Here’s another transverse pivot side folder, or however you would describe a knife…
…That folds along the axis opposite of what we’re used to.
Special mention goes to the bonkers locking arrangement on this knife as well. The filigree leafy thing in the middle is not just decoration; it also acts as a cam, literally spreading the prongs of the handle apart to release the blade:
Note the gap visible when I do this. The heel of the blade rests in a pair of slots machined into the handle prongs, so it won’t move unless they’re spread apart.
Opening this with one hand is possible, but definitely takes some practice. It’ll open either way, as well, and nothing is stopping it from being flipped open the other way except the pocket clip. Lefties can reverse the clip, or anyone eschewing the clip at all to use the included breakaway lanyard thingy (which goes in that hole on the tail) can just remove it entirely and then you’ll be able to spin the blade around a complete 360° if you feel like it.
I’ve always liked the looks of this design. I worry about the large amount of leverage the exposed blade could apply to the small area of the lock. Have you had any problems with your opening accidentally? Or closing?
I haven’t, but as is tradition for this sort of thing I never use it for anything heavy duty. Slicing envelopes, opening packages, no problem. I have beater knives I use for prying rusty nails out of zombies, or whatever, which I know can survive such a thing but also about which I do not care about maintaining the finish.
I think two things will work in your favor with this knife, in that respect. One is that the direction of folding is against the direction of force if you’re slicing something – but not if you’re prying with the flat of the blade. Which you shouldn’t do anyway. But second is that even if you do overpower the lock and make it fold up, the edge shouldn’t touch you. You’ll wind up getting exposed to the flat side of the blade only, which isn’t so bad.
You absolutely aren’t opening this thing accidentally. It takes quite a concerted shove against the knurled thingy on the end of the lock. If anything it’s too hard to open, which is probably intentional since the same amount of force is by nature required to unlock it to close it. If enough force is applied to your personage to get this to open unintentionally I think you have bigger problems.
I appreciate the information! And I can see now how the mechanics of the design limit the risks. It is very clever.
I’ll have to keep an eye out for one of these.
Biggest issue I’ve ever had with mine is poking my palm a bit while opening/closing it.