Yo 2 opening technique vids?

[singularity35]

For those of you who've had some time with your Yo2 can you post vids of your fast deployment from the pocket? Thanks.

I'm really having trouble opening it reliably. Especially with wet or damp hands. Opening it fast feels like walking on a slippery floor. I'd like see what you guys do and maybe I can incorporate it into my method of opening.

When I carry it, I try to open it fast when I have the chance. Opening it cold, I flub it more than 30 percent of the time. That makes it no go for SD.

 

[stalag2]

Hello there, first post around here.

I own a Yo2 since like a month, its not part of my EDC but i keep practising fluid draw/opening now and then.
I noticed from start it was a rather bad candidate for spydie drop so i went for tip up carry but unlike most of other spydies i flickit open with my index finger, i dont have to help the flicking motion with my wrist at all, i tried that thing with all my spydies and only the Yo2 shines here mostly due to the shape and size of the handle that allows to have the right grip without having to change it once the knife has cleared the pocket.
I have the feeling this is the fastest and failproof way to open a non waved / zip tied Yo2.
I tried that with both my manix2 and pm2 which both have silkier opening than my Yo2 yet i often fail and feel awkward because i have to correct my grip once it clears the pocket.

I dont own a camera, hope you understand what i mean.

 

[richardtran]

Have you tried the zip tie mod?

 

[cevtv]

Mike designed it so that when carried tip-up, your thumb lands directly on the hole when you grab and draw it. There is nothing about this knife that wasn't thoroughly thought out. Every bit of the design was done for a reason. In my opinion, the Yojimbo 2 is the pinnacle of defensive knife design.

 

[singularity35]

Have you tried the zip tie mod?

The zip tie wave ruins thumb positioning for me.

Mike designed it so that when carried tip-up, your thumb lands directly on the hole when you grab and draw it.

Yes, that's supposed to be the idea, isn't it? But when it doesn't open reliably what then?

There is nothing about this knife that wasn't thoroughly thought out. Every bit of the design was done for a reason. In my opinion, the Yojimbo 2 is the pinnacle of defensive knife design.

Yeh, I saw that on the sales pitch but that doesn't help at all, does it? How about you show me how you do it instead of giving me the sales pitch.

 

[cevtv]

Yes, that's supposed to be the idea, isn't it? But when it doesn't open reliably what then?



Yeh, I saw that on the sales pitch but that doesn't help at all, does it? How about you show me how you do it instead of giving me the sales pitch.

If your too daft to figure out how to flick it with your thumb, showing you won't help. I have no idea why you can't get it to open.......how the hell are you doing it? Jeezus....

 

[singularity35]

If your too daft to figure out how to flick it with your thumb, showing you won't help. I have no idea why you can't get it to open.......how the hell are you doing it? Jeezus....

I never said I can't open it. I said that when trying to open it fast, from the pocket as in an SD situation, with the thumbhole in a controlled pushing forward motion as the thumbhole is meant to be used, opening becomes unreliable.

I like controlled openings with full skin contact. I don't like flicking or inertial openings. You mean thumb flicking is the only way? I thought everything was thought out? Have you ever tried to thumb flick a folder in a stress situation? Fine motor skills go out the window then.

I have tried everything and the only reliable way I can open it is with a wrist flick which I don't like to do in a stressful situation.

Oh BTW, you mentioned "pinnacle of defensive knife design", what method of SD do you train in?

 

[SAKsRCool]

I have no way of taking a vid but just some suggestions, you've probably already thought of them...

The hole/handle relationship is a little different for most knives, maybe under speed you are reflexively grabbing and trying to open it like you do whatever folder you've spent the most time with so your thumb goes in a little deeper, or whatever? I've opened my Delica a ton over the years but I still occasionally will flub it under speed. With some more practice maybe it will get better? Practicing going to a two handed open if the primary method fails is also good.

Also if you have some traction tape maybe a piece shaped and put onto the clip will give you a little help withdrawing and the knife will feel less slippery.

 

[cevtv]

I never said I can't open it. I said that when trying to open it fast, from the pocket as in an SD situation, with the thumbhole in a controlled pushing forward motion as the thumbhole is meant to be used, opening becomes unreliable.

I like controlled openings with full skin contact. I don't like flicking or inertial openings. You mean thumb flicking is the only way? I thought everything was thought out? Have you ever tried to thumb flick a folder in a stress situation? Fine motor skills go out the window then.

I have tried everything and the only reliable way I can open it is with a wrist flick which I don't like to do in a stressful situation.


Oh BTW, you mentioned "pinnacle of defensive knife design", what method of SD do you train in?

Have you ever watched a vid of Mike Janich opening it? It's designed to be a thumb flick. Keeping your thumb in contact through the entire arc of motion is slow and clumsy in a defensive situation. Yes, I have trained to open the knife in a stress situation. The Yojimbo 2 is one of the fastest I have ever used in that aspect. Oh, I trained in MBC, directly from Mike Janich.

 

[cevtv]

Practicing going to a two handed open if the primary method fails is also good.

