Who offers the most lefty friendly options?

Lee D

Lee D

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This weekend I hung out with a close friend who’s left handed, and the question came up “who makes a nice locking folder (no lock backs or axis) for me?”

I drew a blank, that’s not a question I’m asked very often, so I didn’t have many answers. I pulled up some sites, and showed him the lefty Sebenzas, but he was put off by the price...he doesn’t want to spend that much on a knife he will be afraid to booger up. :rolleyes:
He doesn’t abuse his knives, but it’s gotta be something he can use on the job site and not feel guilty about scuffing/roughing it up.

I tried to explain to him that several lefty members on here make due just fine using right hand configurations, but it was clear that he wasn’t interested. I’m drawing a blank, so I’m asking for a little help. Any suggestions folks? I’d like him to find something, but me being a righty I scroll right past knives that are configured for him. He wants to keep under 300, which Id think SHOULD’NT be a problem.

I apologize for the ramble, this coffee is getting the best of me :D
 
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Spyderco pm2 or military lefty.
Any benchmade with axis lock and reversible clip.

ETA didn't catch the no axis lock.
 
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Well, as a lefty I have to admit it can be kind of hard, especially if you exclude axis locks and lockbacks but still want a locking knife. Benchmade is one of the most lefty-friendly manufacturers and most lockbacks are ambidextrous by design. Most slipjoints work well too.

But if you are ruling all of the above out, then there's little to choose from. The Buck Marksman comes to mind. I'm drawing a blank on others at the moment. I wonder what this thread will yield.
 
Lee D said:
(no lock backs or axis)
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That pretty much reduces the options to left specific, rather than left friendly. A visit to the leftorium might be in order. But seriously, taking out ambidextrous locks like the back lock and axis/BBL means you really are looking at knives made only for left handed people, most of the options for which have already been mentioned.
 
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Maybe a button lock? Protech Malibu, Freeman 451(?) I think that's the right number, Hogue, Spartan Pallas
 
Kizer have some lefty models. Pro-tech makes some great lefty autos, TR-3 is awesome imho :)
Spyderco with ballbearing lock, Cold Steel AD-15.
And actually all Victorinox with liner lock have lefty positioning of the lock
My personal choice as a lefty is Sebenza 21 and lefty Military
 
Buck Vantage. I'm a lefty, and these are available in many different variations, 2 sizes, used and new. Pocket clip is reversible for lefty carry. The ones on the right are paperstone sides, and Bucks 420HC steel. Got them from Makael, another BF member. The top two on the left I got direct from Buck and have S30V blades, and G10 sides. Here is a pic of some of mine...
5apbEaQ.jpg
 
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KAEDC said:
Maybe a button lock? Protech Malibu, Freeman 451(?) I think that's the right number, Hogue, Spartan Pallas
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That completely slipped my mind. I don’t have any for him to fiddle with, but I’ll definitely run that lock by him.


Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I forgot to include he thinks my Spydercos are “ugly”, but he knows they’re well made, excellent users. Being in small town IA, unfortunately we don’t have anywhere a fella could go to handle a knife before deciding.
 
KAEDC said:
A small pocket fixed would also solve the problem!
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I understand how it can seem that way, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, a lot of sheaths aren't lefty friendly or reversible for left side carry. Second, sometimes the handle is shaped for right hand use (with a swell). You have to look out for these kinds of things. (A lefty-friendly/reversible sheath is huge selling point to me, but I usually end up getting either and after-market sheath or making my own for the knife I want).
 
Kizer-Laconico-Gemini-FL-Left-Handed-SW-Ki3471-L-BHQ-72454-jr-416w.jpg

The Kizer Gemini left handed version is usually in stock somewhere. Nice knife but wait for it to go on sale...it's not really worth the full price given the number of great, budget options out there.
Boker-Desert-Warrior-Kalashnikov-Dagger-Left-Handed-OD-Green-Copper-BHQ-95429-jr-1-416w.jpg

Boker offers their auto Kalashnikovs in left-hand versions
Protech-Half-Breed-Auto-Left-Hand-Black-SW-3605-LH-BHQ-114809-jr-416w.jpg

Protech has a lot of lefty versions.
Kizer-Isham-Megatherium-Left-Hand-Ti-CF-SW-KI4502L1-BHQ-88598-jr-left-416w.jpg

Kizer Megatherium comes left-handed but is starting to get close to where you can find a used CRK price-wise.
 
Lodd said:
I understand how it can seem that way, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, a lot of sheaths aren't lefty friendly or reversible for left side carry. Second, sometimes the handle is shaped for right hand use (with a swell). You have to look out for these kinds of things. (A lefty-friendly/reversible sheath is huge selling point to me, but I usually end up getting either and after-market sheath or making my own for the knife I want).
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Good points, especially about the sheaths! I don't have any fixed that aren't handled symmetrical, nor have I ever seen an asymmetrical palm swell, so I didn't realize that was a thing. . With a $300 max budget that's more than enough to get an excellent custom set up from a goodly number of great makers.
 
Also check out Walter Wells on IG, great easy to work with custom folder maker in VA. His prices are well under $300, he could probably do a nice custom lefty linerlock. He used to sell here and I own two from him, really nice guy, easy to work with!
 
Quite a few are "lefty compatible" by moving their clips, (like Ontaria Rats and such), but still they aren't truly "lefty designs", as the liner and or frame lock is still configured for righty's... I imagine that could be awkward to get used to, (unless you've spent your whole life doing it and have adapted).

Along with the few already mentioned, the Buck Marksman's SLS lock makes it truly ambidextrous. I think DPx makes a lefty H.E.S.T.
I'm also Pretty sure some of the better Chinese manufacturers like WE, Bestech, and Kizer, (maybe even Artisan or Real Steel?) make/made some left handed configurations on some of their models?
Not a lefty, so not sure how availability is on any of them, since I don't lefty shop very often.
Another option however, even as a righty I do find myself at times carrying tip down only knives in my left pocket... Still leaves the liner/frame locks configured for a righty, but if nothing else, could at least provide a few more potential carry options?

Good luck.
 
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stevekolt said:
Buck Vantage. I'm a lefty, and these are available in many different variations, 2 sizes, used and new. Pocket clip is reversible for lefty carry. The ones on the right are paperstone sides, and Bucks 420HC steel. Got them from Makael, another BF member. The top two on the left I got direct from Buck and have S30V blades, and G10 sides. Here is a pic of some of mine...
Click to expand...

These are good knives, but not what the OP is looking for
 
Fellow lefty and tell your friend I appreciate his desire for left hand specific knives!
  • In addition to all that has been mentioned - Southern Grind makes a left hand Spider Monkey
  • I think Dcdavis Dcdavis has lots of CRK at work pics! Too bad your friend is worried about buggering it up, CRK would be my first suggestion.
  • I recently picked up my first LH PM2 and even if he thinks it's ugly - it is a fantastic knife.
 
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