Other Bad Knives for Lefties?

WiredDutchman

WiredDutchman

Joined
Feb 27, 2017
Messages
60
I got a Spyderco Para 3 this week. Unfortunately I have discovered that the compression lock is not at all lefty friendly (even though GPKnives lists it in their "lefty friendly" section) On the plus side, I am starting to see some left handed Paramilitary 2's out there.

What are some other knives that are not lefty friendly?

-Left Hand is the Best Hand
 
I like knives that I'm able to manipulate with both hands, I'm a righty.
I agree about the Para 2 or 3. Not lefty friendly at all.
Every Axis lock knife is perfectly ambi.
Autos aren't impossible, but a bit annoying with the left.
Tell the truth, other than the Para 2, most other lock types aren't that bad using the left.
Joe
 
I find that tip down knives are terrible if you are a lefty using righty knives. Tip up righthand knives can be worn easily in the left pocket then when taken out if you grab the knife palm forward they are in a good position to open. Tip down righty in left pocket the spine of the folded knife is against your palm.
 
palonej said:
I like knives that I'm able to manipulate with both hands, I'm a righty.
I agree about the Para 2 or 3. Not lefty friendly at all.
Every Axis lock knife is perfectly ambi.
Autos aren't impossible, but a bit annoying with the left.
Tell the truth, other than the Para 2, most other lock types aren't that bad using the left.
Joe
Click to expand...
That is true, pretty much every lock is manageable with either hand apart from the compression lock.
I have a couple push button autos that i don't have any issues with.
I thought the compression lock would be a little easier to handle with either hand, but that does not seem to be the case. Opening is fine, I can just flick it open, but closing is a bit of a hassle.
 
I love the CBBL by Spyderco. I'm ambidextrous.
 
The CRKT Lawks system is quite a bit more difficult to operate with your left hand than most other lock systems, the compression lock being the only other one I can think of that's really more suited for right-handers.

The best locks for lefties are the AXIS lock and the back-lock, those are the two that I find to be the ones on the knives I carry long-term.
 
Lapedog said:
I find that tip down knives are terrible if you are a lefty using righty knives. Tip up righthand knives can be worn easily in the left pocket then when taken out if you grab the knife palm forward they are in a good position to open. Tip down righty in left pocket the spine of the folded knife is against your palm.
Click to expand...
I keep my phone in my left pocket, so I keep my knife in my right pocket. Which also saves me the trouble of switching the clip. Maybe it's just me, but I have never actually switched the clip over on a knife, despite being left handed.
I will say i have found that tip down knives with good thumb studs (not flippers) are manageable. Not ideal mind you, but manageable.
 
powerslave said:
I have no problem opening and closing my para2 with left hand.
Click to expand...
I can flick it open with no problem, but I always feel like I'm going to drop the knife, or hit the tip of my finger while I'm trying to close it left handed.
I'd like to see how you do it, there must be some secret I'm missing if you can do it so easily.
 
WiredDutchman said:
That is true, pretty much every lock is manageable with either hand apart from the compression lock.
Click to expand...
Not disagreeing, just a bit of info: I have a Smock SK-23 that adds a button actuator to a compression lock. Even a righty like me can use it left-handed. It turns a really nice lock into a work of art.
 
KingMC said:
The CRKT Lawks system is quite a bit more difficult to operate with your left hand than most other lock systems, the compression lock being the only other one I can think of that's really more suited for right-handers.

The best locks for lefties are the AXIS lock and the back-lock, those are the two that I find to be the ones on the knives I carry long-term.
Click to expand...
I would submit that the CRKT Lawks system is the worst locking system out there.
And I am a big axis lock fan, just wish Benchmade would lower their prices to be more in line with the quality they are delivering these days.
I have found frame locks work just fine for me, and I like that they are faster and easier to use one handed than a back lock.
 
SpySmasher said:
Not disagreeing, just a bit of info: I have a Smock SK-23 that adds a button actuator to a compression lock. Even a righty like me can use it left-handed. It turns a really nice lock into a work of art.
Click to expand...
Lol I'm actually watching the Nick Shabazz Smock SK 23 review right now, and I want one. I think a button lock would be sweet.
 
I don't know what Nick has to say but a quick review of mine: truly outstanding mechanically but the finish leaves something to be desired. For me it's a keeper because I am a sucker for knife mechanisms but I feel like it's overpriced because it lets down on the finish.
 
I've seen a few people assert that the standard compression lock is "lefty friendy" if you use yout thump on the tab almost like it's a back lock, but I was never comfortable with it and always just closed my standard Para2's right-handed. The lefty para 2 is awesome.

For a long time I also carried all my knives in rfp with phone in the left, but now that I have a lot of full ambi or lefty knives, I'm starting to switch clips and cary in my lfp more. Most knives don't really interfere with getting or pocketing my phone.

As far as other bad locks for lefties, I basically can't stand righty liner or frame locks anymore. Yeah, I can work them all right with my left hand, but why bother? Plenty of other options out there imo.
 
I find the compression lock easy to manipulate left handed. I just push the tab with my thumb and close the blade with my index finger. It is definitely less ambidexterous than other locks however. Also on the Szabo the tab and blade are abit stiff
 
I am ambidextrous so what am I supposed to do? I do some things left handed and some thing right handed. I keep my phone on my left side and use most knives right handed because they are designed that way. I use some kitchen knives left handed and some right handed. I do carry my pocket knife left handed below my phone in a belt holster. My keys are in my right pocket. I don't think I have any problems!!
 
A right hand frame lock knife is like a right hand bolt action rifle, sure we can operate them but why compromise?
 
WiredDutchman said:
I can flick it open with no problem, but I always feel like I'm going to drop the knife, or hit the tip of my finger while I'm trying to close it left handed.
I'd like to see how you do it, there must be some secret I'm missing if you can do it so easily.
Click to expand...

I do it like this maybe it looks weird but I it feel secure and natural.
I am right handed BTW.
ezgif.com-video-to-gif.gif
 
Oddly and coincidentally, as I am typing this on my tablet, I'm mucking around with my Emerson in my nondominant (left) hand. Who needs fidget spinners? :p
 
I carry RFP as the phone is in the left, just seems more natural to carry and open the knives right handed. I guess I do switch over to the LH to do the actual cutting. Seems I am always afraid of pulling my phone and having the knife getting dislodged and lost. I guess that explains why I am constantly checking if my knife is still attached to my pocket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top