Is "flicking" bad for the knife?

I pretty much agree with what Cougar stated. As an example my Calypso Jr. that I recently retired (replaced with a fixed blade), had been snapped open often for over a year. It acts no different now that it did when I first got it. Beyond that I have also struck the spine of the blade with a hammer attempting to chop through a mild steel bar 5mm in diameter. Small chip in the edge, no damage to the lock.

Just because you damage a blade doing something does not mean the action was abusive. It could also indicate there was a flaw in the blade. Beside the Calypso I have a few cheaper folders (Gerber, Schrade etc.) that have been flicked open as well. The idea that a high end custom is bothered by a stress that does not faze one of these blades is odd to say the least.

-Cliff
 
UW Mitch,
It sure was not me that invented the Axis Lock.
In fact, the only thing I seem to have invented is 1000 ways to piss off women
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Bill
 
Write a book and put DO NOT in front of each way. Title it how to get along with women and you'll have a best seller.
Or make it one page that says don't do anything you as a guy would normally do, and do everything she tells you to without asking questions
wink.gif


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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I think we're being too general. Some knives handle being flicked much better than others. A lockback probably will handle flicks better than a liner lock for instance. Flicking a Sifu is probably worse than flicking a dragonfly. Same goes for the Walt's Carson and Cliff's Calypso Jr. I would never constantly flick my sebenza. I wouldn't mind flicking my mini axis however. Even though the sebenza is more rugged than my mini axis, the axis' blade is so dinky and light that I feel I can flick it thousands of times without any damage or wear.

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Johnny
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Good folders are precision machines. No its not good to flick them. They will last and last if you treat them with respect.
Flatening a 60 rc pin is a sign of abuse.

Its a cutting tool not a whippin stick!
Although I have to admit I enjoy whippin my shop knife. But its a mess after years of whippin..
I suppose if I got a whippin all the time I would be a mess to :'}

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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
New Web at www.darrelralph.com

 
Some folders can take flicking better than others.Lockbacks probably hold up a lot better.Certain types of liner locks wont take it as well.some like Carson's folders with the toggle flipper seem like they were designed for flicking.I remember asking Jim O'Young about the lock on the Synergy.He said it should last a long time and be very strong as long as you do'nt forceably flick it open.
 
I've got to admit that I flick my Tim Wegner JR. Also flick my Spyderco Toad.
The Wegner is worn out and will not be trusted in heavy duty work. The "kerchunk" feel when the Wegner is flicked is very satisfying somehow.
The toad's blade is so small that it should be able to be flicked forever.
I see what you guys mean, but I dicipline myself to do it to certain folders.
Bill
.....yes dear...I'll do the dishes
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I was in WESTPAC '77-79. I bought a lockback folder with a 4" blade and worked it hard for about a year. We all flicked our knives open frequently as we often had a hold of what needed cutting in the other hand(under tension)One day I flicked the knife open and the blade broke off about 1" from the heel of the blade. The blade sailed about 10 feet and went over the side and is now safely ensconced in the mud at the bottom of the South China Sea. Flicking certainly didn't do that lockback folder any good.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
double post,sorry

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict

[This message has been edited by fudo (edited 01-15-2000).]
 
If you want to flick a knife to relieve tension (your own), get a butterfly knife. Kinda fun to watch the handles spinning open and closed. If you're incompetent, or clumsy, make sure it has a very dull edge.
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