The "sharp edge" of the hole is designed to give your thumb some positive traction, otherwise it slips. If your thumb hurts, then you need to build up some calluses.
I got a callus all right, I just ordered my first non lockback Spyderco to test it out. Blue persistence if anyone's wondering
My legal deployment preferences are: Emerson wave, flipper, spydie hole (or elliptical hole on some knives), thumb stud, in that order. The Emerson wave has the fastest deployment, by far.
The only (minor) issue I have with the Spydie hole is the fact that a good portion of the back part of the blade has to be exposed when the knife is in the closed position in order to have access to the hole. It makes for a very wide knife to carry. Each knife is different and some (like the Native5) aren't bad at all. But some (like the Manix2) are a little wider than I would like. I guess I prefer thumb studs on most knives. But I don't hate the hole by any means. Just wish the hole could be a little smaller to allow the knife to be a little narrower when closed. Or they could make the Spydie "oval". Haha. And although I love my ZT's. I wish they didn't have flippers. Not a fan at all.
After using Spyderhole for years I absolutely hate thumbstuds as an opening system. i found Spyderhole is much easier to operate.
I have the same issue. I keep looking at Sebenzas and I can't get past the thumb stud. I will have to look into the other makers you mentioned who have licensed the feature
The only thing faster than my Spydies are my German Switchblades. Studs only get in my way and always have so I only have 2 left and they will be donated in the future.* The "HOLE" all the way.!!
I am ok with both, it doesn't take a special person to be adept at both opening systems. A preference maybe, but both methods executed well will get your blade deployed as needed.
You can read the patent: http://www.google.com/patents?id=Puo1AAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4#v=onepage&q&f=false It's like learning to ride a bicycle. Once you take off the training wheels why put them back on?
Benchmade can never CNC a thumb Hole like how Spydie does there higher end blades....the grind flows thru the hole with only a thin fillet on the spine...then heat treatment....it's not easy as drilling a pilot hole and install a thumb stud. The cost of producing a thumb stud may increase production cost...but drilling a thumb hole like how spydie does theirs, the hidden cost that we don't see....I only like BM for their Axis lock, and an axis lock should go with a thumb stud...it's two different feel. But the appearance is crucial...most spy is shape like a leaf, flat, oval...insect like...hole looks better especially the blade shape...imagine a thumb stud on a manix 2 XL...hahhahah! That'll be funny
I like the spydie hole works great , and kind of has a natural follow through feel when you slow open instead of flick
A Spyderco with a thumbstud? Might as well drink Coke out of a different bottle, or drive a bright orange John Deere tractor.
I prefer the spyder hole as well. I hate having something sticking out perpendicular to the blade. I also don't like how thumb studs can fall off.
I started to sharpen a knife with thumb studs the other day, and just quit messing with. The studs kept getting in the way, and I remembered that I would never carry the knife anyway, so put it away dull. I guess some knives are designed better than others and don't interfere with cutting, sharpening, and my pocket, but I dislike most that I have tried.
Didn't read all these posts but the Vallotton has thumb studs, though their main purpose is as a blade stop. I don't see what's so hard about flicking open with a thumb hole? Also I've never had the hole get in the way of sharpening at low angles like a thumb stud has, nor have I ever snagged my thumb hole on something while making a deep slice like I have with a thumb stud.
i guess others pretty much answered it all, but i just might pile on... 1. The spydie hole is a Spyderco trademark. 2. The hole is a more reliable deployment method than the stud 3. It doesn't get in the way during cutting like a stud might (cutting cheese for example) 4. It doesn't affect sharpening like a stud might I have to say though, the hole sometimes limits the aesthetic design of spyderco knives......
I agree with both of these points. But that said I decided I will not buy a BM that has a hole because I believe it to 'belong' to Spyderco even if it is legally and morally free for all blade designers to use. afaik-Spyderco pioneered the thunmb-holes use and since blade collecting (for me) is a hobby and not a necessity I want to stick to each brands aesthetics when possible. E.g.: kershaw:speedsafe-assist/Leek-style design, Spyderco-hole/handle-design, and other then that-I'm not really sure what individual aesthetics BM has but like the supreme court justice said-"I'll know it when I see it"
