Best flipper knife ($300-500)?

wildolive said:
Thanks for all that info! Very helpful. Everyone here is super helpful fwiw. Good to know about MA....The only strict law I'm aware of here is auto knives, and I have no need for that, but one-hand opening is good because I rock climb a lot.

There's actually a Skaha I tagged to purchase here on the forum, but looks like the guy isn't checking (recent posting). I think I need to be a gold member to send PMs, no? May have to make that happen to acquire one of these
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May be able to hook you up. I posted on your profile page.
 
Bing Gao said:
Used shirogorov neon
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I really do like that knife, thanks for suggesting it, and to those above who suggested it too! I think I like the sense of not carrying something too heavy but also quality and capable. Getting into 4-5oz would probably be more knife than I'd want to have living in my pocket and the Neon and Malibu probably fit right in that sweet spot. Thx!
 
ac3boyz said:
Welcome Luke, congratulations on your remission. That's quite an accomplishment and speaks volumes to your character!
I love flippers and have Protech's, Hinderer's, Shiro's and as of late an Arno Bernarnau iMamba.
Although I really like them all, for the price, I think it's hard to beat a Protech Malibu. The action is great, blade steel is awesome with CPM20, very safe closing with the button lock. If needed Protech's customer service is second to none and basic models can usually be found here on the exchange for around $200.
IMHO they are hard to beat
If you just want to spend at the upper end of your budget, look hold out for a plain AB iMamba. They are fantastic!
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That's very a very thoughtful comment - thank you!

I'm really curious of the Neon...so seems like you'd like that one too. I never realized there'd be this many I'd like; this may have backfired on me hahaha.

But this has been very helpful because I am realizing the larger heavier flippers won't be right for me and what I like to do with a knife...and the Shiros, Shaka, and a few others seem to fit that bill. Given the occasion, I really do want to grab something quality, tho! Thanks for the feedback, friend
 
So I think I'll have to hold out in the forum for a Malibu or Neon. If anyone sees any pop up and feels like paying it forward, please post it here or on my page. Thanks a lot for the help here and contributing to the thread! Have a great weekend
 
To each his own. My $0.02:

Liner lock for ease of use and the comfort and style of finished scales on both sides.
No button locks.
No metal scales.
Textured scales for grip.
Lanyard for easy deployment.
Recessed lanyard pin.
Drop point blade.

There are a number of very good inexpensive Chinese knives that fit these requirements with blade steels that not many years ago would have been considered top of the line. Civivi and Sencut are standouts.
 
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Here's some comparison pics of the Malibu and Neon. A few differences to note:
1. With the button lock, the blade closes all the way shut with the fingers safely away from the blade.
2. With a frame lock, It 's almost a 2-step closing process. When you depress the frame lock the blade will usually fall until the flipper tab hits my thumb which once removed, allows the blade to complete shut. Others may have a better technique than me but that's how it works for me most of the time.
3. Also to note with the Shiro, if you have too much pressure on the lockbar, it can make it difficult to open. It's easy to remedy but can happen.
The main difference for me is that the Neon is a little more refined and slightly narrower. Can't go wrong with either.

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wildolive said:
So I think I'll have to hold out in the forum for a Malibu or Neon. If anyone sees any pop up and feels like paying it forward, please post it here or on my page. Thanks a lot for the help here and contributing to the thread! Have a great weekend
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Search "Protech Malibu 3V" on your search engine of choice.

V Vlade
 
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wildolive said:
That's very a very thoughtful comment - thank you!

I'm really curious of the Neon...so seems like you'd like that one too. I never realized there'd be this many I'd like; this may have backfired on me hahaha.

But this has been very helpful because I am realizing the larger heavier flippers won't be right for me and what I like to do with a knife...and the Shiros, Shaka, and a few others seem to fit that bill. Given the occasion, I really do want to grab something quality, tho! Thanks for the feedback, friend
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You could still pick up a Gemini. That limited premium version is well under your price window and is a very nice knife. The blade is less than an eighth of an inch thick and slices beautifully.

The Skaha II is a little bigger with a slightly thinner blade but looks like it scratches the same kind of itch.
 
Congratulations on your remission. Whichever knife you decide on will mark a very special time. I hope it brings you smiles every time you hold or carry it.
 
Speaking of the Gemini, I carried this one today. If you feel like slumming it, these are only $168. 😜

This is my first experience with Raffir. Aside from the metallic accents, the colors look black and gray under normal room lighting. In bright sunlight, it looks blue. Then it glows green in the dark.

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ricklikesknives said:
Hi Luke!

The Protech Malibu is probably my favorite flipper & a great recommendation all-around.. finding one in stock can be tricky, but if you're a patient man, they are worth the wait. The North Arm Skaha II has about the smoothest action & crispest detent of any flipper I own, and the contoured handle & overall craftsmanship are impressive as h3ll.. another great choice & easy recommendation.. like the Malibu, obtaining one will require patience. All of the Zero Tolerance flippers I own work really well and ZT has some of the most consistently good fit & finish of all the brands I've tried.. if any of those appeal to you, they are easy recommendations on my end..

I'm also in MA & I've carried any/all of the above without issue, for what it's worth.. Good luck in your search!
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W wildolive , I am knocking Shiro knives, the Neon I have is a great knife. But, if you're the type that likes to disassemble you're knives for cleaning or out of curiosity, be aware that the MRBS, if I'm not mistaken, has loose bearings that could be a pain to deal with.
 
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