Curtiss F3 Flipper

[RamZar]

If you wouldn't have mentioned that, I probably would've sent the knife back Sorry for getting so off topic though, I'm sure the F3 will somehow find its way into your pocket quite frequently. You picked a real beauty

Sometimes with some knives you need to go through the break-in period.

If the F3 works out I'll be looking at possibly getting the Cruze Mini which is a robust flipper (IKBS ceramic bearing system) with a 3" blade length and legal in such municipalties as L.A.

 

[RamZar]

My spanking new Curtiss F3 arrived tonight. It's a robust beauty and smaller and handier than I imagined. I measured the blade as 3.4 inches. At first, the diamond texture pattern seems too aggressive almost like sandpaper. However, it's not too abrasive on the hand and it's by far the most grip I've gotten from any metallic handle.

The flipper action is as good, smooth and snappy as my Wilson Combat Eagle and Zero Tolerance 0801 since all three share so much.

Here are some standalone pictures and also beside Wilson Combat Eagle (3.6" blade) and Zero Tolerance 0801 (3.5" blade).

 

[bpeezer]

Gorgeous :thumbup: now the real question....will it displace the eagle?

 

[RamZar]

Gorgeous :thumbup: now the real question....will it displace the eagle?

Tough call. The Eagle has extra merit points in being so thin!

 

[bpeezer]

Tough call. The Eagle has extra merit points in being so thin!

Can you do a picture comparing the three knives in thickness?

 

[RamZar]

Can you do a picture comparing the three knives in thickness?

Overall Thickness:

Eagle = 0.417"
F3 = 0.488"
0801 = 0.503"

Pictures from both ends - left to right: Eagle, 0801 & F3.

 

[RamZar]

My Curtiss F3 Compact IKBS Flipper with a 2.3" blade of Bohler N690 (RC 60) steel (0.156" thick) and titanium frag pattern frame (both sides) and grooved titanium backspacer should get here tomorrow or Saturday. It may be an ideal change pocket knife for me.

It's kind of like a smaller Hinderer XM-18 3" but the frag pattern scale for the XM-18 on just one side goes for $200! I have the XM-18 3" in G10 frag pattern so I'll do a side by side picture.

So far, the Curtiss F3 flipper definitely has a better flipper action (stronger detent) than my XM-18.

 

[mantzao]

My Curtiss F3 Compact IKBS Flipper with a 2.3" blade of Bohler N690 (RC 60) steel (0.156" thick) and titanium frag pattern frame (both sides) and grooved titanium backspacer should get here tomorrow or Saturday. It may be an ideal change pocket knife for me.

It's kind of like a smaller Hinderer XM-18 3" but the frag pattern scale for the XM-18 on just one side goes for $200! I have the XM-18 3" in G10 frag pattern so I'll do a side by side picture.

So far, the Curtiss F3 flipper definitely has a better flipper action (stronger detent) than my XM-18.

I'm very interested in seeing that comparison.
Please do.

 

[Tony8179]

Are those aggressive looking textures ripping up anyone's pockets? Any trouble sliding the knife in and out of the pocket?

 

[Adrenaline_6]

Very nice Ram! I like the look of the F3 as well. The only thing I can find that I'm not a fan of is the pocket clip.

 

[zl1]

My interest in Curtiss knives has grown a lot

 

[RamZar]

Are those aggressive looking textures ripping up anyone's pockets? Any trouble sliding the knife in and out of the pocket?

The diamond texture frame finish is certainly very aesthetically pleasing and it gives you an excellent grip. It is somewhat aggressive and abrasive both for the palm of your hand and pocket. If your pockets are tight even worse. However, no issues clipping it to pocket, extraction and palm rubbing. Yet.

Part of the reason I went with the frag pattern on the F3 Compact. I get enough texture and looks that way and I think it'll be more practical overall.

 

[Sonnydaze]

It looks like a very nice knife. Of course, the blade appears, to me, like a 3.5" Spanto Hinderer that I had once...and the blade thickness is pretty similar to the VECP. Well, if my junker car reminds folks of a Jaguar, that's okay with me. Imitation is the...and all that jazz.

 

[bpeezer]

It looks like a very nice knife. Of course, the blade appears, to me, like a 3.5" Spanto Hinderer that I had once...and the blade thickness is pretty similar to the VECP. Well, if my junker car reminds folks of a Jaguar, that's okay with me. Imitation is the...and all that jazz.

I don't think I would compare the Curtiss to a junker car

 

[RamZar]

Here are some pictures of my new F3 Compact Flipper. Also, alongside Hinderer XM-18 3" and Spyderco Techno. The F3 Compact is more the size of the Spyderco Techno which is fine with me since I can then carry it in my change pocket.

 

[Aidansdaddy17]

Awesome photos. Very nice thread. Thanks for the info and congrats!