Can the Opening Hole be improved?

[Wandering_About]

Pad of my thumb.

[TkoK83Spy]

Same here, pad. Maybe bit more towards the tip too, but never deep enough for the nail to get into the hole.

[mikey177]

Mill a channel along the inner circumference of the hole, then insert a chamfered ring running on bearings. This will make fidgeters go crazy because of the ultra-smooth opening arc while ensuring people's thumbs don't get roughed up

[mark greenman]

Same here, pad. Maybe bit more towards the tip too, but never deep enough for the nail to get into the hole.

Interesting.

I find the nail position gives more thumb joint compression, giving me more strength/'spring' to flip the blade open at speed. Originating with overcoming the tougher backlocks of the Delica / Endura / Ayoob. My blade opening velocity is pretty comparable to a switchblade with the nail.

For those using the pad, are you thumb rotating the blade open, or thumb flicking the blade open?

[Jesla]

Mill a channel along the inner circumference of the hole, then insert a chamfered ring running on bearings. This will make fidgeters go crazy because of the ultra-smooth opening arc while ensuring people's thumbs don't get roughed up

…

[TkoK83Spy]

Same here, pad. Maybe bit more towards the tip too, but never deep enough for the nail to get into the hole.

Interesting.

I find the nail position gives more thumb joint compression, giving me more strength/'spring' to flip the blade open at speed. Originating with overcoming the tougher backlocks of the Delica / Endura / Ayoob. My blade opening velocity is pretty comparable to a switchblade with the nail.

For those using the pad, are you thumb rotating the blade open, or thumb flicking the blade open?

Correct, I typically give knives a slow roll to open them. It's less obnoxious than flicking, and I enjoy the feeling and sound of the lockup with a slow roll. Particularly with a back lock

[ChrisinHove]

I think a replaceable hole would be an improvement, and allow aftermarket versions.

[The Mastiff]

I like the opening hole as is and don't want any changes.

[ilikesharpstuff]

I can’t see how the tictac opening hole works better than the perfect circle opening hole. Definitely not as functional. but for fidgety pocket jewelry knives ig it doesn’t matter.

More area to catch your finger. You can't fail a reverse flick with that design.

It ain't all about flicking...

But if the argument is that it's not as functional, it's simply not true. You can do anything/everything with a tictac hole that you can with a round hole, and some things better. Everyone likes different things and that's fine. Doesn't have to be that they're wrong and you're right in every instance of disagreement.

[Wandering_About]

Interesting.

I find the nail position gives more thumb joint compression, giving me more strength/'spring' to flip the blade open at speed. Originating with overcoming the tougher backlocks of the Delica / Endura / Ayoob. My blade opening velocity is pretty comparable to a switchblade with the nail.

For those using the pad, are you thumb rotating the blade open, or thumb flicking the blade open?

I don't flick blades open. "Slow" roll is where it's at for me.

[JayHenMac]

I sometimes pinch the hole between my thumb and index finger. Then use a quick wrist flick to open the knife. If the hole was milled to the same size as the bearing from one of my son's fidget spinners... the speed of opening could reverse time.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Someone suggested Spyderco mill the inner hole to give it better grip rather than make it smooth.

Who suggested this? Maybe they can explain why.

A fellow knife user who commented to me about Spyderco designs. They think under wet or difficult conditions the finger could slip while using the opening hole as it is made.

[Danke]

I think a replaceable hole would be an improvement, and allow aftermarket versions.

I'm on your schedule

[James Y]

I use the pad of my thumb. If I wanted to flick it open with my index finger, then it's more with the back of my index finger nail.

But I don't flick my knives anymore, haven't in a long time. I do not condemn anyone else who likes flicking their knives. I simply don’t feel the desire or need to do it myself. I also feel that it accelerates wear and tear and loosens tolerances over time. I'm sure some will argue that point, but I stand firm in my belief.

Jim

[SpyderEdgeForever]

I like the opening hole as is and don't want any changes.

I love the Opening Hole and agree with you.
If I can I like to remove thumb studs from my folders so I can have a mini hole in it's place that reminds me of Spyderco.

[JayHenMac]

Someone suggested Spyderco mill the inner hole to give it better grip rather than make it smooth.

Who suggested this? Maybe they can explain why.

A fellow knife user who commented to me about Spyderco designs. They think under wet or difficult conditions the finger could slip while using the opening hole as it is made.

Theres a thread around here with a user who is a commercial diver. He carries an Atlantic Salt, and another one as a backup. He uses them in some of the wettest, most corrosive environments imaginable. I would assume that if anyone had problems using the hole in wet or difficult conditions, it would be that guy.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Someone suggested Spyderco mill the inner hole to give it better grip rather than make it smooth.

Who suggested this? Maybe they can explain why.

A fellow knife user who commented to me about Spyderco designs. They think under wet or difficult conditions the finger could slip while using the opening hole as it is made.

Theres a thread around here with a user who is a commercial diver. He carries an Atlantic Salt, and another one as a backup. He uses them in some of the wettest, most corrosive environments imaginable. I would assume that if anyone had problems using the hole in wet or difficult conditions, it would be that guy.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Noted and acknowledged. I will also add that I have personally never had any difficulty operating our beloved Opening Holes.

[Karl_H]

Mill a channel along the inner circumference of the hole, then insert a chamfered ring running on bearings. This will make fidgeters go crazy because of the ultra-smooth opening arc while ensuring people's thumbs don't get roughed up

IMO, this is really the best idea.

My issue with the Spyderco opening hole isn’t related to opening the knife. My issue with opening holes is the hump that that is often made to accommodate it. My general feeling is that if the knife needs to have a huge hump to allow for a sufficiently large opening hole, then an opening hole should not be used.

[JFR1]

My issue with the Spyderco opening hole isn’t related to opening the knife. My issue with opening holes is the hump that that is often made to accommodate it. My general feeling is that if the knife needs to have a huge hump to allow for a sufficiently large opening hole, then an opening hole should not be used.

That's a fair perspective. I felt that way about the Para 3 when I tried one out.

[zhyla]

Someone suggested Spyderco mill the inner hole to give it better grip rather than make it smooth.

Who suggested this? Maybe they can explain why.

A fellow knife user who commented to me about Spyderco designs. They think under wet or difficult conditions the finger could slip while using the opening hole as it is made.

Your “friend” completely misunderstands how the thumbhole opening works and how force is applied. I recommend you not listen to this “friend” anymore.