First EDC Flipper

T

Tazio

Joined
Oct 5, 2016
Messages
11
Disclaimer, I'm new in here and have generally kept off forums but wanted to start in the right place. Anyways I've been looking for a flipper folder that has around a 3.5" blade and anywhere between $50-$100. I've done my research and I really love the Rick Hinderer XM-18 and the ZT 0300. I absolutely love the designs but they are too far out of my price range atm. So far I have found the Buck Marksman and the Kershaw Knockout that I seem to like. I just wanted to see if I missed any worthy knives, and I'm sure I have.

(P.S. I hope I didn't post this in the wrong spot)


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Tzac808 said:
Save up and get the Hinderer..dont settle for less.
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I knew someone would say this haha. I'm sure eventually I will, but I don't have the cash flow right now. It's certainly one of the top on my list in the not so distant future. For now, I'm just looking for a relatively cheaper flipper.


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Hi, Welcome! This post might be better suited for General Knife Discussion, but no problem. ZT has great flippers but if you are looking for budget-friendly options check out Kizer. They have a ton of flippers and last year's Gemini gets a lot of love around here. It's above your listed price but they have some cool designs in the ~$100 range.
 
Thanks Scwifty i'll have to look into them. And yeah I wasn't sure where to post this, should I delete it and post it there?
 
Once been wondering why flippers are desirable. Can they open in your pocket? Do they lock? Isn't the arm uncomfortable in the pocket?

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Grouch said:
Once been wondering why flippers are desirable. Can they open in your pocket? Do they lock? Isn't the arm uncomfortable in the pocket?

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For me personally I like the design and look of a knife with a flipper. It's also an added safety measure if one's hand slips for some unknown reason. The actual flipping action can also be useful for quickly deploying the knife, while keeping in line with laws and regulations. I mean any knife can deploy quickly but i just like the action of a flipper.
 
Tazio said:
Thanks Scwifty i'll have to look into them. And yeah I wasn't sure where to post this, should I delete it and post it there?
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G'day and welcome to the forums :)
Don't delete anything mate. I have flagged this with mods via the report button (little exclamation mark in a triangle at the bottom left of each post) so they can move it. It's a good question and a great first thread :)

I don't know a lot about flippers and only own one (a ZT0450) but I have handled some cheaper ones and the action often doesn't compare to something that runs on bearings like ZT's. Something to consider would be buying a second hand one from the exchange here.
 
Grouch said:
Once been wondering why flippers are desirable. Can they open in your pocket? Do they lock? Isn't the arm uncomfortable in the pocket?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

For me personally I like the design and look of a knife with a flipper. It's also an added safety measure if one's hand slips for some unknown reason. The actual flipping action can also be useful for quickly deploying the knife, while keeping in line with laws and regulations. I mean any knife can deploy quickly but i just like the action of a flipper.
 
Chris Larrikin said:
G'day and welcome to the forums :)
Don't delete anything mate. I have flagged this with mods via the report button (little exclamation mark in a triangle at the bottom left of each post) so they can move it. It's a good question and a great first thread :)

I don't know a lot about flippers and only own one (a ZT0450) but I have handled some cheaper ones and the action often doesn't compare to something that runs on bearings like ZT's. Something to consider would be buying a second hand one from the exchange here.
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Thank you Chris, and yeah I expect a cheaper knife to be lower quality. I'll have to check out some second hand knives then.
 
Welcome to the forums! For a flipper, I also have to suggest Kizer, great materials, great fit and finish, and a great price.
 
As others have said, definitely check out the Kizer Vanguard series. Specifically, the Kyre, Gemini, and Intrepid are all great and in your price range.

Also, take a look at the Kershaw Link in s35vn with anodized aluminum handles (red or blue)...it's a House of Blades exclusive and can be found on their website. It's an assisted flipper.

The Buck Marksman is another good option in this price range. I have the g10/s35vn version of it, and it's an excellent flipper.

Lastly, welcome and good luck in your search!
 
Mingecutter said:
As others have said, definitely check out the Kizer Vanguard series. Specifically, the Kyre, Gemini, and Intrepid are all great and in your price range.

Also, take a look at the Kershaw Link in s35vn with anodized aluminum handles (red or blue)...it's a House of Blades exclusive and can be found on their website. It's an assisted flipper.

The Buck Marksman is another good option in this price range. I have the g10/s35vn version of it, and it's an excellent flipper.

