What's best - thumb hole or stud?

K

kirch

Joined
Dec 19, 1999
Messages
260
My apologies if this has been debated before, but I haven't been to the forum in a few months. My question -- do you prefer a folder with a thumb hole or a thumb stud? I own a few of each and immensely prefer the hole on my Spydercos. It seems to open much easier than any studded blades I've tried. As a follow-up question -- the thumb hole is such a great innovation, why hasn't everyone copied it? I've heard Spyderco has a patent on the thumb hole, but can you patent a hole?
 
This subject was very recently discussed, like last week or the week before. Like anyone else, I would recommend using the search option.

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Formerly known as "EdRozen"
 
Yes Kirch, they did patent the hole. Many makers and companies with morals and honor have paid royalties(though I doubt Spyderco charged them alot) to use the hole. Many other companies without morals and honor used the hole without permission. I also remember Sal telling me once that a famous knife designer had the patent interpreted as a round hole so they got away with it by changing the shape.
In answer to your original question, my answer is neither. I am partial to the thumb disc on top of blade that Bob Terzuola originated.

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Dave (Phil.4:13)
I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me
 
I have knives with both the thumb stud and the hole but I can't make up my mind . Both are easy for me to operate I use to flick open my knives when they had neither it just took some work to work the blade in so it would not be so hard to open.But I love the help that the stud and hole give me much better.
 
My first knife was a Gerber E-ZOut, So I though that having a hole is by far the best way to go. Then I bought two Benchmades with thumb studs, and found with a little practice, I could open those knives as quick or not quicker. Now I have just purchased a Spyderco and I've got to say, I like both the hole and stud equally well. As long as the knife is well made, I'm happy either way.
 
I prefer the hole over both stud and disc. You can draw a knife with the blade in the ready position much quicker than any other opening systems with the exception of a MT OTF in a kydex rig...heh, heh, heh - love them MT's. I carry knives mostly for self- defense so this "quick draw" pays off. My next vote would be for the thumb disc. It just looks so much better than a stud sticking out next to the spine of the blade...unless it is placed like the MT SOCOM, Chameleons, etc...where it is at the very base of the blade when in the open position. Also, all the "disc blades" I have seen are ambidextrous...studs aren't always that way.
 
I'm a disc guy. If it's got a hole, that means it's a Spyderco. I had one Endura, and fortunately, a friend wanted it. (Of course, what kind of a friend am I for saddling her with it?) I'm not trying to be cute, I just like metal handles and decent steel, and I'm willing to pay more.
 
Old Knife Guy, not all thumb holes are on Spyderco knives. The BM AFCK has one as well.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
I have to 'second' the disk! My BM Stryker opens effortlessly. The disk seems more glove freindly too.
Just my $.02
Brent...
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OKG,
Funny meeting you here
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[This message has been edited by Classified00 (edited 09-23-2000).]
 
I've spent more time carrying a knife with a thumb hole than a stud, and find I like it better. Mostly becasue I can work the knife with either hand, and it doesn't have anything sticking out on the blade to get in the way when your cutting something or to get caught on your clothes.
But I think with the right design either one is very usable. It all depends on placement relative to the handle, size, and stuff like that.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
I prefer the thumb stud/disk over the opening hole. I find that I can get a much better purchase with a disk/stud than I can with a hole. When using my Spydies, my finger occasionally slips off the hole when opening, this doesn't happen with the studs and disks.

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"I'm out there Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"--Kramer
 
My first knife was a Spydie Endura, so I've always been partial to the hole. My latest knife was a BM AFCK which uses the hole with consent from Spyderco. The large AFCK works well, but the hole on the smaller version is too small and I found my thumb would slip over it, so I got the bigger one.

Ii have several CRKT knives with studs and they all work just fine, so I guess you should try before you buy to see what works best for you.
 
I must say after owning several of each I'm partial to the thumb stud. The reason being is that I like the fact that I can use any part of the finger to flick it open. Unlike the hole where you need to deposit a bit of the finger in the hole. I usually use the knukle on my thumb and a bit of a flick to open my knives. CRKT has also come out with a unusual design that i like on thier m-16's. You should check them out. These guys keep on suprising me, quality at a low price.
I'm still partial to my Benchmade though, however I am looking with googlee eyes at a Microtech LCC.
 
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