Thumb stud vs. Thumb hole

Did a search of both "current" and archived threads, and found nothing.

Which do you prefer, and why? I've never owned a Spyderco, but people seem to rave about them, so I've been looking at a few the last few days. I'm also looking at Benchmade stuff, specifically the Griptilian. It's offered in both thumb stud and thumb hole options. Honestly, I see nothing wrong with a thumb stud, and wonder what's so great about using a thumb whole instead? So, I'm asking here. There's no point in buying one with the hole if it offers no real advantage over the stud, other than personal preference, but if there's some redeeming quality that I'm missing, I'm all ears, and open to buying something with one, to try it out.

My last three knives were from Spiderco, and I loved them all. I also had a SOG(Pentagon?) with a stud, very nice blade but it took just a little bit more leverage yo open, at least for me, it seemed that way. I wish I still had it though.

i use it as a middle finger hole instead. i used to think the thumb opening method was fast...whew.

I like the thumb hole myself after using it on my strider smf. Like mentioned seems to take less force and the force is spread out over more of your finger than a single point with a stud. Just seems to feel better to me. similar reason i like thumb disks on emersons over studs, more surface area to get behind when opening.

Pat

It depends. On a small knife I prefer a stud so that there is no added "bulk" for the hole (if the knife is supposed to be small, keep it small!). On a large knife like my Strider SMF, the hole is much easier to use than the stud (it has both), and the blade is large enough to put a hole in it without adding extra bulk.

Wait a little while, they're finally getting with the program and releasing a flipper. It looks awesome.

Who, Spyderco or Benchmade?

Spyderco.

i've used both and prefer the thumb stud hands down........

The Spyderco Flipper looks nice, but I'm willing to bet it'll be a good ways out of my price range. That, and it appears that it'll be a few months yet before it's released. But I'll keep it in mind for a future purchase.

Depends on the knife. Both work just fine for me. I am not a fan of "waved" knives.

I slightly prefer the thumb hole to the stud but both work fine. The other features of the knife are more important to me (shape, material and size).

Cool video, well done!

If it's like my Onion, then I vote for the Spyderco ...

How about neither?

I prefer a blade with a flipper protrusion. Then, whether it is a stud or whole, I don't care.

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Still missing a Spyderco in my collection so I have no experience with a thumb hole yet. I can see how they could be better than thumb studs since the pressure is spread over a wider area, but I love my assisted opening kershaws that don't take much pressure to open before they spring out.

I've carried a Syderco for 20 plus years so I'm partial to the hole.
I find the placement of some studs a little tough to operate if they are to close to the frame.

Bastard! I picked up a Delica4 from a local guy, and was trying this method of opening with it about an hour ago. I didn't get it all the way open on one attempt, and my ring finger caught it. The little fetcher is SHARP! I now have a small cut above the fingernail that required a few 4-sheet thick pads of TP and a generous application of medium CA (super glue) to stop the bleeding.

On a side note, I'm digging the knife quite a bit. I'd have a cheap chinese knock-off like the Delica, but on a much smaller scale back when I was much younger. The thing was a piece of crap, and the thumb whole wasn't a circle, but was instead some aweful teardrop shape. Simply because of that knife, I've been hesitant to try Spyderco for all these years. Turns out my fears were unwarranted. It is thin and light, but it locks up solid, opens smoothly, and as noted, is sharp as heck!

I prefer the thumb hole. I think its more comfortable to open.

Thumb hole. I have an ugly tendency to catch fingernails on thumb studs when reaching into pockets for keys....

I started out with a thumb hole and about 9 years ago switched to the thumb studs because I found a Benchmade design that I love. I still have some of both, but I'm more comfortable with the stud.

I remember back when knives first started showing up with thumb studs, and I thought it was the most awesome thing I had ever seen.


I never really got with the thumb hole, just didn't like the idea.



These days I get squeamish about buying anything without a flipper, I'm fully converted. I can't foresee me using a knife for EDC without a flipper ever again.

Pretty much the same as above. When properly designed, either works fine. My regular carry consists of either a Sog Aegis with thumb stud or one of many Spydercos with a thumb hole.

I'm a full blown Spyderholic, but I'm good with either.

ETA: Flippers are fun too!

I prefer the thumb hole since I am a big Spyderco fan like a lot of guys. I also have some Benchmades with thumb studs and they're good as well.

I have a Cold Steel AK47 knife that has the thumb plate. It totally sucks for one hand opening, so I don't recommend thumb plates.

I hate thumb holes. Add a little bit of slipperiness and it's easy to add some scar tissue to your hand. I prefer Carson flippers myself.

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