First EDC Flipper

[brownshoe]

I don't own it, but have played with one and a Buck Marksman is a G&G Hawk product and an excellent knife and a good price. If you want a smaller one, the CRKT Eros is a nice one too. Kind of like a gentleman's shiv.

 

[Hackenslash]

If you want an assisted flipper, pick your favorite Kershaw and game over. I put Kershaw ahead of anything by CRKT because of the service and support KAI offers on all their products. Kershaw offers the Knockout, Camber, Piston (if you can still find it) and Link along with all the various Ken Onion designs. If you're craving a little "Hinder'ish" action, Kershaw has the budget Cryo and Thermite, both Rick Hinderer designs. Many of the cheaper, Chinese manufactured Kershaws are fine knives. I've been particularly impressed with the new Valmara. Kershaw also has the ubiquitous Skyline as a manual flipper that makes a great all-around EDC knife.

If you want a manual flipper (other than the Skyline), your best options are something from the Kizer Vanguard series. I have several of these knives and they're each really well done. Probably the BEST value knife in the $50-100 range offered at this time. The new Kesmec looks sweet and I can personally vouch for the Gemini, Dorado, Dukes and Kyre. Kizer used to struggle with weakish detents on some knives but every Vanguard knife I've purchased has been spot on for detent strength.

A close runner-up in manual flippers would be a couple of models by RealSteel; the H5 Gerfalcon and the E771 Sea Eagle. Avoid the E571, its not a great flipper.

Buck MIGHT be an option. I've heard good things about the Marksman, although I've never handled one. A lot of people will recommend the Buck Vantage but I can only go along with that if you have a way to hand pick your knife. The quality, fit and finish on the Vantage knives range from acceptable to horrible.

Spyderco offers a few flippers but they're all out of your price range. Honestly, I've yet to find a Spyderco flipper that was a really great flipper. The classic Spydie leaf shape blade doesn't have a great weight distribution to flip terribly well.

You might take a peek at the new Stedemon ZKC (Zon Knife Company), it's a big blade but is roughly close to Kizer Vanguard in materials and quality.

The Boker Urban Trapper is a decent knife. It doesn't really "fire" out as a flipper, but it's acceptable. This is a great option if you need a slim, disappearing knife in your pocket.

Probably the closest you can come to a genuine feeling Hinderer is to cruise the Exchange for a used ZT 0561, ZT 0562 or a ZT 0566. You could add a few dollars to the top of your budget and be in the market for a good, used 0566 which work fine assisted or de-assisted. The 0561 and 0562 will take more dollah.

You might even be able to find a used Benchmade Precinct for right around the top of your budget...although I have no firsthand experience with that knife, Benchmade is known for quality and service.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[abbazaba]

Skyline FTW! Great knife, great EDC size IMO.

Cheapest manual ball bearing flipper you can buy with good steel is probably the Boker Real Steel E571 ($35!). I had one for a while and thought it flipped great. Not my pick:

I've never had a Vangaurd Kizer, but my Ti Gemini is near perfection. I also have a Ki3404A1 non-ballbearing Kizer that is a surprisingly great flipper for under $100, though the ergos don't work for me. If youre spending $100 though, I would save your pennies and get a ZT that calls your name.

 

[Tazio]

If you want an assisted flipper, pick your favorite Kershaw and game over. I put Kershaw ahead of anything by CRKT because of the service and support KAI offers on all their products. Kershaw offers the Knockout, Camber, Piston (if you can still find it) and Link along with all the various Ken Onion designs. If you're craving a little "Hinder'ish" action, Kershaw has the budget Cryo and Thermite, both Rick Hinderer designs. Many of the cheaper, Chinese manufactured Kershaws are fine knives. I've been particularly impressed with the new Valmara. Kershaw also has the ubiquitous Skyline as a manual flipper that makes a great all-around EDC knife.

If you want a manual flipper (other than the Skyline), your best options are something from the Kizer Vanguard series. I have several of these knives and they're each really well done. Probably the BEST value knife in the $50-100 range offered at this time. The new Kesmec looks sweet and I can personally vouch for the Gemini, Dorado, Dukes and Kyre. Kizer used to struggle with weakish detents on some knives but every Vanguard knife I've purchased has been spot on for detent strength.

A close runner-up in manual flippers would be a couple of models by RealSteel; the H5 Gerfalcon and the E771 Sea Eagle. Avoid the E571, its not a great flipper.

Buck MIGHT be an option. I've heard good things about the Marksman, although I've never handled one. A lot of people will recommend the Buck Vantage but I can only go along with that if you have a way to hand pick your knife. The quality, fit and finish on the Vantage knives range from acceptable to horrible.

