Modifying a Folder for One-Handed Opening

[mrmeangenes]

I haven't quite figured out how to get my photos (which are in my computer's memory) onto this page, so I've posted a link to my website,where I've posted a photo essay.

http://genefinneran.typepad.com/finn...d-opening.html

[1 old 0311]

I bought my one-hand opening folder from A.G. Russell in 1985. Still works like a top.

[p35]

I have a doohickey on my Gerber Bolt Action consisting of a short steel cylinder with a notch in the side that fits over the back of the blade and is held in place by an Allen set screw. Called a "Zip-it" or something like that IIRC. Works nicely to address this issue.

[Jack19]

I wouldn't bother trying to modify what you have. Buy a folder with assisted opening.....several manufacturers make them, I have a SOG Flash II that I like a lot.

http://www.thebladeshop.com/Flash_I_...dels_s/412.htm

[wulf]

google swhrtmgs. It has a guard which passes through the handle and a quick pull on it and a flick of the wrist snaps it open every time.

[mrmeangenes]

I favor my own approach,because I modified a very similar knife some 20+ years ago, and loved the way it worked. (Unfortunately-I left it in my camper when I sold it a few years back !)

[Tirod]

I haven't bought a two handed knife for personal carry in 15 years. The hole, stud, or disc is the biggest improvement in knife use I've ever seen, right behind the liner lock.

Open AND close with one hand is my standard now, and done that way every time. Ingenuity in design and manufacture makes them work without springs even better.

[highorder]

Any time you have to put two hands on a knife to open or close it, you have introduced 5 more digits to potential danger.

Buy a Benchmade Axis; I love my 941, but the Griptilians (556 and 551) are great as well.

[WillAdams]

SOG makes a couple of great "assisted" openers as does Kershaw and both brands are Made in USA !! I Really like the "Needs Work:, Ken Onion designed Kershaw.

[exoduster18]

Kershaw, CRKT, Benchmade, SOG.....You can't go wrong with any of these.

I personally own three Kershaws assisted openers (Chive, Scallion, and the Tanto Blur)...

As well as M16-13Z and M16-10KZ from CRKT....These two have a "flipper" that doubles as a finger guard. They are both well built and rugged knives....and with a little practive, you can get them to open rather quickly with just a flick of the finger......

[JesseL]

If you live in a free state you could just carry a switchblade...

[SimpleIsGood229]

This is why I love the Spyderhole. Better yet, try a Spyderco Endura or Delica with the Emerson Wave. There is literally no faster folder.

[mrmeangenes]

If no one minds, I'm going to pull the linked posting (on my website).

[444]

I am also a big fan of the Emerson Wave.

I had the actual Emerson knife with the Wave but the screws fell out of the pocket clip. I then bought two of the Spyderco Endura with the Wave.

I personally don't see how you can beat it. I have been carrying a Wave knife for several years now. I have a couple assisted opening knives as well as a half dozen or more switchblades. They are crude wanna-bes of the Wave. And, as far as I know the Wave is perfectly legal anywhere. It isn't a switchblade even though it is twice as fast. It isn't even assisted even though it is twice as fast.

[exoduster18]

444 - Can you offer an explanation as to how the Wave feature works? I've watched videos of it and I do not quite understand it......

From what I did understand, it "catches" on the pocket and deploys itself? Or are there other mechanisms here at work that I do not see?

[444]

No, you got it; that's all there is to it.

There is a hook like shape cut into the top of the blade. You can probably see it on a sales picture. When you pull the knife out of your pocket that hook catches on your pocket and deploys the blade. It is very simple but it works perfectly. I can't even take the knife out of my pocket when I am not wearing the pants without the blade deploying unless I make a conscious effort for that not to happen.
Long story short: you pull the knife and it is open. There is no other mechanism to open a folding knife that is that fast because every other one requires you to first remove the knife from your pocket and then open the blade or active some switch to deploy the blade. When you are on step two, the WAVE is already open.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-C10PSGY...QQcmdZViewItem

That notch cut out of the top of the blade is all there is to it. You will look at that picture and think to yourself: that is a gimmick that will never work. When and if you actually try one, you will realize that it works perfectly every time.

[SimpleIsGood229]

I can testify to the effectiveness of Spyderco's version of Ernie's Wave. Yes, it really does work. Admittedly, it doesn't work as well in some pockets as others, but the thing really does work. It also makes a dandy bottle opener.

And, as far as I know the Wave is perfectly legal anywhere. It isn't a switchblade even though it is twice as fast. It isn't even assisted even though it is twice as fast.

You could not be any more right, sir. I like that the Wave is as fast as it is, yet there are no springs or complicated opening devices to break. It's genius.

[444]

You point out yet another terrific feature of the WAVE.

As a big consumer of Guinness Stout I can confirm that I have used the WAVE as a bottle opener more than once.