Vote. Thumb stud or hole?

D

Dude Crush

Joined
Nov 22, 2004
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For this scenario assume the knives are the exact same, a Benchmade Griptilian for example. Thumb stud or thumb hole? And if you care to explain why, all comments are welcomed.
 
I own knives that have thumbstuds and some that have holes. I personally prefer the hole. The stud can get in the way of sharpening and get caught when cutting. The hole doesn't have these potential problems. With that said I have not had these problems except when I tried to put a convex edge on one of my Benchmades and thumbstud got in the way.
 
Thumb hole! It's completely ambidextrous (I'm left-handed. I notice these things) so you can open it with whichever hand is more convenient and it's every bit as fast.

Yes, I know most thumb studs are reversible but you can still only open the knife properly with one specific hand.

I have both types of knives and the thumb hole is absolutely my preference.
 
I usually prefer thumbstuds, since holes, at least on the couple Spydercos I own, add more area to the knife than seems necessary, whereas with a stud you'd have a narrower knife and more pocket space.

But my real answer is neither! Give me a plunge lock, slider switch, or balisong latch! :D
 
I prefer the hole, seems to work better for me, more secure. If the blade is tight it doesn't hurt my thumb! The folders that I have with the hole are generally better knives, though, than the ones that I have with a thumb stud, so it may just be the diffence in quality.
 
Hi All-

Corrosion can form around thumbstuds that is difficult to remove in tight confines. It requires a Q-tip, compound/polish, and effort to keep clean.

An opening hole is convenient for either hand, results in much less opportunity for the thumb to slip (due to the angle) onto the sharp blade, and is a snap to keep clean and lubricated.

In the Griptilian example, the folks at Benchmade should pay Spyderco whatever licensing fees are necessary to use the round, chamfered hole. A true, round hole beats the oval any day of the week.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
A hole :D

Mostly because a stud interferes in some types of cutting chores.

Personally I like, and carry/have both
 
Hole. No question. Doesn't get in the way and easier to me to keep thumb in/on while opening.
Makes the blade a little wider, but comfort is more important for me.
 
I would always choose a hole over a stud. You can open the knife from either hand easy and I think it makes for a cleaner looking blade. I have also had problems with studs catching on my pocket.
 
Hole. It doesn't have to be round (AG Russell Featherlite, etc.) and doesn't have to go completely through the blade (Soque River). Easiest manually opening knife, the Spyderco Endura.

-Bob
 
It depends on the design of the studs or hole.

Very small thumb-holes are nearly useless, and the Benchmade 550 Griptilian's oval hole is not very good because my thumb slips off the hole.

Studs usually work well unless they are too short, too sharp, or too close to the handle. The studs on my 551 Griptilian work terrific but the ones on my 722 don't work as well because they are too close to the handle when the blade is closed.

Allen
 
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