"The Wave"
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">From the
Emerson Gallery and Glossary:
The wave is a patented feature that allows the knife to be opened as it's drawn from the pocket. This is the fastest method of deploying a folder that I am aware of. It is located directly to the rear of the thumb disk and resembles a wave or hook. As the knife is drawn to the rear, the wave engages the edge of the pocket, opening the knife as it is drawn.</font>
Basically the "wave" is a rounded hook on the top of the blade:
The knife is grasped in the pocket like any other knife and as it is drawn slightly to the rear (dragging it, instead of "lifting" it) and
POP
No buttons to find, bolsters to push, thumb studs to flick, no wrist snap . . . just pull the knife out of your pocket and away you go. With all other knives (except fixed blades) you must do at least two things to deploy the blade. Draw it and find a button. Draw it and flick your wrist. Draw it and thumb the stud/disk/hole, ect.
If you wish to pull the knife out of your pocket with out using the wave . . . say to show your Grandmother (who will faint dead away at the mere sight of you pulling a knife out of your pocket THAT damn fast) or say a friendly Police Officer who wants to make sure that not one of those evil "Switchblade" knives you kids are so prone to carry. Simply pinch the knife with your with your thumb and index finger, wrap your middle finger as to cover over the blade, give it a slight turn inboard as not to engage the edge of your pocket and pull it right out. No muss, no fuss.
True, the wave will eat up church clothes (dress pants) if you constantly draw the knife over time. I can say that I have been carrying Commanders in my pockets since it's introduction in '98. Are some of my pants and shorts wearing on the edge of the pocket? Yea, a little, but they are also wearing in the pocket that I wear my wallet, the pocket I carry my keys in and in the ass too. Wear happens
Give it a try . . . you'll never look back.
[This message has been edited by John Hollister (edited 03-13-2001).]