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FOLDER DEPLOYMENT. What is fastest? Your experience? Favorite folder specifically for how it deploys?

I like tactical folders. Though it was a while ago, I studied martial arts for many years. If you carry a tactical for defense reasons, practicing deployment of ANY weapon is critical. That said, I try out every every kind of tactical I can find. I have tried, regular thumb studs, flippers, assisted, switches, and the Emerson "wave" as well as the Cold Steel version of the Emerson wave ( a flat thumb stud that catches your pants just like the Emerson). For me, nothing (other than a fixed blade) deploys as fast as an Emerson with the Wave feature or a Cold Steel with the thumb plate (AK47, Black Talon, Espada, Raja ll,

Spartan, Talwar & Tiger claw). I find the Wave feature to deploy faster than any other method consistently. Even though that is true, and I practiced, one out of 100 practices, the deployment goes wrong and I don't get the blade deployed efficiently.

I invite all to share your experiences and thoughts about this.

- A

2 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 28, 2015 at 20:25

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 28, 2015 at 20:26

This might be one of the fastest opening knives I have. I dont have a lot of them but I just can't stop flipping open this little knife!

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on April 28, 2015 at 20:28

You have some good thoughts. For me, if the deployment method could mean life of death, then a fixed blade would be my choice. I love my Pro-Tech Rockeye Fixed Blade with its 4 inch blade. Smaller but quick and deadly. The 4 inch blade is right at the least amount of blade to be carried as a weapon. Like you Alec, I have carried them all and written about most, but the fixed blade is the way to go.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on April 28, 2015 at 20:28

I second Steve's line of thought.

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on April 28, 2015 at 20:31

I love my level autos. I have several Hubertus as well. They are fun to play with. One of mine is a four inch slim. Love that knife.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 28, 2015 at 20:38

That looks fast Dale, bet no hesitation on that!

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 28, 2015 at 20:41

Here is another one I bought and although a fixed blade, a yank on the sheath and out it comes:

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 28, 2015 at 20:42

That is the Cold Steel Secret Edge and it comes out pretty doggone quick!

Permalink Reply by AlecsKnives on April 28, 2015 at 21:04

The secret edge is a great knife! I always like the idea of skeletonized fixed blades too, not just for weight, but for lashing to a stick for situations that call for it. I have been pondering getting one since I saw it. I love every Cold Steel knife I have, and I have a bunch. I have a few Ken Onion CRKT knives that are flippers with the ball bearing pivot. Those open very fast, but the are still a two step deployment. My Emerson Super Raven is as close as a folder gets (in my exp) to a fixed because it deploys open. I love that thing.

I have a Darrel Ralph Auto that was made for Paratroopers that I got from Darrel that is very fast and the design is incredible (as is Darrel), but is still slower than the Emerson or my Cold Steel AK47 (which I took apart and ruined ... ugh) or my Cold Steel Spartan.

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on April 29, 2015 at 9:11

Here is a picture of one knife I wrote about for Harris Publications in the magazine "Survivor's Edge". I wrote about several others but this one is a top shelf knife. This Pro-Tech Rockeye Fixed Blade is one very bad boy. I personally own one and love it. If any member wants one I think I can get it for you at a huge discount.

The other knife I like is the Ghostrike made by Gerber and if you get the Deluxe model, it comes with an ankle holster which is very functional. I have one of these and it is a great knife. Picture of the Ghostrike included.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 29, 2015 at 9:20

Love the look of both of those Clint, in particular the deployment possibilities of the Gerber Ghostrike. Looks outstanding!

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on April 29, 2015 at 9:24

Thanks Steve. Yes the Ghostrike feels great in you hand too. It has a rubber like finish on the handle to aid in your grip. I always carry my gun on the inside of my right leg. Being on the outside bangs into things you brush up against. This knife is the same way. When you carry on the inside of your leg you can access the gun or knife with either hand.