Techniques on Handling My Knife?

K

Knifenewbi

Joined
May 13, 2015
Messages
7
I apologize in advance if this is a stupid thread.

Anyway, I just got my first knife I've ever purchased and carried (Ontario Rat II) and so far, the knife itself is living up to every expectation and I'm satisfied with its quality. However, I have noticed that the way I handle it is quite awkward, and I'm not blaming the knife's nature. I find that it's practically impossible for me to deploy the blade with just one flick; I usually just slowly deploy it by guiding it with my thumb, all the way until lockup. Additionally, I find that just handling the knife (when closed) is awkward and all of my fingers feel out of place. I'm quite certain it is just because I'm new to handling knives, but are there any videos/articles you guys can suggest to me that I should read up on? Or will I get the hang of it as time goes on?

Thanks!

P.S. I know "flicking" a knife open is not necessarily essential, because either way I can still open it and use it. It's just a side issue that would be nice if I could resolve.
 
Welcome. I've never owned a Rat2 but in general I would say just give it a little time and you'll be able to master smooth deployment of any knife. By the way Chris Reeve knives are some of the finest made and are designed to deploy exactly as you are doing now with your Ontario
 
Not all folders are suitably designed for "flicking" them open. It could be the result of a strong/deep ball detent, or a tight pivot. But if you loosen the pivot enough to flick the knife open, you might then have a loose pivot. I wouldn't place too much emphasis on being able to flick a knife open.

As far as how the knife feels in your hand, sometimes a person will adapt to a knife and become accustomed to it over time. Or, sometimes a particular knife just isn't right for a person.

I don't really see how videos of other people opening or handling a knife will help you, because the hands in those videos operating and handling the knives won't be your hands.
 
A Rat 2 should easily flip. As has been mentioned you may have to loosen the pivot screw. There is also a break in period.

Getting the hang of pushing on the thumb stud while flipping the wrist takes some practice.

Be patient.

Mike
 
First, it's not a stupid question. I remember figuring out my first one too. I didn't realize for a few months that I could do anything but slow thumb it open.

First, you have a very good knife. IMO it's the under $50 knife of its year. I have one and like it a lot. Mine will flick just fine. Yours will too. I limit to thumb flicking though, as putting wrist into is a bit harder on the knife.

I think everything you want will come naturally in very little time. Any knife requires a little break in time not only mechanically but learning the feel of it and the exact angles it responds to best when opening. If, after say 5-800 openings it's still too stiff you can always tweak the pivot slightly, but wait until you are comfortable doing that and familiar with the knife. All will come with time. It's a good knife.
 
Unless you feel the need to deploy your knife with a totally awesome wrist flick, its not necessary. I open my one handed folders like you do. I dont mind "wasting" that second longer it takes to open that way. And mine aren't assisted openers or autos, so I dont feel the need to act like they are.

As far as that awkward feeling, it may be because that knife does not suit your hand. Knives all dont feel the same. You will probably go through many until you get the one that "feels" just right.

But you wont really know what feels right or wrong until you use the knife. Go find a stick and whittle the bark off, peel a potato, cut up a pizza box. etc etc etc.
 
EChoil said:
First, it's not a stupid question. I remember figuring out my first one too. I didn't realize for a few months that I could do anything but slow thumb it open.

First, you have a very good knife. IMO it's the under $50 knife of its year. I have one and like it a lot. Mine will flick just fine. Yours will too. I limit to thumb flicking though, as putting wrist into is a bit harder on the knife.

I think everything you want will come naturally in very little time. Any knife requires a little break in time not only mechanically but learning the feel of it and the exact angles it responds to best when opening. If, after say 5-800 openings it's still too stiff you can always tweak the pivot slightly, but wait until you are comfortable doing that and familiar with the knife. All will come with time. It's a good knife.
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+1 on everything here. I have a rat1 and liked it so much I got the rat2. Outrageous bargains. My suspicion is that you will get more comfortable with it the longer you use it. Enjoy and don't stress. Before long it will feel like a pair of well worn jeans.
 
Speaking from a Rat 1, while I love the knife, it did take a little getting used to. Slow thumb was the way at first, and then I figured how to give it a thumb nudge with a wrist flick. Personally, I don't care for the wrist action. Now, however, after spending some time with it and putting a little lube in I simply push the stub up, not out, and with practice it does flick open and lock all of the way, most of the time. Spend time working on it you'll get there.
 
After one day I have figured out how to flick the knife open using just my thumb and no wrist movement! It seems a bit drastic how fast I learned but you guys were right, after using the knife more often to cut things throughout the day and just getting used to it I eventually naturally became accustomed to opening it without trying or thinking too hard. Ironically enough, I actually found out that I prefer the original, "slower" way to open it. It just feels more controlled to me, I don't know. Anyway, thanks for all the replies and help!
 
I, like most of the guys here, am constantly playing with knives. They feel like an extension of the arm after so many years. Keep messing with em. First time I picked up a butterfly knife it was an awful mess....now though....

Also, the Rat 2 is a great knife, like everyone said. Should easily be able to flick it out with the thumb stud once you get the hang of it. Ontario makes some very very smooth knives.
 
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