Arno Bernard iMamba praise

I'm on the fence of ordering an Imamba. I'd go for PB washers but cannot for the love of God decide between the flipper-tab and the non flipper-tab. I find the latter to be the most aesthetically pleasing.
How stiff is the non flipper-tab version on PB washers, is it likely that is not possible to flip it?
My non-flipper on washers is smooth, but not a one that spydie-flicks or thumb flicks. It's definitely a use your thumb all the way through the opening motion type deal. My flipper on bearings is smooth as frog snot on a crystal doorknob though. You can flick it any which way you want. I might actually ease off the lockbar pressure on the washer model a tiny bit, although it's a bit intimidating on a knife of this caliber.
 
My non-flipper on washers is smooth, but not a one that spydie-flicks or thumb flicks. It's definitely a use your thumb all the way through the opening motion type deal. My flipper on bearings is smooth as frog snot on a crystal doorknob though. You can flick it any which way you want. I might actually ease off the lockbar pressure on the washer model a tiny bit, although it's a bit intimidating on a knife of this caliber.
Thanks :thumbsup:

I'm starting to lean towards a flipper on washers, I'm not sure if that is somewhat of an odd choice though 🤔
 
My non-flipper on washers is smooth, but not a one that spydie-flicks or thumb flicks. It's definitely a use your thumb all the way through the opening motion type deal. My flipper on bearings is smooth as frog snot on a crystal doorknob though. You can flick it any which way you want. I might actually ease off the lockbar pressure on the washer model a tiny bit, although it's a bit intimidating on a knife of this caliber.
In just a couple of days of manipulation, mine can be opened with the thumb roll only just fine. When it first arrived it was pretty stiff and needed a two finger pinch to release the detent. Seems like it's wearing in nicely. Of course a drop of KPL on the washers helped lube things up nicely.
 
Thanks :thumbsup:

I'm starting to lean towards a flipper on washers, I'm not sure if that is somewhat of an odd choice though 🤔
My flipper on washers is smooth and with a small wrist flick deploys with authority. It still opens smoothly with a thumb roll. I like having both options. It is not loose enough to flick from the fullers though.
 
Thanks :thumbsup:

I'm starting to lean towards a flipper on washers, I'm not sure if that is somewhat of an odd choice though 🤔
Nothing odd about either one. :) I have a bunch of bearing pivot flippers, and they’re all really nice to flip. They just glide open easily and smoothly. In fact my three favorite knives are Buck Sprint Pro flippers with bearings - they’re just a dream to use. I have a bunch of washer pivot flippers too, also with very nice action. I can’t say I prefer one over the other, it’s just that Buck totally nailed it all around with those Sprints. The only caution I’d give is that you wouldn’t want to be using anything with bearings in a dirty environment regularly - fine sand and grit will turn that nice action to crap in a hurry. You’d do better with washers in that case.
 
This community is so helpful. Huge thanks to y'all!

I just placed my order for an iMamba. Nothing fancy; a PJ flipper on washers. I am really stoked though as I have entertained the thought of getting one for quite some time now. This month I'm turning 45, initially I had my eyes on a slip joint from Tuna Valley that would've been a nice gift to myself but then this Arno Bernard thread popped up and .. well.. the iMamba is a much nicer gift. I can't wait to put it to use.
 
I'm on the fence of ordering an Imamba. I'd go for PB washers but cannot for the love of God decide between the flipper-tab and the non flipper-tab. I find the latter to be the most aesthetically pleasing.
How stiff is the non flipper-tab version on PB washers, is it likely that is not possible to flip it?
Below is from a discussion I had with Ruan Bernard on flipping open a non-flipper iMamba. Essentially, my take is (without receiving my order yet), PB washer knife will flip if flipper tab model and it won’t easily flick open via thumb hole. Obviously bearing model will fly open irrespective of flipper or non-flipper. He also said the PB washer action is smoother than a Sebenza if that helps. I ordered a non-flipper PB washer version “
I would not say easily with phosphor bronze washers but if you loosen the pivot screw it will be possible but the blade might not be 💯stable and might have blade play. You will be able to flick it with the flipper tab. Non-flipper will be difficult.
 
This community is so helpful. Huge thanks to y'all!

