Lefty friendly Spyders?

[JHanna]

I am interested in some of the liner-lock collaboration models such as the Starmate, Walker Ltwt., Tim Zowada and Centofante but I have never had the opportunity to handle any of them.I am concerned that if I acquire one of these online that I might find out that the liner-lock interferes with left hand opening. Do any of you left-handed forumites have experience with these?

[Alan2112]

Welcome aboard, JRH! RKBA!

[ronin203]

I haven't handled all the models you asked about but I do think the liner lock on the zowada model interferes with left handed opening.

[zeus]

I'm left handed and have been using a Military for several weeks.(now my EDC) I don't see any OPENING difficulties using the "hole-pinch" method or thumb flick. CLOSING, a liner-lock on the other hand, is a different story.....

[zeus]

Just found this site for Left handed knife users/owners/collectors......


http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB49

[The Deacon]

As a lefty, I find front lock Spydercos generally the most lefty friendly knives around, although I must admit I have yet to try a ball lock. I'm not too keen on any liner lock, based on the fact that no matter which hand it is designed for, the nature of the lock requires you to put your finger in the path of the blade to close it.

On top of that, on many of the right handed liner lock Spydercos the hole is much less exposed when used left handed than when used right handed. Designs that combine a liner lock and a "humpless" blade tend to be this way. The Toad is probably the most extreme example of this, it is probably the least lefty friendly Spyderco with well over 50% of the hole occluded by the handle. The Shabaria shows it to a lesser degree, perhaps 25%, but still enough to make it a poor choice for lefties and those righties looking for a weak hand defensive tool. Have never owned a Centofante, Zowada, or Viele, but from pictures of them closed, it's safe to say they may be poor choices for a southpaw as well. The Walker and the Starmate might be borderline cases in this regard, would advise at least seeing pictures of them closed before buying one, but do keep in mind that slight occlusion of the hole is not a major problem, even some front locks have this, although with them it normally is equal on both sides. Of the liner lock collaboration models, the Herbst is the only one I can tell you for certain is equally easy to open with either hand.

Finally keep in mind that to the best of my knowledge, none of Spyderco liner locks offer a left hand clip mounting option.

Paul

[sedate]

Are you looking for a lefty specific liner lock? Back many years ago when I was looking, the only one I found that suited my purpose was the Terzuola Design, which was offered in a lefty model. 99% of them don't offer lefty versions, and I wanted a folder that allowed for one handed open AND closing. I've recently acquired a BM Osborne folder with the Axis mechanism that works extremely well for lefty and righty open/close.

[JHanna]

Thanks for the info guys. My concern is not realy with closing a right handed liner lock or with clip position. I've adapted those things to left handed use well enough. My question had more to do with how much of the opening hole would be obscured by the handle and liner lock. You've definately given me some good information - I'll pass on the Zowada and wait until I can handle a Starmate or Walker. Thanks again.

[The Deacon]

A good picture of the left side of a closed Centofante just showed up in this eBay auction 2224810482. Hole looks to be 50% blocked or more to me. Would definitely be a challenge to open left handed.

Paul

[silverback]

Hello JRH!

If you want a lefty-open-friendly linerlock knife, try the Peter Herbst folder. Just checked mine and found the hole to be free of the handle.
It&#180;s a beautiful knife - too bad the sale on this site is over. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
But they should be available somewhere else.


&quot;Go is a pursuit of such value that one can devote a lifetime to it and have nothing to regret. Why not, then, challenge the limit of your powers.&quot; -Kageyama

Edited by - silverback on 2/11/2004 5:55:26 AM