You've lost your thumb...

LyonHaert

LyonHaert

Joined
Sep 13, 2003
Messages
366
4 Ranges' hypothetical post about one's house burning down reminded me to post one I thought of last night. I cut my thumb flipping a balisong, and while I had paper towel wrapped around it to absorb a bit of blood, I tried to continue flipping. However, the paper towel was such an obstacle that it was actually more dangerous to use my thumb than keep it out of the way. So I kept it out of the way, and was still able to do some basic moves without my thumb involved at all.

So here's the hypothetical question: If you no longer had a thumb, just how many knives would you be left with that you could still open with the thumbless hand? Consider fixed-blades a given as still useable. Those who flip balisongs: try doing it without your thumb.
 
I think you mean open one handed with the thumbless hand. Gunting.
 
OK Joel - I'll accept the challenge. Let's see.........I can open a spydie by holding it with the last three fingers and using my index finger in the hole. Hmmmm.....Getting it closed was a bit trickier.
 
I can flip open my BM710 Axis lock, and flip it closed, without my thumb. Want pictures? :) Another plus for the Axis lock. :)
 
Just for kicks I pretended I had no thumb or index finger and I could operate my BM710 with just my pinky, ring finger, and middle finger. I used the middle finger to work the lock bar and the other two fingers to support the knife. I think with practice I could flip it open and closed with just my pinky and ring finger, but at this point it feelse to risky. :)
 
heh, all you would do is put your hand palm down over the cap, bend your fingers under the brim and curl them up.

i tried thumbless flipping and its very possible, just not smooth.

for a folder: i took the blade tip up (it doesnt really matter, just change the way you flick it depending on the tip) between my index and middle finger and brought it up to gain momentum like the gesture for "stop." then just flick your hand downwards like you're making a fist.
 
Dodo, 722, Charge (very slowly), Meerkat, Scallion.

Dodo and 722 will be flipped/flicked out
Charge I need to use ring finger and open in reverse grip.
Meerkat: to the scale action with my middle, ring, and pinky, in conjunction with my palm; flip open
Scallion; bla bla scallion.
 
well, i didn't actually went and try it out with my spyderco's, but i think i could still open them somewhat clumsely.

now for the serious part, let's just assume this hypothetical situation a reality............: ok, i could still easily manipulate my bm31 bali, i don't really need a thumb with that knife. other option when you've lost a thumb would be to EDC automatics only.

on the other hand, you could also start practicing using your knife with your other hand and just switch hands.... :rolleyes:
 
If the drummer from Def Leopard can drum with one arm, you guys can flip Butterflys and open one hand openers without a thumb. :rolleyes:

For me I don't need a thumb to pull the trigger on a shotgun. :D
 
LyonHaert said:
4Those who flip balisongs: try doing it without your thumb.
Click to expand...
Ugh. Not easy. My Scarab is just about impossible to open without a thumb. I can close it easily enough (flip it over and pull the switch with your index like a trigger), but can't find a way to do it without possibly shooting the blade into my forearm. My plungelock autos are pretty hard to do too, unless done in reverse grip.

Interesting side-note, federal law allows people who have use of only one arm to own and carry autos.
 
Yeah, it's doable, just tricky. I'd probably have to give up my 335 since it's small and the thumbstud is the only sure way to open it. As far as balisongs, really basic moves are easily doable. Pretty much anything that involves keep a solid hold on one handle is easy. Simple ones like the Basic Horizontal can still be done smoothly if you ricochet from a downwards angle instead of the side. Anything else would have to be relearned for different fingers, e.g. from open position, rolling over your middle finger instead of your index finger.
 
I can flip-open pretty much all of my (Axis-lock) Benchmades without using my thumb...
 
I can kick open my Black Out with my left hand without the thumb. However, I can't do it with my right (stud is on the wrong side).
 
T. Erdelyi said:
If the drummer from Def Leopard can drum with one arm, you guys can flip Butterflys and open one hand openers without a thumb. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

To be fair, he's using both feet and a butt-load of electronics along with that one hand.
;)
 
Can still open all except my SAK's, and a Delta Z lockback. Edited to add, the easiest is my Protech Magic!!!
 
dennis75 said:
other option when you've lost a thumb would be to EDC automatics only.
Click to expand...

Actually my automatics, with the exception of my PT Magic are among the hardest to open and close without using your thumb
 
just opened and closed both my spydie frn endura and ss police...

grip tight to the palm, and flip the blade out... closing I just flipped it over, index on the lock, flipped again and used the same grip as I opened with the close it against my leg....

Been wearing a brace on my left wrist for 3 months, waiting now for an MRI (saw the specialist wednesday morning) and surgery after(cartiledge and ligament damage)...

Sure woke me up realizing how few of my knives could be done right side, one hand only... try opening a slipjoint with a 20-30lbs spring when you only have 1 hand. At least I can take it off when I want, and type with both...

just hurts to bend it, pick anything up(15lbs so far with the left hand), or put pressure on it.
 
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