Front flipper recommendations?

[Armithius]

Hello all. As the title says I'm looking for recommendations for a decent front flipper, preferably under $200. Something better than my Civivi Sokoke (pictured) which is a fine budget piece, but I'd like something a little more premium. Something within the 3"-3.5" range, and fidgety. Because I'll be honest I'll probably fidget with it more than I actually use it, but I still want it to be capable of putting it the work when I need it.

I was looking at the Kizer Militaw in titanium and S35VN that checks most of my boxes, but I would prefer something other than a liner or frame lock. It's not a dealbreaker, but they're not high on the list.

The Vosteed Psyop comes in a micarta variant with a "top liner lock" and Elmax, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere.

ETA: The Sparrow production model from REK Knives is basically a grail but I also just found out about it and waaaay missed the pre-order window. It's a little out of budget but if there's overstock I'd certainly be interested.

Just curious if the collective mind of Bladeforums has any suggestions that may be similar to the models listed that I might have overlooked. I tried to Google a list of popular front flippers but all I got back was garbage ai articles that incorrectly listed regular flipper knives instead. I'd like to get recommendations from the real humans here. Thanks.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

The production REK Sparrow is going to be stellar! And ya…you’ll be able to get one after they drop.

 

[Tsujigiri]

The easiest front flipper to flick open that I've come across is the Twosun TS139. It's a little hard to find, but within your price range when they are available, and I don't think you could do any better. It has S90V, titanium, carbon fiber, a unique and minimalist design, and it carries small.

Twosun actually does a bunch of front flippers and they're good at tuning their detents and action. CKF also has a front flipper in their Echo budget line, but I haven't tried it. Their mainline front flippers are among the best out there, though.

 

[Terry M.]

Please keep an eye open when the REK Knives production Sparrow does drop. I believe Josh said he is having more than the pre ordered amount made. These knives are EXCEPTIONAL. I really can’t say enough about it. It’s my PERFECT knife.

 

[Armithius]

The production REK Sparrow is going to be stellar! And ya…you’ll be able to get one after they drop.

That's great to hear!

Please keep an eye open when the REK Knives production Sparrow does drop. I believe Josh said he is having more than the pre ordered amount made. These knives are EXCEPTIONAL. I really can’t say enough about it. It’s my PERFECT knife.

I absolutely will. Made sure to sign up for his newsletter, too, just to be safe!

 

[scorpnsnake]

I had a large Boos Blades Smoke that was pretty darn good for right at $200. Really slicey 3.5" blade.

 

[GrumpySoreOldBastard]

Just saying that the Militaw is a solid choice if you can get over the frame lock.
Have had one for near 2 years and a lot of use and i like it more now than when i first bought it.

 

[edgelion]

While neither perfectly fits your parameters, I am smitten with the 2 that I own.
Case Longhouse is a liner lock, I guess you could call it fidgety. I did a simple scale swap and gave one to my brother.

https://flic.kr/p/2qQQaod

https://flic.kr/p/2qQQaqT

https://flic.kr/p/2qSjiVb

The other one is a Spyderco Smock, which exceeds your price limit. Button-compression lock, but with an extra detent and washers, so less fidgety. It looks to be an easy mod to make it faster, but I haven't done it.

https://flic.kr/p/2r8X8Bk

(top)

https://flic.kr/p/2razfTn

(bottom)

I don't know if I'm sold on front flippers, in general, but I can heartily recommend both of these as users with style.

I'll add that the Sparrow looks fantastic, too.

 

[Don_Logan]

The production Sparrow will likely be an excellent choice. Others to look at to albeit outside your budget (but for future reference) are the Gareth Bull Shamwari, Remi Lavelle knives and the JK Knives Outpost V2. They are all excellent, with the Sham being the smoothest knifes I own.

 

[Mick Boardman]

The psyop is a nice knife but I can’t get it to front flip, it’s just awkward and I can’t do it. It spidie flip better than my spydercos and thumb flips ok too.

 

[J. Doyle]

The production REK Sparrow is going to be stellar! And ya…you’ll be able to get one after they drop.

What's the production price point? If it's under $200 that's even more of a better deal.

 

[REK Knives]

G

What's the production price point? If it's under $200 that's even more of a better deal.

Unfortunately they won't be that low, will be $360

 

[Mk-211]

G

Unfortunately they won't be that low, will be $360

I have a question.

Which version? I saw a couple different price points.

Was the $360 for the Reate collaboration?

 

[REK Knives]

I have a question.

Which version? I saw a couple different price points.

Was the $360 for the Reate collaboration?

Yes that's the production version that Reate is making for me.

The midtechs I made a couple years ago were $900 but I did a lot of work to those personally and they were made in the USA

 

[J. Doyle]

G

Unfortunately they won't be that low, will be $360

That's more in line with what I expected. Still WELL worth that money.

 

[Armithius]

I'm hoping my budget will have expanded somewhat by the time the Sparrow drops, because that could well be a "one and done" type knife for me, so I'm willing to spend a little extra to make it happen.

In case it does not, I'm grateful for the suggestions so far. Y'all are great.

 

[Terry M.]

Yes that's the production version that Reate is making for me.

The midtechs I made a couple years ago were $900 but I did a lot of work to those personally and they were made in the USA

And it’s the greatest knife on the planet. Don’t forget that part Josh.