When you access a knife as to whether to recommend it as a first-time knife buy, do you consider the way it opens as a factor? I ask because in a thread about someone wanting to introduce a guy to knives, one poster said the recipient might not like the hole that Spyderco uses. I never considered that when trying to determine what my first knife will be. I figured it was blade (full edge ground or something like that), the edge, the maker (reputable and big name vs. something no one has heard of) and looks and price.
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What to look for in an opening system
- Thread starter LawyerSam
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A hole, thumb stud, or flipper all can be opened easy enough. Some people might have a preference after they have tried them all out but none are bad. I would pick the knife you like and if you end up buying more down the road then maybe try something different to see if a different type might feel better to you when you manipulate it. But I wouldn't let the opening device sway your decision because they all work well.
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Not really. I think a spyderco would be a great first knife or a SAK.
My first folder ever was a spyderco combo edge delica.
My first folder ever was a spyderco combo edge delica.
kreole
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If I can't handle the knife first (which is 99% of the time), I don't like buying knives with thumb nicks or studs because their placement can make the knife hard to open. Flippers and holes don't have that problem.
In regard to that thread, I know people don't like Spyderco's hole because of how it looks, but I don't understand why someone wouldn't like it in use. Actually, with all the knives I've had with a hole (Spyderco, Benchmade, Victorinox), it hasn't been a liability--I'm not sure how you could do it wrong, unless it was entirely covered by the handle or something, but that'd take a huge oversight in design.
In regard to that thread, I know people don't like Spyderco's hole because of how it looks, but I don't understand why someone wouldn't like it in use. Actually, with all the knives I've had with a hole (Spyderco, Benchmade, Victorinox), it hasn't been a liability--I'm not sure how you could do it wrong, unless it was entirely covered by the handle or something, but that'd take a huge oversight in design.
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I find that I prefer to EDC a knife that's easy to open - if it's also easy to close then that's a bonus but getting it open quickly and easily takes priority
Irrespective of how it opens - everyone's hand is different so you really have to try the knife for yourself. The Spydie hole is excellent but even then, every model is different enough that you have to try for yourself. With non-assisted knives I find a well designed flipper to be the easiest to open - although often as not it's an Endura with Emerson Wave opener that I EDC
Irrespective of how it opens - everyone's hand is different so you really have to try the knife for yourself. The Spydie hole is excellent but even then, every model is different enough that you have to try for yourself. With non-assisted knives I find a well designed flipper to be the easiest to open - although often as not it's an Endura with Emerson Wave opener that I EDC
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- Jan 30, 2010
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you need to try all 3 of those opening methods over time, just pick the one thats the most appealing to you now.
and don't blow a lot of money on your first knife, you don't know exactly what you like yet.
and don't blow a lot of money on your first knife, you don't know exactly what you like yet.