Flippers vs. Thumbstuds

knives_in_nature said:
That whole pressed into a tactical role thing is BS! If you really need to fight with a knife you will be gripping it so hard it won't matter.
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No I was specifically referring to his point about it being a finger guard... Being in a "tactical role" is not a concern for me, and I just appreciate having the finger guard for when my hands are slippery
 
I can get used to any kind of knife within a short time. The more different ones you own and use the easier it'll be to adjust to any kind of new one.

I like variety. If I'd have only flippers I'd prefer a thumb stud in a new knive and the other way around and if theres something even more functional or exotic or new or traditional to me than I'd check that out before buying the same old. I think it's called curiosity. :D
 
I'm fine with anything as long as:

1) It has the right geometry to work properly. You'd be surprised how often this gets messed up, even by "The Greats". If it's a thumb stud and not designed to flip open via the thumb stud, then the whole throw of the blade should be cleared so that your thumb can control the thumb stud without readjusting in the middle. CRK is one of the few I've found that gets this right. I've had a few Spydieholes with similar problems. Flippers shouldn't require a physics degree to use properly.

2) It doesn't ravage my finger or thumb. Also extremely common (Spydieholes with sharp edges, thumb studs that slice up your thumb, strong detent and sharp edges on a flipper, etc.).

3) Needs to fit the overall design of the knife. Spydieholes get something of a pass here, because with proper blade shaping, they look great. Sometimes they look tacked on. All depends on the designer. With flippers there's a trend lately to go with these huge, pretentious, ugly flippers that just don't go with the flow of the knife. I know you guys have seen what I'm talking about. And there's lots of poorly designed thumb studs out there.

Yes, you can say I'm picky, and yes there is no such thing as a "Perfect Knife". But I think saying "all flippers are duuummmbbb" or "all spydieholes suuuucccckkkk" or "all thumb disks and/or thumb studs are stuuuupppiiiddd" is just ignorant.
 
if its not a balisong or an auto I wont buy it if it doesnt have a flipper and bearings. Its just what I like. Nothing wrong with either.
 
A well-designed and well-executed flipper w/ bearings is my preference. On the other hand, manual flippers also aren't as forgiving as thumb studs/holes/discs if the detent isn't dialed in well, or if the flipper itself isn't designed or positioned well.
 
Love them all, makes no difference as long as the blade deploys like it was intended to. Hell, I even love nail nicks in a knife.
 
I prefer assisted flipper and unassisted thumbstuds (equally well). Not a fan of the spiderhole.
 
Ajack60 said:
Love them all, makes no difference as long as the blade deploys like it was intended to. Hell, I even love nail nicks in a knife.
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This is quite a perfect description of my preference, also -- well said! I enjoy any and all opening methods, so long as they are well executed in their respective designs. Any of them can be a pleasure to use in such a case, but none of them are conducive when poorly executed.
 
I liked flippers because I couldn't get the hang of flippers.

But after a while, I figured out how to use the thumb stud on my zt560. And it's faster than using a flipper.

Then I figured out how to use the zt560's flipper by preloading it (much like stepping on the brakes and the gas at the same time before letting up on the brakes to make your tires scream).

Now, I'm equally comfortable with either.

But I do like how the flipper also serves as a finger guard.
 
I don't care; I like them both equally.

BUT, I've never seen a knife with both a flipper and a thumbstud work well together. The detent needs to be a little stiffer for a flipper compared to a thumbstud. Also a Flipper should have a free swinging pivot (everyone like to use the word smooth here) whereas a thumbstud is best paired with a hydraulic feel with an even resistance throughout.

So knifemakers, pick one and stick with it.
 
I like both and I like the spydie hole. But, I prefer a flipper. Some of my favorite knives are my budget flippers. I love flippers because they give me purchase no matter if I have gloves on or what have you.
 
I have a Twitch II and a Skyline. While I like their flipper action, I'm happy that neither of them have a very big flipper lever. Some of the current flippers look like whales getting ready to breed the way those things stick out.

Overall, I don't care for tall folders. Big flippers and tall spyderholes use up so much unnecessary pocket space compared to a thumbstud folder.
 
Thumbstuds #1 :thumbup:
Flipper far second, but definitely ok..
and
I absolutely hate the "spyder hole" :mad:
 
Only have a few flippers, discovered they are not for me. Spyderhole or thumbstuds please.
 
Why choose when you can have your cake and eat it too?

If forced to choose I would go.flipper on the conditions it actually flips. For example I de assisted a.cryo and now it sucks...now I must re assist it. lol. I de assisted a blur and its great.

Spyderhole over stud, but im fine with either. Never had any knife break on me so until then that's not a thought to me.
 
I have no preference between the flipper or studs and both have served me well but when the chips are down the Spyderhole is the one. Really cold hands - no problem. Gloved hands - no problem. Stressful situation-no problem.
 
I prefer blades with flippers and thumbstuds. And, when a knife I really like does not have the latter, I add a Kwik-Thumb if I want to carry it, since California PC 653k is written in such a way as to make a flipper without stud or hole "gray."
 
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