Thumb studs... do they work?

G

graycardinal

Joined
Jun 26, 2001
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2
Hey everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first post... yay!

I've been considering buying a general, all-around knife for a while, probably a MicroTech or a custom, but maybe something else. After seeing an acquaintance’s knife with a thumb stud, I decided this option would be a required feature on my knife.

Having never experimented opening a knife with a thumb stud, I went down to my local sporting goods store today to play with their thumb-studded knives. However, when I tried to open any knife with a thumb stud, I found I could only flick it out halfway. To open it completely, I needed to either reposition my hand and flick the stud again, or use my other hand to pull it open. The lady there said if I worked it enough, it would open more easily, but she seemed to think this was normal.

Is this really normal? [Keep in mind that these knives were $20-50]. Would a higher quality knife still perform like this? Am I missing a certain technique? Did these knives just need oiling? And would you recommend a thumb stud?

Thanks!
graycardinal
 
Welcome to the Forums!

I think you'll find the thumbstuds on most of the better folders are convenient and are well-positioned for easy and rapid opening. You really have to try them out to see how they fit your hand and your particular opening technique.

Sometimes, the thumbstud needs to be combined with a bit of a "flick" to help it along. Just a bit.

Check out the other opening systems as well, such as the Spyderco hole and thumbdisks, etc.

Experiment and enjoy. :)
 
Welcome, graycardinal.

Knifenerd already hit the highpoints here so I'll just add that after a very short period of time you'll learn how to position the folder in your hand such that one-handed openings become a piece of cake. After that, it'll become second nature and you'll never have to think about it again. Good luck.:)
 
Welcome aboard. For me, thubstuds work very well. There are several other one-handed opening devices there, but I am most familiar with thumbstuds. Unless the knife is really really stiff, you should be able to open it with the thumbstud, perhaps using a bit of a flick as knifenerd suggested. The trick with thumbstuds is that you want to give the thumbstud kind of a quick push straight forward instead of trying to pivot it open in an arc. Think linear instead of circular. I realize this is a confusing description. Hopefully somebody else will be able to explain it better.
--Josh
 
It really depends on your preference in opening. I prefer to use the thumb stud or disk or hole to open the knife the full arc. None of the knives I carry need a realignment to open them. I used to flip them open, then I heard here that it can damage the knife. Some can handle it, but just to be safe, I usually tighten the pivots and use thumb pressure throughout the opening arc. I still felt the need to flip, so I bought a Benchmade Balisong.:D :D
 
Of course, if this is your first one hand opening knife, I suppose you havent developed a preference. I suggest trying them all. Its hazardous to your wallet, but its a lot of fun.
Also, welcome. Every question just gives us more reason to think and improve on what we know already.
 
MDP is ever so correct. The Spydie Hole is the way to go.

No, thumbstuds don't work. Not after you've used an opening hole, they don't.
 
Check this out! The Benchmade Model 550 "Griptilian" Axis Lock from Bayou Lafourche. $60.

Axis lock mechanism and reversible pocket clip that will fasten on either side for right or left side carry.

Oval shaped opener-hole which is sized for utility and beveled for comfort.

Blade length: 3.45" modified sheepsfoot blade made with 440C stainless steel hardened to 58-60 HRC, Thickness: .115, Open length: 8.07", Closed length: 4.62", Weight: 3.25 oz.

What’s it all mean ??? That it’s a medium-sized knife, with a good grip, utility style blade, excellent lock, and the opening hole works like a thumbstud, but less wear on your thumb! And it’s ambidextrous, too.
 
My wife had a problem opening a onehanded knife when i first got her one.
The problem was how she griped the knife.

It helps to place the knife with the spine or back of the knife at the point of the hand where the fingers meet the palm, not fully in the middle of the palm, almost like holding the knife sideways.

your fingers should curve around the right scale (if the knife has a clip and your right-handed) and your thumb should have easy access and plenty of room to make the arc from closed to open position.

If you try to open the knife from the normal grip (hammer?) your thumb has to reach way forward to push the thumbstud.

Hope this wasn't too confusing. :)
 
Graycardinal, you didn't say if you were a person who already regularly carries a knife. If not, you just have to get used to manipulating a thumb stud, hole, disc, etc. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to whip anything out in no time flat.
 
Alot of practice, and a few Bandaids later, I can open my REKAT folders pretty guickly...(Especially the Sifu).:D.
 
the hole is the way to go, no chance of hitting it wrong!

Spyderco offers a great knife at a great price, perfect for any budget.

I have only recently gotten into one-handers(aug '99) and can open most of them easily. Studs are a bit harder than the spydie hole, and wear a spot in your pocket.
 
Hi Graycardinal,

Let me join others by welcoming you to the forums.

Studs can be a great way to open a knife. For me, with a firm "throw out" move with my thumb, I can toss a blade out in a second.

I see you are in the Seattle area. If you'd like, drop by our Lynnwood facilities during business hours and I can show how it's effectively done. Let me know if you're interested.

I can be reached at (425) 771-6230, ext. 228.
 
Do thumb studs work?

Yes, for me anyhow.
I prefer a thumb stud opener to any other method, be it disk, hole or auto. A lot has to do with the design and the esthetics.

Other's don't.
 
I'm a little surprised no one has mentioned getting a speed safe or discovery assisted opening knife. They are relatively inexpensive and take out the guesswork of opening a folder.
 
The problem was how she griped the knife.
Click to expand...

It seems a lot of folks see problems with the way their spouses gripe...:p



graycardinal-

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but the locking mechanism of a knife makes a profound difference on the way it opens (and closes, of course). If you want a knife to learn with, I suggest buying a liner lock with an adjustable pivot. You will then have control over the resistance and speed of the blade travel, so you can start with a relatively free traveling blade for practice but then make sure you tighten the play out of it before you use and carry it, both for locking safety and so it won't come open in your pocket during carry. This can also be done with the Axis lock and similar locks. A lockback knife, by the nature of the locking mechanism, keeps tension on the blade the entire time, from folded postition to fully opened position. Once you develop enough skill you should be able to easily open these quickly as well, even the super tight Cold Steel Voyagers (great knife, strong lock, but tight; definitely not the best to learn opening technique with). Anyway, hope this helps.

JK
 
I prefer holes to studs, but I have no problem with people who prefer studs to holes.
 
All the methods mentioned above work well. To me the disc is the weirdest opener and is the one I am less comfortable with. But if you use the knife for a day or two you will get used to nay type of opener.

What is more important is the method of closing. There are lots of different kinds of locks out there and I find that lockbacks are my least favorite because they require two hands (usually) to close. Liner locks are great because you can close and open them with one hand. And the Benchmade Axis lock is even better since it is stronger and your fingers aren't in the way.

Welcome to the forums. Hope you've got a sturdy wallet!:D Don't worry, it will be a lot of fun!
 
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