That loud CLACK-sound that some folders make... I hate it!

[hoppingzombie]

Maybe try a Lone Wolf Paul type knife? I can flip both my Prankster and my Defender open almost in silence with a little effort.

 

[Kaizen1]

I don't want to derail this thread too much more to respect the OP.

^I definitely agree with you that opening a knife really fast is a factor in what scares people, and that any folder can be opened quietly. However, I do not believe opening a knife quickly will scare and draw too much unwanted attention compared to opening a knife loudly, unless people are already looking. My reason behind this is this:

If any knife can be opened quietly, then there's no issue. If someone's around, simply open it quietly.

a) People are not watching you; you open a knife really fast but quietly; the people not watching are still most likely not watching since they did not see the knife opened in addition to there not being noticeable noise from opening the knife.
or
b) People are not watching you; you open a knife really fast but loudly; the people not watching may possibly now look for what caused the noticeable noise and might see you holding the open knife despite not seeing you open the knife.

Comparing two scenarios where both are opened quietly:
1) whipping the knife out fast vs
2) carefully opening the knife, remaining aware of any attention you're bringing to yourself

Which do you think is more likely to draw attention? If someone does see you using a knife carefully and responsibly vs quick and ninja like, which do you think would be more unsettling?

The point is, if one is really concerned about not scaring people, then there's no good reason to be able to deploy a knife uber-fast. And if there aren't any people around and you want to open it quickly, there's no problem with it making any noise.

But, I did consider what the OP was asking for, so I mentioned the CRKT Ken Onion Ripple as one of the most silent folders with a fast deployment I'm currently familiar with. Although I have to say, my BM 921 is almost just as quiet and fast as the Ripple whereas the 710 is a bit but not too much louder.

I agree on the Ripple and most axis lock knives as being relatively quiet.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

If you have rubber on the stop pin the impact might still resonate through the knife and cause a sound. But more importantly it would cause vertical play. And it might be enough to jeopardize lock safety/ strength depending on the lock type. I doubt you will see that 'feature' any time soon.

 

[Kaizen1]

If you have rubber on the stop pin the impact might still resonate through the knife and cause a sound. But more importantly it would cause vertical play. And it might be enough to jeopardize lock safety/ strength depending on the lock type. I doubt you will see that 'feature' any time soon.

They already have that feature on the CRK Umnum, which was taken from the GG Hawk guys. They use it on some of their models.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

They already have that feature on the CRK Umnum, which was taken from the GG Hawk guys. They use it on some of their models.

I will have to find pictures of it. It seems the only way it would work is if there is rubber that sits proud, which is then compressed when the blade makes contact and then seats against a piece of metal. I personally wouldn't trust a knife that has a compressible material that can move with pressure regardless of who makes it.

 

[Kaizen1]

I will have to find pictures of it. It seems the only way it would work is if there is rubber that sits proud, which is then compressed when the blade makes contact and then seats against a piece of metal. I personally wouldn't trust a knife that has a compressible material that can move with pressure regardless of who makes it.

Yeah, it's a strange and interesting feature.

Here's a pic with a description from the CRK site:

"The thumb lug doubles as the stop pin, ensuring a solid lockup. Around the lug is a polyurethane o-ring that acts as a shock absorber to cushion the impact of the lug against the handle. Never wishing to copy other designs without giving credit, Grant and Gavin Hawk originated the shock absorber concept in one of their many innovative designs. We appreciate their consent for Chris to use this adaptation of their concept."

The Umnum has been out for a while now and I haven't read any complaints about the O-rings specifically. Whether that's been enough time to really tell anything is debatable.

 

[stabman]

I will have to find pictures of it. It seems the only way it would work is if there is rubber that sits proud, which is then compressed when the blade makes contact and then seats against a piece of metal. I personally wouldn't trust a knife that has a compressible material that can move with pressure regardless of who makes it.

The rubber acts as a shock absorber.
The stop-pins make full contact with the titanium as long as the lock tension is set correctly.
And if the lock tension isn't set correctly, then the knife has problems whether there is rubber there or not.