Opening and closing...

[mgeoffriau]

Ok, I just figured out the other day that I can open my CRKT Gray Ghost by flicking it hard downward. Can't do it with my CS Voyagers. Does this only work with liner locks, or do I just have to do it REALLY HARD?
Also, closing the liner lock with one hand is pretty obvious and natural, but what about folders like Spyderco's and Voyagers? I often release the lock while closing the knife against my leg, but that's not very graceful (and we all know it's about looking cool). Any thoughts?

 

[Bugs3x]

Suggest you use search in archives, for "flicking" and "Spydie Drop." Probably "gravity opening" also.

I'm not really expert enuff to answer, but own mostly liner locks. Virtually all liner locks hold the blade in the handle via a ball detente. Once that detente is overcome, the only resistance to the blade's opening is from friction in the pivot. Many liner locks can be opened by flicking the thumb stud with the thumb or thumbstud, or the wrist. I understand that Axis lock knives, once the lock has been released are very smooth and easy to open with a flick of the thumb or wrist.

I believe, but am not sure, that most lockbacks have some sort of spring tension that must be overcome to open them. ?? Sorry for my ignorance. I must be an old granny or something, because I just checked with the only 2 lockbacks I own. One of them I usually use 2 hands to shut, but might shut against my leg while I watch. (Gotta learn to do bold or italics) With the other lockback, it hasn't occurred to me to do other than 2-hand closures. Have had the first somewhere between 10 and 15 years. Was my only carry knife most of that time.

Guess I ain't cool enough to comment on looking that way. Would suggest that leg closures are a good way to cut oneself and/or clothing. But, if that's cool, have at it.


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Asi es la vida

Bugs

[This message has been edited by Bugs3x (edited 04-21-2001).]

 

[Strider]

Liner Locks have no backspring which is why they are easy to open.
Bob

 

[RH]

This is a first...Bugs, I have to disagree.

I close my lockbacks onh my leg all the time, for years.

I find it to be natural, intuitive, and if not cool, at least unobtrusive. I just depress the lock bar, start the close on the leg, release the lock bar (so the blade doesn't snap shut), move my fingers out of the way, and continue the close. Sounds complex, but it's one smooth motion. With some large hole spyderco's, I can ride the blade home instead of leting it snap.

Disclaimer: I've only found this to work with mid- to front position lockbacks (like Spyderco's). For a rear-position lockback like the Buck 110, I use 2 hands.

 

[Shmackey]

Most lockbacks (Spyderco in particular) have enough of a finger choil--or at least an unsharpened area of the blade--that you can press the lock down with your thumb, flick the blade closed until it hits your index finger (the unsharpened part, that is) and then close with one hand the rest of the way. I haven't used anything but one hand to close a lockback in a long time.

Really old-fashioned lockbacks that have the lock all the way at the back are a different story, of course.

[This message has been edited by Shmackey (edited 04-21-2001).]

 

[RH]

yup, shmackey, that works too. One caveat is to never try that with a knife you are unfamiliar with - you may get bit if the choil is small. In the same respect, I learned long ago to always check the direction of the sharp edge on a balisong before flipping, sometimes they are 'backwards'. (unless you can flip 100% of the time without smacking the back of the spine on yur knuckles, a skill in itself)