The "wave" feature pioneered by Emerson is very effective - if you want a quick-opening knife. This is specifically for defensive applicatons only ... it does not apply to survival methods. Having tried various options, I have found that the small wave feature designed by Emerson is pretty much optimal - for its intended purpose. It may look simple, but Emerson got it right. Other knife manufacturers have tried their own copies of this form of quick-opening, but generally they don't work as well as the Emerson knives.
I couldn't tell you if the idea you highlighted in the photo would work well. You can only find out by actually trying it. I don't ever buy knide blades with holes in them ... because it weakens the blades. But it might be a quick "semi-fix" to a Spyderco blade.
If you want a quick-opening knife, why not just just buy an Emerson knife? They are not cheap ... but the blade alloy is very good and the wave design works!
Incidentally - as far as i know, the "wave" feature on Emerson knives is not subject to laws related to "assisted opening" knives. Those laws apply to switchblades and balisong (butterfly) knives. The Emerson knives have no springs, and the quick-opening action comes entirely from the motion of your hand and the way the knife catches on your trousers. I could be wrong about this - but I think the Emerson knives are legal anywhere (subject to other constraints on folding knives and blade lengths).
Pete2
Edited by Pete (03/05/12 08:33 PM)