The 10 Best One Handed Opening Knives
As the name suggests, a one handed opening knife is a folding knife that can be opened with just one hand.
These knives are very popular, since the one-hand knives can be carried safely in your trouser or jacket pocket and still are ready for use within milliseconds.
There are different mechanisms for opening the blade with one hand – that’s what makes the one-handed knife so diverse and exciting. I will now explain to you how the one-hand knives differ and what you must pay attention to before buying.
First of all: If you want to use the pocket knife in public, you should know your local law. In many countrys you are allowed to buy these knives – but it is illegal to carry them in public.
What you need to know about one handed opening knives:
THE 2 IMPORTANT FACTS:
The 3 different opening mechanisms
The locking mechanism
1. Opening Mechanism
In order to be able to open the blade of a folding knife with one hand, the one-hand knives have special opening aids. Three different mechanisms have been established over time. In any case, the opening aid is attached to the blade of the folding knife.
– One-handed knife with opening pin
This one-hand knife variant has a pin on one or both sides of the blade. You can slide the blade open with your thumb. This type of construction is most common among the knives and offers different pre- & amp; Disadvantage.
The biggest advantage comes when it is a screwed pin. In this case you can convert the knife relatively easily to an ambidextrous folding knife and carry it with you in Germany without any problems. With cheap one-hand knives, the pin is usually welded, so pay attention to this detail before buying!
Of course, this transformation is not permanent. If you want to use the knife again as a one-handed knife, simply screw the pin back in. Because the pin is not large and the hole is also small, there is hardly any difference visually.
However, there are also two small disadvantages caused by the opening pin. First of all, the pin often gets stuck when you take the knife out of your pocket. The pin can also get in the way when sharpening the blade – here a screwed pin can also solve the problem.
– One-handed knife with hole
With these folding knives, a so-called eye is drilled into the blade, with the help of which you can slide the blade open. The knife manufacturer Spyderco from the USA has patented this opening aid. Since then, the hole in the Spyderco one-hand knives has also been known as the spiderhole. But other knife manufacturers, such as Victorinox, use the same principle in a similar form.
The advantage of this design is of course that there is no pin in the way – neither when pulling out of the pocket, nor when sharpening the blade. In addition, the bore saves weight and looks really good with most one-hand knives. Small disadvantage: If you wear gloves, for example, it is no longer easy to open the knife with many knives with a hole. Of course, with this design there is no possibility to temporarily convert the one-handed knife into a two-handed knife.
– One-hand knife with pinball
The pinball is a protruding nose on the blade joint. Due to the short path, the pinball machine can give the blade little momentum on the way. For this reason, a smooth-running blade joint is essential for this opening aid.
The locking mechanism of a one-handed knife is at least as exciting as the opening aid. There are also many different variants here – at the end of this article you will find a detailed one-hand knife for buying advice in which I take up this topic in detail.
2. The Locking Mechanism
As already mentioned, the closure of a one-handed knife is a feature that you must not neglect before buying. Here is a brief overview:
1. Slipjoint
You already know the slip joint closure from the Swiss Army Knives. In this variant, the blade is only kept open by a spring. To close the knife again only the force of the spring has to be overcome.
One-hand knives with this type are rather the exception. In some countries, however, these knives are a good alternative, since the knives do not have a locked blade and may not be subject to the ban.
2. Liner lock
The liner lock, on the other hand, is widespread among one-hand knives. With this design, there is a steel leaf spring along the blade. When you open the blade, the spring jumps behind the blade and locks it in place.
Very important: As far as the security of the liner lock is concerned, the processing quality of the one-hand knife is very important. With cheap knives the knife can open under load, which can lead to injuries under certain circumstances.
If you want to close a one-hand knife with a liner lock, all you have to do is push the spring aside with your thumb and close the blade with your index finger. One-hand knives with a liner lock are also available for left-handers – but be sure to check which variant it is before buying.
3. Framelock
The so-called frame lock (below in the picture) is a variant of the liner lock. Here, an elastic part of the grip shell serves as a leaf spring. The disadvantage of this design, however, is that the blade can be accidentally released if pressure is applied to the knife.
If you want to close the one-handed knife again, then the same handle as for the liner-lock variant is necessary – so pay attention to one-handed knives for left-handers.
4. Axislock
With this one-hand knife lock, a bolt slides over the part of the blade when the blade is opened. This lock is extremely stable and is ideal for rough work. To unlock, you can simply pull the bolt back – this is for left- & amp; Right-handed possible.
