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spyder hole vs. thumb stud

J

jcrim007

Joined
Sep 4, 2003
Messages
64
never had a spyderco knife, but i'm starting to get into them. going to smoky mountain knife works in November, and will hold/experience one there.

my question to the pros: can a spyder hole blade be opened as fast as a blade w/ a thumb stud?

thanks to all,
 
I think even faster. You can do a very fast "Spyder" drop on most of the heavier handled models. Flicking almost comes naturally with the hole.
Matt
 
I don't think I'm a "pro" but I sure have an opinion:

I hate thumb studs. They get in the way, when slicing... except maybe for a few, well thought ones, that come very, very close to the handle scales...

I think holes and studs are just as usable. Opening speed is all about action smoothness, IMO.

David
 
I don't think that a stud or hole makes a difference, as long as the grip of your thumb is catching. Then again, I shouldn't be commenting on this subject, because I usually use two hands. :)
 
There's always some variance here, some people's hands just don't seem to like holes or studs.

My view is this. Generally, what I want for an opener is a big easy-to-hit, non-slip target. For me (and from what I gather, most people), a round hole is a bigger target, in a more ergonomic place that most studs, it's easier to hit, and your thumb is less likely to slip off. On top of that, a hole is less likely to be obstructed by the scales. In short, for me, a thumb hole works so much better than a stud, it's a major factor in my buying decisions.

I tend to like spine-mounted disks better than thumbstuds also.

Joe
 
The hole might be a bit faster at times, but either one can be fast if the knife is smooth. I own and use both, but I do prefer the hole. I find it especially convenient and much easier to use than a stud with my weak hand.

I generally carry Spyderco's, bali's and fixed blades, but I just can't get rid of my Kershaw Boa or BM 750 or....

Take your pick, there are great knives on both sides of the camp.
 
Love the (over) sized hole in my Millie, seems to "work" better for me than the (smaller) hole in my Navigator (my only other Spyderco....with a hole in the blade). But the overall size difference of the two knives has to figure into the equation also.
YMMV ;)

I think they work as well as studs if not better, depending on the stud design and positioning.
 
I definitely like the hole. A hole can't catch on things, like your clothing, that a stud could for one thing. Also, I think the hole is better if you want to use two hands to open it. Holes for me!
 
I can't even begin to describe how much I prefer the Spydie hole over the thumb stud. The hole rules.
 
I guess I will go ahead and disagree with most of you and say I love the thumb stud. I especially like the thumb stud on Benchmades, the thumb stub + AXIS lock = very smooth and quick opening.
 
Originally posted by anonymous
that's ironic.. judging from boobar's avatar, you'd think he'd like the "hole"

;)
Click to expand...

Thumb studs for knives, holes for other things.:D
 
But part of that could have to do with many makers putting an "ambi" thumb stud on as an afterthought, i.e. scales are only relieved on one side, clip in the way of the stud. The hole tends to be easier for this old Southpaw. YMMV

Frank
 
I like the hole for smaller knife or lighter knives because you can drop the handle...i did this with the navigator and the chinese folder and the endura amoung others... I didn't like the hole much on my BM 806 cause this handle was so heavy that you can almost flick the knife right out of your hand. IMO the spydie hole is good for light weight spydie knives that it appears on my the stud is great for other heavyer knives. I especially like the BM studs because they feel the most confortable (the axis lock IS VERY smooth). I did have some other studs that made me feel the need for a much more calus thumb (Sog was one).
 
The Spyderhole works for me on Spyderco knives because they're set up for it properly. I've handled knives with holes of cutouts for opening that had the hole set too low, so it was partially covered by the handles when the knife was closed. A setup like this is a pain for me to open one handed. I like some studs, the ones on my Camillus EDC are set up in just the right spot. I can flick the blade open with my thumb very easily and quickly. Like most things, the hole/stud debate is mostly a matter of preference and application. Both have their merits and drawbacks, I think the overall design of a knife is more important than whether it opens via a stud or hole.
 
Blade studs have always struck me as being an inelegant design "hack" which interferes with both the aesthetics and the utility of the blade. Plus, it's just another thing to snag. Holes and nail-nicks seem to work better for me from an ergonomic and aesthetic point of view.
 
There is a comparison? Of course it's the hole!
As other have said, it's a bigger target, and it actually doesn't hurt as much when you open your knife than some of the other studs out there. Like the Kershaw Vapor. Nice knife for the price but the studs just bite.
 
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