Opening/closing a large 21....

DrtyHarry · Mar 4, 2016

So I have had my Large 21 for a little over a week now, and as much as I like it...it's not the friendliest knife to open. Closing it is simple, but opening it is a bit more of a pain. I have many other knives with studs that are far easier to open. Take my Microtech SOCOM for example. Studs are similar in SHAPE, but not in size....the SOCOM has far larger studs. I know I am not supposed to flick/snap open the knife, so I more or less open the knife rather slowly with my thumb on the stud bringing it all the way up slowly. Sure, I can open it a bit with my thumb than snap it open....but I was told that would damage the knife over time. Forgive me if this sounds like a stupid question....but what is the best, fastest, most effective way to open the Sebenza up? If someone has a picture of how the thumb should be pressed up against the stud, that would be great. As of now, I found that using the very left side of my thumb to apply a small amount of pressure and using my wrist to give it a LIGHT snap open is easiest and most consistent. I just want to make sure I'm not damaging the knife. I've only had it for about a week...my new 25 was supposed to be here today, but turns out I have to wait until Monday (ARGH!!!). Any pointers would be appreciated....I know this sounds silly, but these are rather expensive knives and I don't want to destroy them. THANKS!!

Harry

JustinFournier · Mar 4, 2016

Well from my experience and what I think most people will agree with, if you are using your right hand, you put your thumb down against the side of the stud, and you use an arching motion to sweep the blade in to the open position. It goes away from the scale more out than up.

If you watch the path the stud travels on, you basically just slide it along that path, using the thumb position that works best of you based on the length of your thumb and your thumb nail.

I never never flick it open super fast like I think I'm a ninja, or want to intimidate someone in a bar fight. Ever.

I'm slow and gentle. I firmly push it to the end of the path until I feel that solid click.

Try it real slow. Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.

JustinFournier · Mar 5, 2016

Oh yeah one more thing, make sure on the back side you are not pushing against the lock bar with your finger. It took my wife a while to stop doing that.

DrtyHarry · Mar 5, 2016

Yep, I read that. Once in a while I open it up with a bit too much force....just habit. One that I have to stop. I always keep at least 1 or 2 more knives on me, one is always a Spidero Military, and I open that thing as fast as I can. I actually enjoy opening the Sebenza nice and slow and admire how smooth she opens and snaps into place. God forbid I ever need to get to a knife real quick, I reach for my Millie...if I need to do a small cutting job that won't possibly damage the blade, I will reach for the Sebenza. But OK, sounds like I am opening it like you are. Thanks!

JustinFournier · Mar 5, 2016

Once you get used to it, it will take a fraction of a second to open. You will learn just when to slow down. I've been doing it for years so its almost hard to slow down and explain.

DrtyHarry · Mar 5, 2016

I hear ya....I must have done it a thousands times by now, and only had it a week!! LOL But yeah, I'm doing my best to be as gentle as possible as to not to use to much of a "flick" or any flick at all. If I play with it for a couple seconds, I find the sweet spot as to where my fingers should be and how much force should be applied. It's getting down on the very first try that's the trick. Well, as soon as I stop typing I'll be going at it some more. lol Thanks....

uofaengr · Mar 5, 2016

These are not fragile relics like handling the original copy of the Bill of Rights or something. They can handle a lot more than most people think so don't worry about being so gentle...these are arguably the most solid folding knives you'll ever handle. I open as fast as my thumb can move unless I'm just fondling. Sometimes a nice little thumb flick just to remind it who's the boss. In time, the motion will become second nature/muscle memory and you won't think about it.

blade man · Mar 5, 2016

Don't sweep it out, push it forward at an angle. Think pushing towards the point of the guard.

marcus52AR · Mar 5, 2016

DrtyHarry said:
I hear ya....I must have done it a thousands times by now, and only had it a week!! LOL But yeah, I'm doing my best to be as gentle as possible as to not to use to much of a "flick" or any flick at all. If I play with it for a couple seconds, I find the sweet spot as to where my fingers should be and how much force should be applied. It's getting down on the very first try that's the trick. Well, as soon as I stop typing I'll be going at it some more. lol Thanks....

Like uofaengr said these knives are tough. I have no reservations when it comes to thumb flicking open my CRK.

I'm sure it's possible to damage one with repetitive HEAVY wrist/thumb flicks, but not a normal thumb flick here and there.

I use the back of my thumb (nail) on the thumbstud and flick like I would any other knife. I've never had any issues with any of my crk's.

DrtyHarry · Mar 5, 2016

marcus52AR said:
I use the back of my thumb (nail) on the thumbstud and flick like I would any other knife. I've never had any issues with any of my crk's.

This is what has been working for me best thus far...it's actually this method that made me ponder if I was using too much force. It has to be done with a bit of authority though, or else the blade will not fully open. OK....so I guess I will stick with this method. It would be nice if CRK could offer extra large or should I just say "larger" thumb studs. Thanks!

Harry