Budget Flipper Recommendation and Sheath Help

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Bigwilly77

Joined
Jun 18, 2014
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Hey guys. Just want some thoughts. I want to get a budget flipper. Budget as in sub $35.00 The Kershaw Cryo 2 is what I'm looking at. Not particular other than a G10 type handle but that's not concrete. This will go in my EDC pocket organizer as a back up.


Also I have this Gerber fixed blade I bought some years ago. Not sure from where. I would a kydex like sheath for belt and/or molle wear. Ideally secure like the kryon ( think that's right) sheath that came with my KA BAR full size fixed fighting knife.
Here are pics of the Gerber.
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There is nothing on the blade or sheath other than Gerber. The handle is rubber like - it's soft.

Thanks for any help guys.
BigWilly
 
I think you may be looking at the Cryo 1 if you're looking at a G10 version...I've never seen a Cryo 2 with G10.

I like a good cheap Kershaw as much as the next guy, but the Cryo 2 is fairly heavy and I'm not particularly found of that 8Cr13MoV steel they use on their low end stuff --I've found it can rust pretty quick and the edge lasts for no measurable length of time.

Since you're looking at Kershaws, let me throw out a few more options for you...all these prices are just from Amazon...all Kershaw flippers....
Strobe - $34, FreeFall - $20, Brawler - $19, Scrambler - $23, Volt/Volt 2 - $20/25, Thermite - $30, Shield - $32, Clash - $27, Skyline - $41.

Of all those listed, the only one that doesn't use 8Cr13MoV is the Skyline, which uses 14C28N -- in my mind, a massive upgrade. I would spend the extra $5 or whatever for the upgrade in materials. I also notice a difference in overall quality going from something like the Cryo 2 (or original) to the Skyline.

There's also a ton more Kershaw flippers I didn't list, but that's a start.


As for the sheath, hop on YouTub and check out sheath making with kydex. You may find you'd like to make one yourself. I make all of my own now for knives and guns, it is relatively easy and doesn't take any special skills. Note kydex is wicked cheap online...you'll be making killer sheaths in no time. Or don't, and you can get someone on the forums to make you one.
 
I like the Kershaw 1595G10 Speedbump. It started as a USA model that was perhaps the prototype for what ZT would become. They came in 14C28N for the USA made blades and 8cr13mov for those made in China. A great deal I think at about US$30.
 
Huge fan of the RAT1 by Ontario. The quality for the price is phenomenal.

That Gerber there is a Profile. You could look on eBay or someone here could probably help hook you up with a nice sheath.
 
Check out some of the Real Steel knives. They're about $5 over budget, but they use 14c28n steel, which is a significant upgrade from 8cr13mov, and I believe they have one or two flippers that run on bearings.
 
Kershaw Strobe, it runs on KVT ball bearing and has an amazing detent! If you can live without a flipper, the Rat 1 or 2 will fit your bill. They are crazy fast and feel like they're on bearings... they're that smooth! If you are willing to spend a little more money then the broker plus urban trapper is a great knife! Flips awesome and is incredibly lightweight (which i think you'll like since you're already carrying a fixed blade)
 
I like my Kershaw Scrambler so much, I bought a 2nd in a blackwashed finish... Really is a robust and sturdy knife for the price, and the g10 handle is done in a simplistic fashion that gives it a clean classy appearance.


 
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CRKT Hammond Cruiser LAWKS seems like an alright one with good reviews and appears to have good ergos. For $20 it might be a good way to go and CRKT actions usually work better than other budget flippers. BladeHQ has one with a 3.25" blade length for $22 in G-10, though you can probably find them even cheaper. I usually don't like Kershaw's budget folders, but you can find the excellent Skyline series (made in the USA) on sale at around your pricepoint and I'd definitely recommend that if you want to spend a little extra. In my experience, the Kershaw flippers made in China have actions that aren't very smooth.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Check out some of the Real Steel knives. They're about $5 over budget, but they use 14c28n steel, which is a significant upgrade from 8cr13mov, and I believe they have one or two flippers that run on bearings.
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Specifically, the E771 Sea Eagle and H5 Gerfalcon run on bearings with 14C28N steel, and you can find them right at $35 at a few dealers. I've fallen in love with these two; the build quality, materials, and features that you're getting for $35 is insane.
 
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