Van Hoy Snap Lock

[Yahmanin]

New Graham has a couple of these for sale, and they caught my eye. Anyone have one and willing to tell us about it? Or maybe a .gif of it in action? Looks like an innovative design, but at first glance I'd be worried about lateral stability, and the blade being exposed within the frame makes me a little nervous as well, I could see filleting a finger while fishing for change. Bet they're fun to play with though, and after all, that's what its all about.

Also, could someone help this low watt bulb out? I'm regularly frustrated by the search functions, is it something I'm doing, or not doing, or is search just a bit erratic? I'm sure someone has written the above knife up, but I was stymied by search, tried it within this forum, from the home page, but got nuttin'.

 

[samhain73]

Okay, My buddy bought one of these at a knife show a couple of weeks ago, because as he put it "It is neat!" . When I handled it, it is kind of neat! But I would never use it as a "user". The lock up is dubious at best as the knife simply rotates to open and close with just a small circular lock at the top that kind of pries the frame apart, and doesn't (too me) seem very reliable. With 420 steel, it is a fun little gadget, but unless You don't intend any hard useage, It's mostly a fun toy. (Just my two cents!)

 

[z537z]

It's not even that neat. The lock is a SUPER PITA to use, and it's not that fun to play with over say, a small auto or assisted opener, balisong, etc. Not worth your money at all.

Also, UGLY as all hell, uncomfortable, and pretty much worthless IMO.

_z

 

[knife saber]

I have one of the larger originals in AUS-6. I've also played with the smaller one. They're both loads of fun. If I wasn't so damned ugly myself, and therefore incapable of rendering aesthetic judgments on anything, I'd say it's a cute little knife. Opening it takes a little time, but no more than learning how to twirl a pen between your fingers. For me, it's a great toy. Can't chew it like a pencil, but it gives your fingers a better workout.

As for cutting, it's ground a little too thick to be a great cutter, but it opens envelopes and boxes. Fine for me. The lock is different enough to be unsettling to experienced knife people, but it's sturdy enough for the kind of work it's meant to do. Lateral stability is actually rather good. There are two solid tabs on the blade that fit into two recesses in the handle. The one I have has more vertical play than lateral - and not much vertical play at all. The handle's not an ergonomic marvel, but it works better than some one-size-fits-none grooved travesty.

The clip is worthless. Although the smaller one's clip looks to be somewhat improved. I drop mine in my pocket, and forget about it. You won't fit anything larger than about 1/8" into the gap between blade and frame, so unless you have large and oddly shaped calluses and/or knuckles, I wouldn't worry about cutting yourself while the knife is closed. It is also quite difficult to open accidentally.

It's my favorite desk knife, and it's what I reach for first when I want something sheeple-friendly. I'd buy the new small one, but the original is more than small enough for me. Maybe as a keychain toy, though.

 

[GoodGuy]

I've purchased a couple of the CRKT Van Hoy Snap Lock folders (big and small) and like both. They're only about $30 each and, for that price, are pretty interesting examples of knife design. I routinely keep the smaller one on me for office knife chores (mostly opening packages). They both look a little "Star Treky" to me. I like that.

Hey, for what it's worth, one day while using the small one at the office a very attractive young woman (very short skirt) saw me with it; and she was curious enough about it to introduce herself to me. I was more than happy to show her how it works. Long story short... I have a new girl friend. If it wasn't for the knife, I might never have met her.

 

[Deezul]

what about the Snapfire.............hows that thing work? Anyone seen/used one?

 

[a deadly fart]

Got one of the bigger ones with aus6. It is fun to play with and peaks peoples curiosity but I only feel comfortable enough to use it at home. The blade in my opinion is too thick and yes the clip is crap. I also picked up a rollock just for the unique opening method but it's clip is also crap hence it is another table knife. Wanted to get the snapfire too for it's opening method as well but I'd rather save the money towards a better folder right now.