Also if you have some traction tape maybe a piece shaped and put onto the clip will give you a little help withdrawing and the knife will feel less slippery.

Both are very good advice.

 

[cevtv]

Ok......Here is where my fingers are as I pull it from my pocket. Notice my thumb falls directly on the hole from the beginning.......

Here is a clip of it being flicked open......I don't understand what is giving you so much trouble.....

[video]http://s115.photobucket.com/albums/n318/cevtv/?action=view&current=ba0c6abd.mp4[/video]

 

[singularity35]

I never said I can't open it. I said that when trying to open it fast, from the pocket as in an SD situation, with the thumbhole in a controlled pushing forward motion as the thumbhole is meant to be used, opening becomes unreliable.

I like controlled openings with full skin contact. I don't like flicking or inertial openings. You mean thumb flicking is the only way? I thought everything was thought out? Have you ever tried to thumb flick a folder in a stress situation? Fine motor skills go out the window then.

I have tried everything and the only reliable way I can open it is with a wrist flick which I don't like to do in a stressful situation.

Oh BTW, you mentioned "pinnacle of defensive knife design", what method of SD do you train in?

Ok......Here is where my fingers are as I pull it from my pocket. Notice my thumb falls directly on the hole from the beginning.......


Here is a clip of it being flicked open......I don't understand what is giving you so much trouble.....

I think our failure to communicate stems from you not reading my post completely. If the design of the Yo2 is for flicking, then I am sad to say it's not for me.

I do not think that a folder can ever be the pinnacle of defensive knife design but I do accept that carrying a folder is more convenient than carrying a fixed blade pakal knife, which for me, is the design that suits my style best.

BTW, you still haven't answered my question about what kind of training you do. Or do you just knifesturbate?

 

[SAKsRCool]

I prefer controlled opening as well. If you can open the knife once with a controlled opening you should be able to do it every time with practice, maybe requires a lot of practice depending upon what knives you're used to. I doubt the design is for flicking only, I suspect that Janich is an inertial or controlled opening practitioner.

 

[singularity35]

I prefer controlled opening as well. If you can open the knife once with a controlled opening you should be able to do it every time with practice, maybe requires a lot of practice depending upon what knives you're used to. I doubt the design is for flicking only, I suspect that Janich is an inertial or controlled opening practitioner.

Yeh, but the target area for the thumb is smaller than say, the para or the endura. I have practiced on and off since I got my Yo2 several months ago. I still don't feel as confident opening it as any of my other spydies. Except maybe for the Gayle Bradley which I don't mind because it's not an SD folder for me. With my other spydies, it's almost like I'm thinking of opening and it's open.

I do agree that a Spyderco is not specifically designed just to be flicked or we'd probably be seeing it on the sale pitch.

 

[cevtv]

BTW, you still haven't answered my question about what kind of training you do. Or do you just knifesturbate?

IF YOU read my previous post, you would have seen the part that said "I trained in MBC, directly from Mike Janich."
Done trying to help you.....you're a lost cause and waste of my time. If you can't figure out how to open it, maybe you shouldn't be playing with anything sharp and pointy......

 

[jungman]

cevtv/singularity35 - remember what Sal says about shiny foot prints? =]

You both are passionate about knives, you both do training, you both worry about opening the knife under stress, and you both are smart enough to buy Spyderco folders, and patient enough to get your hands on the mythical Yojimbo 2. That's a decent amount in common to start a positive discussion. =]

Singularity35 - Janich is a master of inertia opening. I believe he states it as 'his' (personal) preferred method, but not everyone will spend the time learning it. I'm willing to spend the time, but I can't figure it out as of yet (yes, I need slow, okay s-l-o---w motion video and instruction).

I usually flick open the knife, and that's mainly how I've opened my yojimbo 2 since it came in on Saturday. Bought one the minute I heard there was going to be trainers.

If you don't want to flick it, you should be able to stick your thumb body (the pad part) into the hole and 'shoot a marble' and it should open pretty quickly and easily that way. Should not require a flick of the wrist, which I think is what you are worried about... if your hand gets hit while you are making the movement, you are worried about losing the knife.

It's good/great to be thinking about such things and the venerable Kelly McCann (Janich's friend) addresses that concern during his Crucible knife video. Janich likes tip up (Yojimbo 2 and McCann likes tip down. Who is right? Personal preference, pro's and con's either way, depends on the individual and I wouldn't get into a knife, fist, or gun fight with either. And while they are both hard asses, I doubt either of them would be uncivil with each other while arguing their points

Don't know if the thumb-pad-shoot-marble helps, don't have a good way of doing videos currently.

Janich is going to have a video on knife openings coming out via Staysafe in the next couple of months. Might be useful.

 

[SAKsRCool]

Yeh, but the target area for the thumb is smaller than say, the para or the endura.

