Help a new guy out! Looking for a flipper

R.palace

R.palace

Joined
Aug 17, 2014
Messages
388
Hey Guys/Gals,

I'm looking for my first EDC from a "real" brand so to speak.

Country of origin does not matter to me as long as it holds up.

Type of steel? Not sure. So far S30VN is the sharpest I've handled since. So I'm not entirely well versed on the other super steels or the similar.

My EDC tasks don't require much cutting or slicing. Mainly, around the house chores with the occasional cutting.

I had been seriously considering the Spyderco Domino but its size has kept me from pulling the trigger (I almost exclusively prefer 3.5in blades). However, this knife is beautiful and I keep being drawn to it.

I've also been strongly considering the ZT 801 but I've heard mixed reviews about Elmax. Not sure if it'd be overkill for what I'm intending using it for. The aesthetics are very pleasing and it just looks like a solid piece.

I'd GREATLY appreciate your opinions on the knives I've suggested and would also appreciate your suggestions on others to look at.

Reqs:

- Assisted Flipper

- Strong steel with good edge retention

- Strongly prefer frame lock

- Strongly prefer 3.5in blade

- Budget, no more than $200

Again, thank you guys in advance.
 
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In production knives the best flppers I've handled so far are ZT 560/61, Spyderco Southard and a Kershaw Leek composite. But there are a lot of them out there now.
 
Like said above the Leek is a thin, easy to carry knife. The tip is very thin and easily broken but it would probably be fine for normal use. Just don't let your wife use it, trust me on that one.

It will likely need a little touch up on the factory edge but a good carry knife overall.
 
The Domino has a 2.89" edge that sits in a giant handle--with your 3.5" blade preference I'm willing to bet the Domino wouldn't do it for you. Skip the Domino and get the Southard (my favorite) or a ZT 0801.

Another option, if the idea of buying a Chinese knife doesn't give you xenophobic hives, is this knife (Kizer ki4423/ki423, shown next to a ZT 0801):

vVUEe7W.jpg


I love my ZT 0801, but I love the Kizer ki4423 even more, it turns out.

None of these knives are assisted, incidentally, but they all run on bearings so I doubt you'll miss having a spring.
 
I also recommend the ZT 0770cf, very lightweight for the size. However, if you want a more affordable flipper I recommend the kershaw piston, its no ZT but it is still a quality US made knife.
 
I'll chime in and say the ZT 0801 has got to be about the most satisfying flipper I've owned to date. They just got it right in my opinion. It's a certain combination of things that make it just damn near perfect. Firstly, I'd say the premium materials and fit and finish are flawless. Second, the detent is just the right tension for the most effective flip. Third, the bearing pivot is about the smoothest action I've ever felt in a folder (and yes, I own a Chris Reeve). Lastly, the weight if the blade is just right that it carries the right amount of momentum to flip the blade amazingly each time. So there ya go. ZT 0801 gets my vote.
 
Hi R.palace,


I don't have a flipper to recommend, but I will say that I really like flipper knives, over "thumb stud", "wave" style and even automatic knives. One I started carrying a flipper, I can open them faster than an auto, without worrying about accidental actuation. :thumbup:


But I wonder if you have read the comments here about "assisted openers"? :rolleyes: I don't own one (and may never) but many folks make a good case for not wanting the "assist". It seems to scare observers, and can make the knife more difficult (or under less control) to close, could actuate accidentally and may cause trouble with regional or ignorant law enforcement. :eek:


I can't imagine anything easier to open than my unassisted flippers, I start the blade out with the flipper, and subtle wrist-flick does the rest. :cool:


Just some thoughts.


But I say, good choice on wanting a flipper!!! :thumbup: :D :thumbup:


- Thomas
 
EChoil said:
In production knives the best flppers I've handled so far are ZT 560/61, Spyderco Southard and a Kershaw Leek composite. But there are a lot of them out there now.
Click to expand...

johansson D said:
ZT 0770cf
Very nice lightweight sturdy folder.
Awesome.
ZT 0561
Also very nice.
Big but comfy.
Click to expand...

DocT said:
Try these:

http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawbl...erts30vstonewashedplainedge.aspx#.U_nXZMWSwb4

http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawbr...t6aluminumandtrac-techandle.aspx#.U_nXr8WSwb4

http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercod...arbonfiberlaminateplainedge.aspx#.U_nX0sWSwb4

Warning!!! Spydercos are highly addictive!
Click to expand...

blades&wrenches said:
Check out the new ZT 0562!
Click to expand...

Sonnydaze said:
Spyderco Brad Southard flipper with 204P blade-steel.
Click to expand...

Thank you guys for the suggestions! I will definitely look into them all. I see some great options.


evilgreg said:
The Domino has a 2.89" edge that sits in a giant handle--with your 3.5" blade preference I'm willing to bet the Domino wouldn't do it for you. Skip the Domino and get the Southard (my favorite) or a ZT 0801.

