Front Flipper Fans?

Front flippers have more of a learning curve than regular flippers and the geometry has to be just right. I have additional challenges due to long fingers, nerve damage, and a little arthritis. :confused: That makes thinner front flippers like the Exarch and Metamorph more of a hassle.

So far, the best front flipper I've found is the TwoSun TS262. The handle shape, nicely contoured scales, and tab geometry make it a joy to use.

23dcde5a-db88-4669-ab1e-ccbb9b6a6f32__80020.1613665380.jpg
 
Chronovore said:
Front flippers have more of a learning curve than regular flippers and the geometry has to be just right. I have additional challenges due to long fingers, nerve damage, and a little arthritis. :confused: That makes thinner front flippers like the Exarch and Metamorph more of a hassle.

So far, the best front flipper I've found is the TwoSun TS262. The handle shape, nicely contoured scales, and tab geometry make it a joy to use.

23dcde5a-db88-4669-ab1e-ccbb9b6a6f32__80020.1613665380.jpg
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The Exarch definitely has a learning curve. A stronger detent would help tremendously.

While I like many of TwoSun's designs, I am hesitant to buy from a company that does not sell through reputable dealers/normal dealers. Amazon, ebay, etc generally are not places I shop for knives. (Exception being bladeswelove)
 
K.O.D. said:
The Exarch definitely has a learning curve. A stronger detent would help tremendously.

While I like many of TwoSun's designs, I am hesitant to buy from a company that does not sell through reputable dealers/normal dealers. Amazon, ebay, etc generally are not places I shop for knives. (Exception being bladeswelove)
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Chinese manufacturing and distributorship can be complicated. Sometimes, a reputable manufacturer might be making knives for other companies but their own stuff only gets distributed via AliExpress, eBay, etc. CH and PF knives have been sold through a variety of rebranders over the years and while it gets their knives into American hands, it often does a disservice to the original brand.

White Mountain Knives recently started carrying both TwoSun and Petrified Fish knives. I'm glad to see that. While I don't love everything they do, both of these companies have some interesting designs. PF in particular has been experimenting with different handle materials. For instance, their recent models in K110 are available in novel G-10 patterns, Micarta, real carbon fiber, and wood. WMK only has a few versions in stock so far but I think this is a good step.
 
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I was looking for a larger front flipper and found this Bestech Exploit.
3.5" blade with flamed ti frame.
Fits my XL hand well and is simple to flip which has always been an issue with most front flippers being so small.
It's also, by far, the easiest middle finger opener I've ever owned which makes up for being difficult to open with my thumb, impossible if there's any pressure on the lock bar, but with the middle finger flick being so ridiculously simple I don't even think about using my thumb.
https://imgur.com/5qDkRo9
 
ArchVV said:
Thanks!
Those Pena X-series are great little knives too.
What is that red carbon fiber model?
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Yes, the Pena X-Series are fantastic. I specifically think the clip point barlow version is the best for general EDC since it has a very thin hollow grind compared to the other in the series. I'm hoping that Pena will have an slightly larger version of the clip point barlow in the future.

The red CF knife is a fullsize/regular Speartak made by Thomas Gony of Grind Tactical Knives (GTK). He makes some very cool stuff. It's a bit more angular to my liking but still quite comfortable.
 
Barman1 said:
I was looking for a larger front flipper and found this Bestech Exploit.
3.5" blade with flamed ti frame.
Fits my XL hand well and is simple to flip which has always been an issue with most front flippers being so small.
It's also, by far, the easiest middle finger opener I've ever owned which makes up for being difficult to open with my thumb, impossible if there's any pressure on the lock bar, but with the middle finger flick being so ridiculously simple I don't even think about using my thumb.
https://imgur.com/5qDkRo9
Click to expand...
I like the look of that, though $238 for S35VN in a Chinese made knife is a little steep IMO. I love both thumb holes and front flippers and it is the ideal combination for me. I like multiple deployment methods in general, which is why I own both a Spyderco Southard and Domino. No a fan of thumbstuds, though my A Purvis Progeny has some decent ones, and opens well with them in the rare chance I decide to use them instead of the flipper.

As far as the Pena X-Series, I've been on the fence. I really would like a raptor or apache in a 3.25-3.5" blade.
 
Spears said:
Yes, the Pena X-Series are fantastic. I specifically think the clip point barlow version is the best for general EDC since it has a very thin hollow grind compared to the other in the series. I'm hoping that Pena will have an slightly larger version of the clip point barlow in the future.

The red CF knife is a fullsize/regular Speartak made by Thomas Gony of Grind Tactical Knives (GTK). He makes some very cool stuff. It's a bit more angular to my liking but still quite comfortable.
Click to expand...
Have you tried one of the Lanny front flippers? Also a hollow ground clip point but larger size.

51138952113_0cdcc33ba7_k.jpg
 
Thinking about picking up a green Boos Smoke TM2.
 
Random Dan said:
Have you tried one of the Lanny front flippers? Also a hollow ground clip point but larger size.

51138952113_0cdcc33ba7_k.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, I've had quite a few opportunities to try one of these. I passed because I don't quite like the handle shape and overall profile of the Lanny pattern. I much prefer the straight handle on the Barlow.
 
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