Spyderco offers a few flippers but they're all out of your price range. Honestly, I've yet to find a Spyderco flipper that was a really great flipper. The classic Spydie leaf shape blade doesn't have a great weight distribution to flip terribly well.

You might take a peek at the new Stedemon ZKC (Zon Knife Company), it's a big blade but is roughly close to Kizer Vanguard in materials and quality.

The Boker Urban Trapper is a decent knife. It doesn't really "fire" out as a flipper, but it's acceptable. This is a great option if you need a slim, disappearing knife in your pocket.

Probably the closest you can come to a genuine feeling Hinderer is to cruise the Exchange for a used ZT 0561, ZT 0562 or a ZT 0566. You could add a few dollars to the top of your budget and be in the market for a good, used 0566 which work fine assisted or de-assisted. The 0561 and 0562 will take more dollah.

You might even be able to find a used Benchmade Precinct for right around the top of your budget...although I have no firsthand experience with that knife, Benchmade is known for quality and service.

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for taking the time out to write all of this. I've taken a look at many Kershaws and have yet to find one I love. I'd also say this about many Spyderco knives. I know they're very good quality but I just don't like the spidey-hole. Saying this, I have started to look more towards the Kizer Vanguard series. They seem to be such high quality knives for the price. I'll certainly have to check out the RealSteel or ZKC flippers... Taking a look at these knives my head's swimming trying to decide haha. I think I'm going to stay away from Kershaw's and the buck marksman.

 

[Gravy]

No one has mentioned the Kershaw Strobe, but its a fantastic flipper for the price (a bit under $40). Slices well and isnt bad in the hand.

 

[Hackenslash]

I'd also say this about many Spyderco knives. I know they're very good quality but I just don't like the spidey-hole.

At some point you should probably give the Spydie-Hole a try though. There's a reason why they have such a broad and devoted following. You might say that Spydies often come across as "ugly to the eye" but end up "beautiful in hand", lol.
You can entry level a Spydie with the Ambitious/Persistence/Tenacious/Resilience line, or get in the water for even less money with one of the Byrds.

Many Spydies just don't work for me. There's not enough blade for the amount of pocket real estate they chew up. The Spydies that work for me are some of my favorite knives; the Delica (especially with the Lil'Para Boomer mod), the Native, the PM2, the Chaparral.

I probably think about knives way too much...

 

[MAD777]

Maybe a bit large for EDC at 3.75" blade & over 5 ounces, but a bargain of a flipper is Real Steel T101 Thor.

Perfect alignment, exactly even bevels each side, just grippy enough G10 scales on both sides with substantial looking liner lock, not too aggressive jimping, smooth reliable action, all for a bargain price of about $50.

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[Tazio]

No one has mentioned the Kershaw Strobe, but its a fantastic flipper for the price (a bit under $40). Slices well and isnt bad in the hand.

More likely because originally I've been looking for the midrange flippers ($50-$100). But I'll check it out, thanks.


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[Tazio]

The knives I've narrowed it down to thanks to all the help I've gotten. If anyone has any more suggestions I'd love to hear em, but I'm really leaning towards the Kizer Intrepid (Vanguard series).

1. Kizer Interpid (Vanguard series)

~Blade Length: 3.625" (92 mm)
~Cutting Edge: 3.625" (92 mm)
~Closed Length: 4.625" (117 mm)
~Overall Length: 8.25" (210 mm)
~Blade Material: VG10 Stainless Steel
~Thickness: 0.125" (3.2 mm)
~Blade Style: Clip Point
~Blade Grind: Hollow
~Blade Finish: Stonewash
~Handle Material: OD Green G10
~Liner Material: Stainless Steel
~Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
~Pivot Assembly: Bearings
~Weight: 5.2 oz. (147 g)
~Pocket Clip: Titanium (Tip-Up, Right Carry)
~Designer: Ray Laconico

2. Real Steel e771 Sea Eagle

~Blade Length: 3.74" (95 mm)
~Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel, 58-60HRC
~Thickness: 0.14" (3.5 mm)
~Overall Length: 8.46" (215 mm)
~Handle Material: Black G10
~Weight: 4.21 oz. (120 g)

3. Stedemon ZKC

~Blade Length: 3.74"
~Closed Length: 5.12"
~Overall Length: 9.05"
~Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
~Blade Thickness: 0.11"
~Blade Style: Reverse Tanto
~Blade Grind: Hollow
~Blade Finish: Two-Tone
~Handle Material: Black G10
~Liner Material: Stainless Steel
~Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
~Pivot Assembly: Multi-Row Bearings
~Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Right Carry
~Weight: 5.0 oz.



