Any recommendations?

[uralpilot]

Thank you guys. Lots to explore. Sounds like a rabbit hole day! Leaning towards the UKPN.

[ChrisinHove]

The UKPK would be a good choice, I think. It’s enough blade to be useful, and enough handle to be easy to draw, manipulate and hold.

Great steel choices, and a serrated option, too (that one’s a cutting demon).

[RamZar]

Spyderco Smock would probably be a good choice for arthritis hands since it’s a button compression lock and can be opened via blade hole or flipper tab. Very well made in Taiwan. Unfortunately, the blade length is 3.4” and goes for $228.

[Notsurewhy]

Perhaps you would like the upcoming Lil native lightweight when it comes out. It will be lighter and has a slightly thinner blade than the regular Lil native and the rock solid golden back lock.

If you're okay with a slip joint there are many good suggestions. The ukpk or the urban would be my recommendation.

[ugaarguy]

Perhaps you would like the upcoming Lil native lightweight when it comes out. It will be lighter and has a slightly thinner blade than the regular Lil native and the rock solid golden back lock.

If you're okay with a slip joint there are many good suggestions. The ukpk or the urban would be my recommendation.

Absolutely agree.

[JoviAl]

Spyderco Smock would probably be a good choice for arthritis hands since it’s a button compression lock and can be opened via blade hole or flipper tab. Very well made in Taiwan. Unfortunately, the blade length is 3.4” and goes for $228.

I second this - the Smock is very easy to open and close. The UKPK is a wonderful knife too (although quite a different kettle of fish to the Smock). I’m sure whichever you opt for will perform admirably. There are so many excellent options from Spyderco I’d recommend going to a bricks and mortar shop to handle some if you can.

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

Perhaps you would like the upcoming Lil native lightweight when it comes out. It will be lighter and has a slightly thinner blade than the regular Lil native and the rock solid golden back lock.

If you're okay with a slip joint there are many good suggestions. The ukpk or the urban would be my recommendation.

[CDEP]

The Lil'Native Slip joint is the best small slippy on the planet. For a larger blade, Sal's idea of the UKPK is the way to go.

If you think you can manage the mid backlock, I'd go Dragonfly 2 for a small blade, and the best knife ever made (IMHO) a Native 5 for a larger blade. The Native also offers way more steels and configurations, but the Lightweight versions are the ones I carry the most. The new Magnacut Salt Native 5 is a banger.

I don't have arthritis, but I do have carpel tunnel, and the Spyderco mid backlock is no problem for me - even one handed.

Good luck!