Top 10 One Handed Opening Knives At A Glance:
 | Kershaw One Handed Opening Knife 3.5" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Buck Mini 2" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Victorinox Hunter XT 6 Tools, 4" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Benchmade Sport 3.6" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Spyderco One Handed Opening Knife 4.2" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Kershaw One Handed Opening Knife 3.25" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Smith & Wesson 3.1" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife 3" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Buck One Handed Folding Knife 2.4" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
 | Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife 3.1" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. High Quality One Handed Opening Knife Mady By Kershaw
- Aluminium handle
- Extreme sharp blade with saw
- Handle witch small glass breaker
- 8,5 cm long blade
First of all I want to present you a high quality one-hand knife from the Kershaw brand (from the USA). The blade of the one-hand pocket knife is already very sharp at the factory. As you could already see on the product image, the knife is equipped with a sawing area – this can be used, for example, to cut seat belts.
The blade has a length of 8.5 cm – the total length is 20 cm when unfolded.
But not only the blade of the folding knife can convince. The handle is also well made. It is a solid aluminum handle with a non-slip structure. At the end of the handle there is a pointed glass breaker, which you can use to break car windows in an emergency.
Another special feature of this handle: The thumb recess is provided with corrugated metal, so that you can exert a lot of pressure on rough work without slipping. There is also a belt clip on the back of the handle, so you can always wear this one-handed knife on your pants.
As you have already learned, the folding mechanism for a one-handed knife is an important quality feature. An opening pin is used with this knife. It is attached on both sides and is extremely easy to grip. The clasp is also solid and durable.
The only drawback with this one-handed knife is that quality has a price. This Kershaw knife costs a little more than 100 euros, but in return it will last a long time.
Overall, this is an extremely high-quality one-handed knife, which is perfect for everyday use and can even save lives in emergencies thanks to belt cutters and glass breakers. If you will be using your one-handed knife frequently, then this knife is definitely worth the money!
Pros
- Schwarzes Design
- 8,5 cm lange Klinge
- Rutschfester Alugriff
- Beidseitiger Öffnungspin
Cons
- Relativ hoher Preis
2. Mini One Handed Opening Knife Made By Buck
- Schickes Design
- Nur 36 Gramm schwer
- Etwa 5 cm Klingenlänge
- Preiswertes Einhandmesser
Now we come to a comparatively inexpensive one-hand knife from Buck. This folding knife only costs about 30 euros, but it is also very small. The knife is open 12 cm long, the blade is only 5 cm.
What I really like about this Buck one-handed knife is the modern look. The small one-handed knife looks simply chic. Even the opening pin on the blade matches the curved design.
Because of the size, this knife is perfect for everyday use. Since the Buck one-handed knife weighs only 36 grams, you can carry it around with you without any problems, for example to open packages.
Of course there are a few criticisms with this knife. The processing is of course not on the same level as the more expensive knives in this comparison – typically Made in China.
In addition, the knife is only intended for simple and small jobs. This knife cannot handle rough tasks.
Overall, the Buck one-handed knife is an inexpensive alternative for quick and handy work in the house.
Pros
- Preiswert
- 5 cm kurze Klinge
- Nur 36 Gramm schwer
- Handliches Einhandmesser
Cons
- Billige Verarbeitung
- Nur für feine Aufgaben
3. Victorinox Swiss Champ - Vielseitiges Taschenmesser
- Feststellbare Waidklinge
- Mit Gurtschneider & Säge
- Ergonomische Griffschalen
- Taschenmesser mit 6 Funktionen
The lockable woad blade on this hunting pocket knife from Victorinox can be opened using the thumb hole – the same applies to the belt cutter / breaker blade.
Do you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of hunting knives? I have put together the best 10 hunting knives for you and show you what you must pay attention to before buying should.
This pocket knife from Victorinox offers you versatile functions that are specially designed for hunting. The one-handed knife is of course also suitable for similar outdoor adventures.
Here is an overview of the 6 functions:
- Lockable woad blade
- Belt cutter
- wood saw
- corkscrew
- keyring
- cord
The ergonomically shaped handle is very non-slip thanks to the two-component handle scales. Overall, the pocket knife lies comfortably in the hand.
The biggest point of criticism with this pocket knife is that the blades cannot be opened as easily as with the other one-hand knives in this comparison. Handling is restricted, particularly with gloves or with wet hands. In addition, the pocket knife is more difficult to clean because of the many gaps, like other one-handed knives or hunting knives.
