Openers, Picks and Steel Thumbnails

ptradeco

ptradeco

Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
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I have been aware of these for many years but had not given them much thought until recently. Seems as though they were originally designed for craftsman in the cutlery factories who had to open knives repeatedly. I have also found reference where the traveling knife salesmen of yesteryear were supplied with them as well. The first one I personally encountered came with a Winchester slipjoint I purchased years ago. Apparently there is widespread interest in them today as many of the ones pictured below are current offerings. The AG Russell model was Blade 2010 Knife Accessory of the Year and the Case example is a 2010 offering from the Case Collectors Club. I have also seen a few displayed in this forum from time to time from custom makers.

Show them please if you have them!

All of my pictures moved to Post #22 of thread for consolidation purposes.
 
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nice pics of a subject seldom discussed in the forum. i find these indispensible when looking at large collections. thanks for showing.
dennis
 
Thanks for sharing. Kerry Hampton makes a beautiful knife pick.

I have a question about actually using these picks. Don't they have the tendency to scratch the blade?

- Christian
 
A pick/opener is the best thing that I ever bought for slipjoints!!

I have no fingernails, so they are indispensable to me.
 
Quite indispensible for some brands such as GEC! I need to look into one of those (as my thumbnail heals from my latest GEC Dogleg purchase).
 
Christian as much as I hate to admit it I have never used one. Bright, shiny, knife things I was attracted to!
 
These Remingtons came with one....

P1010028.jpg
 
Neat stuff. I've seen them used in factory tour videos, but I never thought of using one with one's personal knives. Cool designs, too. Thanks for putting those up. :thumbup:
 
I asked Kerry for one to go with my Lanny's Clip sort of at the last minute. Tony was good enough to let him use on he had ready to make it happen.
I think they make for a nice package.

4522809787_9d82d7a1be_z.jpg
 
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Here's a nice Carl Schlieper Eye Brand. Celluloid handles.
Don't know the age. Not mine.
Looks to be a genuine opener.
CarlSchlieperOpener1.jpg


CarlSchlieperOpener2.jpg


CarlSchlieperOpener3.jpg

Charlie Noyes
 
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I have one from A.G. Russell that I've been using lately, since I cracked my right thumb in an accident involving a clay pigeon thrower. Although I've always preferred slip joints with strong springs, this incident has made me see the sense in Carl's preference for knives that can be pinched open. Failing that, the steel thumbnails are a real boon.

James
 
kamagong said:
Thanks for sharing. Kerry Hampton makes a beautiful knife pick.

I have a question about actually using these picks. Don't they have the tendency to scratch the blade?

- Christian
Click to expand...
I've never had one scratch a blade, Christian. I suspect they are not hardened, or are at least softer than blade steel.
 
FLymon said:
I asked Kerry for one to go with my Lanny's Clip sort of at the last minute. Tony was good enough to let him use on he had ready to make it happen.
I think they make for a nice package.

4522809787_9d82d7a1be_z.jpg
Click to expand...

Stu thanks for sharing that outstanding setup!


Navihawk - I like your polished Remington one way better than mine. I think I have a knock-off. Very rough in comparison.


Tomsch - If you go looking for a GEC there are about 7-8 different scales to choose from if you look around. PM me and I can save you some time.
 
I find it amazing that Rough Rider has shown up with a few. I never even suspected. Somebody there is actually paying attention to the market.

Nice show of accessories. Easy to forget, or even know about the slippie companions as a fella doesn't really think much about a slip joint being the kind of thing that is accessorized beyond maybe a belt or pocket pouch.
 
I've never used one however I may have to try one some of those GEC's (especialy when new) can tear your thumbnail of
 
I use a striker for a firestarter, but this has got me thinking.
It would be nice to have a dedicated opener that could strike a spark if needed. Which metal are these usually made from?
 
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