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Question for Kershaw Avalanche owners.

J

Joe Dirt

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Jan 26, 2006
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I'm considering buying a Kershaw Avalanche. I notice however that it doesn't have a flipper.

I'm wondering how difficult it is to open with just the thumb stud? I've tried opening other Kershaw knives with the thumbstud and they open so fast it's impossible for me to use the thumbstud (with assisted opening). It's like the blade runs away from your thumb and your thumb gets cut by running into the cutting edge of the blade trying to compensate.

Does this knife have ambidextrious thumb studs? I can't see in any pictures really.

Thanks!
 
Mine has a thumbstud for right hand opening only. It can probably be reversed though. Ive never had any problems getting mine to open.
 
you dont ride the thumbstud on the speedsafe knives or you will cut yourself. you use the thumbstud to start the opening and let the spring take over. I recomend using the thumb in somewhat of a flicking motion to get the blade started. insdtead of trying to use your thumb on the stud in an arc motion push your thumb out awy from the handle in a straight line and the blade will outrun your thumb after you have moved the stud out just a bit.
 
I switched out the single stud for double studs on mine but it was "ok" opening with the stud. After i got used to carrying, the torsion bar broke and as many of the Kershaws are, I had to cut a detent in the tang and go manual. I could have just gotten a new bar but what's the fun in that! Holds a good edge. CPM S60V
 
Thanks people. Seems like I've seen a lot of folks have broken torsion bars. That's suprising to me really.
 
Joe Dirt said:
Thanks people. Seems like I've seen a lot of folks have broken torsion bars. That's suprising to me really.
Click to expand...

I had many Kershaws with torsion bar and none of them broke. The Avalanche was a bit more difficult to open since the blade is heavier and the thumb stud quite rough... I now use MiniTask and have no problems at all.

David
 
Like was said earlier you don't ride the thumb stud. Use the thumb stud to get the blade started and the spring does the rest. I owned a Avalanche and liked the handles and the blade grind. If I was right handed I would still own it. Larry
 
Joe Dirt said:
I'm wondering how difficult it is to open with just the thumb stud? I've tried opening other Kershaw knives with the thumbstud and they open so fast it's impossible for me to use the thumbstud (with assisted opening). It's like the blade runs away from your thumb and your thumb gets cut by running into the cutting edge of the blade trying to compensate.
Click to expand...

As others have pointed out one has to learn the correct technique to open a Speed-Safe assisted opener with the thumb-studs - it's not difficult - just different.

The Kershaws as you know are FAST - and it is not difficult to run one's thumb onto the blade if not paying attention or using the follow-through as it were manual, and I am speaking as someone who is pretty well experienced with the Kershaw Speed-Safe assisted opening system - having owned them since they first came out (without flippers) I always pay attention when opening with the thumb-stud.

In contrast the index-open/flipper is SO MUCH EASIER to use - that there is really no contest (for me).

With the "grippy" Avalanche I think you may encounter the same "problem" I mentioned in my review of the G-10 S30V Leek (matte version) where the grippy G-10 (almost "rough") makes clipping to the pocket somewhat difficult and there might be long term wear on the pockets.

I personally would definitely prefer the G-10 S30V Leek (matte version) (review linked) over the Avalanche, because of its size, design (equally good materials) and of course flipper......

--
Vincent
http://UnknownVT2006.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
 
Thanks folks. I'm now a big fan of the flipper too and I don't see myself getting a Kershaw without a flipper.

;)
 
Hmmm, I still prefer the thumbstud on my Kershaw Blackout to the flipper on my Spec Bump. My grip isn't in an awkward position while using the thumbstud like it's forced to be in when using the flipper.
 
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