Does this knife exist: fidget friendly, 3" blade, flipper, button or axis/xr lock and premium steel?

R

ripe_turnip

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Dec 31, 2020
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after trying so many types of knives, I think this would be my ideal configuration. Slicey, flipper, axis/xr/button lock, premium steel, drop shutty, narrow for edc.

I've tried to like liner locks but my fingers are just too big to work them well one-handed on smaller knives.

closest I've found is the pro-tech malibu, which is a bit too long. would really like something like the MKM flame if it had a button lock.
 
If the Malibu is too long, then you're probably looking for 3 inches or less.
SOG Terminus in S35VN (XR lock) or Hogue X1 (button lock) are the the only ones I can think of that are short, flippers, not liner- or frame-lock, with decent steel. Terminus is thinner than the Hogue.
The main issue is the flipper, which really limits your options.
Mini 940 and Lil Native would both be great options, but aren't flippers.
 
The Ferrum Forge Gent may meet your needs. It is a liner lock, but it is made to make accessing the lock easy. I doubt even the largest mitts would have trouble disengaging it. I wish other makers would adapt the gents lock bar access relief.

It is one of the best bangs for you buck at sub-$100.
 
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You can also modify frame or liner lock knives to give easier access to the lock. Maybe look at the kansept gremlin? Or boker urban trapper petite? Or boker mini kwaiken?
 
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Olamic Busker, under 3 inches (2.375”) or whippersnapper (2.8”), front flipper and can be spyderflicked. Came with m390 or 20cv for the latter. Somewhat dropshutty with bearings.
 
If jut over 3" is okay I would say Steel Will Intrigue Mini in m390, but it's a liner lock (good for flippers).
 
Kmikaz3 said:
Olamic Busker, under 3 inches (2.375”) or whippersnapper (2.8”), front flipper and can be spyderflicked. Came with m390 or 20cv for the latter. Somewhat dropshutty with bearings.
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If you like the Busker and Whippersnapper, check out the Giantmouse Riv. I no longer have a busker but the Riv may have made my Whippersnapper expendable.
 
I’ve been really digging the Hogue Deka I got off the exchange here recently. 3.2” 20cv steel with G10 scales, Able (Axis) lock, practically-shaped thin blade, very light yet very sturdy. Action is very smooth on PB washers.
 
It’s not a flipper but very fidget-friendly: benchmade anthem.

front flipper button lock: spyderco smock.
 
fishface5 said:
Flippers don't play so well with axis or button locks unfortunately. It can be done but . . . meh
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SOG, of all companies, figured it out. The TerminusXR actually flips quite well with their version of the Axis lock.
 
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You have basically described the Medford Smooth Criminal. It’s got a 3” hollow ground blade, .150” blade thickness, on bearings, button lock, S35VN steel, and one of the best firing manual flippers I’ve experienced. I’m not a fidget factor guy at all but this one is also super fidgety. It’s not that expensive either, only $299 but in the grand scheme of things it’s only $100 more than a Malibu and fits a lot of what your looking for. It’s one of my favorite knives I own. Also you can actually get a Smooth Criminal from a variety of online stores with relative ease compared to a Malibu
 
The Alliance Designs Mini Slim Pickins might be worth a look, if you can find one.
 
unwisefool said:
The Freeman 451 is a flipper button lock that is very smooth and easy to use.
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I was thinking to mention the Freeman also but I think it’s bigger than what the OP wants. Jeff Freeman started working on a mini BLF a couple years ago but can’t find time to finish it. A mini Freeman would be perfect!
 
Hackenslash said:
I was thinking to mention the Freeman also but I think it’s bigger than what the OP wants. Jeff Freeman started working on a mini BLF a couple years ago but can’t find time to finish it. A mini Freeman would be perfect!
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Oh yeah I know it's too big, I was just responding to the post that basically said that button locks and flippers were not a good combo.
 
Despite thinking it is too long, I picked up a protech malibu anyway. Thanks everyone.

BTW, are frame locks better than liner locks for fat fingers? Eying my next purchases :)
 
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