Why I don't like thumb holes

I prefer studs... but if my sebbie could do a spyder drop i would be happy as hell..!...
Never forget the smooth action of my para mili knives in the past...
 
I have no problem opening my Spyderco Persian 75mm and Spin with the thumbhole, no wrist flick, but I suppose each model is different (on both of those knives I can slowly open the knife just with my thumb, though, so maybe you're been trying knives that are too large?).

I have no real preference for thumb hole or stud, but it is nice with holes that they don't catch the pocket.
 
I find thumbholes much more comfortable for opening normally, and I find thumbstuds much easier to flick open.

More importantly to me, thumbholes need space which usually results in a wider knife. In that respect, I prefer thumbstud knives because they are generally slimmer and more comfortable to carry. I did like the way Benchmade designed the thumbhole on their Lum folder which was pretty slim, though it wasn't as easy to open as a Spyderco. Somehow, I still can't seem to stay away from Spydercos though.
 
I absolutely love the thumb holes on my Delica and Pacific Salt - I can open them very easily with no wrist flick whatsoever. Along with the very light weight they are probably the best feature of spyderco knives in my opinion.
 
I preferred thumbstuds flatout up until several weeks ago when I discovered a new way to open knives with a thumbhole. I put my index finger into the hole and guide the blade outward a little and wrist flick it to open and lock the blade. With little to no practice it becomes one fluid motion. Now, I'm not sure which I prefer.
 
I have just the opposite problem. I have several Spydies, and can open them all effortlessly, but I can't manipulate a thumbstud to save my life. Guess it's just a manual dexterity thing with me, but I can't do it.
 
I love my Endura 4, and I never used to like thumbholes before. I used to be a strict thumb stud guy. The action on my Endura is flawless, and I have no difficulty thumbing it open in one smooth motion. I prefer the resistance of the lockback, because it smooths out the blade travel. I don't like assisted openers, they scare the hell out of me. I liked the Carson Flipper on the M16-13z my Endura replaced, but it was definitely not sheeple friendly.

Of course, I have "gorilla hands" as a female friend of mine likes to describe me.
 
I find that thumbstuds get in the way while cutting and sharpening. They usually get ground off unless the knife is designed with the thumbstud doubling as a stop pin, or just out of the way enough not to bother me.
Holes also drag on stuff, so the best option really is flipper opening with a clean blade.
 
jim preston said:
.....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.
.....
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. ......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.
Click to expand...

first you may check out the video I just posted, opening with a thumb is easy if not easier than opening a thumb stud.
A hole might have less "vertical" area but has MUCH more "horizontal" area (5 times? wild guess), opening both of them 100 times a day and you will find the stud will wear your thumb out in the end :p jk
Practice make things perfect, in fact, I haven't able to learn to use my wrist and thumb at the same time to open a spyderco, but I honestly fail to see the point to flick my wrist (as shown in the video), maybe I just scare of flying my knife into the wall first try ;)
Don't limit yourself, give it a second try, you will love the spyderhole much more once you learn to use a hole, it took me few hours to learn first time. :thumbup:
 
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I've never used an uncomfortable thumb holes but I have used dozens of uncomfortable thumbstuds that created hotspots after only a few uses.
 
I can flick my spyderco lockbacks just as easily as any of my knives with thumb studs without any wrist action.
 
I just do not like holes in blades.

I am sure that there is enough meat on the blade, so the hole being a weak spot is not an issue with folders, but I just don't like them.

Purely a personal opinion.
 
Well I guess the Thumb hole is just a matter of personal preference.Some people like it, some don' t, but I do.That' s about all I can say on that subject.
 
Nice video- I'll have to try that.
Unfortunately, my Byrd has a hole that is long and thin. Why they couldn't put a hole on their value lines, absolutely confounds me.
 
I've had more trouble with 'studs' than 'Spyderholes' but not that many problems overall anyway. The 'Spydie Snap' can be done quickly and with control but it is not my preferred method of opening a Spyderco. Knives like the 'Military' open well with gloves on and that's always s plus.
 
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