I was referring to the v shaped area between the cutting edge and the handle. I was not referring in any way to the opening method. I do not know whether I prefer the ambi studs or hole; all I know is that the ambi studs are well done and have served me well. The were especially important when I broke my right arm recently and had to do everything with my left. (I'm right handed.)
On a fixed blade some makers put a small notch behind the cutting edge to make even sharpening easier and keep plunge lines clean. I would far prefer to have a little uneveness there than a notch which all fibrous material or fur seems to instantly gravitate towards. When I was cutting netting it seemed to instantly want to lodge in the v shaped area behind the cutting edge. This was especially evident because the mini has a relatively short cutting area and I was using my less coordinated left hand.
The mini-RSK Mk1 seems practically perfect in every other way! I have carried it virtually every day since I received it. If the notch is the price one pays for having the axis lock, it is a good trade off. The only other model knife I have with the axis lock, the Benchmade 940 Osborne, has the same notch between the cutting edge and the handle. It is not as noticable because of the greater blade length. Hopefully, soon I will have the full size RSK with an M2 blade. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />