Best flipping action production knife?

bpeezer

bpeezer

Joined
Jan 27, 2013
Messages
2,078
I must admit, I am a bit a flipper addict. I have found that not all flippers are created equal, and I am on a quest for my ideal flipper. I'd like a little advice on where to go next! Looking specifically for manual flippers.

Manual flippers I currently have (might forget a few, off the top of my head):
Spyderco Domino
Kershaw OD-1, OD-2, RAM, Chill, Junkyard Dog
Benchmade 300SN
CRKT Ripple, Swindle
Gerber Evo (best $2 I ever spent, but I'll still never carry it :rolleyes:)

On the way/On preorder:
Boker Plus Federal
Zero Tolerance 801CF

I'm looking for something that will stand out in this crowd, what do you think will go good in the collection? Looking to stay under $200, but I might budge a little for a Southard if I can find one in stock :D
 
Dunno if brous blades qualify as production or mid-tech, I know the Division model is listed as part of his "production" line. I vote that as the smoothest flipper.
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
The Boker should do nicely.
Click to expand...

Since you have such phenomenal taste in knives, I'll take that as a compliment :D

KnottyEagle said:
The ZT 0801 flips like an Angel once It's broken in.
Click to expand...

It's gotten such good reviews that I'm thinking of buying an 801 to go along with the 801CF I have on preorder :eek:

Jack Shen said:
Dunno if brous blades qualify as production or mid-tech, I know the Division model is listed as part of his "production" line. I vote that as the smoothest flipper.
Click to expand...

It's wayyyy to big for my taste, but I'd love to handle one of those. I wonder how much the blade size helps with the flipping action.
 
ZT 0560 is a great flipper once it gets a little broken in and I find it very smooth.

How do you like your Domino? I think a Domino and Southard are next on my list after a bit of a hiatus from Spydercos.
 
Best inexpensive flipper I have is the American made Kershaw Zing. Whenever I want to just flip without wearing out one of my mid-techs I just grab one of those. Best flipper out of the box was the Spyderco Southard, although after the 560 got broken in it is right up there.
 
How should I put this...when I flip out my 0801 it feels like an angel is performing a sensual act. ;)
 
The first time I picked up the ZT 0801 and flipped it open, if I had not known anything about it, I would have sworn it was assisted.
At least mine is the perfect flipper action. P E R F E C T ! ! !
 
The first two are the ones I carry most often now. One for L.A. city with 3" blade length limit and the other most other places.

  • Wilson Combat Eagle
  • MicroTech Mini Matrix
  • Zero Tolerance 0801
  • Zero Tolerance 0600
  • Zero Tolerance 0777-M390
  • Spyderco Southard
  • Spyderco Domino
  • Hogue EX-02
  • Kershaw RAM
  • Kershaw Junkyard Dog II
  • CRKT Eros
  • A. G. Russell Gentleman's Frame Lock
  • Dendra Knives Tiger Jump
  • Dendra Knives Deer Hunter
  • Brous Blades Division Flipper
  • Brous Blades Reloader Flipper
  • Benchmade 300SN
  • Boker Federal
 
Last edited:
Burke said:
How do you like your Domino?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call it great, but it's very good. The ergonomics are not what I was expecting. On the Kershaw RAM, it's very natural to choke up into the finger choil. On the Domino, the ergonomics are pretty good in a standard grip but I always want to choke up into the choil. I regret that every time, the blade just doesn't feel right when I use the choil. Like many have said before, I think this design would benefit from a longer cutting edge. On the flip side (literally), when I carry the Domino in a reverse grip it feels like it was custom formed to my hand.

Even with my gripe about the ergos, I love the finish on the titanium, I love the bearings in the pivot, and I love the steel lock bar insert that doubles as an over travel stop. The flipping action is pretty dang good, it's definitely in my top 3.
 
RamZar, can you elaborate on the action of a few of those? The ones I have zero experience with (and might have a chance of actually getting) at this point are:

Microtech Mini Matrix
Hogue EX-02
CRKT Eros
AG Russell Genteman's Frame Lock
Dendra Deer Hunter

If you want to go into detail, feel free to shoot me an email.
 
bpeezer said:
RamZar, can you elaborate on the action of a few of those? The ones I have zero experience with (and might have a chance of actually getting) at this point are:

Microtech Mini Matrix
Hogue EX-02
CRKT Eros
AG Russell Genteman's Frame Lock
Dendra Deer Hunter

If you want to go into detail, feel free to shoot me an email.
Click to expand...

I'll quote Zero Tolerance 0801 and Spyderco Domino a lot because they have the best flipper action for knives costing under $200.

I've only had the MicroTech Mini Matrix for a week now. The action is not as snappy as ZT 0801 or Spyderco Domino but it opens every time. It still needs more breaking in and constantly gets better. Always wanted a 3" exact flipper and now I have it. It's very compact unlike the Domino. The aluminum handle has great texture. Mine is an all-black and looks great. My only issue with MicroTech is their stupid triangular screws. MT Mini Matrix is about $265.

Hogue EX-02 is as snappy as ZT 0801 and Domino. It's a real sleeper of a flipper but has no faults at all. Real groovy G-Mascus G-10 handles. About $160.

The CRKT Eros is my exercise companion. Excellent flipper action. It's a marvel with a razor sharp 3" blade and a little more than an ounce. About $110. Everybody should try an Eros!

Both of my Dendra flipper have decent action but nothing to shout about. LionSteel needs to get the action snappier. $110-$200. A lot of value for the money though.

The AG Russell Genteman's Frame Lock that I have now is very good. The first one had blade centering issue and a real weak detent. I sent it back and requested a hand-picked one and it works great now. You can't beat the price of $125 for a 3" blade titanium frame lock flipper.

I recommend all of these firmly except a mild recommendation on the Dendras.
 
Though I LOVE my ZT 0560/61's, my Brous Blades Division Flipper is the smoothest flipper I've ever owned or used/tried. I've heard that the ZT 0801 is sweet as well.
 
I have a federal and its a very nice flipper...on par with some mid range customs that I've owned.
 
Smoothest flipper I have by far is the ZT 0560 and next in line would be Southard and Domino.
 
Manual flippers I own; ZT 0561, Buck Vantage Force Pro and the BM 300. Based on only flipping I'd put them in that order as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top