Which is the best opening knife?

[steyr_m]

I'm in the market to buy a new pocket knife. I like the Benchmade products, but and debating if I want to get one with the thumb-stud or the thumb-hole opening systems. Anyone's opinions on which is better? Why?

[Glass]

I'm with ratholer, I find the thumb hole a good way to go. My folder is a pacific cutlery. Good knife although it needs tightening from time to time. I don't like that it needs an allen key for that. Makes an extra thing I gotta carry even though it's a small thing.

Are those ladies in your avatars the same? I have some strange compunction to suck on a penguins belly button.

[Gaillo]

I've always liked Benchmade knives, particularly "Axis Lock" models - once you use them, all other opening/closing methods seem prehistoric by comparison. Having said that, check out my "Fat Bob" knife review in this same forum section - it's been my "beater" carry knife for several months now, and has performed exceptionally for all tasks I've put it too. It also has the added benefit of being (relatively) inexpensive - so I don't worry so much about giving it "hard use" like I often did with my high-dollar Benchmades.

For Benchmade, the 2 models you picked out are pretty good, but my personal preference is the model 710 "McHenry and Williams", particularly if you can find a (somewhat limited edition) M2 tool steel version.

[steyr_m]

I've always liked Benchmade knives, particularly "Axis Lock" models - once you use them, all other opening/closing methods seem prehistoric by comparison. Having said that, check out my "Fat Bob" knife review in this same forum section - it's been my "beater" carry knife for several months now, and has performed exceptionally for all tasks I've put it too. It also has the added benefit of being (relatively) inexpensive - so I don't worry so much about giving it "hard use" like I often did with my high-dollar Benchmades.

For Benchmade, the 2 models you picked out are pretty good, but my personal preference is the model 710 "McHenry and Williams", particularly if you can find a (somewhat limited edition) M2 tool steel version.


That 710 "McHenry and Williams" looks really nice. I've gotten more nods for the thumb-hole (I've also gotten a pm). I may need to find a store where I can try both.

[Gaillo]

I've always liked Benchmade knives, particularly "Axis Lock" models - once you use them, all other opening/closing methods seem prehistoric by comparison. Having said that, check out my "Fat Bob" knife review in this same forum section - it's been my "beater" carry knife for several months now, and has performed exceptionally for all tasks I've put it too. It also has the added benefit of being (relatively) inexpensive - so I don't worry so much about giving it "hard use" like I often did with my high-dollar Benchmades.

For Benchmade, the 2 models you picked out are pretty good, but my personal preference is the model 710 "McHenry and Williams", particularly if you can find a (somewhat limited edition) M2 tool steel version.


That 710 "McHenry and Williams" looks really nice. I've gotten more nods for the thumb-hole (I've also gotten a pm). I may need to find a store where I can try both.


You know... with the Benchmade "Axis Lock", once you learn to use it in it's "inertial" mode, you won't even TOUCH the thumb stud or hole, so I personally don't think it matters which opening assist mechanism you choose. Basically, with the Axis Lock, you can pull the lock back and "flick" the knife open with your wrist, and close it the same way. It does away with even the NEED for a thumb hole or stud. Like I said, it makes all other locking mechanisms seem primitive by comparison!

Hope you find what you're looking for... you'll probably end up with more than one if you're a typical knife geek like me! ;D

[steyr_m]

You know... with the Benchmade "Axis Lock", once you learn to use it in it's "inertial" mode, you won't even TOUCH the thumb stud or hole, so I personally don't think it matters which opening assist mechanism you choose. Basically, with the Axis Lock, you can pull the lock back and "flick" the knife open with your wrist, and close it the same way. It does away with even the NEED for a thumb hole or stud. Like I said, it makes all other locking mechanisms seem primitive by comparison!

Hope you find what you're looking for... you'll probably end up with more than one if you're a typical knife geek like me! ;D


uh oh, the guys at Master Card might be liking me soon. I may be getting the Spyderco Endura 4 FRN too. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.

[mightymanx]

I like the Kershaw's with there cam opening just toch the thimb stud and flick it is open.

They can spring open when deopped though and the cam can make it flip in the air This happened to me at 0220 in the am on a Emt call at work it flipped open spring up and stabbed me in the top of my foot had to do the call with blood filling my boot.

but they are great knifes.

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

Another vote for Kershaw, they make nice knives that have stayed extremely sharp IMO.

[skid]

Can't go wrong with a Spyderco. I have 6. The one I like best has a blackened "tactical" blade. I sometimes find that the shiny ones reflect sunlight into my eyes when I'm using them, and the blackened blade of course doesn't...

[willie pete]

this is my EDC, I like the one-handed operation, the shape and thickness of the blade and it does get used often...something else that I noticed, when closed the little "knob" you press to open, protudes out just enough to function nicely as a glass breaker, grasp the bottom end of the knife between your thumb & index finger and use a "baseball throwing" wrist motion against glass to break it


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LvNQFAtwh0

[hoarder]

I have a Browning (McCusta) model 392. Good folder for about $40. One time I was carring it in my pocket clipped and reached for my keys and inadvertently opened it. Next time my hand went in that pocket.....you know the story. It's a good idea to have significant resistance to opening.