Assisted opening for a lefty

BUFF7MM · Dec 17, 2014

Anyone know of a lefty friendly mini spring assist, I'd like to getaway smaller sized one if possible. I know they have the thumb opener on both sides but it seems like as I try to open mine my index finger pushes against the lock button making it very trying to open.
Maybe I could try the index finger flip open type if someone could recommend a decent one.

alucard0822 · Dec 17, 2014

The majority are ambi these days, either with studs or a flipper, most pocket clips are reversible or 4 position. Most things Spyerco, Benchmade, or ZT/Kershaw are good, some have AO, but in most cases you won't miss spring assist with a good lock/opening design.

I would look at the Benchmade Griptilian or Presidio Ultra, both have a 3.5 and mini 3" version. The Spyderco manix2 is also a great choice, all are around $100, good materials and quality. All trade a spring AO for a lock that allows fast ambi opening and closing without touching the blade. They open just as easy or easier with the option to use studs/spyderhole or the lock, and close much easier, especially compared to a frame or liner lock. I'm a righty, but find my grip and manix both easy to work for me completely left handed if I am holding something with my right hand that needs to be cut.

jr88 · Dec 17, 2014

Kershaw's speedsafe are made to be ambi, like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1670S...48064&sr=8-15&keywords=kershaw+zero+tolerance

Personally, I have carried a Ken Onion Leek for years,and the Index finger opener works great, either hand. Be careful though, lot of Fake Knives around today.

BUFF7MM · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks guys, I almost hate to get away from a spring assist, I seem to need a one hand opener a lot.
jr88, I'm going to look into both you entwined, thanks.

rdc · Dec 17, 2014

SOG twitch maybe?

Boom Boom · Dec 17, 2014

I'm left handed. I only buy Spyderco. Spyderco's big thumb hole (ambi) is simple to work with one hand, eliminating the need for spring assist.

coopermania · Dec 17, 2014

I have a couple of Kershaw's that are ambi.... Whey work for meeeeeeeeeee.

And I am a lefty also.
Coopigeon

Bob A · Dec 17, 2014

I'm partial to the Benchmade 940/942 with axis lock. I use mine one-handed all the time, and it's small enough to carry and big enough to cut what I need to cut. The Axis lock is ambidextrous, and it opens and closes with the flick of the wrist.

budman93 · Dec 17, 2014

Get a Kershaw leek or scallion.

alucard0822 · Dec 17, 2014

If a bushing/bearing is set up right, you will be surprised how little you actually need AO, should be very little friction. Lock types like the Axis or spydie BB lock simply flop open or closed by pulling the lock back, my favorite setup, you don't need to touch the blade, or put your fingers in it's path, and they are truly ambi opening AND closing, unlike an AO with a right handed frame or liner lock.

4570inMD · Dec 17, 2014

My EDC is a Kershaw Scallion. I use the index finger opening feature - left or right handed.

4570inMD

coopermania · Dec 17, 2014

The pocket clip has to be ambi also, Otherwise a lefty can't carry it correctly in his pocket.

BUFF7MM · Dec 17, 2014

coopermania said:
The pocket clip has to be ambi also, Otherwise a lefty can't carry it correctly in his pocket.

I don't like the clips, that will take a trip as soon as I get one.

BossmanPJ · Dec 17, 2014

I too prefer the Spyderco. My edc is the tenacious and the large hole makes left handed opening easy.

budman93 · Dec 17, 2014

Buff7mm said:
I don't like the clips, that will take a trip as soon as I get one.

Ok, in that case I would still recommend a leek, scallion, or chive by Kershaw. You can get them for a little over 30 dollars or even less on amazon and they are great knives from a great company. All three feature Kershaw's speed-safe assisted opening system which is fantastic.

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1660-...8&qid=1418876356&sr=8-1&keywords=kershaw+leek

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1620-...d=1418876374&sr=8-1&keywords=kershaw+scallion

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1600-...&qid=1418876398&sr=8-1&keywords=kershaw+chive

lsw · Dec 17, 2014

I second a Kershaw, they are a great value. Get one with a flipper and it's easy to operate with either hand. Here's a really inexpensive one from their imported line:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/kershaw-spring-assisted-oso-sweet-knife?a=713559

budman93 · Dec 17, 2014

lsw said:
I second a Kershaw, they are a great value. Get one with a flipper and it's easy to operate with either hand. Here's a really inexpensive one from their imported line:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/kershaw-spring-assisted-oso-sweet-knife?a=713559

That knife is probably fine but I prefer the USA made Kershaws personally. They don't cost that much more.

rgramjet · Dec 18, 2014

Emerson or Kershaw with the Wave Feature and reversible pocket clip. Faster by far than a switch blade or spring assist. Its opening as you pull it out. Use mine 10-20x per day.

hooligan82 · Dec 20, 2014

alucard0822 said:
If a bushing/bearing is set up right, you will be surprised how little you actually need AO, should be very little friction. Lock types like the Axis or spydie BB lock simply flop open or closed by pulling the lock back, my favorite setup, you don't need to touch the blade, or put your fingers in it's path, and they are truly ambi opening AND closing, unlike an AO with a right handed frame or liner lock.

I'll second this. I always carried Kershaw knives until a friend let me check out his Benchmade. I don't recall which model it was, but it had the axis lock without assisted openning. After seeing how easy that was to open and close one handed I bought my first Benchmade and since they are all I carry.

alucard0822 · Dec 20, 2014

hooligan82 said:
I'll second this. I always carried Kershaw knives until a friend let me check out his Benchmade. I don't recall which model it was, but it had the axis lock without assisted openning. After seeing how easy that was to open and close one handed I bought my first Benchmade and since they are all I carry.

Often times the issue is AO is used as a crutch for cheap plastic or Teflon washers and a tight action instead of decent phosphor bronze and proper adjustment. Most of the time the spring is also the detent, which can be a bit soft, and not as secure as a detent ball, the springs can fail, but KAI has a good warranty and service. The Axis lock is a different animal, it's a Benchmade exclusive, and while some like Spyderco's BB lock come close, the axis is the easiest to use to flip open and closed. There are some that have assisted opening on an axis, but then you loose the ability to flip closed, and can't flip open easily by pulling the lock alone. Lots of people rave about Kershaw, and for a <$50 knife they are decent, but handle a better blade, and you won't go back to slippery and heavy all stainless construction, of flimsy plastic. They do have some decent G10 models, and some of their higher end stuff and ZT line is great.

Assisted opening for a lefty

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