3.25" Midtech's or high end production

Bladegunner

Bladegunner

Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
595
Looking for a nice midtech flipper with a 3.25" blade. That blade size just seems right to me although I have 2XL hands.
Light duty use I am in the trades but have reached the age where I went into the office for PM and estimating so I still get into the field but just for job walks. I have a couple Shiro Neons and a ZT 0450. What should I get next? Had a few BM's and sold them. Suggestions? $650.00 or so would be about the the most I would want to spend.
 
Have you checked out the Hoback kwaibacks? I think the blade length is a little longer thanks your looking for but you won't find a better designed or tougher blade in my opinion.
 
I scored a ME Frag Jim Burke Hitman stubby from the exchange a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I prefer 3.7" and longer blades, but this one is surprisingly pleasant to carry and use. Now I'm on the hunt for a full size Hitman Frag. Prices run from used $325 to $400 new

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Burke-Knives-Hitman-Stubby-Frame--31461

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I just got the ZT0456 and really like how it feels in the hand. It's got your 3.25" blade and, while certainly weightier than your 0450, it fills out the palm in a way you might enjoy. While it's less a midtech and more a higher-level production knife, you really should take a good look at it. Looks fantastic and has ZT's build quality, longevity and warranty.

My other recommendation (although it's a 3.5" blade so a touch longer) is the Olamic Wayfarer 247. Absolutely love mine, glides like butter across the ceramic detent, and you would have enough room on that handle for a 2XL hand. I'm not sure what blade style you want but it's got a really nice clip point in M390 steel, a fantastic ceramic-ball pocket clip, and perfect fit and finish. :thumbup:
 
I'll jump on the Helix Nano band wagon also!! I cannot say enough good about it!!
Amazing action, flips perfectly! Melts into your hand, literally! Great materials and the build quality is superb! Don't think I've heard a bad word about this one.
Also, the company is an absolute pleasure to deal with!
I would definitely take a good hard look at it!
Joe
Here's a couple pics so you can take a peak!
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Here it is with its big brother.
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I am with Joe on the GT Helix nano,I have the CF version with 2 tone blade and it is an incredibly built flipper.Just can't say enough about the fit and finish on it.
 
Those are all great suggestions there are a couple I will definitely check out. The Helix Nano blade looks a little short to the handle or is that just the photo's? the Olamic 247 would be perfect if it was just a tad smaller and the ZT looks like it might work but kind of thick. well at least I got a couple directions to go and can start to narrow it down.
 
As long as you can wait, (although occasionally he sells a spot of someone who backed out) Smock Knives. I love my SK23 and the finger choil allows for large hands. He has other models including a new one that's on the larger side too.
 
The Ferrum Forge's Archbishop has great handle/blade ratio. It has a little over a 3.5 inch blade, but carries much better than most of my 3.25 inch blade knives. Definitely a top 2 favorite of mine for EDC use! The other would be their Fortis folder.

Bradford Guardian 3 flipper is a fantastic knife with M390 blade, great handle ergonomics, and great price!! I was very surprised by this knife!

I love my Jeremy Robertson El Patrons. He does make a smaller one with a 3.25 inch blade, great knife. My third favorite EDC is the larger El Patron. Found out you have to intentionally wear off some of the acid/stonewash to really cut well. Sharpest blades I own which hold a great edge, super tough, and very easy to sharpen!

There are a few great custom makers that would make a fantastic knife for under 650, some well under 650.

Also check out Reate. Never owned one myself, but I hear great things.
 
Bladegunner said:
Those are all great suggestions there are a couple I will definitely check out. The Helix Nano blade looks a little short to the handle or is that just the photo's? the Olamic 247 would be perfect if it was just a tad smaller and the ZT looks like it might work but kind of thick. well at least I got a couple directions to go and can start to narrow it down.
Click to expand...

They put as much blade into the handle as they could, it looks like.
Ignore the glass breaker and look at the tip of the blade in relation to the scales.
Joe

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I just got my curtiss f3, it is a full custom for the price of amid tech, it is great, I highly recommend it
 
Grandmaster said:
I just got my curtiss f3, it is a full custom for the price of amid tech, it is great, I highly recommend it
Click to expand...

I have an F3 with M390. Big upgrade over most mid tech knives at a similar price point. I have an XM-18 as well in the same size range. Hinderer is a nice knife, Curtiss is a big step up.
 
My favorite for the last 2+ yrs has been the Brad Southard AVO. Absolute delight to carry; not heavy, about 4.2 oz, (3.5" CTS B75P blade (aka BG-42) and great lockup. Ball-bearing pivot and ceramic detent ball. I had mine "massaged" by Josh of REK. He thinned the blade-stock and custom-worked the titanium grip. Great knife.
Mine is going on the block, as I've just received my "used" CRK large Classic Sebenza...again. I sold one (through abominable ignorance) about four yrs ago and have been lamenting that fact ever since. Just found one with the help of a "GREAT" CRK collector/friend, so it will live in my pocket for several yrs to come... There is nothing like the "snick" of a Sebbie. (opinion)
You couldn't go wrong with a large Sebbie or with a new mid-tech AVO, whether modded or not.
 
I have the curtiis f3 and the hinderer mp-1 in that category, I highly recomend the.
Curtiss mine came perfect, better than any hinderer, even sebenza, I really like it
 
The ZT0456 or the Hinderer MP-1 would be my suggestions.
 
AntCaps said:
Have you checked out the Hoback kwaibacks? I think the blade length is a little longer thanks your looking for but you won't find a better designed or tougher blade in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Just FYI, the Kwaiback has a significantly longer blade, coming in at 3.75".


My vote would be for a Curtiss F3; however, the Defiant7 Kumu might also fit the bill for you.
 
BladeGunner
Have you checked out the knives of Les George ?
The FM-1,the VECP,the rockeye are all pretty much
In you requirements and are usually in the 300 to
400 dollar range both new and used anyway's good
Luck on your search and let us what knife you end
Up going with !

Frank
 
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