Another option, if the idea of buying a Chinese knife doesn't give you xenophobic hives, is this knife (Kizer ki4423/ki423, shown next to a ZT 0801):

vVUEe7W.jpg


I love my ZT 0801, but I love the Kizer ki4423 even more, it turns out.

None of these knives are assisted, incidentally, but they all run on bearings so I doubt you'll miss having a spring.
Click to expand...

Thanks for suggesting the Kizer, man. Never seen it before and that's what I want to see. Good stuff.

Also, the Domino is listed with a blade length of 3.13". Is that different than having a 2.89" edge as you describe? I love the Domino's aesthetics, just don't love the blade length unfortunately.

xjzhx said:
I'll chime in and say the ZT 0801 has got to be about the most satisfying flipper I've owned to date. They just got it right in my opinion. It's a certain combination of things that make it just damn near perfect. Firstly, I'd say the premium materials and fit and finish are flawless. Second, the detent is just the right tension for the most effective flip. Third, the bearing pivot is about the smoothest action I've ever felt in a folder (and yes, I own a Chris Reeve). Lastly, the weight if the blade is just right that it carries the right amount of momentum to flip the blade amazingly each time. So there ya go. ZT 0801 gets my vote.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the in depth reply! I've heard about some 801 owners having to tighten the pivot screw more often than not. Some have even had to apply some loctite on the pivot screw. I haven't read that about some other popular flippers so that's mainly held me back.


mcvasnut said:
I also recommend the ZT 0770cf, very lightweight for the size. However, if you want a more affordable flipper I recommend the kershaw piston, its no ZT but it is still a quality US made knife.
Click to expand...

Will definitely look into these, thanks! Being a new guy to the hobby, I was aware of a few of the bigger brands but just recently I learned about ZT. I'm hearing great things for the most part.


ThomasH said:
Hi R.palace,


I don't have a flipper to recommend, but I will say that I really like flipper knives, over "thumb stud", "wave" style and even automatic knives. One I started carrying a flipper, I can open them faster than an auto, without worrying about accidental actuation. :thumbup:


But I wonder if you have read the comments here about "assisted openers"? :rolleyes: I don't own one (and may never) but many folks make a good case for not wanting the "assist". It seems to scare observers, and can make the knife more difficult (or under less control) to close, could actuate accidentally and may cause trouble with regional or ignorant law enforcement. :eek:


I can't imagine anything easier to open than my unassisted flippers, I start the blade out with the flipper, and subtle wrist-flick does the rest. :cool:


Just some thoughts.


But I say, good choice on wanting a flipper!!! :thumbup: :D :thumbup:


- Thomas
Click to expand...

Hey Thomas, thanks for the reply! Ya I've read some comments about de assisting the flippers. That won't be happening here haha.

You're right about ignorant law enforcement, however, knowing the right laws is what really helps you out. A flipper is "Florida legal" :)


Thanks guys, again. Looking forward to more suggestions. Hope to make a purchase some time this week, just gotta sell my Para 2's first!
 
Spyderco southard is unassisted but flips like it's assisted, you can get a lightly used one on the exchange here for around 200
 
R.palace said:
Also, the Domino is listed with a blade length of 3.13". Is that different than having a 2.89" edge as you describe? I love the Domino's aesthetics, just don't love the blade length unfortunately.
Click to expand...

Even if you take the 3.13" full blade length into account, it's tall and stubby. The choil eats into that further, amplifying the oddball feeling. I hated the knife, it's by far the Spyderco design I've liked least. Consider that these two knives have basically the same length of sharpened steel:

3uASyCp.jpg


The height of the blade was bizarre as well, it felt a lot like a spackle spreader to me.

Rare blade said:
Spyderco southard is unassisted but flips like it's assisted, you can get a lightly used one on the exchange here for around 200
Click to expand...

The Southard is my favorite of the bunch, and you can get one new for that price off that one site named after a big river.
 
Go with the ZT0801, it is the smoothest flipper i have ever had and the F&F is fantastic. There is no need for it to be assisted because it is so smooth. Blade comes out with very little effort. For the price you really can't beat an all titanium flipper with Elmax.
 
R.palace said:
Thank you guys for the suggestions! I will definitely look into them all. I see some great options.




Thanks for suggesting the Kizer, man. Never seen it before and that's what I want to see. Good stuff.

Also, the Domino is listed with a blade length of 3.13". Is that different than having a 2.89" edge as you describe? I love the Domino's aesthetics, just don't love the blade length unfortunately.



Thanks so much for the in depth reply! I've heard about some 801 owners having to tighten the pivot screw more often than not. Some have even had to apply some loctite on the pivot screw.





Thanks guys, again. Looking forward to more suggestions. Hope to make a purchase some time this week, just gotta sell my Para 2's first!
Click to expand...

I've never had to adjust the pivot on my 801. The Elmax has been great! Outperformed s30v and 35vn IMHO
 
Thanks again for all your suggestions guys!

So I did what any smart consumer would do and bought both (Domino and 801)! I can only keep one so lets see which one "edges" out the other (pun, unfortunately intended)
 
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