Thumb Stud, Oval, Flipper, or ...?

E

EdgeCraft

Joined
Mar 27, 2009
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122
Which is the most comfortable and fast to use to open a folder? When I've tried them it seems to depend of where they are placed on the blade, and how smooth it opens. Is it different with a custom knife? Before I shell out $300+ for a knife I can't see till it arrives, I'd like your opinion. I'm interested in a 3 inch blade, in a somewhat "tactical" style. I like Tom Mayo, Chris Reeve, R.J. Martin, Bob Terzuola styles. They seem to offer various ways to open their knives, so...which method is "best"? Yes, I know you can't get any of those knife makers knives for $300, but I'm open to $300+. Thanks.
 
I like thumb studs and flippers. Both being just as fast as any other. It's really just preference but those are the best for me.
 
For me, I prefer thumb studs. I get the feeling that this is more of a personal preference than anything else. In particular I like thumb stud knives that can be flicked open with my thumb. Like the ZT 0551, BM 710-1, or curiously enough, my Spyderco Para2(which is a hole, but it flicks open:thumbup:).

Sebenza and XM-18 can also be flicked open, but it takes some practice. I find Benchmade Axis Lock knives to be best for that particular feature.
 
I'm a flipper fan all the way. If it doesn't have a flipper, I prefer thumbstuds. I like the spydie hole, but I'll take a flipper or thumbstuds over a spydie hole. Obviously the best combination for myself would be a flipper with thumbstuds. I guess that's one reason I like my Brad Southard AWT so much. I do not like thumb discs. For me to buy a knife with a thumb disc it has to be pretty special to me.
 
thumb studs and spyder holes

flippers tend to be more intimidating when deploying in public areas, and i like to keep myself out of trouble.
 
I prefer flippers, then thumbstuds. most flippers can be deployed with the thumb by just pressing against the blade, and then pushing it open slowly like a thumbstud. then, when a sheeple friendly method is not required, then a faster method of opening is available. thumbstuds work too, but my personal preference is flippers.
 
Tony8179 said:
I'm a flipper fan all the way. If it doesn't have a flipper, I prefer thumbstuds. I like the spydie hole, but I'll take a flipper or thumbstuds over a spydie hole. Obviously the best combination for myself would be a flipper with thumbstuds. I guess that's one reason I like my Brad Southard AWT so much. I do not like thumb discs. For me to buy a knife with a thumb disc it has to be pretty special to me.
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+1 :D LOVE flippers, for some reason personally I think the strider hole operates better than my BM ones.
 
I like Spyder holes, flippers, and thumbstuds. I DO NOT like flippers that don't work without wrist action.

If you want a fast opening knife, check out a Kershaw R.A.M. It is the fastest opening knife I've held including A/Os and Autos.
 
thegeek574 said:
I prefer flippers, then thumbstuds. most flippers can be deployed with the thumb by just pressing against the blade, and then pushing it open slowly like a thumbstud. then, when a sheeple friendly method is not required, then a faster method of opening is available. thumbstuds work too, but my personal preference is flippers.
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:thumbup: for this answer. I do something similar except I place my thumb on the spine of the blade and push the flipper making the blade pop up and out of the detent and then just use my thumb to open the blade the rest of the way.
 
I am the OP. I have a benchmade 670 Apparition folder. I've removed the spring bar that assists opening, and I've slightly loosened the pivot screw. It opens very fast and easy. Faster than assisted. When I've tried other benchmade knives with either oval or thumbstud or flipper, they seem to be placed where it is difficult to open the knives. So I wonder if a custom knife solves the problem. With the 670, I don't care for the handle material, and the liner lock is thin and placed where I have to use my thumbnail to unlock it, so I break my thumbnail sometimes. As I play fingerstyle guitar, that is a "tragedy".
 
TBH I like the CS thumb plate wave opener the best.. just as good as thumbstuds, but wider so easier with gloves on, and it waves easily and perfectly fine, but not as obtrusive as the emerson wave or the spyderco wave
 
Flipper. A flipper has the added benefit of acting as a guard. Also, to me, it's a safety feature when closing the knife since the flipper will hit your finger before the blade can cut you.
 
Chuck Gedraitis Knives said:
If you want a fast folder buy an auto.
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Not necessarily. A well-designed manual can easily be just as fast as an auto.

I like thumb studs the best; they're fast, intuitive, and doesn't require a weird grip to use. Other opening mechanisms can work just as well, but they take a little practice to learn.
 
It depends on what your using the knife for....Certain knives, sizes and opening features will leave your hand in an odd position once you get the knife open..If your looking to get it out fast your probably not looking to cut boxes...The way the knife sits in your hand after a quick opening is a big deal..I have turned away from alot of folder knives for this reason..Most designs leave your hand with a weak grasp the second after opening and make you re-grip..
 
EdgeCraft said:
Which is the most comfortable and fast to use to open a folder? When I've tried them it seems to depend of where they are placed on the blade, and how smooth it opens. Is it different with a custom knife? Before I shell out $300+ for a knife I can't see till it arrives, I'd like your opinion. I'm interested in a 3 inch blade, in a somewhat "tactical" style. I like Tom Mayo, Chris Reeve, R.J. Martin, Bob Terzuola styles. They seem to offer various ways to open their knives, so...which method is "best"? Yes, I know you can't get any of those knife makers knives for $300, but I'm open to $300+. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Darrel Ralph HTM Gunhammer. Ok wait maybe its the HTM Madd Maxx 5.5 inch blade in assist. Oh my!
 
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