Yeah, it's definitely smaller....in your case it might be that if you really want to use it for SD you need to switch to full time use of the Yo2 and not use anything else to develop just the muscle memory for opening it. Then practice an inertia or two handed backup opening. Personally I find the inertia opening fool proof for me on the Yo2. But... I don't open my knives like that all the time, so for self defense probably best to use the same method all the time which is a controlled opening. Honestly, I really like my Yo2 and totally understand the advantages of it's blade shape but I'm sticking with the Endura due to familiarity with that platform and the available trainer. I'll be taking the MBC class in Nov so we'll see if that decision changes after that.

 

[singularity35]

IF YOU read my previous post, you would have seen the part that said "I trained in MBC, directly from Mike Janich."
Done trying to help you.....you're a lost cause and waste of my time. If you can't figure out how to open it, maybe you shouldn't be playing with anything sharp and pointy......

Oohh, you attended a 3 day seminar...

LOL, just because I don't prefer to do it your way, I'm a lost cause? Just because I don't like how opening YOUR preferred knife feels, doesn't mean I can't figure out how to open it.

You really do need to get your reading comprehension up to speed.

cevtv/singularity35 - remember what Sal says about shiny foot prints? =]


You both are passionate about knives, you both do training, you both worry about opening the knife under stress, and you both are smart enough to buy Spyderco folders, and patient enough to get your hands on the mythical Yojimbo 2. That's a decent amount in common to start a positive discussion. =]

Singularity35 - Janich is a master of inertia opening. I believe he states it as 'his' (personal) preferred method, but not everyone will spend the time learning it. I'm willing to spend the time, but I can't figure it out as of yet (yes, I need slow, okay s-l-o---w motion video and instruction).

I usually flick open the knife, and that's mainly how I've opened my yojimbo 2 since it came in on Saturday. Bought one the minute I heard there was going to be trainers.

If you don't want to flick it, you should be able to stick your thumb body (the pad part) into the hole and 'shoot a marble' and it should open pretty quickly and easily that way. Should not require a flick of the wrist, which I think is what you are worried about... if your hand gets hit while you are making the movement, you are worried about losing the knife.

It's good/great to be thinking about such things and the venerable Kelly McCann (Janich's friend) addresses that concern during his Crucible knife video. Janich likes tip up (Yojimbo 2 and McCann likes tip down. Who is right? Personal preference, pro's and con's either way, depends on the individual and I wouldn't get into a knife, fist, or gun fight with either. And while they are both hard asses, I doubt either of them would be uncivil with each other while arguing their points

Don't know if the thumb-pad-shoot-marble helps, don't have a good way of doing videos currently.

Janich is going to have a video on knife openings coming out via Staysafe in the next couple of months. Might be useful.

Yeh, as I mentioned I don't prefer the thumb/middle finger flick or wrist flick inertial opening. I can do them but I don't prefer them. Maybe the Yo 2 just isn't for me.

 

[JERRY RUBIN]

cevtv/singularity35 - remember what Sal says about shiny foot prints? =]

You both are passionate about knives, you both do training, you both worry about opening the knife under stress, and you both are smart enough to buy Spyderco folders, and patient enough to get your hands on the mythical Yojimbo 2. That's a decent amount in common to start a positive discussion. =]

Singularity35 - Janich is a master of inertia opening. I believe he states it as 'his' (personal) preferred method, but not everyone will spend the time learning it. I'm willing to spend the time, but I can't figure it out as of yet (yes, I need slow, okay s-l-o---w motion video and instruction).

I usually flick open the knife, and that's mainly how I've opened my yojimbo 2 since it came in on Saturday. Bought one the minute I heard there was going to be trainers.

If you don't want to flick it, you should be able to stick your thumb body (the pad part) into the hole and 'shoot a marble' and it should open pretty quickly and easily that way. Should not require a flick of the wrist, which I think is what you are worried about... if your hand gets hit while you are making the movement, you are worried about losing the knife.

It's good/great to be thinking about such things and the venerable Kelly McCann (Janich's friend) addresses that concern during his Crucible knife video. Janich likes tip up (Yojimbo 2 and McCann likes tip down. Who is right? Personal preference, pro's and con's either way, depends on the individual and I wouldn't get into a knife, fist, or gun fight with either. And while they are both hard asses, I doubt either of them would be uncivil with each other while arguing their points

Don't know if the thumb-pad-shoot-marble helps, don't have a good way of doing videos currently.

Janich is going to have a video on knife openings coming out via Staysafe in the next couple of months. Might be useful.

I've been struggling with opening my Yo 2 without getting pinched or pitching the knife accross the room! I found your marble-shooting method dramatically improves the opening!! Thanks!

 

[stillshot2]

Wow 11 year bump! I had a PM2 with a really strong detent, sometimes trying to thumb flick open in a hurry it wouldn't always go well. Had an og military also with a strong detent that I could only open quick and reliably by flicking it open with my 3rd finger from the backside, other wise I would fumble it thumb flicking because the tip down only clip didn't really allow me a good grip with the rest of my fingers. I prefer lockbacks or cage ball bearing locks more, the detents are still strong enough to hold knives closed well but not too strong to be able to thumb flick reliably or even shake the blade out if needed.