flipper suggestions

R

redman2006

Joined
Nov 6, 2012
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I am fairly new to nicer folders, and I need a little guidance. I currently have a zt0561 and a Benchmade rift. I edc the ZT and not the rift for the simple reason that I can not get used to opening the axis lock and much prefer the flipper.

Now, my perfect knife would be the size and blade shape of the bm, the axis lock would be great, the smooth opening and the flipper of the ZT, and the deep carry of the zt. It would also be thinner than either of them and absolutely not have that little horn that the zt has where the blade stop hits the frame. That thing is wearing holes in my pockets.

So, can anyone suggest a knife of similar quality to these two with most if not all of the features? The bm300 that I got to handle did not do it for me. It was not nearly as smooth as the zt, and it just did not feel right like these two do.

Of these two, the rift is more practical, but the zt is by far my favorite.

Thanks for the help
 
Spyderco Domino. It is a framelock though, but I'm sure you can get an aftermarket deep carry clip. Both of mine are very smooth opening....then again, the ZT 0562 is pretty nice also. Good luck on the hunt!
 
Love 'em personally. Another Spyderco to look at would be a Sage 3 (I think) About as close to a BM Axis lock as I can tell...but in all honesty I don't own one of those.
 
The Axis lock is so simple to use, I don't know how you have trouble with it. Use your index finger and thumb to pull back the pin\bar then swing that blade out with momentum. There are videos on YouTube that will explain in more detail, if you don't understand the concept.

[SIZE=+1]The Incredible AXIS Lock[/SIZE]
 
Dry,
I can use it and do. I like the way it locks, I don't like the way it opens. It is not a natural motion like a flipper for me. I have to hunt for buttons and pull while opening, and if the lock is too far open when the blade is fully extended, it bounces back and partially closes.

For me, it is a nuisance.

Closing is great. If they made some designed to really open well with a flipper, I would be interested. Just not my thing.
 
Thanks Steve. The Southard looks interesting as well.

Edit: they are pretty proud of that southard. Man, I wish it did not have the hole in it.
 
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redman2006 said:
Now, my perfect knife would be the size and blade shape of the bm, the axis lock would be great, the smooth opening and the flipper of the ZT, and the deep carry of the zt. It would also be thinner than either of them and absolutely not have that little horn that the zt has where the blade stop hits the frame. That thing is wearing holes in my pockets.
Click to expand...

How about this one, the Kizer ki4423/ki423:

OmAumKM.jpg


Full titanium frame lock, but fairly thin. Bearing pivot flipper, with a 3.5" S35Vn blade whose shape is in the same neighborhood (albeit it's a little more 0810-like) as the 0950.
 
Alright, but the 950 Rift has thumb-studs also, you don't like using those?. Those are really nice knives by the way.
 
Another vote for the Domino. I've owned a lot of flippers and the Domino kicked them all out of my pocket. Rockets open with finger power only. No need for wrist action. Super smooth (ball bearing pivot) and built almost, if not equal to, CRK perfection! Hard to beat it for the price.
 
Dry, the studs are ok, but they are pretty close to the scales and tough to get a finger on especially when wearing gloves.

I am not knocking the knife. I like everything except opening it.

One thing I found with it, I HAVE to carry in a front pocket. My usual carry is in a hip pocket because I ride horses and wear chinks or chaps a lot. It waves partway open on the thumbstud when I pull it out of the rear pocket. Two shirts and one finger later, I moved it to the front pocket. I thought about grinding down the clip side stud, but have not done so yet.

Like I said, everything but opening is great.
 
Thanks vwb. I need to get my hands on one. Not too sure about the blade shape, but handling one would be a good thing.
 
redman2006 said:
Thanks vwb. I need to get my hands on one. Not too sure about the blade shape, but handling one would be a good thing.
Click to expand...
Personally I love the shape. The full flat grind cuts like a laser. But most Spydercos cut like that. My advice would be to hold one if you can and be your on judge. If you were near me I'd let you try mine out. I'm in love with it.
 
The Kershaw Shallot is my favorite dedicated flipper (no thumbstuds). It is slim & streamlined. Seems a fair number of people here dislike assisted opening knives; but I don't have that issue.

That said, when all these damn bills stop rolling in, I'm probably going to grab a ZT0801BW
 
doubletap - edited to add comparison pics
ZT0560, Rift, Shallot (sorry about the shadows in the second pic - I was blocking my own lighting trying to get a straight on shot)


 
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The shallot just does not do it for me. The thin point and recurved blade hold no interest.

Thanks though.
 
I like the Spyderco knives. I would reco the Brad Southard flipper, the Domino, or perhaps the new ZT 0770 in carbon fiber. I've had each of these three flippers in carbon fiber. You can get this new ZT in either Elmax or M390. These are GREAT blade-steels. The 154cm of the BM is okay, but not in my favor. I've had them., and they don't compare favorably.
I'm including a pic of the SAGE 3 which is part of my sale at the moment. It's a great-looking carbon-fiber and 3" blade in S30V. Hard combo to beat. Very economical compared to most reco's in this thread. The Sage 3 is the one on the left, lock is the "bolt-action" lock...similar to the axis lock of BM. The pic also has a Sage 2 (one of my all-time favorite folders in titanium) and a Sage 3 in blue G10.
The Spydercos with the Spyder-hole are easy to flick open. I am showing a pic of the Spyderco Caly series in ZDP-189 (great steel) in both the 3" and 3.5" models. I've carried a Caly 3 for an office-knife for several yrs...excellent. Also available in VG-10 (not quite as nice) and SuperBlue Aogami steel, a tool steel which will patina.

The Sage series and the Caly series really are great knives...all with three inch blades and 4.2"-4.3" grips which allow a full-size grip...even in my large hand... and I often carry a large Sebenza or Umnumzaan.



 
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How about a Buck Vantage Force Pro?. It's a flipper with a 3 1/4" black oxide coated, S30V blade. With G-10 handle scales, and deep carry pocket clip, with an overall weight of 4oz.

BladeHQ - Buck Vantage Series
 
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