Lastly, welcome and good luck in your search!
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Thanks for the feedback Ming. I'm really starting to like those kizer knives. I'm glad I learned about them. And regarding the link, I've just ruled it out in my search for one reason I can't seem to remember.


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I know you said it was out of your budget, but the zt 0452 (particularly the cf model) is the best value in knives IMHO. Not only does it have "$400" quality and a sick blade and overall knife design, but they are one of the few companies that don't charge return shipping for their sharpening service. I carry one every day and have for what has to be close to a year and couldn't be happier. I own many sebanzas and other high end knifes and this is by far my favorite. I highly recommend it...though, as always, YMMV. Regards
 
My first flipper was one of the old models from the Buck Vantage series; I've got the one in 13C26 steel. Many knives down the line, both the standard issue pocket clip and the sound the knife makes when flipped open remain my favorite of any of my knives... by far. The new Vantage series has a lot more models with varying handle materials, blade steels and finishes and ranges from under $30 to close to $100. I don't know if they still sound as righteous as they used to, but I was very happy with mine for a time - at this point the centering is well off and the lock timing is at 90%+, but it still gets some pocket action out of nostalgia.
 
I would decide if you want a regular flipper or if you want an assisted opening flipper or if it doesn't matter. In that price range your best bet will likely be something from Kershaw. You may also find something from some of the newer Chinese companies mentioned above that are putting out really nice knives at good prices.

If you double your budget you will greatly expand your options. Also, if you don't mind buying a lightly used knife you can come across some great deals here in the marketplace.

The Spyderco Domino is a nice little flipper but is quite a bit more than I was thinking and well out of range. The Spyderco Mantra looks nice as well but has an uncoated M4 blade which is not stainless and probably not for everybody.

Anyone know if the ZT 0452 comes in a different blade steel that is still available? Not a big fan of S35VN.
 
I've done this exact search several times over several years. Personally i'm not a fan of assisted knives and I especially feel like they take the fun out of a flipper - for me its that smooth fast flip out knowing its just my finger powering it that makes it fun. However, I will say that I de-assisted several kershaws and they REALLY impressed me, but the knockout cannot be easily deassisted (requires drilling a detent hole apparently). Here's the list I came up with around the range:

crkt knives: they use ikbs and it really seems to work, in the knives i've had and handled they FLIP for knives in the under 100 price range.
crkt foresight - 3.5" blade. It's a little heavy-ish if you care about stuff like that but not bad and I think it looks super cool, feels really nice in hand, and flips out really impressively for such a big blade.
crkt wrinkle: on the one hand I think this knife looks like a turd (they made it in brown amazingly), but I also like unusual looking knives. I haven't handled this one personally but I saw it getting praise on several budget flipper threads I was looking at.
crkt outrage: on ikbs too and is under 40 bucks right now. blade a bit under 3.5
crkt ripple: a lot of people really like this one. I handled one in a store and it was indeed really really smooth and fast flipping, but I personally am not into the look.

ZT0801 - lots of praise as one of the smoothest lower cost ZT. over your price range new but could probably get it used really close.

to echo what a few have in this thread - the buck vantage is really a great knife and flips pretty nice and is like 26 bucks right now in its cheapest configuration.

also about the zt0452 (cf as mentioned). There is one in a store near me and I was blown away by how smooth it was. The sales guy kept insisting it was assisted and I kept insisting it wasn't and he wouldn't give in even after we just opened the blade partway and it stayed there...it was a strange interaction but I really do understand why he thought it was assisted. They are a good deal above 100 new, but I see them around 150/160 used and saw one at 140 a little while back on the forums here.

also check out the kershaw skyline.

one last one that as im writing this i think i may have to buy - buck marksman 830 - 154cm right around 3.5" blade. check out apostole p's video on it on youtube...ok i have to buy this thing.
 
Check out the M16 and M21 lines from CRKT. They are decent flippers for $30-80, depending on size. Also, Kershaw's Ken Onion line (Leek, Scallion, etc.) and Blur.
 
I personally cannot stand cheap flippers knives. They usually use some sort of opening assist which takes away from the fun and ease of a flipper, IMO, because you have to work to close the blade. Cheapest flipper I like is the CRKT Ripple, followed by the Boker urban trapper, Spyderco Domino, and ZT 0450.
 
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