Flipper custom/handmade knife question

severedthumbs

severedthumbs

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Nov 9, 2004
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Is there a rule somewhere that flipper folders have to be at least $1000?

I know not all flippers are $1000 but it sure seems to be the trend.

please discuss
 
I can't comment on flipper folders as I know nothing about them.
But I do understand your point in that it seems some type of knives arbitrarily start at a price point just because they can.
 
I guess it depends from whom you get said flipper......:confused:

Brian Flud makes a GREAT flipper, IMHO, for well under $1000 but I wouldn't know it from the fit, finish, action, etc., as good as many I have seen for the $1000 you refer to......

My latest Flud.....:cool:

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Les Voohis is another talented maker that frequents BF, uses IKBS and makes a fine flipper. These are but two makers that come to mind but there are a number of others that could do a superb job for you depending on what you like/want and I'm sure a fine example could be had for less than you might think. :)
 
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It really just depends on the knife/maker/seller/model etc. I've seen plenty at regular folder prices.

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Are you contacting the makers directly? Sometimes the prices are much lower if the maker in question is still taking orders, than if you were to purchase a folder from an authorized dealer. Today I saw a great folder I had seen by a good maker. I had seen the folder before and contacted the maker to inquire the price on a similar folder. I was quoted something much lower than what I discovered it sold for on another sight. It happens but I won't pay that much for a folder any way because it isn't what I'm in to right now nor is it in my price range. Plus there are plenty of makers puting out quality folders for half that price.
 
This is yet another confusing thing. I see some flippers going for normal prices that are imo better than others going for a bit more.


This is mainly in regards to secondary market but not entirely.
 
Not sure if this will help you or not. Because flipper style folders are popular currently, many of the hottest makers (whose work typically sell in excess of $1K anyway) are making that style knife.
There are a number of flipper makers out there whose prices are well below the $1k mark. Les Voorhis for example makes a very fast flipper well below that mark. Hope this helps.

Phillip :)
 
notdos said:
Not sure if this will help you or not. Because flipper style folders are popular currently, many of the hottest makers (whose work typically sell in excess of $1K anyway) are making that style knife.
There are a number of flipper makers out there whose prices are well below the $1k mark. Les Voorhis for example makes a very fast flipper well below that mark. Hope this helps.

Phillip :)
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Thanks for your input Phillip.
 
Flavio Ikoma was making a very nice flipper for well under $1000 although he's been making some fancy ones for top dollar recently.
DB Fraley's flippers are superb and well under $1K (even a bit under that on the secondary market). Many other makers have crept up over the $1K mark however.
 
I've noticed Les Voorhis' work is very reasonable, nicely designed and looks to be well made.
 
The Yuna Hard and Mini-Hard series have flippers and are rugged but refined customs and are available for well under $1000.
 
Very few flipper folders are over $700 directly from the maker.

The place you see the 1K Tac Folders is in the after market. Supply and Demand.
 
on secondary markets ... actually many flippers under 1k: Pete Carey, DB Fraley, Michael Burch, Garry McGinnis, Todd Begg, Matt Cucchiara, etc.... the next ladder are JL Williams' Kick Stop, Galyean .. then some very fancy ones more than 5K.

--- forgot to mention .. Jim Smyth ... his ..usually more than 1K though.
 
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antonanton said:
on secondary markets ... actually many flippers under 1k: Pete Carey, DB Fraley, Michael Burch, Garry McGinnis, Todd Begg, Matt Cucchiara, etc.... the next ladder are JL Williams' Kick Stop, Galyean .. then some very fancy ones more than 5K.
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I have seen most of these guys knives well over 1K. I'm just wondering what it is about a flipper that makes prices skyrocket.
 
severedthumbs said:
I have seen most of these guys knives well over 1K. I'm just wondering what it is about a flipper that makes prices skyrocket.
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ahhh .. k ... as Les said ... supply and demand plus .. my opinion ... the flip'in action ... JL Williams (not all models though) and Tim Galyean .. are the top of the food chain (should not wrist action, little effort to flip fully open) ... plus Ken Onion .. if you consider speed safe as flipper :)

It's hard to describe until you handle Williams and Galyean on your hand ... they flip like Rocket .. BAM!! ... close .. BAM!! I also acquired McGinnis Timascus Aero this year blade ... it's getting much much better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyh5UlSeNJo .. try to follow the blade movement.

Just my 2 cent
 
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thanks anton, I have owned flippers by all the top tier makers and I agree their price is deserved.

But a honest collector has to admit that several of these makers getting high secondary prices have just terrible knife designs and the flipper looks like it was an afterthought, yet these knives frequently fetch upwards of 1k on secondary. I just try to understand why. I wont name any specific makers but it is out there. And then there is carving/engraving.....
 
severedthumbs said:
thanks anton, I have owned flippers by all the top tier makers and I agree their price is deserved.

But a honest collector has to admit that several of these makers getting high secondary prices have just terrible knife designs and the flipper looks like it was an afterthought, yet these knives frequently fetch upwards of 1k on secondary. I just try to understand why. I wont name any specific makers but it is out there. And then there is carving/engraving.....
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I understood what you meant ... limited supply and high demand take first precedence in this case. As Les said ... do your homework :) :)
 
antonanton said:
I understood what you meant ... limited supply and high demand take first precedence in this case. As Les said ... do your homework :) :)
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no homework to do my friend. I guess I just don't understand the "love fest" for sub par knives just because it has a flipper on it. Even some of these guys maker price is high. But I digress
 
severedthumbs said:
Is there a rule somewhere that flipper folders have to be at least $1000?

I know not all flippers are $1000 but it sure seems to be the trend.

please discuss
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Yep that's a solid rule. For is it not written "He who wants a flipper shall pay at least 1000$"?







No?
















Serious now: I think there are nice flipper folders to be had for around $500. I have a Lightfoot "Full Contact", which I got for 450$.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
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