First "expensive" flipper knife?

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SaraLikesKnives

Joined
Jan 9, 2016
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It's basically what the title says: I'm looking for a decent, middle-end flipper knife to replaced the CRKT Hootenanny my husband broke (man, that knife flipped so sweet, it was fun to play with and I thought a decent intro to flippers). The budget is about $500 (although I'd be willing to go higher for something I loved) and I've been looking at everything I can online but it's not easy even with videos and pictures.

The Zero Tolerance and Hinderer knives really caught my interest, including the ZT-0456, 0801 and the 0562, but when I handled a 0562 in a store it was really heavy. My Ken Onion Hootenany by CRKT had a slimmer blade and I liked that. All the ZT and HINderer designs I'm seeing have a flat grind with really thick blades, and I'm afraid to spend that kind of money online only to dislike it when I get the knife in hand.

Preferably I'd love a Grimsmo Norseman, but barring that I like drop-points with titanium construction and a thinner blade (or a hollow grind, something decent for slicing). Blade steel isn't a huge biggie but something decent that'll hold its edge.

The Chris Reeve Sebenza caught my attention and looks like it may fit the bill, but I'm curious if anyone has ideas? I've been scouring both the makers for-sale forums but would LOVE some thoughts from others who've handled a lot more knives than me.

TL;DR: Looking for an ~$500 flipper EDC and need ideas on makers and knife ideas. :)
 
The Michael Zieba Double Tap exclusive was going to be my next knife.
Checks all the boxes for me and M390. Love it.
A hair bit above your max but imo worth it.
 
What about the ZT 0450? It's a really nice slim package, decent slicer and has gray action as a flipper.
 
If you can stretch it, a shirogorov neon ultra lite may be the ticket. They pop up on the exchange. Slim, lightweight, and great flipping. Good luck and let everyone know what you choose!!
 
The Chris Reeve Sebenza isn't a Flipper.

I'd recommend a shirogorov or Thorburn for a Flipper.


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wtlj said:
The Chris Reeve Sebenza isn't a Flipper.

I'd recommend a shirogorov or Thorburn for a Flipper.


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If your looking for smooth those are nice choices indeed.
 
A Shirogorov Neon Lite or ultra lite with multi row bearings will probably the smoothest knife you'll ever handle. They're not cheap by no means, but you get what you pay for.
 
I'll chime in. I have my first Shirogorov on the way but I had a chance to visit a high end knife store on a business trip a few weeks back. Played with everything from a 2k custom division Shirogorov to Thorburns and the like. I must say, I was the most impressed with the work of Herucus Blomerus. More than your max but $700 gets you one hell of a flipper. His action is in one word amazing. Very similar to Thorburn, excellent fit and finish and absolutely beautiful craftsmanship.
 
It looks like the knife you are replacing had a blade 3.3" long, a handle 4.6" long, and a blade 0.13" thick with a hollow grind. I find looking at the handle length gives a much better idea of knife size than the blade length that is usually discussed.

Unfortunately, there is a trend for titanium frame locks, including flippers, to have a blade that is thicker and more 'heavy duty' than is usually needed which makes them not very good slicers. Typically, Spyderco makes more 'slicier' knives with thinner blade stock and actually Benchmade uses thinner blade stock than average. Neither is really known as a flipper manufacturer though there are a few. I like the Spyderco Domino for a nice flipper from these companies, and I know there are others like the Spyderco Southard but I'm just now catching up with models after a year or so break from knives. I'm sure there are others but they may be below the price point you are looking for.

The Reate Wave is a really nice flipper that has really great construction and is a great knife. It is made in China though which means many people look right past it but it's a company that is owned by a knife knut and they can produce knives on par with just about any other production company out there and their knives are actually closer to mid tech level knives and they actually make the mid tech lines of some popular custom makers like Todd Begg. They have other great knives but I think they would be a bit bigger than what you are looking for.

ZT makes some really nice flippers but I think their blades aren't going to be as thin and slicy as you would like. I'm sure there are plenty of others but I'm a bit of a steel snob and if a knife has a steel I'm not interested in I overlook it and move on. Hopefully others will be able to recommend some knives that meet your requirements and maybe you can let us know what size limits you would like to stay within.

Good luck!
 
It does sound like you're looking for a Shirogorov, but I've never afforded myself one. Other ideas:

Kizer Gemini?
ZT0452cf?
ZT0770cf?
Steelcraft Mini Bodega?
 
You can try looking into Custom Knife Factory. I recently got a CFK Milk and it has an amazing action with a slicey functional blade.
 
IMO there really is no ~$500 knife that offers more than a CRK. If I were hell bent on a flipper I would choose a new Hinderer Eklipse Gen 2 on the high end or a ZT 0770CF on the more manageably priced side.
 
Some people have already said some great makers on here. Also try Ferrum forge. I use quite a few of their knives in my EDC rotation and they are fantastic knives, and great people to deal with!!
 
ZT0452CF if you want something a little bigger. ZT0450 or Hinderer XM-18 3 inch if you want something a little smaller.
 
Check out Walter Brend's new flipper folders in his model 2 and maruder grinds.
 
Also heard great things about the McGinnis Pro Line and the Valve model looks nice at ~$600. Or a Curtiss F3 just to add another to the list. The Curtiss is in your price range if you catch it on his revolving "knife of the day" sale he runs on his website.
 
Funny you should ask!
The ZT 0450 is fantastic, and I will be carrying it for the next year.
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