Knife Enlightenment for a Lefty

Pinball · April 3, 2008, 08:01 PM

Hi all,
I am looking for a daily carry with serrated/regular blade which can be opened

easily by a left handed person. I'd like to keep the price at 60.00 or lower. I

absolutely will not buy a knife from China. You suggestions appreciated as I am

not up on the subject. Jump right in.

saands · April 3, 2008, 08:20 PM

I have NO idea what size knife you are looking for and how much abuse you will want it to take. For true lefty operation, you will want to get something ambidextrous ... knives, like firearms, have action styles ... some lend themselves better to being made ambidextrous than others:

Liner-locks and integral/frame locks are really one-sided while Benchmade's Axis lock and the many variations that have appeared in response to it are GREAT for being ambidextrous. While the cheapest of the Benchmades are now made off-shore, many are still made in Oregon. I typically dress in slacks and EDC one of these: http://www.defenseknife.com/bm530.html ... it ALMOST fits your budget. If it had aluminum scales, it would be perfect ... as is, it is a really nice knife and is exceptionally thin if you take the clip off. Benchmade makes a LOT of their designs with the axis lock ... of the US made knives in your price range, the BM website merits a long visit ... then look on-line to get a good price. Keep in mind that the BM models with 5 digit part numbers (their "Red Class") are usually made in Taiwan ... I'm pretty sure that the 3 and 4 digit models are all made in Oregon. If you are comparing brands, keep in mind that 2 to 4 Rc hardness points will make a big difference in how well your blade will hold an edge ... I have made knives in the Rc 62-64 range that will dress half a dozen deer before needing a sharpening while a knife with Rc 56 would be lucky to finish one (I'm guessing, though, as even my EDC is a RC 58-60 ... I wouldn't buy a knife that was softer than Rc 58).

Hope this helps ...

Saands

Pinball · April 3, 2008, 08:53 PM

Hey saands! Thanks! I usually wear jeans so a knife of 6.5-7.5 inches when open seems okay to me. Appreciate the info.

Mainah · April 3, 2008, 09:03 PM

Sierra Trading Post has some Benchmade knives on sale, check their hunting section on the website.

saands · April 3, 2008, 09:05 PM

If you can skip a few beers and squirrel away the change, look at the Benchmade mini-presidio ... it is a little too thick for slacks, but it is my jeans knife ... as a working knife, it actually IS perfect. I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza (and a little bit of a knife problem, obviously

) and I still prefer to carry the mini-presidio. It locks up like a bank vault and is worth the $105 that it costs.

Just a thought ...

Saands

armedandsafe · April 3, 2008, 09:38 PM

My CRKT PM and my Kershaw1560ST suit me. The Kershaw has a reversible stud. The CRKT has double studs. In both cases, the clip is not reversible, but that is not a large factor for me.

I wonder is either of those companies would move the clip, or, at least, drill and tap the opposing scale for us. hmmmm

Pops

shop20 · April 14, 2008, 06:53 PM

Would you buy a knife made in Japan? I have 2 Spyderco Delica folders, and they are tapped for the clip to be mounted on either end and either side. The serrations are pretty wicked. I like Benchmade too, but I've noticed that their serrations are more like waves these days. That might be a good thing since serrated blades tend to catch and rip, rather than cut, for some applications. The steel handled Delica models are 3" blades good for us living here in "Kalifornia", and are typically selling for $45-$55.

Pinball · April 22, 2008, 12:28 PM

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner. Thanks for the info. Saands, I have no problem with knives made in Japan or Philipines. I will check out your suggestions. Shop20, I am gonna look at those also.

Scorch · April 22, 2008, 01:46 PM

Check out Ontario Cutlery knives. The RTK3 is a folder with a 4" 1095 carbon steel blade. Very well made and hold a good edge for a long time.

ElectricHellfire · April 22, 2008, 09:12 PM

I have a Spyderco Endura also made in Japan that is ambidextrious and quite a good knife.

b.thomas · April 23, 2008, 05:54 AM

Spyderco Endura or Delica both work good.

clown714 · April 23, 2008, 06:47 AM

for under $60.

i'm a lefty and i'd say check out

the spyderco endura.

used to be my EDC.

clown

stephen426 · April 23, 2008, 08:46 AM

Check out www.knifeworks.com . I've bought quite a few knives from them before and they are a top notch company. I agree with the Benchmade recommendation, especially the Axis lock for ambidextrous opening. Most of their knives also come in half serrated versions. You could also check Ebay, but most Benchmades are from Ebay stores rather than regular auction. Knifeworks.com beats Ebay prices most of the time anyways.

Inspector3711 · April 24, 2008, 11:16 AM

One of the Kershaw Ken Onion speedsafe designs... Very quick one finger opening with either hand. Opens with a spring not a flip of the wrist... Like a switchblade but legal. I've carried the scallion model for 5 years now. You can be carrying something and pull the knife with the other hand, deploy blade, cut, close blade and put back in pocket with one hand in a matter of seconds. The blades sharpen easily and are set in place with a thumb operated liner lock. This model includes a pocket clip and a crossbar safety that is actuated with the pnky of either hand. The scallion is under $30 at Walmart and is available with a serrated blade.

