Thumb Stud/Hole Deployment

sticktodrum

sticktodrum

Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
3,544
I sometimes see more instances of folks having issues with thumb deployments than I thought there would be, particularly with flicking open a knife. Then comes talk about detent strength, pivot lubrication, etc. I find that, like with most things, one's technique carries more weight in being able to flick a knife open than anything else.

No, it's not necessary to flick a knife open. Some knives apparently are meant not to be flicked. However for me, part of the joy of a knife is the flicking, and most knife nuts do it anyway. This is also nothing particularly profound or new, but I couldn't find a solid bit of thumb deployment demonstration, so I figured why not.

Thanks for checking it out folks. Cheers.


[video=youtube;81MlIACmh_M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81MlIACmh_M[/video]
 
If only youtube videos actually fixed the lack of hand eye coordination and dexterity.
/sigh
 
Thank you for this video.

Last year when the Cryo came out, I saw numerous people complain that the thumb studs were useless. I know they were trying to use them perpendicular instead of parallel like you showed. I wanted to make a video but never got around to it. Now I don't have to!
 
I would like to share that with the PM2 you can also stick your thumb completely in the hole and flick it out. I find this easier with the larger thumb holes, and the way you showed with smaller thumb holes.
 
eioous said:
Nice video man, really makes me wanna deassist my blur.
Click to expand...

Do it NOW!!! You'll love it. I did it to mine earlier today I absolutely love it! Greatest thing sense sliced bread.

To true

I think a big problem is the fact that some flipper knives have thumbs studs instead of stop pins.
Click to expand...

Why do you think that?
 
I have flicked open Spydercos that way, and of course my Blur, but no way can I open my ZT 0561 with the thumb studs. I'm not a little guy and although I'm not a gorilla I'm not a wimp either, but my thumbs just won't do it with a normal grip on the knife. It opens just fine with the flipper though.
 
aquaman67 said:
Thank you for this video.

Last year when the Cryo came out, I saw numerous people complain that the thumb studs were useless. I know they were trying to use them perpendicular instead of parallel like you showed. I wanted to make a video but never got around to it. Now I don't have to!
Click to expand...

You know, that's actually worth addressing separately. Thanks for the idea, I appreciate it. I also thought that the complaints about the thumb studs were ridiculous. That kind of thing, in my opinion, is people being unwilling to admit that they need to work on something themselves.



Strigamort said:
Seems so simple. Sure I open almost all of my knives like that, but I've never opened up my endura with speed. Thanks. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Thank you for the kind words. :)

I appreciate the positive feedback gents. My first little forays into the YouTube knife world have been fun. I'll likely do more things like this. Cheers.
 
Do you have AXIS lock knives and does your method work with them? I can flick any knife and hard. But I can't get your technique to work well. Guess I need to also make a video one of these days to show a couple of my tricks. Even stiff knives can be flicked with the right technique.

bdmicarta, are you touching the lock bar when you are trying to flick it? Almost any pressure just about locks the blade up if trying to flick some frame locks.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Do you have AXIS lock knives and does your method work with them? I can flick any knife and hard. But I can't get your technique to work well. Guess I need to also make a video one of these days to show a couple of my tricks. Even stiff knives can be flicked with the right technique.

bdmicarta, are you touching the lock bar when you are trying to flick it? Almost any pressure just about locks the blade up if trying to flick some frame locks.
Click to expand...

My axis knife opens hard using that technique.

One thing that I do a little differently is that I use my thumb nail. I noticed in the hid that the op comments on how he can feel his skin pressing back from his nail. That has always been uncomfortable for me and using my nail itself has always worked well. The only problem is that my nail doesn't fit into the smaller Spyderco holes like on the native. Of course on the native the hole is also partially obscured by the frn scale.

I've also noticed that the axis between stud and pivot varies widely on my knives so practice is necessary.
 
Just a side note about Benchmade axis lock knives. I just tried a 530 at Sport Chalet. Man that's a lightweight knife. $110 is too much though.

Anyway, I couldn't get my thumbnail on the stud well enough to flip the blade out. It wasn't an issue with the stud in its relation to the the pivot like on some of my knives, but rather the stud in its relation to the scale. Irs simply too close. Maybe with some practice it would work for me, but as of now it's a deal breaker. It does seem like a very fine knife otherwise. :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top