Waved Knives

B

Bruise Lee

Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
363
O.K., other than Emersons like the Commander and CQC7 series, and the CRKT M-16 and M-18 series, what other waved knives are available? The option of drawing a blade quickly using the wave option intrigues me, but I don't want to blow a lot of cash on a knife just in case it doesn't work out for me. I know the M-16 is very reasonably priced, I'm just wondering what else is out there that is good for say under 75.

Why can't the make a waved Axis lock with a Spyderco hole for $50? ;)

Thanks,

Bruise
 
Bruise,
The CRKT's do not have the Wave, they have a flipper which is on the other side of the blade.
The Wave is patented by Mr. Emerson and he has not given anyone else permission to use it so far.
 
Doh! I realized that the M-16 has a flipper, not a wave, after I posted it.

My question is, how exactly does a flipper work? Are you supposed to flick the flipper protrusion to rotate the blade into battery? I think I've read that the flipper, once opened, serves as a fingerguard. Isn't it also supposed to help protect you if the lock fails by the dull flipper hitting your fingers instead of the blade?

Also, how fast is the flipper compared to the wave, speedsafe, etc.?

Bruise
 
Come to think of it, I don't even know what Speedsafe is or an auto! I know some of Ken Onions knives have this, it's fast, and it's good. I assume an auto has some type of spring assist mechanism to help open the blade. Am I right? I saw some cheap Chinese blades in an LA California knifeshop that opened with no manual assistance once you pressed the button, moved the lever, etc. He said they were 100% legal, but I'm sceptical. Was the shop owner telling me the truth?

Bruise
 
Hi Bruise,
I dont any flipper models yet but from what I've seen people do is they push the flipper which gets the blade started opening while kind of flicking their wrist which gives it the momentum to open all the way. On a few custom knives I've tried at shows the pivot is so smooth you could open the blade all the way just by giving the flipper a good push. On knives with Ken Onion's speed safe mechanism all you have to do is push the flipper slightly and the speed safe opens it the rest of the way.
Hope this helps.
 
Ha, we were posting at the same time.
There are different opening devices for autos, springs,leafs,coils, all are under tension and push the blade open when released.
It's easy for the store owner to say they're legal, but it's pretty much up to the judge.
The speed safe is very similar to an auto except that instead of pushing a button you have to give the blade a little push.
 
I forget the name of it, but that Camillus folder with the 5.5 inch blade has integral guards, which can be used for opening.
 
That's the Cuda Maxx 5.5 - but it is tip down so in order for you to "wave" it, you would have to take it out of your pocket first, then turn it upside down and put it back into your pocket again to snag your pocket on the way out.

Of course, once it is out of your pocket and in your hand, you can "wave" it on whatever is nearby.
 
autos 2" or less are legal in Ca. most are less than 2". keep searching these boards, you can sometimes find a good used commander or other waved emerson for around $100.00 (I didn't say every day!) If you don't like it, keep it in the same condition as when you bought it, you can probably get most of your investment back.
but I like emerson's they-are very good knives. pm
 
Why can't the make a waved Axis lock with a Spyderco hole for $50?
Click to expand...

Because there would be at least two patents and a trademark involved.

I know that some people see this as impeding progress. They don't understand how someone can actually own something as simple as a bit of metal on the back of a knife blade and how that person can keep such a great idea out of the hands of people who want it.

But, in actuality, these protections actually encourage and promote progress.

Why would anyone invest their time, money, and energy in developing a new lock mechanism or a new opening technique -- or any other new invention for that matter -- if they couldn't make money off of it? Patent protection guarantees an inventor a reasonable opportunity to make money off of his invention before everyone and their dog can use it.

Without that guarantee, it is true that we would all get to use new inventions for free much sooner... but there just might not be very many new inventions to use.
 
The Flipper is a great feature!
I almost never open my M16-03Z the regular way. Once you loosen up the pivot screw a little bit you don´t even have to move your wrist (the index finger flips it open), just as lifter described it with those customs.
 
Have you actually gotten to handle a waved Emerson yet? Depending on why you want the feature on a carry knife, you may not like it. I personally do not like the idea of it tearing up my jeans pocket(clips do that already), and I don't like the draw angle to use the wave, either.

Maybe you could look into the Leek for a speedsafe knife of decent size. But speedsafe + flipper can be a bit hazardous in the pocket without a safety engaged, especially with that sharp Kershaw factory edge.

You could maybe take a delica to a bench grinder and make your own wave, I suppose.
 
Personally, I really like the wave. I don't carry my waved knives in my front pocket though. I keep them in one of my back pockets and pull out into reverse grip. I better way to make a wave on the Delica is to take plastic zip tie, pull it tight through the hole, and cut off the excess plastic. This creates a little chunk of plastic that will usually catch when you pull the knife out of your pocket at an angle. Personally, I wouldn't touch your knife with a grinder. I think that the chances of ruining the blade are too high.
Matt
 
Originally posted by Gollnick




But, in actuality, these protections actually encourage and promote progress.

Why would anyone invest their time, money, and energy in developing a new lock mechanism or a new opening technique -- or any other new invention for that matter -- if they couldn't make money off of it? Patent protection guarantees an inventor a reasonable opportunity to make money off of his invention before everyone and their dog can use it.

Without that guarantee, it is true that we would all get to use new inventions for free much sooner... but there just might not be very many new inventions to use.
Click to expand...

Really excellent point.
 
Thanks for all the excellent replies. I think I have a pretty good idea about how waves, flippers, and autos work. I have a Delica and an Endura so I may try that plastic tie trick.

I agree with what was said about patenting inventions like the wave. Just how long is it before the patent expires?:p

Bruise
 
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