Spyderco byte December 2021 - PROPER USE OF THE EMERSON OPENER
Edge-U-Cation®
Unlike conventional one-hand-opening folding knives or even automatic knives, which allow the blade to be opened quickly after the knife is drawn, the Emerson Opener deploys the blade as it clears the pocket and is therefore the fastest opening method available. Achieving that speed, however, still requires proper carry and good technique.Like learning any new skill, it’s best to start off slowly. If possible, use a trainer version of your Emerson Opener knife at first and then progress to a live blade when you feel you’re ready. To prevent property damage or injury to others, always ensure that the area around you is clear of people and obstructions before attempting to open your knife. Also, because the Emerson Opener hooks onto the pocket mouth, it works best with pants made from sturdy fabric. Dress pants and other pants made from light fabrics are not suitable for use with this opening method.
Standard-Grip Draw:
To draw and open your knife to a standard grip—so the blade extends from the thumb side of your hand—first ensure that it is configured for tip-up carry by mounting the clip to the butt end of the handle. Clip the closed knife to your pocket with the body of the knife inside the pocket and knife positioned all the way to the back of the pocket. The spine of the blade should face to the rear.Reach your thumb into the pocket as deeply as possible and index it firmly against the side of the knife’s handle. At the same time, curl your fingers so your index finger hooks under the tip of the clip. Apply a pinching pressure between your thumb and fingers to establish a secure grip on the knife. As you lift the knife upward, apply slight rearward pressure to keep the spine of the blade against the rear of your pocket. As the Emerson Opener hooks on the pocket mouth, continue your draw so your arm extends slightly behind you and the blade clears your body safely to lock in the fully opened position.
Practice these movements slowly and carefully until you are thoroughly comfortable with them. Then, gradually increase your speed while maintaining your focus on safety.
Reverse-Grip Draw:
Spyderco knives with Emerson Openers can also be configured so they can be drawn into a reverse grip, with the blade extending from the little-finger side of the hand. To configure your knife for this type of draw, mount the clip to the butt end of the handle so the spine of the closed blade faces forward when the knife is clipped in your pocket. For best results, clip the knife further forward in your pocket, closer to your body’s centerline.To draw from this position, reach your thumb deep into your pocket and index it against the handle of the knife. As you do, ensure that the web of your thumb is to the rear of the butt of the handle. Place the fingertips of your index and middle fingers on the base of the clip and apply a pinching pressure between them and your thumb. Maintain a firm grip on the handle and lift the knife out of your pocket. As you do, apply forward pressure to slide the spine of the closed blade against the front portion of your pocket. As the knife clears the pocket, the Emerson Opener will snag the pocket edge to pivot the blade into the open position.
Again, practice these movements slowly and carefully and become thoroughly comfortable with them before you increase your speed. In the process, you’ll find that al least a moderate degree of speed will be necessary to deploy and lock the blade fully.
Drawing without Opening:
If you don’t need to open your Emerson Opener-equipped knife in a hurry, you can also draw it without automatically opening the blade. To do this, use the same grip and mechanics described previously, but draw the knife through the middle of the pocket without allowing the hook to snag the pocket mouth. You can also use your index finger to apply pressure against the spine of the blade, holding it closed as you draw the knife.The Emerson Opener is a unique feature that significantly enhances the speed and ease of deployment of our knives. To make the most of it, remember the Navy SEAL adage: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” Take the time to get smooth and fast will come naturally.
Spyderco, Inc.
820 Spyderco Way
Golden, CO 80403
800-525-7770 (T - Toll-Free)
303-279-8383 (T)
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