Which thumb nail do you use to open your slip-joint?

[CAP55]

Using my left thumbnail to open the blade leaves the knife in my right hand, properly positioned and ready to use.

 

[JohnDF]

Doesn't matter if you use your right hand or left hand to open the knife, it's still a two-handed knife (for most) and you'll still have to remove one or the other before it's "ready to use"... so having the handle in your right hand doesn't really save any time.
Besides, if that really is a deciding factor, they make knives that can be used with only one hand... even "faster" more "tactical".

 

[kamagong]

The way I do it the knife ends up perfectly positioned in using position to just lower my hand and grab it .... I tried doing the "wrong" way LOL and my hand still has to adjust and repositioned itself ( even though the knife ends up technically on my right hand )

Edit: "pinchable" blades are my favorite and are faster ( even the 77 Barlow is pinchable with some patina on it ) … using my thumb nail is the same just slower

Thanks for that Dan. Perfectly illustrates how I open my spring knives. Like you I pinch open my knives whenever possible and hardly ever use my thumbnail.

 

[traumkommode]

I still use both thumbs, depending on what I'm doing. There's still no option for that in the poll.

 

[r8shell]

I still use both thumbs, depending on what I'm doing. There's still no option for that in the poll.

Both thumbs, or either thumb?

 

[Old Engineer]

Where's the option for both? I use both thumbs, depending on what's more convenient.

There are some knives out there that are Ambidextrous .


Harry

 

[JohnDF]

There's still no option for that in the poll.

This forces you to choose one team or the other.

 

[traumkommode]

Both thumbs, or either thumb?

Both. At the same time.

 

[traumkommode]

This forces you to choose one team or the other.

Nie.

 

[traumkommode]

There are some knives out there that are Ambidextrous .


Harry

Yes! Knives like these are great... Because I'm using both thumbs at the same time, when the blades are ambidextrously nicked, then I can do slip joint opening tricks akin to butterfly knife opening tricks.

 

[sheep herder]

This forces you to choose one team or the other.

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

 

[Un-Chained]

What’s interesting as Charlie @waynorth said, it’s almost a tie I’d rather use my left as it’s faster in hand and staying put in my dominant one. The thing is, last year with shutdowns and all, a bunch of pals and I started throwing an official Wilson pigskin at various parks. As most of us had thrown for years as righties, we tried on a whim to throw with our left arms. I couldn’t believe it! Although not the same distance or with the same strength, the balls were flying and quite well placed! Playing stringed instruments for about four decades hasn’t hurt either I’m sure

 

[5K Qs]

Doesn't matter if you use your right hand or left hand to open the knife, it's still a two-handed knife (for most) and you'll still have to remove one or the other before it's "ready to use"... so having the handle in your right hand doesn't really save any time.
Besides, if that really is a deciding factor, they make knives that can be used with only one hand... even "faster" more "tactical".

Wait a minute! I call bouillabaisse, John! If you're already holding the handle in your right hand, you have to remove the left hand from the blade - I agree. But if you're holding the knife in your left hand, you have to remove the right hand from the blade AND remove the left hand from the handle while simultaneously (in an incredibly coordinated act of manual dexterity) switching the knife to the right hand! Seems like you're skipping a step or two to support your agenda!!

- GT

 

[Matt_WY]

knife in right hand, open with left, no time for changing hands, especially if involved in a knife fight!

 

[EngrSorenson]

knife in right hand, open with left, no time for changing hands, especially if involved in a knife fight!

When you're about to be attacked by a wild dog and you've forgot your smatchet, your .38, your ESEE 6 and your Mini Griptillian at home, and all you have is your trophy "used only on packing tape, factory edge, in a pocket slip" GEC slip joint, you're darn right time is of the essence!

 

[JohnDF]

Seems like you're skipping a step or two to support your agenda!!

Okay, you caught me... it does take a fraction of a second and an extra step to slide your right hand down to the handle...

 

[JohnDF]

especially if involved in a knife fight!

Get in many of those do you?
My feet are faster than my knife... I'd just run away.

When you're about to be attacked by a wild dog

Poor doggie...

 

[000Robert]

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

Rush, one of my favorite bands!

 

[EngrSorenson]

Poor doggie...

Hey... I'm not that unattractive!

 

[r8shell]

Wait a minute! I call bouillabaisse, John! If you're already holding the handle in your right hand, you have to remove the left hand from the blade - I agree. But if you're holding the knife in your left hand, you have to remove the right hand from the blade AND remove the left hand from the handle while simultaneously (in an incredibly coordinated act of manual dexterity) switching the knife to the right hand! Seems like you're skipping a step or two to support your agenda!!

- GT

There you have it: it's simple math!

Okay, you caught me... it does take a fraction of a second and an extra step to slide your right hand down to the handle...

So, we've established that opening the blade with the right thumbnail is less efficient. I'm curious what makes it more safe. I can't really see how using ones dominant hand thumb gives better blade control. Even if it did, the advantage is then offset by the risk of mishap during the handle transfer.

I'll say that it's refreshing to have a spirited debate on the internet without any anger or hurt feelings. All in good fun, unlike the critical argument about which way the toilet paper roll should hang. (Over. The correct answer is over.)