(Assisted) Flippers - details inside, I guess I am a little picky ;)

N

Nal0n

Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
482
Hey experts,

I recently developed a taste for Flippers, mostly assisted.

I already got some affordable ones from benchmade and ZT:
  • Kershaw 1940 Compound
  • Kershaw 1605 Clash
  • Kershaw 3650 Volt II
  • Kershaw 1830 Oso Sweet
  • Zero Tolerance 0350SW

Sone others, that are on the get-soon™ list are:
  • Kershaw RAM (because of the lock)
  • CRKT Ripple 1 and 2 (because of the awesome Ken Onion Design)
  • Zero Tolerance 0770(cf)
  • CRKT Foresight (because of the awesome Ken Onion Design)

Sooo what exactly am I looking for?
  • Only originals, no unsolicited knock-offs
  • Blade: No holes, no coating if possible, thumb-studs only if they are needed for the operation of the knife (as with the ZT0350 where they replace the stop-pin)
  • Steel: stainless 8Cr13MoV/AUS8A or "better", or D2
  • Opener: Assisted Flipper or Flipper with ball-bearing (assisted preferred)
  • Lock: no frame locks, "unusual" locks (e.g. RAM lock) most welcome
  • Handle: scales on both sides, no holes (except for diff. clip positions and max. one lanyard hole)
  • Scales: (lightning) CF > G10 > Micarta > FRN/Zytel (preferred mixed and/or dark colors, like black, black & blue, etc.). Maybe dark(ish) woods. No horn or bone stuff.
  • pocket clip, ideally tip-up right
  • Price: I would like to start woth the most affordable and then work my way up, so nothing above $150 to $200 for now please,

So is there anything fitting this description or am I too picky? ;)

Best regards and a happy new Year!
 
Last edited:
SOG twitch series might have just the thing for you. The xl is I think 3.25", has a flipper and is assisted. Not a frame lock either.
 
"SOG twitch series" looks interesting, thanks.
Problem is that I am not that fond of metal handles. but I'll keep it in mind!
 
If you find a knife you like with bad scales, you could probably send it to a pimper to get the perfect handle. That might make things easier for you if you find something that checks all the other boxes.
 
bpeezer said:
If you find a knife you like with bad scales, you could probably send it to a pimper to get the perfect handle. That might make things easier for you if you find something that checks all the other boxes.
Click to expand...

I would love to, unfortunately I have not found a good one in Europe yet.
If I have to send my knife to the US (with insurance) and back that is almost $100 in shipping alone :(
I prefer to buy another knife with the $100 and keep looking a little longer ;)
 
Check out the volcano coronado
Its cheap , zytel ,scales, linerlock, aus 8 , and assisted
 
Nal0n said:
  • Only originals, no unsolicited knock-offs
  • Blade: No holes, no coating if possible, thumb-studs only if they are needed for the operation of the knife (as with the ZT0350 where they replace the stop-pin)
  • Steel: stainless 8Cr13MoV/AUS8A or "better", or D2
  • Opener: Assisted Flipper or Flipper with ball-bearing (assisted preferred)
  • Lock: no frame locks, "unusual" locks (e.g. RAM lock) most welcome
  • Handle: scales on both sides, no holes (except for diff. clip positions and max. one lanyard hole)
  • Scales: (lightning) CF > G10 > Micarta > FRN/Zytel (preferred mixed and/or dark colors, like black, black & blue, etc.). Maybe dark(ish) woods. No horn or bone stuff.
  • pocket clip, ideally tip-up right
  • Price: I would like to start woth the most affordable and then work my way up, so nothing above $150 to $200 for now please,
Click to expand...

ZT 0770 was the first to come to mind. Seems to fit all your criteria. Original in-house design by ZT, 3.25" Elmax blade, assisted flipper (no thumb studs), liner lock, black anodized aluminum scales, tip-up deep carry clip (left or right), and under $150 (at Kershawguy or USA Made Blade)
 
Last edited:
The first assisted flipper that comes to mind for me is the Kershaw Rake. Have one and love it. Was my EDC until I picked up a ZT 0550BLK. It has everything you're looking for with the exception of the thumb stud thing. It has them, but it also has a stop pin. I've never found them to be intrusive though.

51uSyEn


This is mine that I acid/stonewashed. Since it's a composite blade, the D2 edge take a way darker wash than the 14C28N spine.
 
@ tobin420: Thanks, nice one, never heard of "Volcan" knives before, definately goes on the list!
@ flarp: Thanks, ZT 0770 is on the list already :)
@ chrispy513: If it were not for the "useless" additional thumb-studs I would have already gotten myself a Rake ;)
 
coldsteelrocks said:
Well you clearly need to try the 0801 or 056 model. They dont need any assistance.
Click to expand...

0560: Frame lock with only one scale totally is a no-go! I like the look of it otherwise though!
0801: Frame lock and Metal handle, not mine at all, but looks very nice ... I definately will consider this one ... "feels" a little like the CRKT Foresight on my list looking at it ;)

Thanks!

p.s.: off to bed now, keep them coming though ... more comments on all recommendations tomorrow when i am back from work! (remember: all times CET (GMT +1))
 
Kershaw Speed Bump. Assisted, flipper, G10, stud lock. Original was 14c28n, currently available in 8Cr13MoV.
 
@ Maddogg774: I would prefer the Benchmade 300-1 blue/black if any, but for the useless thumb-studs
@ Yalius: wow, cool lock there, gonna get one of those for sure, thanks!
 
Nal0n said:
[*]Only originals, no unsolicited knock-offs
Click to expand...

^Good on you.^

I would recommend the Kershaw Thermite, but you don't want any frame locks.

Sooo, how about the Benchmade 300-1? Spyderco Southard or Domino? None of these are assisted, but still, they're pretty nice.

Also, most of the ZT 3-- and 2-- seriese fit these reqs. The 566 seems like the perfect one for you, except for the framelock.
 
If you like the Speed bump, check out the Offset.

Also, you can always remove the thumbstud from the Rake. I did it on mine.

There's also the G10 Leek.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top