Recommend a slipjoint that isn't too hard to open......for a 94 year old WWII vet

Kadmos said:
Opinel.

No spring

Plus easier to grip than a flatter knife, also it would be fairly easy to carve out an easy open cutout to make it even easier to open
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This is a great suggestion with the Opinel, especially with the "Tap" Method where you tap the butt and the blade comes out enough to make it really easy to grab and open :thumbup: Like mentioned, nice round comfortable handles.

Others have mentioned the EZ open Boys knife from GEC and I totally agree. Recently I injured my thumb and it's been a great 'go to' knife. Very pleased with the ease of open it has. I also use this great old Camillus pictured together with the EZ open GEC.

Sorry for the blurry pictures...

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Johnny, I love what your doing in wanting to find him a knife. I respect all our Veterans and I can see this is so important to your wife's Grandfather.

If you feel he'd enjoy the GEC just drop me a PM and it will go out as a HUGE thank you to Leonard free of charge, I'll also throw in a #8 Opinel as I think that would be a great choice as well :thumbup:

Paul
 
I hate to answer a question with another question, but does anyone make a traditional folder with a threaded pivot, like a modern folder, so the pull could be adjusted for him?

Among traditional slipjoints I've handled, Buck 300 series and Canal Street (both US made) have had the lightest pulls, but a single blade lockback should be lighter yet.
 
Kadmos said:
Opinel.

No spring

Plus easier to grip than a flatter knife, also it would be fairly easy to carve out an easy open cutout to make it even easier to open
Click to expand...

Definitely the best idea so far. Without the spring, there's no snap back to injury any digits that get in the way if he looses control of the blade. With the twist lock as a safeguard, you could even take a large screw driver and loosen it up a bit more for a very easy pull out. :thumbup::thumb up:

Carl.
 
I know this is way different than what he had, but this is pretty easy open:
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One handed Sentinel.

I do know that it locks as well, but maybe change up what would work for him a little. I don't know if there is a similar non-locking knife.
 
Since this is the traditional forum, let's stick to traditional knives please.
 
My Dad (USMC Korea Vet) had the same problem, I picked him up a Case sod buster jr. and a buck 112 ranger ( he wanted something smaller for EDC and something larger for whatever) they seem to work good for him. Now he can just grab the blades on both and open them.
 
An old one of these ought to be well broken in. Maybe he would like the gesture, despite the age of them.

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Echoing what others have said, I would suggest an Opinel.

If you're the least bit handy, you can add an easy open notch by wrapping 80 grit paper around a wooden dowel. Google "opinel easy open modification" and you'll find lots of ideas.

Sand the rest of the handle with 80 grit to remove the stock finish, stain or dye the wood to your taste (I use Minwax English Chestnut) and then add several of a top coat (e.g. Spar Polyurethane, Tung Oil Finish or similar).

I think Opinels work well on both ends of life for the same reasons. Started my son on one before he could handle a spring loaded slip joint.

I think they're a bit safer with a good bit of friction in the joint. When loose, they can flop closed unexpectedly.

I would err a bit on the larger size like a 7 or 8 instead of the small 6 to gain more hand-filling girth on the handle.
 
paulhilborn said:
Others have mentioned the EZ open Boys knife from GEC and I totally agree. Recently I injured my thumb and it's been a great 'go to' knife. Very pleased with the ease of open it has. ...

n4tf.jpg
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GREAT suggestion here. I can't help thinking a knife of this style and quality would bring back loads of memories for a gentleman in his '90s.

paulhilborn said:
Johnny, I love what your doing in wanting to find him a knife. I respect all our Veterans and I can see this is so important to your wife's Grandfather.

If you feel he'd enjoy the GEC just drop me a PM and it will go out as a HUGE thank you to Leonard free of charge, I'll also throw in a #8 Opinel as I think that would be a great choice as well :thumbup:

Paul
Click to expand...

You can't beat that with a stick! :thumbup: Fantastic gesture, Paul. First class all the way!

-- Mark
 
paulhilborn said:
Johnny, I love what your doing in wanting to find him a knife. I respect all our Veterans and I can see this is so important to your wife's Grandfather.

If you feel he'd enjoy the GEC just drop me a PM and it will go out as a HUGE thank you to Leonard free of charge, I'll also throw in a #8 Opinel as I think that would be a great choice as well :thumbup:

Paul
Click to expand...


:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Wow.

Post of the month.
 
mnblade said:
That's surprising to hear about the Buck as they usually have quite a light pull. As to what to buy him, I highly recommend you seek out a U.S.-made Schrade Old Timer 12OT single-blade peanut. Super, little knife with great carbon steel and, being a single blader, it's quite easy to pull open. Since the modern "Schrade" knives are made in China by someone who bought that trademark when the original company went out of business, you'll likely have to go to that big auction site to find one. But they're pretty common there, and not all that expensive.
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I haven't been able to open hardly any slipjoints well since my thumb injury a few years ago, and you are right on about the Schrade 12OT.
I got one off of ebay a few weeks ago and it has the lightest pull I've seen on a slipjoint. I can open it with ease. Very thin knife, and the blade is just a tad bit longer than a Peanut blade. I love it.
Some of the older US models are SS and some are carbon. Mine had never been used, but the seller didn't tell which. You can tell by the color of the packaging, but mine had none. I plan to use mine on some fruit(or meat, etc..) soon to find out.
And like you said you can get them at a great price.


I've tried the Easy Open GEC #85 not long ago, and it gave me trouble. Had to sell it.

Not sure if he would want a lockback, but if he does the Case Copperlock is the easiest of any American made I have tried. One did have a stiff lock, but Case fixed that for me free of charge. Moki is by far the easiest to open/close, but he may not want a knife that isn't made here. Many his age may feel this way.
 
I keep my 89 y.o. vet dad happy with worn out old Case knives.He loves them.The older and uglier the better.Of course i clean them and put razor edges on the carbon blades.But they are worn down 50 or 60% and have smooth worn bone or stag from decades of carry.They open and close easily and smooth as butter.These old guys from that generation have lots of character and deserve and appreciate the same in a knife.He always liked the 47 pattern and that's what i look for. ( :
 
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If he doesn't mind a non slip joint pattern I'd go with an Opinel also.
If his tastes run towards a more traditional slip joint,then an EO Jack would be my second pick.

Great gesture Paul & good for you Jonnymac.
 
God bless y'all taking good care of dads, and helping friends take care of dads. I enjoyed this thread just for the good natured and caring help for others.
 
Wow, thanks so much for all of the great responses guys!

I'll read through all of this and try to figure some stuff out. I also had some great advice come in via email. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me get grandpa back up and running!
 
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