Why are folders so hard to open?

I'm with GB, try out the new Kershaws. I have a Groove that is as smooth as any knife going.
 
GarageBoy said:
Err, I vote no on the SOG flash suggestion. Takes a LOT of effort to break the detent and once it breaks, your thumb potentially follows the blade into its edge.
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Sure you didn't just get a bad example of the model?

I've tried out two of them. An all black version that was priced at $75 over at Paragon, and a satin-finished version over at Dick's Sporting Goods inside Roosevelt Field Mall; for $50 (Got the last one).

Didn't have a problem safely opening up either one.
But, to be honest, I generally prefer a flipper on an Assisted-Opener knife.
 
my sog flash II and my kershaw g10 s30v open really easily. no effort at all.. the sog is slightly faster and easier.
 
Because they aren't Spydercos! Seriously, that hole makes a lot of difference, I don't even look at thumbstud knives any more. Ease varies from model to model, the delica isn't the best, my Kopa opens like lightning. The paramilitary has an axis lock like advantage - because the liner lock is on the back, you can push the lock across and open the knife by flicking your wrist. Given that the design is like a scaled up Kopa, the Caly 3 should be equally good in the blade size you're looking at. You won't just buy one though...
 
I have a Stanley work knife (reg blade and box cutter blade) that is a liner lock and it is a royal pain in the butt to open and close sometimes. I threw it in my tool box for emergency use only. Now I have a SOG Flash II for this purpose.

Try trimming your finger nails and having dry hands when you open a folder. A little lube helps too especially if there is any rust.
 
I picked up a Superknife for some of the rougher cutting tasks, to save my EDC's.

It was hard to open at first, but after a couple dozen opening cycles it got much easier.

And it will flick open with the right wrist movement. Some are just a little tricky to figure out the technique for.

If one-hand opening still gives you trouble, get something with an adjustable screw and tune it until it's comfortable to open.
 
3Guardsmen said:
Because Emerson and Spyderco are the only two manufacturers who can make knives with the "wave" feature.;)

Try one and you'll certainly find they're not so "hard to open"!:D


Regards,
3G
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dont forget the cold steel ak-47 folder, oh wait a minute that has a thumb plate pocket-hook. nevermind :rolleyes:

sorry to anyone who is tired of hearing about cs copyright infringements :D
and get a fixed blade if folders trouble you
 
Most folders are to easy to open in my opinion. I'm not lacking in lower arm strength, and I'd rather not have any accidental openings! A Solid detent is a must for me on liner or frame locks. Lockbacks and bali's are ok as they are :D
 
moonwilson said:
The blade pivots on a lot of knives are intentionally over-tightened at the factory, to make them more difficult to open. Companies do this to avoid legal troubles, and to avoid having their products categorized as "inertia knives"- i.e, those that can be opened by gravity or inertia alone. Inertia knives are grouped in with switchblades and are banned most places. Most blade pivots can be loosened with torx or allen wrenches so that they are much easier to open.
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Very true. A knife I thought was a little bastard actually was all right after 5 seconds with an Allen wrench.
 
There is a lot of talk about the tension on the pivot screw but that really has little to do with it in my opinion (unless you tightened it with an air wrench).

My origional question had more to do with the initial force required to pop the blade past the detent, not the force required to swing it open to the locked position.

As far as my own druthers, I'm sticking with Emersons for heavy duty use and Chris Reeves for the lighter chores. The way Emerson uses a cut in the non-locking liner for the hold-closed detent reduces the pressure on opening dramatically. I'll put up with his left hand chisel grind 'cause I prefer the "top hat" as the lowest profile opener and his blades just keep working. As for CRK, who needs to say more?

Benchmade, Gerber, Buck all have the same detent problem in my mind so I just went upscale to the next level. I'm just glad I can afford it.
 
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