I have been carrying a SURGE for quite some time.. I got my first one shortly after they were released.. I have a few little tricks I do with it.. To open the scissors you push them out with your thumb, and then when the are 3/4 way out you swing out the scissor arm with your thumb and continue to push until it engages the lock. It's pretty hard to explain, but it works very well.. When using the serrated blade, the blade exchanger provides some discomfort.. So, I rest my thumb on the blade exchanger groove- and you have no discomfort. Well, if you have a SURGE, try out those little tips and get back to me.. Thanks