I just placed my order for an iMamba. Nothing fancy; a PJ flipper on washers. I am really stoked though as I have entertained the thought of getting one for quite some time now. This month I'm turning 45, initially I had my eyes on a slip joint from Tuna Valley that would've been a nice gift to myself but then this Arno Bernard thread popped up and .. well.. the iMamba is a much nicer gift. I can't wait to put it to use.
Haha. My order is for my 50th birthday!!! What a perfect gift you’ve organized for your 45th. Joyeux anniversaire Jacques
 
Below is from a discussion I had with Ruan Bernard on flipping open a non-flipper iMamba. Essentially, my take is (without receiving my order yet), PB washer knife will flip if flipper tab model and it won’t easily flick open via thumb hole. Obviously bearing model will fly open irrespective of flipper or non-flipper. He also said the PB washer action is smoother than a Sebenza if that helps. I ordered a non-flipper PB washer version “
Thanks, this help solidify that I made the right decision.
I love the slow roll on both my Sebenzas, I can flip them (sometimes just halfway lol) but that action is not up to par with the slow roll. I am sure that flipping the iMamba open will feel as good as Sebenzas slow roll.
 
Thanks, this help solidify that I made the right decision.
I love the slow roll on both my Sebenzas, I can flip them (sometimes just halfway lol) but that action is not up to par with the slow roll. I am sure that flipping the iMamba open will feel as good as Sebenzas slow roll.
You will be thrilled when you have it in hand. It is totally worth the hype. I am completely satisfied with mine that I picked up NIB on the exchange here. Mine flips and slow rolls just fine on washers, only a little wrist action is needed to flip. I will be ordering a mammoth tooth one at some point just because they are so gorgeous!
 
Thanks, this help solidify that I made the right decision.
I love the slow roll on both my Sebenzas, I can flip them (sometimes just halfway lol) but that action is not up to par with the slow roll. I am sure that flipping the iMamba open will feel as good as Sebenzas slow roll.
I also love a slow roll. Ruan also said each knife is individually tuned depending on flipper, non-flipper, bearings, PB washers. Their current style, by the way, is a slightly lighter detent than the first models (continual improvement), which is what I prefer. I think you're going to really like what you receive.
 
Thanks for the post quoting AB regarding non-flipper action when running it on washers. That sorta ends my fierce desire to "try" (buy) one. I have several flippers on bearings and I'm sorta over that phase of buying, and I had hoped a non-flipper iMamba on washers would be easy to flick (easier than my Sebenza anyway).

You saved me from myself.

Absolutely beautiful knives though.
 
Thanks for the post quoting AB regarding non-flipper action when running it on washers. That sorta ends my fierce desire to "try" (buy) one. I have several flippers on bearings and I'm sorta over that phase of buying, and I had hoped a non-flipper iMamba on washers would be easy to flick (easier than my Sebenza anyway).

You saved me from myself.

Absolutely beautiful knives though.
You are missing out 😁 the action is as good if not better than CRK. I have a tanto Inkosi that is great, and I would put this iMamba over it.
 
My non-flipper on washers took a couple of weeks to break in, but now it slow rolls open just as smoothly and easily as my favorite broken in Sebenza 21. I love it.

I also have a loose bearing flipper, and the action is exquisite on that one too.
I will be ordering my future iMambas in flipper and washers. They can always be swapped later, but the action on my current one is excellent and I'm only two days in. I'm certain it will only improve. I gotta add, the sounds from the AB are just as satisfying as CRK when you actuate the action.
 
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My non-flipper on washers took a couple of weeks to break in, but now it slow rolls open just as smoothly and easily as my favorite broken in Sebenza 21. I love it.

I also have a loose bearing flipper, and the action is exquisite on that one too.
Just wanted to say, I'm loving the SHFs you let go my way buddy and hope your kiddo is doing well!
 
You shouldn’t go wrong with bearings or washers on a new iMamba. The early mamba’s had weak detents, so sometimes flipped unreliably. That had been fixed and the stronger detents are fricking on point. I like mine on washers personally, it’s glass smooth, and I will be getting rid of the flipper tab soon. I can easily thumb roll it open and it’s just as smooth as a Sebenza with a pivot bushing.
 
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