Of course, the Victorinox Hunter XT Grip is specially designed for hunting. But for all other outdoor challenges you can confidently use this one-handed pocket knife. The knife offers you versatile functions at a good price.
Pros
- Große Waidklinge
- Vielseitige Funktionen
- Rutschfester & Ergonomischer Griff
Cons
- Schlechtes Handling mit Handschuhen
- Schwierig zu Reinigen
4. Victorinox Ranger Grip - Hochwertiges Taschenmesser
- 9 cm Klingenlänge
- Wertiger Klingenstahl
- Öffnungspin & Axislock
- Etwa 125 Gramm schwer
This sporty one-handed knife from Benchmade is equipped with an opening pin & amp; provided with an Axislock for secure locking. Thanks to this combination, the Benchmade one-handed knife offers incomparably good handling.
The drop point blade is extremely sharp and yet solid enough. This knife is equipped with a spring-assisted opening system. You only have to push the blade briefly and the blade opens quickly and completely automatically. The blade itself is made from the high quality steel grade 154CM.
The handle of the Benchmade one-hand knife is made of black Valox. This material is resistant to heat, moisture and many chemicals.
There is also a secondary lock on this one-hand knife, which you can use to hold the knife closed and open. This offers you additional security.
The only drawback with this one-hand knife is the comparatively high price. However, this can be handled if you take into account that this knife will give you many years of pleasure.
Pros
- 9 cm lange Klinge
- Hochwertiges Einhandmesser
- Federunterstützes Öffnen der Klinge
Cons
- Relativ hoher Preis
5. Puma La Caza - Taschenmesser für Jäger
- Mit "Spiderhole"
- G10 Griffmaterial
- 8,5 cm lange Klinge
- Gute Preis-Leistung
The blade-shaped blade shape of this one-handed knife from Spyderco makes this knife a real all-rounder. With the 8.5 cm long blade, you can do both fine and rough work. This is achieved primarily through the grooved thumb ramp, which allows you to apply enough pressure for rough work.
The handle of the one-hand knife is made of G10 – this is a light high-pressure glass fiber laminate. The handle is extremely non-slip thanks to a fine structure. Good news if you want to wear the knife on your belt: The belt clip is very tight and can be moved both up and down.
The blade is opened by the patented “Spiderhole” – a typical trademark of the American manufacturer.
The only drawback: This knife cannot simply be “converted” into a two-handed knife, as would be the case, for example, with a knife with a screwed opening pin. In addition, the hole in the blade is small and can hardly be gripped with gloves. Otherwise, I really have nothing to complain about this one-handed knife.
Overall, the Spyderco Tenacious offers you excellent value for money. This one-handed knife is a real all-rounder for work & amp; Leisure time – and it only costs about 60 euros.
Pros
- 8,5 cm lange Klinge
- Klassisches Spiderhole
- Rutschfester Griff aus G10
- Ausgezeichnete Preis-Leistung
Cons
- Kein "Umbau" möglich
- Schlechtes Handling mit Handschuhen
Wie Du ein gutes Einhandmesser für Dich findest
Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you right at the beginning: there is no ultimate, the best hunting knife.
That is also logical, because hunting knives are made for a wide variety of areas.
There are hunting knives that are used more universally, hunting knives that are supposed to fulfill a special function and pocket knives for hunters that combine several special blades.
As you can imagine now, there are almost endless variations among the different hunting knives. The knives differ primarily by these features:
- The shape & amp; Blade length
- blade hardness & amp; the blade material
- shape of the handle & amp; the handle material
- Fixed or foldable blade
With this huge selection of different hunting knives you are guaranteed to find the right model for you. You just need to know what to look for before buying a hunting knife. Therefore I will now decipher the previous 5 features of a hunting knife for you.
1. Die Klinge eines Einhandmessers
1. The right hardness of the blade
The blade of a one-handed knife should have the appropriate hardness. It is not always the harder, the better. You should definitely note that the blade is still easy to regrind. In my opinion, the appropriate hardness is between 55 and 60 HRC.
2. Corrosion resistance
In principle, corrosion is only a problem with cheap folding knives. Otherwise, all blades are now made of rustproof stainless steel or have a protective coating.
However, you should always make sure that you store your one-handed knife dry. Because even stainless steel will rust at some point – the corrosion is only slowed down. Also make sure that the inside and the blade joint remain dry.
