renzeroHard in what way?
These things are basically childproof in that they need a certain amount of force concentrated in a pretty small area - I've tested it!
I did notice that mine loosened up after a few days. You can assist the lever action by flicking your wrist a little.
Best of luck!
renzeroYou can always loosen it up and put a couple drops of oil on it. You open this style by pulling back on the nub that sticks out the back side like the video link I have here. I find it to be one of the easier and faster knives I have to open.
Edit: See the flipping method at 1:13, copying video at time didn't seem to work.
renzeroI have a mirror full size and it was next to impossible to flip when I first got it. Took a while and many flips but now it has a sexy action and is far and away my most favorite knife that I didn’t expect. Good luck!!