Left handed preference?

[rooster81]

I'm ambidextrous and when using a knife in my left hand I prefer the compression lock over both liner lock and lockback designs. At least in the Spyderco knives I've used there's enough space to hold/depress the compression bar to facilitate a one hand close.

How does everyone else feel?

[jwbnyc]

The only locks I need to be left-handed, for a one-handed close, are the liner lock and the frame lock. Compression locks I prefer right-handed. Back locks are ambi, of course. Same with the BBL/CBBL. My general go-to is the back lock. Not only because it’s ambidextrous, but because they tend to want to stay closed.

[Coastal]

I am left-handed for fine skills like writing and cutting, and right-handed for gross skills like throwing a ball. My favorite lock type to mess around with is the liner lock, but I seriously wish all the folders I most enjoy came in a backlock version, because it's the simplest, I trust it the most, and it lends itself to lightweight, linerless, FRN handles.

I know it's weird for a Spyderco fan, but I often close a folder with both hands or on a pants leg. I often draw the knife and open it right-handed, use it left-handed, and then shut it right-handed or with both hands. In these cases, the lock type doesn't matter.

[Nate]

I can close most everything but sticky right-hand frame locks pretty easily with my left hand, but I prefer left handed locks when I’m not using something ambi.

On comp locks in particular, sure, I can close the standard ones like a back lock just fine. Do I prefer it to the left hand model I can drop shut? No way.

I carry slip joints and back locks most often these days though, so it’s become a bit of a moot point, but I’m still grateful that Spyderco produced the lefty Military and PM2.

[Manixguy@1994]

I'm ambidextrous and when using a knife in my left hand I prefer the compression lock over both liner lock and lockback designs. At least in the Spyderco knives I've used there's enough space to hold/depress the compression bar to facilitate a one hand close.

How does everyone else feel?

Some compression locks will work for me depending on shape and length of scales . The PM2 , ATR2, and Super Leaf are examples of a righty comp lock that works for me . The Kapara , Shaman , and the Para3 just unfortunately will not work for me . Frame lock and liner lock , just will not purchase unless dedicated left hand , I will stick with CRK and other brands if need arises . The Manix 2 cage lock is a favorite. It’s just the nature of the beast and don’t feel Spyderco is obligated to satisfy every model left handed , business is business . I have the bulk of my collection in lockback so don’t worry to much about it . I would like to see a left hand Para 3 to go with my Lefty PM2 and Military but highly doubt it will ever happen . Nice subject but rather lonely ! :) MG2

[Wandering_About]

As a lefty, I generally prefer lockbacks or compression locks (the right handed comp lock works fine for me). I don't mind righty liner locks, but righty frame locks can be annoying, depending on the design. On a Chris Reeve, for instance, I gotta have a lefty version.

[lilshaver]

I'm glad someone brought this up as I have been thinking about it. First let me say I'm a lefty but can use my right when needed very well. Like the OP I find the compression lock handle fits my left hand very well. My only complaint is when closing it lefty it can take a little nip out of you if not done correctly and this is knife design dependent. Example my PM2 works well but my Mantra 3 will nip you. And what concerns me is that a higher percentage of production is going to compression locks. Hmmmmm maybe a market for kevlar gloves for lefties.

[spoonrobot]

The compression lock is my least favorite lock to use, as a left-hander. The mid-lock and liner lock are both much easier, and safer, for my use.

[The Deacon]

I'm somewhat ambi, find it easier to use a pocket knife with my left hand, and have a extremely strong preference for hand-neutral locks. Among Spyderco's offerings, the mid-lock is my favorite, the bolt action lock they used on the Sage 3 would be next, and the caged ball-bearing a distant third.

[JRinFL]

I'm somewhat ambi, find it easier to use a pocket knife with my left hand, and have a extremely strong preference for hand-neutral locks. Among Spyderco's offerings, the mid-lock is my favorite, the bolt action lock they used on the Sage 3 would be next, and the caged ball-bearing a distant third.

Same lock preferences for me, except the CBBL is a very close third place.