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[Hackenslash]

At this point it's a shame you can't handle all three before you make a decision. There may be one you prefer due to ergonomic considerations. I only own the first two, but can offer a few thoughts:

I'd have to call the blade shapes and steels equal with these knives. Prepare yourself to learn how to sharpen and maintain an edge if you don't already know how. VG-10, 14C28N and 440C are great general use steels, but will tend to give up the edge fairly quickly. Fortunately, all three are fairly easy to sharpen. You'll greatly improve your level of satisfaction with any of these knives if you can maintain the cutting edge.

I can say that the G10 scales on the Kizer have the most aggressive texture of the three, if that's a consideration. The Stedemon looks the smoothest, but has some texture milled in. The Sea Eagle has good ergos but probably the least "grip". You can feel the steel liners when holding, if that makes a difference. The Kizer has a more "hand filling" grip than the RealSteel, and the Stedemon looks like it might have the best ergos of the three.

The Intrepid is a budget version of a knife by designer Ray Laconico, the other two are in-house designs. Some people like designer names on their knives and jeans...

All things considered, you've picked three knives of very equal material quality and likely performance. I don't have any first hand experience with the Stedemon but Gary Graley, whom I respect as a reviewer, spoke very highly of it http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1400828-Stedemon-D-01-folder. Stedemon does not make the ZKC; they're made for them by Zon Knife Company. This is a new name for me so I can't vouch for them from personal experience.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three, but if I had to choose I'd probably give the edge to the Kizer, but only from a standpoint of service and support. None of these knives come with the awesome customer support that Kershaw, Spyderco or Benchmade can offer, but Kizer has set up a Stateside service center that can handle some routine things like screws, washers and pocket clips. They also tend to be the most active within the BF community.

I think you'll be happy with whichever knife you end up with. Be warned though: the knife hobby is a harsh mistress. The knife you buy today is the knife you'll use to open the NEXT knife you buy!

 

[znapschatz]

Buck MIGHT be an option. I've heard good things about the Marksman, although I've never handled one. A lot of people will recommend the Buck Vantage but I can only go along with that if you have a way to hand pick your knife. The quality, fit and finish on the Vantage knives range from acceptable to horrible.

That's how I got mine. After a frustrating experience with a small Pro from an on-line dealer, in the end put right by Buck, I bought my large from a shop where I could examine it first. It only cost $5 more and saved a lot of hassle. I like both well enough to see no reason to seek further.

 

[155440]

If you can break your budget by $30, the marksman can be had in s35 and g10 from skblades

 

[LG&M]

Real steel g5 is worth a look.
Been my EDC for the past month.

 

[Tazio]

At this point it's a shame you can't handle all three before you make a decision. There may be one you prefer due to ergonomic considerations. I only own the first two, but can offer a few thoughts:

I'd have to call the blade shapes and steels equal with these knives. Prepare yourself to learn how to sharpen and maintain an edge if you don't already know how. VG-10, 14C28N and 440C are great general use steels, but will tend to give up the edge fairly quickly. Fortunately, all three are fairly easy to sharpen. You'll greatly improve your level of satisfaction with any of these knives if you can maintain the cutting edge.

I can say that the G10 scales on the Kizer have the most aggressive texture of the three, if that's a consideration. The Stedemon looks the smoothest, but has some texture milled in. The Sea Eagle has good ergos but probably the least "grip". You can feel the steel liners when holding, if that makes a difference. The Kizer has a more "hand filling" grip than the RealSteel, and the Stedemon looks like it might have the best ergos of the three.

The Intrepid is a budget version of a knife by designer Ray Laconico, the other two are in-house designs. Some people like designer names on their knives and jeans...

All things considered, you've picked three knives of very equal material quality and likely performance. I don't have any first hand experience with the Stedemon but Gary Graley, whom I respect as a reviewer, spoke very highly of it http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1400828-Stedemon-D-01-folder. Stedemon does not make the ZKC; they're made for them by Zon Knife Company. This is a new name for me so I can't vouch for them from personal experience.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three, but if I had to choose I'd probably give the edge to the Kizer, but only from a standpoint of service and support. None of these knives come with the awesome customer support that Kershaw, Spyderco or Benchmade can offer, but Kizer has set up a Stateside service center that can handle some routine things like screws, washers and pocket clips. They also tend to be the most active within the BF community.

I think you'll be happy with whichever knife you end up with. Be warned though: the knife hobby is a harsh mistress. The knife you buy today is the knife you'll use to open the NEXT knife you buy!

This really helped me. I'm starting to think to stay away from the sea eagle. It's nice to hear that the intrepid is "filling" as I have rather large hands, which is why I'm looking for a larger knife. I don't mind maintaining their edges. I'd rather have a steel like VG-10 than S35v as I'm not that experienced with sharpening. I was worried about Kizer when I heard about them but hearing they've set up a call center is nice. I think I am going to go with the Kizer Intrepid, especially after the information you brought to me. Thank you so much.


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