3. Length & amp; Blade width
The shape and size of the blade determines the purpose for which you can use your one-handed knife. If you want to do fine work with your one-hand knife, such as opening packages or carving, you should choose a smaller knife with a blade length of up to 8 cm.
For rough tasks, it is important that the blade is not only long, but also thicker. Also make sure that the tip of the knife is more robust, otherwise it could break off.
2. Der Griff eines Einhandmessers
1. The shape of the handle
In general, you should not neglect the grip of a one-handed knife when making your purchase decision. Because the handle decides on handling, comfort and the safety of your folding knife.
The shape of the handle should of course fit your hand. However, this is easier said than done, especially when buying online. In this case, pay attention to the specified dimensions of the knife.
However, the product images show relatively well how ergonomically the handle is shaped. Before buying, you should also pay attention to how well your hand is protected from the blade so that you cannot slip over the blade. This property is of course even more important for rough work.
2. The handle material
It is of course extremely important that the handle is firmly in your hand. Not only the shape of the handle is responsible for this, but also the handle material itself.
In most cases, the handle of a one-hand folding knife is made of aluminum (high-quality version) or plastic (cheaper version). The advantage of both handles: the materials can be shaped well and integrated into the locking mechanism.
If you want to use the knife safely outdoors or with wet hands, then
you should definitely have a handle with a non-slip structure
choose. In my experience, the one-hand knives made of aluminum have the edge here, that the contours do not wear even after a long time.
Both materials are also very durable. But make sure that the handles made of aluminum in cheap models are only provided with a thin coating, which can quickly detach.
One-hand knives with handle scales made of wood or horn are rarely found. Here you should note, however, that these are natural materials that are maintenance-intensive and by far not as long-lasting. In addition, these knives are nowhere near as non-slip – especially when wet!
3. Additional functions
The handle of your new one-handed knife can also have a few useful functions. Security & amp; Survival knives, for example, are usually equipped with a glass breaker.
Most one-hand knives also have a hole for a cord, chain or the like. If the one-hand knife is intended for rough tasks, then you should also pay attention to a handy thumb recess. Such a recess allows you to put more pressure on the blade without running the risk of slipping your thumb.
Einhandmesser vs. Springmesser
You may be wondering exactly what the difference is between a one-handed knife and a jumping knife. The two terms are often used synonymously, but there are serious differences between these two types of knives.
Spring knives open automatically when a button is pressed by a spring that is tensioned when they close.
With a one-handed knife, however, the blade must be moved completely manually.
However, there is also an interim solution, a so-called spring-assisted folding mechanism.
In this case, the blade usually has to be moved manually about 30% of the way before the spring is strong enough to automatically position the blade. You only need a little jump start.
Jumping knives are prohibited items in Germany, with the exception of certain jumping knives, for example:
– open sideways
– not ground on two sides
– protrude a maximum of 8.5 cm from the handle
Was kostet ein gutes Einhandmesser?
As you hopefully learned in this one-hand knife comparison, you should not save on a one-hand knife.
The safety of a one-handed knife depends on the quality of the mechanism.
In principle, you should rather buy a high-quality one-handed knife, if only for the reason of not injuring yourself.
Otherwise, the price of a good one-handed knife depends on what you want to do with the knife. Because that is the size of the blade, the sharpness, the overall robustness and much more.
If you only want a simple one-handed knife for the home or the office, you can buy a good one-handed knife for 30 to 50 euros.
In this case, the small one-hand knives from Buck are a good choice.
Multifunctional one-hand knives, on the other hand, cost up to 100 euros. Do you want a high quality & amp; durable one-hand knife, which can handle even rough outdoor tasks, then you should pick a knife that is over 100 euros and has the corresponding price-performance ratio.
Are you looking for a high quality one-handed knife? Then I can recommend the knives from Benchmade .
Mein Fazit zu den Einhandmessern
Die besten 10 Schweizer Taschenmesser 2020 im Test
| Kershaw One Handed Opening Knife 3.5" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Buck Mini 2" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Victorinox Hunter XT 6 Tools, 4" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Benchmade Sport 3.6" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Spyderco One Handed Opening Knife 4.2" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kershaw One Handed Opening Knife 3.25" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Smith & Wesson 3.1" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife 3" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Buck One Handed Folding Knife 2.4" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife 3.1" Blade | CHECK ON AMAZON |