Question for Lefties!

N

Nikx

Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
101
So I'm left handed...and I quickly learned that in the realm of knives that's a disadvantage.

So far the only knives I own are benchmade Axis lock knives, which are great! and I feel hold up to benchmade's claim of true ambidexterity. But I have a couple questions for other lefites...

Are there any other locking systems out there that are just as good for us?

and also..

How do you find the operation of various locking systems that are setup for righties? For example a liner or frame lock is a very popular design, would I be disappointed if I bought one?
 
Chris Reeve makes a lefty Sebenza. The Sebbie IS a frame lock. I do not think you would be disappointed in a lefty Sebenza.
 
I'm not a lefty but spydeco's backlocks seem to be as ambidextrous as benchmade axis locks. You cant get more ambidextrous then their holes though.
 
Spyderco's and the Buck 110, 55, and the 5XX series, Kershaw 1410 and 1416, come readily to mind. I'm sure that there are many others.
 
Being a left hander, and not knowing that there was an option for left handed knives, i've adapted, I carry tip up, tip down, right and left pocket, I have a right handed sebenza, Spyderco's, Benchmades, Sak's etc....
Dont let it affect things too much.
 
Lockbacks are good. I like Spyderco's compression locks as well, they seem to work just fine for me as a lefty. I can operate most locks left-handed, but those listed are the easiest.

Spyderco makes a BB-lock that is similar to the Axis lock. I don't find either that easy to operate personally.

I'm also a big fan of the spyder hole on folders. That helps a lot, and I like it better than thumb studs.

If you like assisted openers, Kershaw makes some nice models. I'm not a big fan of them, but my Leek works well enough.
 
Southpaw myself, the pocket clips not being reversible on some are a pain, but I've not found issues with any type of lock so far.

One thing I occasionally run into with liner locks, is that the maker will have a cut out in the handle for a right handed person to access the thumb stud easier, but due to the liner lock will not relieve the other side, even if they have reversible pocket clips.

Some knives I can still open them OK, but a few I have passed on because of it.
 
Hey, another lefty knife knut! Sucks, huh? ;)

As has already been mentioned, the real sticker for us leftys is not the locking mechanism (I personally think a "right-handed" frame lock is MORE secure in the left hand!!) but the pocket clip which is--all too often--non-reversible.

You've already discovered the Benchmade Axis locks and they, along with the Spyderco back locks are the most prevalent *ambidextrous* folders that adapt very well to left hand carry. SOG Arc locks are also good on a knife to knife basis, but be aware that some of their models don't offer a reversible pocket clip.

A very few makers offer left handed versions of their liner and frame locks (Kershaw and CRK come to mind; Strider used to..) but in those cases you have to take what they decide to give you and you don't get nearly the same variety offered by the right handed models. Never mind their limited availability!

On the bright side, being a lefty has saved me a LOT of money on all the knives I didn't buy! :) :(
 
Lefty here too.

My favorite knife at the moment is a Victorinox one-hand Trekker.

The linerlock could have been made for us lefties. :thumbup: Check it out.
 
I'm left handed as well, (all the better people are :) ).

I've got a LH Sebbie which is great. Strangely though I don't have that much trouble opening and closing my right handed SnG. The hole in the blade, (on the SnG and my BM mini grip and the Spydercos), makes a big difference.

I tend to stick to knives that have holes or easily accessible studs on both sides of the blade. Axis lock and lock backs are my preferred method unless I can find a LH frame lock. Also, I look for clips that can be relocated. Although having said that, I think the clip on the SnG being on the "wrong" side actually helps provide a firmer grip.
 
I write with my left hand, but my right side is my strong side, so that's where I carried my knife. It's the same with scissors, ledgers, even some of my favorite handguns. You just adapt.
 
The three locks I use most are the HawkLock (Kershaw RAM), Studlock (Kershaw Bump), and Lock Back (Spyderco Delica). Of these, only the RAM is not symmetrical. I genuinely believe, however, that the HawkLock is easier for lefties than righties (maybe because my right hand is retarded).

I have gotten used to most liner and frame locks, but they aren't preferred. I wonder if I'd get confused by a true left-handed framelock. I'm so used to pulling the lock across with my thumb.

Clip position is often more important. Most tip-down models work well because the blade is up against the pocket-seam and can't open accidentally. If I'm going tip-up, the clip must be on the left side (for safety and convenience).

Phillip
 
Hello

Nikx...

The majority of knives I carry are tip up blades..For me theres really nothing else...

I try and pick knives that have clips that are reversible from left/right.. The odd time I find one that isn't,, like my Emerson Commander, I'll have one of my knife maker friends to drill and tap the other side...So far thats only happened a couple of times..

As far as the locks go,, I have learned to use them, and they pose no problem to me at all, regardless if they are Liner/Frame or Lock Back...

I'm bothered more by fixed blade sheaths that are Righy only,, but have Solved that problem as well :)

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Normark brings up another good point, if you find a knife you really like and want a southpaw pocket clip, have it set up for one.

STR here on the forum did this Buck 560 for me, and does fantastic work at a reasonable price.

560-2.jpg
 
Lefty here too, although like another, my right is my strong side.

Since we are on the topic, does anyone make a wave-featured knife for lefties?
 
Hello

Bear Claw..

Agreed...

STR does Awesome work, and can do custom deep carry clips as well...
I' wouldn't hesitate sending him a blade...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Hello

Idaho...

Yaa the Spyderco Waved Endura or Delica is Lefty friendly..
I carry one all the time....

Eric
O/ST
 
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