Using folders unlocked

[VashHash]

So apparently this is causing a bit of a stir for some and others understand it. So let's bring it to light. Also trying to stop derailing the tuff thread. Have you ever or do you currently use your folding knives in an unlocked position for quick cuts or light task.
I'll include the original images and a side view for those that may not understand.





And the new image for those that probably think this is unsafe. Fingers are never in the blade path.


I've even used the military as a cigar cutter by putting the cigar in the last swell of the handle and closing the blade on it.

Maybe you have a different method. Please share all positive and negative opinions about this. I do this with large and small knives. Sometimes in public people don't even see the knife being used. This can be a good thing for some people.

[ladybug93]

i've never done this, but if i were to use a knife open and unlocked, i would probably open it just enough to get the tip out of the handle and drag the spine of the knife at the tip through the tape. i think that would be safer and retain your blade sharpness better but still get the same job done.

[VashHash]

This image didn't want to upload at first so here is what it looks like in use.

[SG89]

Yes to vashhash's method and ladybug93's method. Using the knife half open or just using the spine usually confuses people more than scares them in my experience. If you can operate a spydie with your toes safely and without causing a scene then I say more power to you.

[Wartstein]

I use my folders unlocked only for light batoning (making kindling from smaller pieces of wood or dry branches)

But looking at your pics this seems to be a viable method in certain scenarios. I´ll have to try this! :)

[VashHash]

I use my folders unlocked only for light batoning (making kindling from smaller pieces of wood or dry branches)

But looking at your pics this seems to be a viable method in certain scenarios. I´ll have to try this! :)

I have heard about using them unlocked for batoning but never tried it.

[attila]

Yes, I have done it. It works well.

[Sharp Guy]

I've never done this (that I recall) but don't see why anyone should have a problem with it

Personally, if I'm going to take a knife out of my pocket to cut something I'm going to open it all the way. It only takes a second and trying to use it partially open looks kind of awkward.

[Wartstein]

I use my folders unlocked only for light batoning (making kindling from smaller pieces of wood or dry branches)

But looking at your pics this seems to be a viable method in certain scenarios. I´ll have to try this! :)

I have heard about using them unlocked for batoning but never tried it.

I think Spydercos locks actually could take the kind of batoning I do with folders anyway, so the unlocking is more or less just precaution. It´s really not "splitting logs" by any means, just producing really fine kindling from already rather thin pieces of wood.

[Bdubs808]

When I was cutting up bubble wrap and tape in the post office to box up knives I sold (to buy new knives) I used the unlocked method on my Dragonfly or Delica. Still very easy to control, looks more like a utility tool when not fully open imo. Something about the sound of the knife locking may instantly call attention.

[VashHash]

I use my folders unlocked only for light batoning (making kindling from smaller pieces of wood or dry branches)

But looking at your pics this seems to be a viable method in certain scenarios. I´ll have to try this! :)

I have heard about using them unlocked for batoning but never tried it.

I think Spydercos locks actually could take the kind of batoning I do with folders anyway, so the unlocking is more or less just precaution. It´s really not "splitting logs" by any means, just producing really fine kindling from already rather thin pieces of wood.

Don't tell anyone but I once batoned some small 1" branches with my CF S90V Military locked open. Also did the same with an original G10 154cm manix 2.

[bearfacedkiller]

It is rare but I have on occasion used a knife partially open.

[rangefinder]

...
I've even used the military as a cigar cutter by putting the cigar in the last swell of the handle and closing the blade on it.
...

The Assist Rescue is specifically designed to cut cord the same way. So that's a use case where the knife is actually designed to be used with the blade unlocked.

[yablanowitz]

I do that fairly often, especially cutting cord.

[SG89]

I use my folders unlocked only for light batoning (making kindling from smaller pieces of wood or dry branches)

But looking at your pics this seems to be a viable method in certain scenarios. I´ll have to try this! :)

I have heard about using them unlocked for batoning but never tried it.

It's fun, try it :)

[JonLeBlanc]

I don't but I think as long as you're safe with it, it's alright.

[cabfrank]

The cute doggies are certainly amused.

[JRinFL]

Where is the fear/concern coming from? Is it because the blade is unlocked or because it is partially open?

Humans have used non-locking folders since at least the Roman era, so unlocked blades shouldn't be a concern. Partially opened use has to be pretty common, I mean I have used it on locking and non-locking blades. With fingers in the path of the blade by pinching the Spydiehole with thumb and forefinger and gripping the handle with the other fingers. Also with my fingers out of the path by just pinching the blade only.

[Evil D]

I baton with them unlocked and have probably opened a box like this at some point but it's not something I actively do on purpose.

[ladybug93]

Where is the fear/concern coming from? Is it because the blade is unlocked or because it is partially open?

Humans have used non-locking folders since at least the Roman era, so unlocked blades shouldn't be a concern. Partially opened use has to be pretty common, I mean I have used it on locking and non-locking blades. With fingers in the path of the blade by pinching the Spydiehole with thumb and forefinger and gripping the handle with the other fingers. Also with my fingers out of the path by just pinching the blade only.

my guess is that people that actually have a problem with this also prefer knives with a bias to close. i think it would be less safe with a backlock knife than with a detent knife.