Which assisted opening folder

C

CWC

Joined
Jan 10, 2005
Messages
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Hi, this is my first post on this forum. I'm planning on buying a new folder, and I thought this forum would be the best place to come for advice. I've been carrying a Kershaw Whirlwind for about 4 years, and I've really liked the assisted opening feature. I was in a store a few days ago and saw a smaller Kershaw that had the assisted opening and, instead of the thumbstud it had a small part of the blade material that stuck out of the back of the handle so you could open it with your index finger. (I've seen this feature before on Columbia River knives, but I don't know what it's called.) I would like a knife that combines these two features, but in a larger size than the version I saw. I would like a 4-5" blade. Is there such a knife out there?
 
I've got a kershaw blackout. bigger than the leek and smooth opener. wicked sharp right out of the box.
 
the boa fits the bill (i think) if it still has the flipper like the baby boa does. not sure about finding a kershaw with that large a blade though
 
So, I guess the opening method I was describing is called a flipper? I'll check out the models mentioned so far. Just to clarify, I don't necessarily want to stay with Kershaw, they're just the only ones I have any experience with. Where is the pocket clip located on the Boa and Dominator? One of the things I don't like about my Whirlwind is having the clip placed at the pivoting end of the handle. I never have liked having to rotate my grip after pulling the knife out. I tried a friends knife that had the clip on the opposite end, and it felt great.
 
The Surefire folder is a bad ass knife.

I know where a guy has two new ones for sale at as well. it is really ment to be a tactical DE folder withsome serious balls. it's about $190 but really cool.
 
I have one each of the Kershaw Chive, Scallion, and Black Out models of assisted openers. My favorite is the Scallion but I think after looking at the Leek that it would be the best of all the above. I handled one at my local Wal-Mart and everything about it is better than any I have seen.

For one the Wharncliff style blade, which has always been one of my fave styles makes it very appealing. But the size and overall thinness of it is what makes it stand out. That and the addition of the frame lock. (at least the one I looked at had a frame lock. I understand the Leek is available in liner lock as well.)

I like the Scallion but the size is a bit small, so to me the Leek is perfect. I have always liked the Black Out but it does seem that Kershaw stopped short on that one for making a better quality handle. The handle hasn't given me any issues or concerns it just doesn't seem as nice or as heavy duty as I feel it could have been when you compare it to other Kershaw assisted openers. My first impression of the BO when I first held it was the handle was kind of cheap feeling. Perhaps I am alone in this but that was my initial feelings.

I vote for the Leek. That Wharny blade can be used in the field to field dress game or cut out old caulking from a window like a standard utility blade, or carve faces in walking sticks. It is perhaps the most versatile blade shape there is so it would be hard to beat in an everyday carry knife in my opinion.
 
Try a camillus dominator. I own all (except for the boa, and baby boa) and really the kershaw assisted openers, but the camillus dominator has been the winner for me overall.
 
The clip on the Dominator is located at the end where the pivot is, making it "tip-down" carry. I'm not sure whether there are any "tip-up" assisted opening knives. I've read that some have had their Camillus CUDA Maxxs converted to tip-up carry, but I don't know whether this has been done on the Dominator. Maybe ask in the Camillus forum.

I also prefer tip-up carry, although I have several that are tip-down, and I've managed to get used the them. For me, part of it is sticking your thumb pretty far down in your pocket when grabbing the knife, with fingers applying pressure in the opposite direction on the clip. That way it pulls out pretty close to a decent grip. Does that make sense?
 
CWC said:
.............. I've really liked the assisted opening feature
.............. a small part of the blade material that stuck out of the back of the handle
.............. I would like a knife that combines these two features
Click to expand...

Welcome!

The piece of the blade that sticks out of the back of the knife is called a flipper. Activating an assisted opening folder with a flipper is patented by Ken Onion/Kershaw.

Since you are familiar with Kershaw already, you may want to check out:

Kershaw Leek (Good)
Kershaw Boa (Better)
Kershaw Bump (Best)

I have all three folders and I love the Bump.
 
I carry the Camillus Aftermath and the blade just flys open when the flipper is activated, although it might be a bit pricey for you but the D2 steel blade and Darreyl Ralph design is awsome.

good luck on your choice!
:cool:
 
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