Thumb Hole or Thumb Stud

I have never really tried a blade with a thumb hole; however, now I'm thinking I may need to pick up a Spyderco and try it out. I have no problems with the thumb studs on my current knives though.
 
Some thumb-studs are better than others. With a hole, you pretty much know what to expect. I don't often 'flick' my knives, but the option is certainly there; this is something that is not always possible with thumb-studs. Some thumb-stud blades want to fly out after clearing the detent, which can make for an embarrassing or awkward moment when using your knife around sheeple. I also find that the hole provides a better tactile sensation of the pivot action and how smooth a knife is to deploy...

Spydie-hole... final answer. :)
 
I switch back and forth a lot. I love the thumb hole on almost all blades but if a thumb stud has enough clearance and is well designed then I love it the same
 
Thumb hole.

I've handled more than a few of both types and always have easier time with thumb hole.
 
The hole is the most functional for me.
It's more forgiving to deploy and less threatening.

Still love my BM 710 and 940.
 
After having owned both over the last 15 years or so I give the edge to the stud. I don't know what angles people are sharpening at to hit the stud but I have never had a stud get in the way while sharpening. The hole for me represents a potential weak spot in the blade. I know just saying that will invite controversy but that is MY opinion. It's all personal preference of course on th epart of the individual but I can say without a doubt that (for me at least) I can open a studded knife easier and faster than the hole.
 
I like both. Quaity of the pivot action, detent, lock and all that stuff matters a lot. A well designed lug opener like a BM 710 is like silk same as a Spyderco Military. I can open them with equal ease and speed because they're both well executed designs. :thumbup:
 
To each his own I guess, I tried the "hole" and bought a Spyderco Sage, carried it for a couple days and peddled it- it just wasn't for me. I'll take the thumb studs.
 
I have used knives of both kinds but now prefer ones with thumb hole.
Espescially for work knives as I use gloves alot there, holes are best.
 
Great response and thanks for all the input. BTW, I received my Spyderco Gayle Bradley today and all concern about a thumb hole are gone. This is one SWEET knife! I think the few knives I tried before, with a thumb hole, were too small for my hand making it ergonomically difficult to open. The Bradley is a nice size and weight and the thumb hole is a nice size and placed for an easy open for my hand. Glad I decided to give it a try. Thanks again!
 
I like both, I personally like the hole on my spyderco military but on most knives I like a spine disc like emerson knives. I like studs too and they are easier to design a knife around. I just started my first folders and they will have studs, only because I dont have a mill to use a spine disc.
 
"I think the thumb hole would be more difficult to deploy the blade."

EXACT opposite of this. lol

Thumb hole makes it ridiculously easy to deploy and close a knife.
 
With the hole, I think a lot depends on the size of your thumb and the size of the hole. I have some trouble using say the SAK OHT as it is a touch slippery and hole is a little smaller than I need it to be. The Spyderco Endura isn't so bad though.

I prefer however thumb studs for the most part, as long as they are useful. Some are a complete waste of time however, for instance the Kershaw Centafonte. I don't know anyone who can actually use the studs on there and have to use the flipper only. Others such as the Benchmade Minigriptillian, Kershaw Blur and so on work well.

It all a matter of personal preference, though I guess I just have more comfort and experience with the thumb studs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top