Best US made flipper

[madcap_magician]

Hinderer's are also really hard to get right now. All the drops are selling out QUICK

That being said, you can actually get them because there actually are regular drops, which is more than we can say for Koenig. There have been at least four different Hinderer drops in the last month, including one big one for DLT's spear point Eklipse exclusive.

If I could get one, I'd consider a Half Track wharncliffe. However, my knife storage thingy is full so no new knives for a bit, until I sell or give one away. Viper now has a Hinderer collab called the Storm, and is compatable with the Half Track back spacer system. I've consider that too...

That Half Track wharnie may be my favorite little knife of all time. Got two!

 

[JParanee]

If you can find one a DISKIN FLIPPER

 

[Dadpool]

+[however many we're up to] for Hinderer. My Gen 6 M390 swedged spear (a DLT exclusive) ticks every box I wanted out of it. The lock side isn't as simple or clean as a Shiro, though.

Every ZT flipper I've owned has also been fantastic. The only one I still own is the 0308 (which is 20CV steel), but between the milling and contrasting hardware it also doesn't have a Shiro feel.

I only own one Hoback, but based on that one -- a Husky, a bit north of your budget but not by much -- I'd put his knives in the mix, too. There are several models around your price range, and his rolling detent is pretty neat.

Hinderer XM-18 3.5 swedged spear

ZT 0308

Hoback Husky

 

[GatorFlash1]

The Spyderco Southard Flipper was the first flipper it sold. I still have mine. It was stiff when opening at first but quickly broke in. A fine knife.

Spyderco Southard Flipper! The Knife of the Day! - YouTube

 

[Pilot1]

Pilot1

That may or may not have been my first thought, but this is not the place to devolve into politics or 2A issues etc. So, let's let it go or take it to PM. Thanks.

Agreed. No worries. That's why I didn't comment further.

 

[Silent H]

Pilot1

That may or may not have been my first thought, but this is not the place to devolve into politics or 2A issues etc. So, let's let it go or take it to PM. Thanks.

It's a book by an astronaut, about a space mission. I think you're confusing him with his brother, who is now a politician. I don't have DM's but either of you can leave a message on my profile if you want to discuss it further.

Back on topic, I have a lot of Hinderers, and they're great, but I think the Penguin feels slightly more refined then they are. If I was looking for a knife to work hard with and possibly abuse, I'd choose the Hinderer, otherwise, for regular EDC use the Penguin finds itself in my pocket more often.

Not quite the best size comparison because of the angle, but here's the XM-18 3.5" and the Penguin.

 

[Bulldog51]

I'd recommend a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5" Gen 6. You can't go wrong with a Grimsmo Norseman.

 

[Yo Mama]

Been after a Malibu for quite a while and they’re near impossible to get! Got an email about a drop today at 3:02. Jumped onto the site at 3:10 and they were gone. It doesn’t help that Protech only make these in small batches. Beautiful knife!

Yeah man I don't think they ever anticipated that it would be such a hit, but it is designed perfectly in every single way. Well worth trying to find one if at all possible, I would guess in the next year they will come out with more supply and color options. I was completely lucky I ran into the first run.

 

[Blues]

Yeah man I don't think they ever anticipated that it would be such a hit, but it is designed perfectly in every single way. Well worth trying to find one if at all possible, I would guess in the next year they will come out with more supply and color options. I was completely lucky I ran into the first run.

I'm sure they're great, but personally, I'd pick a Hinderer simply because it's more to my taste and lifestyle, regardless of how refined the Malibu may be. But they appear to have built a very nice product.

 

[Fire Beard]

Yeah man I don't think they ever anticipated that it would be such a hit, but it is designed perfectly in every single way. Well worth trying to find one if at all possible, I would guess in the next year they will come out with more supply and color options. I was completely lucky I ran into the first run.

Just bought a Maserin Sport. Similar in looks and function, though not exactly a Malibu. Gonna have to hold me over until I can get my hands on the Protech.