Flippers

[Natedog351]

Tip-up feels more comfortable in the hand to me. Also it allows the lanyard to hang out of the pocket for easy access. It also allows my hand to already be in position to open the knife. My thumb is naturally in position with the stud/hole/flipper when the knife is carried tip up.

Now that I explained that, have you looked at the ZT 0801 that's coming out? It's a Rexford Design and looks awesome. But the Southard seems just amazing as well.

Wow I hadn't seen the 0801 looks great I'll more than likely pick it up as well

 

[The Logical One]

As much as I love my xm18's, neither of them flip anything like the southard or zt0561. I always have to use a bit of a wrist flick to aid it in opening up. The southard by far has the best flipping action of any manual flipper. The blade fires out so quick it's almost like an assisted, but without the overly forceful/springy feel.

 

[crom]

Scout around for the ti-handled Kershaw Junkyard Dog, one of the best (might still be one of the best prod. flippers ever) early production flippers made. Not sure what these go for but I can't imagine it being higher than what you specified.

 

[Jaiofspam]

xm18 and shirogorov... maybe a whaleshark

 

[Natedog351]

xm18 and shirogorov... maybe a whaleshark

Wish it was easier to find a shirogorov >.< and the price bothers me a bit
Haven't really heard enough feed back on the whale shark to pull the trigger on it
Most likely gonna go ahead n pick up the southard n 0801 later thanks for all the input so far

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I must be the only one who doesn't like the new ZTs. Especially the 801.

They seem to be moving away from tac and more toward, well, Kershaw... the lineup just seems a bit confused to me, but what do I know?

 

[Ernie1980]

Here is my Eddleman flipper. I love this knife! Tip up or tip down carry, IKBS system, strong detent but opens lightening fast. Upper end of your budget but well worth it!!

- I don't know why the pic will only post upside down

 

[evilgreg]

The southard by far has the best flipping action of any manual flipper. The blade fires out so quick it's almost like an assisted, but without the overly forceful/springy feel.

This is part of why I couldn't dislike this knife, it flips so perfectly.

 

[duro]

I must be the only one who doesn't like the new ZTs. Especially the 801.

They seem to be moving away from tac and more toward, well, Kershaw... the lineup just seems a bit confused to me, but what do I know?

My sentiments exactly.