I own and use Chris Reeve knives. I have done so for about 12 years. Recently I ordered a large Umnumzaan and tried over a week to open it easily, and many other ways too. I don't think opening a folder should require instructions or techniques. I get the fact it opens differently. I finally gave up and sent it back. Great knife with a design flaw. Thumb stud is hard to contact with the thumb as its too close to the scale. Also, thumb stud is small and shaped so it hurts to push, straight up as they specify and not out in an arc. I was told to hold the knife so as not to put pressure on the lock bar. Good luck on that one. It can be done while holding the knife in a very awkward way.When doing so it becomes easy to drop the knife as you are not holding on to much. Love Chris Reeve knives, just not the Thumb- Numb- Zaan!