flipper knife sugestions

Benchmade has the 300 flipper. But the flipping action is not real good as the access lock doesn't provide much of a detent to load up the flipper on. IMO the acesss lock is quicker with a flick of the wrist no flipper needed
 
Also, maybe related/adding to the flipper topic - we recently had full auto knives legalized here and so they had a good-sized display of those from half a dozen or more manufacturers. Handled and hated them all. They truly felt like they were going to jump out of your hand. Too much force is required to move it through the full 180º, and with you able to grip only the sides of the handle when activating it just was not a safe feeling.
 
JarrodS said:
Also, maybe related/adding to the flipper topic - we recently had full auto knives legalized here and so they had a good-sized display of those from half a dozen or more manufacturers. Handled and hated them all. They truly felt like they were going to jump out of your hand. Too much force is required to move it through the full 180º, and with you able to grip only the sides of the handle when activating it just was not a safe feeling.
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Have you tried an OTF? Like a Dual action Microtech Ultratech or Troodon? you naturally have to have a firm grip to operate it.
 
I love my combative edge M1
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microtech whale shark...though a lot of people won't appreciate its apperence, it is incredibly smooth and the workmanship is really fine.
 
  • Spyderco Southard
  • Zero Tolerance 0801 (limited editions: 0801CF, 0801BRBW)
  • Zero Tolerance 0777, 0777M390, 0777M390BLK
  • Wilson Combat Eagle (Les George)
  • Curtiss F3
  • Brous T4
  • MicroTech DOC
  • MicroTech Mini Matrix
  • Rod Olson Quick Flick (M9)
  • CRKT Eros
  • CRKT Hi Jinx
  • Brian Tighe
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Have you tried an OTF? Like a Dual action Microtech Ultratech or Troodon? you naturally have to have a firm grip to operate it.
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Sort of - my 14YO came home from the flea market with some kind of China special. They are neat, but by their nature you are somewhat limited on blade size/design (most are stilettos, yes?). But yeah at least you can wrap your hand around the entire handle while you operate them.
 
Hands down, the ZT 0801 is by far the all around best. Not the best blade steel, but it is no where near the worst. As far as quality, durability, aestetics, AND price.....this is it. When people say it is the smoothest, or best feeling flipper, they are not exaggerating. This knife has fun entertainment value that several knives don't. I have plenty that made me excited after I bought them....but dangit, I can not put this dang thing down long enough to let my finger tip quit being raw. That is not saying anything about its flipper being rough, I just enjoying opening and closing this thing contantly.
 
I'd go with the Spyderco Southard. Extremely well made, very versatile blade shape (lots of belly, very pointy, basically a semi-skinner), great blade steel, not too bulky, comfortable in the hand. Hard to ask for much more in its price range, and better than many costing twice as much. Scales and clip can both be replaced/customized if you feel the need. Lot of blade for the size. Replaced a Hinderer I've had for 5 years as my edc and can do anything needed on a daily basis in a smaller overall package. Great hunting knife and easy to clean. Strong detent and flips great with minor tuning. If not perfect for your needs, seriously cosider a ZT 562 in essentially same price range. You can't go wrong with anything discussed above. Good luck. - - Afterthought: Wilson Combat Eagle if $550 doesn't put you off. A little big for EDC, but a really fine knife that will stand out in a crowd.
 
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I did break down and order the ZT 0801. :D Should get here next week. I can't wait, it's a gorgeous knife and sooooo smooth.

I also had three deliveries today. The Kershaw Shallot was one. Plain jane, but I like understated looks sometimes. It offers lot of blade for the size - I can see myself carrying this one a lot. Smooth assisted flipper, and sharp! I looked at it sideways and it bit me. I also like that you can open *and* close it easily with one hand - the assist spring is just enough to get it open but not so strong that it's difficult to close. Get it started with your forefinger and then grab the drop point with your thumb to finish closure. Just right. This is an awesome knife.

My SOG Vulcan Mini Tanto also arrived. Unlike my son's Vulcan mini (and my Twitch II) which we bought in-store at SMKW, this one has minor blade play. I think I can see why these are hit or miss - on mine, the surface on the blade that mates with the arc lock mechanism is pretty crudely finished, so the lock bar kind of "grinds" along it. Maybe a spot of oil there would fix it...if not I'll send it in. I thought the Japanese SOGs were better than this - I hate being wrong. But I do love this knife. I will do what it takes (within reason) to get it straightened out. Edit: yep, a drop of oil and working the lock mechanism up and back on the blade did the trick - perfect lockup now.

The last one in today's batch was the CRKT Nirk Tighe. Very cool design. As an actual working tool, I'm less certain - the open frame design makes for a pretty flexible affair. But a cool knife nonetheless. I'm also getting the smaller version, since I'd be more likely to carry at 3.25" than a 3.8". At first, my copy was only partially engaging the lock when I flipped it open, requiring me to have to press down on the top edge to get it to click the rest of the way into place. After working it a bunch of times it now locks in completely about 90% of the time. I expect it will continue to improve with use. Some of the blue coating on mine has minor flaws but noticeable only if you are looking to nitpick. Get one if you like the design - definitely unique and a conversation piece. But it almost has to be less practical for hard use than the others.

Although I'd originally recommended the Spyderco Domino (or the little brother, the Dice), I have since decided against it for myself. Mostly for aesthetic reasons (it bugs me that the Spydie Hole doesn't line up with the finger choil) and because there are too many other Spydercos that I want to buy.
 
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Currently I want a ZT 0560bw, Microtech Whaleshark, Microtech DOC. THESE ALL LOOK AWESOME!

I own a 0566 and it is great.


 
I have had a handful of flippers and imo the ZT801 was the best production flipper. If there is a better bang for your buck flipper out there I am not aware of it. I dont know anyone else that makes an all titanium frame lock with elmax blade and super smooth action for that price. I picked mine up in mint condition for $135 here on the exchange. Cannot go wrong and I think there are few people (that have handled one) that will say otherwise. This is a great value knife
 
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