Why I don't like thumb holes

J

jim preston

Joined
Jul 22, 2007
Messages
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Alright, in several threads where Spyderco has been discussed recently I have stated that Spyderco probably makes very good knives but I don't buy them because I don't like thumb holes.
Why don't I like thumb holes? As stated, in those threads, I have found it harder to flick open a knife, and get it open all the way, without a wrist flick, with a thumb hole than without.
Here is my reasoning.
First, a thumb hole is only as deep as the blade is wide. Therefore, you only have as much vertical area to put your thumb against as the blade is thick. Many thumb studs on knives are twice as thick as the blades, giving you more vertical area to put your thumb against.
Secondly, I'm willing to accept that I'm not ably to flick open the blade of my Byrd Meadowlark without a wrist flick because it is a lockback, that has a backspring trying to keep the blade closed. However, I have been able to flick open one of the KaBar Dozier lockbacks (excellent values, along the Byrds) just using the thumb stud, and I was not able to flick open the Benchmade Vex with the thumb hole without a wrist flick, or the Griptillian, for that matter, without a wrist flick (my friends Mini-Grip with thumb hole is the only knife I have ever been able to flick open, completely, using the hole, but it is 5yrs broken in)
Check out some knife videos on youtube. The majority of thumb stud knives, even lockbacks, are simply flicked open, without a wrist flick, or a small one. The majority of Spyderco knives, it appears, are flicked open with a wrist flick.
Now, this is probably just a personal preferance. Its not all that important, but, while Spyderco, Benchmade, Byrd, A.G. Russel, whoever else uses thumb holes (who does) make some very good knives with thumb holes on them, I will probably not spend my money on them.
 
I'm with you. A wrist flick is not my preferred method of opening a knife.

Also, I find most holes too small. I want to get my thumb in it to allow opening.

The Military size hole is about right.
 
I buy Spydies and are generally fine with them however my only issue is the hole is the weakest area of the knife and if it gonna break/snap, it gonna happen there. Any hole in the knife is gonna weaken it. Some will say it's strong enough but it's a matter of opinion.
 
I've read at least one post by Sal Glesser where he said - and I'm paraphrasing here -
that not being able to flick a knife open is OK, since being able to
flick it open makes it an "illegal knife" in many places around the country.
 
That's why they make knives with thumb holes, studs, nail nicks, springs, etc. Nothing can please everyone at once.
 
I am not a huge fan of thumb holes either but that reason is only asthetic and does not stop me from buying thumbhole knives instead it just gives me a preferance for thumbstuds. I have never had a problem opening my thumb hole knives.
 
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My preferences run exactly opposite ...... I prefer thumb-hole openers.

1- Maybe because my first one-hand opener was a Spyderco;
2- The hole has never been an problem - easier opening than most thumbstubs;
3- Thumbstuds catch on pockets, clothing and etc. - Not thumb hole blades:
4- Never got a sore thumb from a thumb-hole openers: But after working a show all weekend, demonstrating dozens of thumb stud knives, often have a sore thumb on Monday morning.

Just my 2 cents! :D
 
Personally, I prefer thumb studs, although I'll admit that they do get in the way when sharpening.
 
Depends Depends Depends... not just for your grandparents anymore, but you as well :D I was totally with you, right between transitioning from an Endura3 to a 710, I said, "wow, I can truly one hand open without a wristflick!", however, as any knife knut is wont to do, I picked up a waved endura a while afterward, and enjoyed the wave. However, not wanting to scare friends, mostly have opened it one handed, and actually found how to do a one hand open reliably. I have smaller thumbs than most maybe, but I actually dip my thumb into the hole, with the nail making contact with the inside of the hole, and push out that way- I'm more or less certain that if I just stuck with the pad of my thumb I'd still be in the same boat with you...
Zero
 
I've often though about getting a waved knife, or ghetto waving the Byrd, but yes, I think it would scare people.
 
I"m puzzled, if I read you right you said
I'm not ably to flick open the blade of my Byrd Meadowlark without a wrist flick because it is a lockback, that has a backspring trying to keep the blade closed.
Click to expand...

I have smallish hands, size 7 1/2 ring finger, and I can easily open the Meadowlark just with thumb power. No wrist movement needed at all. Some, like the Goddard, for instance, are harder for me due to the ergos of that particular knife. But a Meadowlark?
 
I have never had a problem opening any Spyderco using just the thumb hole, seem very easy and natural to me. From my largest to my smallest it works just as well for all of them.
 
This is the main reason I have no Spydercos. For some reason (genetic deficiency:p ), I can not "open" a blade with a hole in it. Flicking is a different story but that's not the point.
 
I almost feel like I must be missing something in this post!

I can open all of my Spydercos, from Dragonfly (lockback) and Ladybug up to my Military, with ease using just my thumb pad. It takes a tiny fraction of a second, and I don't have to reposition my hand. I have average size hands, and I bite my nails.

The only kind of wrist flick I know how to do is holding the blade and flipping the handle — "the friend-impaler" — which strikes me as foolish, so I never do it.

What am I missing? Are you trying to apply force to the opener and have the blade continue to open without any additional pressure? Are your hands too small to follow the hole all the way from closed to open?
 
I have a spyerco delica and the hole works just fine for me..I love it..It allowes one hand opening.
 
Does anyone know where I can get an older Spyderco delica ..the one with the plastic pocket clip...they have been out of production for a few years now. Thanks..Clark
 
The biggest problem with Spyderhole is: after you start to use it, you will hate thumb studs
 
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