Johnny C! · April 25, 2008, 10:03 PM

If you buy the CRKT Special Forces version
(with the aluminum handles) you get a great
knife, reversible belt clip. Tip up or tip down, too.
Stay away from the Zytel "Z" and "G" versions.
The handles are plastic & do not have the
reversible clip feature and they lose the quality
knife feel. I have several really nice knives that
I like, including some very nice Ken Onion Kershaw's
with opening assist, but my every day carry to work
& weekends is my CRKT M-16 SF. It is 4-5/8"
closed & 8-1/8 open. If that is too large, the M16-10
KE is it's smaller brethren. At 4" closed & 7-1/8" open,
it's a little less intimidating if you get at out in a work
place where political correctness is spoken. The
dual thumb studs make it quick to deploy & the
liner lock coupled with the Auto Lawks, it makes
for a very sturdy tool.

I haven't looked at retail prices for these knives
lately, but you can find these at guns shows &
other discount locations for under $60

The M-21 series is just too big for me personally,
& I have large hands.

http://www.crkt.com/m16spfrc.html

Sorry to ramble, but when I find a nice product
at a reasonable price, I tend to tell my friends
about it. And I don't work for CRKT...

Later!

Johnny C!

JustDreadful · April 26, 2008, 04:46 PM

For what purpose? I also have a CRKT and a Kershaw Onion, a Leek. The Kershaws are much nicer - straighter grinds and such - and made in the USA. The CRKTs are cruder, made in Taiwan, but chunkier and sturdier, and as Johnny said have a stronger lock. Probably a bit more ambidextrous as well, with their "flipper" openers. They'll tear up your pants pocket, if that's a concern. I like the CRKT for outdoor stuff, but I have more affection for the Leek.

If you're looking for a se;f-defense piece, save up your milk money and get an Emerson.

April 3, 2008, 08:01 PM	#1
Pinball Member Join Date: March 25, 2002 Location: Outer Romulak Posts: 65	Knife Enlightenment for a Lefty Hi all, I am looking for a daily carry with serrated/regular blade which can be opened easily by a left handed person. I'd like to keep the price at 60.00 or lower. I absolutely will not buy a knife from China. You suggestions appreciated as I am not up on the subject. Jump right in. __________________ Between the Lines

April 3, 2008, 08:53 PM	#3
Pinball Member Join Date: March 25, 2002 Location: Outer Romulak Posts: 65	Hey saands! Thanks! I usually wear jeans so a knife of 6.5-7.5 inches when open seems okay to me. Appreciate the info. __________________ Between the Lines

April 3, 2008, 09:38 PM	#6
armedandsafe Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: Moses Lake WA Posts: 1,001	My CRKT PM and my Kershaw1560ST suit me. The Kershaw has a reversible stud. The CRKT has double studs. In both cases, the clip is not reversible, but that is not a large factor for me. I wonder is either of those companies would move the clip, or, at least, drill and tap the opposing scale for us. hmmmm Pops __________________ Armed and Safe: Not just a theory If it time to bury them, it is time to dig them up. Remember, "Behind every blade of grass."

April 14, 2008, 06:53 PM	#7
shop20 Junior Member Join Date: April 13, 2008 Posts: 3	Lefty knife for under $60 Would you buy a knife made in Japan? I have 2 Spyderco Delica folders, and they are tapped for the clip to be mounted on either end and either side. The serrations are pretty wicked. I like Benchmade too, but I've noticed that their serrations are more like waves these days. That might be a good thing since serrated blades tend to catch and rip, rather than cut, for some applications. The steel handled Delica models are 3" blades good for us living here in "Kalifornia", and are typically selling for $45-$55.

April 22, 2008, 12:28 PM	#8
Pinball Member Join Date: March 25, 2002 Location: Outer Romulak Posts: 65	Hey guys. Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner. Thanks for the info. Saands, I have no problem with knives made in Japan or Philipines. I will check out your suggestions. Shop20, I am gonna look at those also. __________________ Between the Lines

April 3, 2008, 08:20 PM	#2
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	I have NO idea what size knife you are looking for and how much abuse you will want it to take. For true lefty operation, you will want to get something ambidextrous ... knives, like firearms, have action styles ... some lend themselves better to being made ambidextrous than others: Liner-locks and integral/frame locks are really one-sided while Benchmade's Axis lock and the many variations that have appeared in response to it are GREAT for being ambidextrous. While the cheapest of the Benchmades are now made off-shore, many are still made in Oregon. I typically dress in slacks and EDC one of these: http://www.defenseknife.com/bm530.html ... it ALMOST fits your budget. If it had aluminum scales, it would be perfect ... as is, it is a really nice knife and is exceptionally thin if you take the clip off. Benchmade makes a LOT of their designs with the axis lock ... of the US made knives in your price range, the BM website merits a long visit ... then look on-line to get a good price. Keep in mind that the BM models with 5 digit part numbers (their "Red Class") are usually made in Taiwan ... I'm pretty sure that the 3 and 4 digit models are all made in Oregon. If you are comparing brands, keep in mind that 2 to 4 Rc hardness points will make a big difference in how well your blade will hold an edge ... I have made knives in the Rc 62-64 range that will dress half a dozen deer before needing a sharpening while a knife with Rc 56 would be lucky to finish one (I'm guessing, though, as even my EDC is a RC 58-60 ... I wouldn't buy a knife that was softer than Rc 58). Hope this helps ... Saands

