one handed.

strong backspring or short lock.
 
I had a Mini Pika, but sold it because of this problem.
I have really big hands, and everytime I wanted to open the knife, I slided over the hole... Very irritating! But I think the problem are my big hands.
The knife itself is very good for the price! Good steel, very ergonomic, looks good and has a good pocket clip.
 
I have one as well. Same as the others - not that it can't be opened one handed, but it takes a little more concerted effort with the chamfered hole. Love the blade style but for me, the handle was just a bit on the short side. I actually preferred the Mini-Ambush over the Mini-Pika - it was just easier to deploy/close, though the lockback part never bothered me that much. Spring on the Mini-Pika is very strong, so it does take some work to close it compared to say a Spydie lockback. The sliding lock thing on the Ambush is OK, but it's not an Axis lock either:) At the time, it was a pretty good buy, all things considered. I've found that the Ka-bar/Dozier Folding hunter and the fairly new Byrd line from Spyderco offer much better value for the buck in today's world, though:) I don't own the BM Monochrome, but I wish I had got one when they were using the N690 steel - it would have been neat to try it. That's one that I think is highly underrated.

- gord
 
I tried the full size Pika and it was somewhat difficult to open. I just got a Mini Pika and I have the same problem with it too. I really like the Pika models though and I don't mind using two hand s to open them. If I have to, I can still able to open it with one hand. I'm going to get the full size one soon. I don't normally like lock backs, but the Pika's look like little cousins of my beloved AFCK.:)
 
Thanks for all the answeres. Seems like the general consensus is that it's hard to open one-handed. A pity, I really like the look and features of the pika, but easy one-handed open is a must. Guess I'll have to see what other good budget blades there are.
 
I don't think I'd say that's the "consensus". The knife can certainly be opened one-handed - it's just the opening hole has a bit less bite than an non-chamfered hole. However, if you're looking for other excellent knives in that price range, I suggest you check out the Byrd line by Spyderco. The Meadowlark is the same basic size, and is available with SS, G-10, or FRN scales.
 
I have one of these knives, and have found it difficult to open with one hand. I have found that bracing my little finger over the "front" of the knife helps me with the one hand opening process. I suspect it may get easier with time. It is a great knife, in my opinion!
 
I have no problem opening it. It is a great knife for the price. If you can you should handle it yourself and then decide.
 
Thanks for the suggestion of Spydercos Byrdline. Looks like a great knifes(Cara and Meadowlark) for the money, but I like the look of the Pika better, the spydercos seems a bit wide folded, but they seems to be much easier to open. Guess it's a toss up between these knives for me. I'll try to make up my mind.
 
I have a mini-pika.
the hole is too smooth.
been meaning to get out the Dremal and rough up the hole a little bit:D

The lock was a little too strong so I took out the spring and bent it a little, and its just right now.:thumbup:

Their pretty easy to disassemble.

Nice knife, kinda pointy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top