Verdict on Waves?

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Jason_G

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So, what do those of you that have experience with the wave knives have to say about them? Are they any faster than a standard folder that you're practiced with? I'm quite taken with the looks of that Emerson CQC-7, but I'd have to find one on e-bay or something. I'm not about to shell out $200 for a folder unless it is a one-of-a-kind custom with some nice Damascus. If others can afford it, then more power to ya, but my cotton's not that tall. I know Spyderco has some too. What do y'all think about them (waves in general)?

Jason
 
IMO, the Benchmade 940 Osborne Axis is the finest folding knife available. They will set you back a few dollars, but I think its well worth it.

Many designs can be opened in an instant, but nothing closes like an Axis. (this clip is an axis, but not the sleek 940. the action is the same)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAXr0dNXWsg
 
The wave is amazing, it's like having a fixed blade drawn from your pocket, it's that fast. It seems very reliable with a little practice.
 
The wave is amazing, it's like having a fixed blade drawn from your pocket, it's that fast. It seems very reliable with a little practice.
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I really like it as an option.

The wave also will open bottles in a pinch.

I have found them to be quite tough on my pockets over time.

Again a great option.
 
Nothing is faster than the Wave. Both Emerson and Spyderco make great knives. The Spyderco's are cheaper than the Emersons, but still have very good quality. Some people don't like the Spyderco's because the feel that the Fiber Re-enforced Nylon (FRN) has a "plastic" feel to it. Those people usually prefer G-10 for a handle material. I have both Emerson and Spyderco. If your budget minded, go with the Spyderco as it's about half the price of the Emerson. The Endura4/Delica4 Waved are great knives, and there is also the Waved Rescue.
 
Nothing is faster than the Wave.
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I'll take that bet! ;)

have you ever handled the Benchmade Axis? Personally, I'll take something that closes as easy as it opens over a simple lock-back with a gimick that snags my trousers.

Notto mention the strength of the Axis over a lock-back or liner lock. I'm not bashing Spyderco's fine product, but I don't even see a comparison. The Axis is superior to the Wave in every way.
 
I'll take that bet!

have you ever handled the Benchmade Axis? Personally, I'll take something that closes as easy as it opens over a simple lock-back with a gimick that snags my trousers.

Notto mention the strength of the Axis over a lock-back or liner lock. I'm not bashing Spyderco's fine product, but I don't even see a comparison. The Axis is superior to the Wave in every way.
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Didn't say the Wave was better than the Axis. I only said that it's faster. I guess I should have clarified that it's "faster to open, not close". I'm not really interested in how easy a knife closes.

BTW:
While it's much easier to learn an Axis, with practice one can open and close a mid-lock Endura as fast. In both cases one just holds the lock in the disengaged position while "flicking" the knife.
 
I'll take that bet!

have you ever handled the Benchmade Axis? Personally, I'll take something that closes as easy as it opens over a simple lock-back with a gimick that snags my trousers.

Notto mention the strength of the Axis over a lock-back or liner lock. I'm not bashing Spyderco's fine product, but I don't even see a comparison. The Axis is superior to the Wave in every way.
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Do the axis lock knives open fast with a reverse grip as well?
 
I like the Waved Spydercos for carry on IBA in Speed Dialer sheaths.

Otherwise, I'd prefer a regular Spyderco Native, Endura, or Delica. I actually am carrying a G10 Spyderco (Dodo) today, but I rarely use the G10 versions because they destroy pants.

John
 
Do the axis lock knives open fast with a reverse grip as well?
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absolutely.

I take it you've never handled one? Take a look at the short video I posted above. (the reverse open is near the end.) I am starting to feel like I have derailed this thread, but the Axis is just that much better than anything else I have EVER owned, used or laid eyes on. Even though it is faster than anything else, thats not the important part. The design of the Axis is so beautifully simple that it makes any lock-back seem like a pointy stick!

which is still quite dangerous ;)



EDIT:

If you like the Wave, for whatever reason (action, styling, ergonomics, etc.) by all means buy one. In no way am I trying to say that you shouldn't buy whatever you want. This is America. FWIW, it appears that the Benchmade Axis, and both the Spyderco and Emerson Wave lines are ALL made in the USA!
 
Nothing is faster than the Wave.
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My fixed blades are... :) I got to play "Fast draw" with a couple of friends that have waved knives.

Generally carry two. K-bit iwb w/static cord retention device. Tanto at 12 o'clock in leather. They did beat me a few times with the tanto until I rigged a couple of stays (the leather sheath slid 3-4" before you could start to draw, easy enough to fix with a couple rubber bands on your belt)

Thier only response was well its fast for a folder. I agree it is pretty fast. I just lost my faith in folders a year or so back.
 
Dissenting Opinion...

I bought a Spyderco Endura Wave. Didn't fit my carry style. I ended up grinding the "wave" feature off the blade. I carry a large folder clipped IWB just ahead of my right front pocket. I've carried a Spyderco Endura and Native, a CRKT M16, a Kershaw Leek, and a Benchmade Mini Ruckus.

The wave feature on the Spyderco would catch on my clothes and open the knife when I was taking off or putting on my pants, and would hang up on my pants and open too soon when I took it out to use it.

Carried as Emerson intended - in a pocket - probably works for most folks.

The only issue with the Wave, if you're thinking tactical, is that the momentum of deployment is towards the rear, not a great thing if you are reacting to a threat in front of you.

Coyote
 
A couple of observations:

The only time you are going to be able to wave-open you knife is if you are standing.

The wave might open faster if you have your hand on it, and have positioned correctly in your pocket, but I don't know that it is appreciably faster to draw and get a cut on the target.

The wave draw stroke moves the knife away from the target - so it creates a lot of extraneous motion.
 
I love my Wave. I got it for $20, believe it or not. I wouldn't have one otherwise.

My only complaint is that it's a pain to sharpen and keep sharp due to the hardness of the steel. Other than that, it's adjustable: you can loosen the mechanism to allow it to be an inertial open, if you are so inclined. I find that it's faster to pull the knife from my pocket without using the Wave feature. I can open it with one hand with a little practice on the flick. The lock is solid, and the blade is easy and safe to close one-handed.
 
It's a jeans pocket ripping modification designed for a fantasy scenario.

It is not faster than a well practiced AXIS, balisong, or even a well adjusted Spyderhole draw.

The thing that makes waved knives so attractive to so many is just how badly most thumb stud systems suck.
 
It's a jeans pocket ripping modification designed for a fantasy scenario.

It is not faster than a well practiced AXIS, balisong, or even a well adjusted Spyderhole draw.
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I was starting to think I was the only one...

Try the Axis, I have never seen someone that didn't like it after 15 minutes.
 
I could live with it or without it. The knife does open pretty much automatically as I take it out of my pocket, and it is handy for opening bottles as well. On the other hand, I've never had a problem quickly opening any Spydercos or Benchmades or Emersons that don't have the wave, and the wave feature is pretty hard on pockets.

I guess overall I like it, but I wouldn't let it be a deciding factor in my future buying.
 
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