Why do some folders have a half stop?

[retzius]

I recently purchased the new Gerber Order and I have been carrying it for the last couple weeks. I really like the knife and will write up my thoughts shortly, but I noticed that the knife has a very pronounced half stop. I have seen this on a few other knives, most noticeably slip joints.

Why do manufacturers or designers include this feature? Is it a safety feature?

The Gerber Order has a thumb hole for one handed opening but the pronounced half stop makes it almost impossible to open one handed because your thumb slips out of the thumb hole when you encounter the half stop.

 

[TinyDog]

Much like how some get very used to flippers, Opening and Closing. The half stop is a safety feature that allows one to safety Open and Close a Traditional with one hand very easily. It takes some getting used to, along with a lot of trust in your knife. I love the Half stop

TD

 

[retzius]

Much like how some get very used to flippers, Opening and Closing. The half stop is a safety feature that allows one to safety Open and Close a Traditional with one hand very easily. It takes some getting used to, along with a lot of trust in your knife. I love the Half stop

TD

Makes sense. I could see it helping on a traditional slip joint. On a lock back with a thumb hole like the new Gerber Order its a bit of an annoyance.

 

[Ace Krampus]

Safety/usefulness aside, I find that half-stops make opening and closing a knife mindlessly whilst sitting on the couch watching TV entirely more enjoyable.