April 3, 2008, 09:03 PM	#4
Mainah Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Posts: 1,119	Sierra Trading Post has some Benchmade knives on sale, check their hunting section on the website.

April 3, 2008, 09:05 PM	#5
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	If you can skip a few beers and squirrel away the change, look at the Benchmade mini-presidio ... it is a little too thick for slacks, but it is my jeans knife ... as a working knife, it actually IS perfect. I have a Chris Reeve Sebenza (and a little bit of a knife problem, obviously ) and I still prefer to carry the mini-presidio. It locks up like a bank vault and is worth the $105 that it costs. Just a thought ... Saands

April 22, 2008, 01:46 PM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Check out Ontario Cutlery knives. The RTK3 is a folder with a 4" 1095 carbon steel blade. Very well made and hold a good edge for a long time. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 22, 2008, 09:12 PM	#10
ElectricHellfire Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,271	I have a Spyderco Endura also made in Japan that is ambidextrious and quite a good knife. __________________ *Texas, the only State to Have Ever Kicked Another Country's Butt*

April 23, 2008, 05:54 AM	#11
b.thomas Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Posts: 461	Spyderco Endura or Delica both work good.

April 23, 2008, 06:47 AM	#12
clown714 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2001 Location: ga Posts: 395	for under $60. i'm a lefty and i'd say check out the spyderco endura. used to be my EDC. clown

April 23, 2008, 08:46 AM	#13
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	Check out www.knifeworks.com . I've bought quite a few knives from them before and they are a top notch company. I agree with the Benchmade recommendation, especially the Axis lock for ambidextrous opening. Most of their knives also come in half serrated versions. You could also check Ebay, but most Benchmades are from Ebay stores rather than regular auction. Knifeworks.com beats Ebay prices most of the time anyways. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

April 24, 2008, 11:16 AM	#14
Inspector3711 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2008 Location: Puget Sound Washington Posts: 1,553	One of the Kershaw Ken Onion speedsafe designs... Very quick one finger opening with either hand. Opens with a spring not a flip of the wrist... Like a switchblade but legal. I've carried the scallion model for 5 years now. You can be carrying something and pull the knife with the other hand, deploy blade, cut, close blade and put back in pocket with one hand in a matter of seconds. The blades sharpen easily and are set in place with a thumb operated liner lock. This model includes a pocket clip and a crossbar safety that is actuated with the pnky of either hand. The scallion is under $30 at Walmart and is available with a serrated blade. __________________ "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun." The Dalai Llama (5/15/01, The Seattle Times) "That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

April 25, 2008, 10:03 PM	#15
Johnny C! Junior Member Join Date: March 18, 2000 Posts: 1	CRKT SF Knives If you buy the CRKT Special Forces version (with the aluminum handles) you get a great knife, reversible belt clip. Tip up or tip down, too. Stay away from the Zytel "Z" and "G" versions. The handles are plastic & do not have the reversible clip feature and they lose the quality knife feel. I have several really nice knives that I like, including some very nice Ken Onion Kershaw's with opening assist, but my every day carry to work & weekends is my CRKT M-16 SF. It is 4-5/8" closed & 8-1/8 open. If that is too large, the M16-10 KE is it's smaller brethren. At 4" closed & 7-1/8" open, it's a little less intimidating if you get at out in a work place where political correctness is spoken. The dual thumb studs make it quick to deploy & the liner lock coupled with the Auto Lawks, it makes for a very sturdy tool. I haven't looked at retail prices for these knives lately, but you can find these at guns shows & other discount locations for under $60 The M-21 series is just too big for me personally, & I have large hands. http://www.crkt.com/m16spfrc.html Sorry to ramble, but when I find a nice product at a reasonable price, I tend to tell my friends about it. And I don't work for CRKT... Later! Johnny C!

April 26, 2008, 04:46 PM	#16
JustDreadful Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2008 Location: Sin City Posts: 270	For what purpose? I also have a CRKT and a Kershaw Onion, a Leek. The Kershaws are much nicer - straighter grinds and such - and made in the USA. The CRKTs are cruder, made in Taiwan, but chunkier and sturdier, and as Johnny said have a stronger lock. Probably a bit more ambidextrous as well, with their "flipper" openers. They'll tear up your pants pocket, if that's a concern. I like the CRKT for outdoor stuff, but I have more affection for the Leek. If you're looking for a se;f-defense piece, save up your milk money and get an Emerson.