Smooth Opener Needed

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Permalink Reply by Adam Sage on February 7, 2011 at 11:40pm

Hey Man,

 

After reading your post I went and opened most of my Spyderco knives (around 40) to see what actually did open the easiest. I found that the Para-Milli, Manix 2 and PPT all seemed to be the smoothest and had very little drag or resistance. Also note that all three have larger thumb holes then others. The hardest were the lockbacks, like the Police, Native, Caly 3 and most other stainless models. The Military wasent bad but the bigger blade makes an evident different then the Para. I'd stick with a Liner lock or compression. Hope this helps.

 

-Adam

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on February 8, 2011 at 7:17am

Wow, thanks for going to all that research. I appreciate it! I guess I should try and get my hands on the Para-Military. I do have a Caly 3.5 and a Lum on the way, in addition to the lefty Military. I guess I can always return, sell or trade if they don't work out.

I know certain designs are meant to do a specific range of jobs, but I've got to compromise with an "easy opener". I still can't get over how easy the Chokwe opens. I do love the Reeve integral lock and G-10 handle combo. I just don't see it as an EDC as non-knive folk might think it scary looking ;)

 

Thanks again for the help.

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on February 8, 2011 at 5:46pm

Well this is interesting. Putting the  Left Handed Military and the Chokwe side by side I'm seeing that the Military is moderately larger in the handle and blade, by my hand the Military is heavier. I'm not comparing spec to spec. Just giving an impression. The blade width on the Military is more substantial.

At first I was going to send the Military right back, but I can certainly see the benefit of a left hand carry for a left hander (like me) even though I have to choke up on the handle and choke down after opening to get a good grip. Also remember I'm doing some compensation on a weaker left hand due to a motorcycle accident.

Somewhere in my trial opening and closings I managed to shear off a small, top layer of thumb skin. Not a bloody Spydee bite, but close ;) These things are so sharp I never felt a thing!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Smith on February 8, 2011 at 8:55pm

Lum was going to be my first choice.  Didn't see this post till just now and glad you picked one up.  I think the Sage3 could be decent but still the Lum feels awesome and opens excellent.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Sage on February 8, 2011 at 11:01pm

Ya, I kinda over looked the Lum, I have a Ti one and not the new CF one but the specs are very similar, and yes it does open in the same range as the others I mentioned. I dont have the Sage 3 yet, But I do have 1 and 2 and they are always great choices, plus that blue G-10 looks great! One other very easy opener is the Superhawk, I know it has been discontinued, but the Superleaf is probabley very similar, and your getting the benefits of a super strong compression lock.

Mike Smith said:

Lum was going to be my first choice.  Didn't see this post till just now and glad you picked one up.  I think the Sage3 could be decent but still the Lum feels awesome and opens excellent.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Sage on February 8, 2011 at 11:03pm

Anytime, I'm always willing to help another Spyderco fan!

Jazz1 said:

Wow, thanks for going to all that research. I appreciate it! I guess I should try and get my hands on the Para-Military. I do have a Caly 3.5 and a Lum on the way, in addition to the lefty Military. I guess I can always return, sell or trade if they don't work out.

I know certain designs are meant to do a specific range of jobs, but I've got to compromise with an "easy opener". I still can't get over how easy the Chokwe opens. I do love the Reeve integral lock and G-10 handle combo. I just don't see it as an EDC as non-knive folk might think it scary looking ;)

 

Thanks again for the help.

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on February 10, 2011 at 5:39pm

Nice call on the Lum. It came today. Very easy to open. Can one be in love with a knife? ;) The broad blade sure makes it look bigger/longer. The only thing I'd like to see different is a wire clip. Maybe that is a no go on such a beautiful knife, but I like the wire clips because they show less and hold better IMHO.

Adam Sage said:

Ya, I kinda over looked the Lum, I have a Ti one and not the new CF one but the specs are very similar, and yes it does open in the same range as the others I mentioned. I dont have the Sage 3 yet, But I do have 1 and 2 and they are always great choices, plus that blue G-10 looks great! One other very easy opener is the Superhawk, I know it has been discontinued, but the Superleaf is probabley very similar, and your getting the benefits of a super strong compression lock.

Mike Smith said:

Lum was going to be my first choice.  Didn't see this post till just now and glad you picked one up.  I think the Sage3 could be decent but still the Lum feels awesome and opens excellent.

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on February 10, 2011 at 5:42pm

Just a follow-up. The Caly 3.5 came today. You are right the lock back is a little harder to open, but overall size speaks to me. However, the spouse is calling for a B-Day gift for my brother-in-law. I just may send it to him. As a former SAS guy I know he appreciates a good knife.

Adam Sage said:

Hey Man,

 

After reading your post I went and opened most of my Spyderco knives (around 40) to see what actually did open the easiest. I found that the Para-Milli, Manix 2 and PPT all seemed to be the smoothest and had very little drag or resistance. Also note that all three have larger thumb holes then others. The hardest were the lockbacks, like the Police, Native, Caly 3 and most other stainless models. The Military wasent bad but the bigger blade makes an evident different then the Para. I'd stick with a Liner lock or compression. Hope this helps.

 

-Adam

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Permalink Reply by Caleb on February 21, 2011 at 10:22pm

This is wayyy late but +1 on the Lum suggestion.

Probably the smoothest opener I've tried.

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on February 23, 2011 at 5:30pm

Thanks. I did get a Lum and you are correct, it is an easy opener. My Sage 2 is getting better with use and a little Breakfree CLP has helped things along. BTW my SAS retired brother-in-law loved the Caly 3.5 I sent him. I may have to pick up another one. Wish it came with carbon fiber scales so I can one up him;)

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Permalink Reply by Mike Smith on February 23, 2011 at 7:12pm

Jazz1 said:

Thanks. I did get a Lum and you are correct, it is an easy opener. My Sage 2 is getting better with use and a little Breakfree CLP has helped things along. BTW my SAS retired brother-in-law loved the Caly 3.5 I sent him. I may have to pick up another one. Wish it came with carbon fiber scales so I can one up him;)

Let me know you need another Caly 3.5 even if its not on my store i can still get everything. Glad he liked it.

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Permalink Reply by Jazz1 on March 4, 2011 at 5:29pm

Well I hope the group doesn't think I'm flogging this topic too long. However, I did pick up a Lum CF from the Spydie shop and it is a beauty! The basket weave design pattern of CF scales are unique as many of you already know. The light weight is of course a a plus. The slight banana shape of the scales fall to hand in a way that is comfortable for this lefty even when it is in my left or right hand. Lock-up is tight. I'm getting a bit more resistance and click and or pop sound when I use the liner lock to close as compared to the full sized Lum. The overall size of the knife should not make weak men cry or woman faint ;)

 

Mike Smith said:

Lum was going to be my first choice.  Didn't see this post till just now and glad you picked one up.  I think the Sage3 could be decent but still the Lum feels awesome and opens excellent.

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