[Matus]

I am right handed person with an average dexterity in my left hand (or so I find). I find that I can fairly easily operate made liner or frame locks with a left hand. Good example is Brouwer (no thumb flick with a left hand, but easy middle finger flip).

I distinctive example of a liner lock knife that is NOT easy to close lefthanded is Schempp Bowie. I find that next to impossible. That one is reserved for my right hand :)

Compression locks are awkward left-handed I find. I have dropped my PM2 once or twice while playing with it with my left hand.

[wrdwrght]

Lefty here but somewhat ambidextrous. I’m rather indifferent to lock-handedness EXCEPT for the left-handed Millie, PM2, and Para3. None for me, thanks…

[Manixguy@1994]

I am right handed person with an average dexterity in my left hand (or so I find). I find that I can fairly easily operate made liner or frame locks with a left hand. Good example is Brouwer (no thumb flick with a left hand, but easy middle finger flip).

I distinctive example of a liner lock knife that is NOT easy to close lefthanded is Schempp Bowie. I find that next to impossible. That one is reserved for my right hand :)

Compression locks are awkward left-handed I find. I have dropped my PM2 once or twice while playing with it with my left hand.

There is a Utube video showing a technique closing a righty PM2 left handed , it works very well for me but may not be that way for others . I made a video doing it myself for a lefty friend of mine but not sure how I can post it for you . A pure lefty Para3 is something I would give anything to see Spyderco produce . Still prefer dedicated lefty PM2 and Millie .

[Matus]

I can only support the idea that model as wide spread and well received as Para 3 (standard and LW) should have a dedicated lefty version.

[Soanso McMasters]

I am somewhat ambidextrous, left hand dominant for some things, but right hand dominant for most things. I carry my knives in my left pocket and deploy and close them left handed. I have found all of the lock types easy to use left handed but I don’t really like comp locks for other reasons so I prefer any of the other types.

[Manixguy@1994]

Sorry I am only able to post a picture , but should be able to give one an idea how I close a comp lock righty as a lefty . With the finger tips clamping the clip it holds the handle securely in the palm of your hand , the thumb pushes the lock tab and blade drops . Hope this can help someone interested. MG2

[Accutron]

I'm left-handed. I prefer RH liner, frame and comp locks to LH variations. I have no trouble closing them one-handed, or swinging them shut in a single operation.

Sorry I am only able to post a picture , but should be able to give one an idea how I close a comp lock righty as a lefty . With the finger tips clamping the clip it holds the handle securely in the palm of your hand , the thumb pushes the lock tab and blade drops . Hope this can help someone interested. MG2

^^^ This is the correct method, and requires less repositioning than rightie/rightie. All of the non-ambi lock types are built backwards/wrong.

[rooster81]

I'm left-handed. I prefer RH liner, frame and comp locks to LH variations. I have no trouble closing them one-handed, or swinging them shut in a single operation.

Sorry I am only able to post a picture , but should be able to give one an idea how I close a comp lock righty as a lefty . With the finger tips clamping the clip it holds the handle securely in the palm of your hand , the thumb pushes the lock tab and blade drops . Hope this can help someone interested. MG2

^^^ This is the correct method, and requires less repositioning than rightie/rightie. All of the non-ambi lock types are built backwards/wrong.

Haha, I was going to post a video, but yours is perfect, thanks!. And you're better at flicking than me. But, yeah, that's what I was getting at, easy one hand open and *with practice* easy one handed close without getting fingers in the way. Basically any other locking mechanism I tend to use two hands.

[vivi]

I was surprised when the first lefty comp lock knives were announced because I never had any issues using them lefty.

[AHarbuck]

Sorry I am only able to post a picture , but should be able to give one an idea how I close a comp lock righty as a lefty . With the finger tips clamping the clip it holds the handle securely in the palm of your hand , the thumb pushes the lock tab and blade drops . Hope this can help someone interested. MG2

A deep carry clip like Lynch provides good purchase for the middle through small fingers for this grip.

Dropping the blade on my index finger like some do with back locks is an alternative.

Still, I prefer the lefty pm2 when I do carry a comp lock. Mostly carry back locks these days though. I need to try a CBBL.

*edited for typo