Well, after much waiting and anticipation (as well as worrying from Vic's post), I got my HEST Folder. I'm convinced HD's was a lemon. Mine opens as smooth as any frame lock knife I've ever had. The fit and finish is good (not custom quality, but it's a production knife) and the lockup is solid. Once I get some time, I'll take some pics of it with some other knives and post them. Oh, and the "bottle opener" seems pretty easy to "wave" the knife open with.