A2 Knives Thorburn / Van Heerden A6

A

AV8R

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Aug 28, 1999
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Guys, I've never owned a flipper knife. How strong is the detent on these knives and how practical would it be as an EDC work knife? I'm kind of a Sebenza guy, but need a change after a lot of years. I like a good, secure detent. I know these guys make a great flipper and would like to hear some opinions from those who've been carrying / using the A6. Thanks, Pete
 
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I am a huge Thorburn fan. They works so flawlessly and look great too. Haven't tried the A2/A6 - too much bulk for my taste - but I think you can't go wrong with a knife like the L51 as a working EDC if you favor a 3-3/4" long blade.
 
Detent is stronger than that on a Sebenza. In my experience their knives wont just open in your pocket by accident and once you overcome the detent with the flipper it will fire open every time.
 
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it, got one on the way.......looks like a fantastic, all around useful blade grind, too.
 
I received a carbon fiber A6 yesterday. Initial impressions are this:

It's a great knife, maybe even better than that. Fantastic knife. As you'll find through searches, the action is perfect in every way. Detent could not be better, wouldn't want it any stronger or any weaker, it's perfect. Smoothest and best operating knife I've ever felt. Best part, for me, is the blade. I love the blade profile, grinds are fantastic and it seems razor sharp ( I haven't cut anything ). I like the overall look of the knife, both opened and closed.

On the negative side, is that I'm not sure I like how it feels in my hand. Maybe it's just me being used to something else for so many years, but the taper of the back part of the handle gives it a feel that's not as secure. For me, anyway. I've talked to a couple guys that feel the handle " locks in" to their hand. Maybe I'll get used to that though. Also, I had it in jeans pocket once to see how it carried. It goes deep and the clip is very strong. About all you see from the outside is the clip and no way it'll ever fall out. That's good. However, I'm used to pulling a Sebenza lanyard and I would have to reach in and dig this one out a little more purposefully.

Pete
 
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So do the front flipper designs not get much love because of the "learning curve" or the fact that the tab does not double as a finger guard? What makes it interesting to me is that I think that ti would be better for blades that are made from exotic damascus patterns like feather where the blade would look better if you don't have to cut down the bar enough to get that long flipper tab.
 
It's not a front flipper, has the guard when open. See Nordicknives A2 Thornburn / Rassenti A6. I tried to post the pic here, but couldnt
 
I have the andre's l51 and it has one of the best hand feel's of any knife, similar but better than a sebenza
 
jdm61 said:
So do the front flipper designs not get much love because of the "learning curve" or the fact that the tab does not double as a finger guard? What makes it interesting to me is that I think that ti would be better for blades that are made from exotic damascus patterns like feather where the blade would look better if you don't have to cut down the bar enough to get that long flipper tab.
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I've just started carrying my first front flipper - a Herucus Blomerus. It is a very nice knife that flies open on its IKBS bearings but unlike the top stud flipper Thorburns that I have owned this front flipper has limitations. The Blumerus uses a stud too rather than serrations or other texturing but unlike the regular top stud flippers of the Thorburns I can only deploy the blade with the forefinger of my right hand using this front stud.

My thumb is too arthritic (and short) to work the front flipper and I'm (so far) too uncoordinated to use my left hand. I am training my left hand but it will take practice. On the other hand (pun intended) the Thorburn top stud flippers will deploy (for me) using any hand practically any position and no problem using my thumbs or center finger in addition to the index finger. They are very useful knives in that regard. I really hate needing to use two hands to open a knife and it is a revelation not to be able to use my left hand. I have truly been spoiled by the Thorburn flippers.

Of course Andre makes front flippers too and I would expect the same issues as with the Blumerus. Note to self - don't buy anymore front flippers - no matter how pretty the knife. :rolleyes:
 
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Andre Thorburn's knives made me eat my words that i didn't really like front flippers. He and JD Van Deventer have done amazing work with front flippers.
 
jdm61 said:
So do the front flipper designs not get much love because of the "learning curve" or the fact that the tab does not double as a finger guard? What makes it interesting to me is that I think that ti would be better for blades that are made from exotic damascus patterns like feather where the blade would look better if you don't have to cut down the bar enough to get that long flipper tab.
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I've actually seen this happen - someone pick up a Thorburn FF, not get it right the first time, put it down, and move on to a "tab" flipper. The FFs ride in the pocket much nicer IMHO and have great lines (for damascus or otherwise). I own a number of FFs (Des Horn...not even technically designed as one, Thorburn, Blomerus, Arnold etc.) and it's pretty darn easy to get the hang of it. If given the choice between a FF or a tab flipper (all else being equal) I would chose the FF.
 
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I feel like people don't usually get to see the makers that do front flippers that are a breeze ones opens so cleanly that somebody who doesn't know better mistakes it for an assisted knife

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