3 Inch and Under Mid/High-end Flipper EDC Recommendations

Sylafari

Sylafari

Joined
May 23, 2013
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Looking for a 3 inch or less flipper with a handle that can fit in a coin pocket (Example: CRK Sebenza 21 Small but it isn't a flipper), but they are hard to find especially ones that are unassisted and are more towards the mid-end ($150 and up) and up.

I use my Sebenza 21 Small right now but the deployment hurts my thumbs even though I open it with the recommended method it still hurts my thumb a bit. I would like a flipper that is easy to open.

Here is some I am considering as of now:
Curtiss F3 Compact (they don't make one with G10 or CF scales only titanium scales and a bit hard to get and a bit too much in cost).
Hinderer XM-18 3" (Only way to get is aftermarket and the prices are a bit high).

Would appreciate any recomendations.
 
There aren't a huge number of options in that size and price range. The options you listed are probably the best 3" class midtech flippers that I'm aware of.

For a production option, the Spyderco Dice is a great little mid-priced flipper, as is the Domino (very slightly over 3" blade in that case though). Most of my favorite flippers are too big for a coin/watch pocket though, which is a bit of a shame. If you want to look more at the higher end of things, you can go to a website like Arizona Custom Knives and do an advanced search for flippers and sub 3" blades, with a price of $150 to whatever your limit is. They do have a lot of production and midtech knives in addition to full customs, so you might be able to get a good idea of what's available that way.
 
Not mid or high-end, but maybe the AG Russel Gentleman's flipper?
http://www.agrussell.com/a-g-russell-gentlemans-frame-lock/p/AGFRhhhC2T/
AGFR-C2T.jpg
 
  • Olson Quick Flick
  • Spyderco Rubicon
  • MicroTech Mini Matrix
  • CRKT Eros
 
Tough request due to the mid/high end requirement. Most are larger. I 2nd the Dice. The Rubicon is nice but a bit pricey.

Its not what your asking about but you can always get a Kershaw Cryo 1 for around $30. Its a Hinderer design with a nice assisted flipper like the ZT's, and fits nicely in a coin pocket. Also has a 4 way positionable deep carry clip that keeps it tucked in there well. If you don't like it, you can give it away as a holiday gift. The blackwash version is sharp lookin.


 
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I've looked for a small Sebenza with a flipper for while now. I know CRK doesn't make it. I've landed on the 3" XM slicer grind. Prices are starting to come down in the aftermarket now. If you find something post pics. I'm interested too.
 
Kershaw Junkyard Dog - the small one. Very slim, 3" blade, EXCELLENT manual-only flipping action. ~$50 or so.
 
Since we're in the $75 range now I'll say that, although I don't own one, I've had experience with a friend of mine's Kershaw Leek w/ composite blade. Only assisted opener I've ever liked. I'd buy one.
 
Good idea on the Leek. I don't like A/O and it's not de-assistable, but if that doesn't bother you it's a fine knife in a Sandvik razor steel.
 
My friend, save your $ and go straight for the best. That would be the RHK XM 18 3" in slicer or spanto. IMHO this is the way to go. I've sampled most of all the brands and had settled on ZT as the toughest out there. Then, just a week ago I got my first RHK. I can't begin to describe it. It would be a terrible circumstance, but if I had to get rid of every knife except one, I'd keep the RHK. It is unbelievable quality.
 
daizee said:
Kershaw Junkyard Dog - the small one. Very slim, 3" blade, EXCELLENT manual-only flipping action. ~$50 or so.
Click to expand...

In my opinion this is the up there with some of the worst suggestions I have seen on Blade Forum. This guy carries a Sebenza and wants something classy to put in a coin pocket. Look at this clip and style! I am not saying this due to price. I actually recommended a less expensive option above, but because he likes a Hinderer design.

FUGLY!!!

 
I have the Leek, I just don't like the A/O and the slippery handle.

I prefer a better steel than the one on the AG Gentlemans flipper.

The Olson Quick Flick is interesting but I don't know where I can get one.

The MicroTech MiniMatrix and CRKT Eros both share the same quality I hate the most, gigantic logos on the blade (I hate all Microtech unless they are Marfione Customs :P, that logo on the blade just ruins everything for me).

I have noticed that the XM-18 prices have fallen a lot and i'll wait a bit more.

The Spyderco Rubicon seems a bit too thick and unwieldy for an EDC, but I want it just cause it looks amazing and cool :(

The Spyderco Dice is just too tall of a profile to me, well Spyderco's in general are all have tall profiles except for maybe the Southard but the blade is too long on that one (and I own one already).

I don't like the Kizer flippers cause of the handle work done, I like plain flat G-10 handles or CF handles with just a basic texture.

Now it just seems like i'm being super picky :(
But thanks for all the help! Keep the recommendations flowing....
 
Sylafari said:
The Olson Quick Flick is interesting but I don't know where I can get one.

The MicroTech MiniMatrix and CRKT Eros both share the same quality I hate the most, gigantic logos on the blade (I hate all Microtech unless they are Marfione Customs :P, that logo on the blade just ruins everything for me).

The Spyderco Rubicon seems a bit too thick and unwieldy for an EDC, but I want it just cause it looks amazing and cool :(
Click to expand...

Do a Google search for "Rod Olson Quick Flick" and you'll find an outfit where I got mine and they have some in stock. It's still my favorite small flipper. BladeHQ also sells it as the Rod Olson M9 but they're out of stock.

Rubicon is not at all unwieldy. Very classy flipper with gorgeous CF. Well worth it. I've had mine for just two days and they were only released to dealers late last week so availability is spotty.

On the CRKT Eros you can barely see the writing on the blade. Not so on any MictoTech or Emerson billboards.

Another inexpensive Kershaw I got is the Camber with a 3" blade of S30V and aluminum handle with traction inserts.

Don't forget about ZT 0770CF or 0770-M390. Very light but capable with assisted opening. Unfortunately, the blade length is 3.25".
 
As mentioned above. Check out the CRKT Eros titanium - not really "high end" but fits the coin pocket :) and ikbs is insane.
 
Lol

Same quest here. I have a Sebenza small 21 Micarta on order from CRK but loved my Hinderer 3.5" quality flipper. (I'm a small bit concerned about strength to open and if it will constantly scratch up my thumbnail). I'm not trying to win any beauty award I just don't want scratches left to open a knife all day.

Following this one closely.
 
Got my Paramilitary 2 in the mail today, and to my surprise it fits perfectly in my coin pocket on some normal Levi jeans. This gives me hope so I put in the order for a Spyderco Rubicon as it is smaller. Also its made in the Taichung plant, which IMHO has the best build quality out of all the other locations (USA, Seiki City) where Spydercos are made.

But the hunt still continues...
 
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