High end production/Mid-tech TI Flipper Reccomendations

C

calebpo

Joined
Nov 10, 2012
Messages
239
Hey Folks,

Currently in search of my next knife (arent we all lol). I am looking for a high quality production or mid-tech titanium scaled flipper. I currently have a 3.5" xm18 and several different CRKs but would like somthing different for my next nice knife purchase. I have about 500 or sio to spend. I would like either TI and carbon fiber or just straight TI on the handles 3.25-3.75 blade, and something that flips fast and with authority. My XM flips decent, but not as fast as my ZT0562. My only fear with going with ball bearings as opposed to washers is that with the ZT, you can sort of hear the ball bearings when closing, and it drives me crazy, is this just because they are cheaper? or is that just a component of ball bearings?

I am currently looking at the Liong Mah Warrior 1 and 2, Olamic Wayfarer 247, and the Aegis Hoplite. Any recommendations/opinions on these knives? Any other knives of similar fit/finish/size/price? Any help would be appreciated. This is my first purchase outside of commonplace manufacturers like CRK and Hinderer and I am not really sure where to start.

Thanks!
Caleb
 
I'd love an Olamic Wayfarer.

A cheaper ti option is a viper ten in carbon fiber. Flips real smooth.

But in your shoes I would definitely opt of an Olamic.
 
I've owned XM-18's and many CRK's. For the last twenty months, I've been very happy with the Brad Southard AVO. I look constantly, but haven't found anything that I like better.
When it first came on the market, I had a NIB CRK 25 for about three days. But myself on my finger the first time I closed the blade. I felt that the knife was just "too large" for me to handle easily. The thicker blade is a heavier blade, at 0.140" (same as a Zaan), but I just didn't like it. I think that maybe the blade length is a bit too long for me to handle in a secure manner...particularly when closing the blade.
Keep in mind that a knife that "fits" is in balance in both blade-length and grip-length, and it MUST fit your hand in terms of closed length. I have two 21's and a Zaan in my safe, but there they sit. I did carry Sebbies and Zaan for several yrs but finally figured that I might be happier with a smaller knife, as my EDC needs are very casual.
Now, I have a Southard AVO and have no intention of changing it. I paid less than $300 for it "as-new" on the Exchange.
The entire knife is scaled down from my CRK's and is the same grip thickness....0.460"...as my Sebbies and Zaan. The blade thickness IS 0.140", but I can handle it easily, perhaps because the blade is only 3.3" long and the handle is 4.5" long, or about perfect for MY hand size. With many knives, I would be very happy with 0.125" blade spine thickness, but the 0.140" in the AVO is okay...as it is "transparent" to me in use...just as the "flipper" is transparent to me. The flipper in this AVO is just natural and quick and easy to deploy and I love it...without ever thinking about it being a flipper.
As much as I love CRKs, and I still have three in the safe, I carry the AVO and don't intent to replace it. The size, for me, is perfect...in every way.
 
Last edited:
Ferrum Forge Archbishop, or their new collab. that is coming out soon. Love my Archbishops, they have made their way into my pocket more than I thought they would, a lot more!! Even beat out all my other FFKW knives, some of the time. No bearing sound whatsoever, super smooth and solid.

You could find a Calavera Cutlery El Patron on here for that price a lot of the time. Great solid knives!

Reate knives. Honestly I can't say they are great cause I have never used one, but I want to because of the amount of great things I hear about them.

Could get a custom made for that price, one with a K390(or whatever steel you like) blade with a good HT and edge geom. That is what I got on order.

Just saw a Curtiss F3 for 500 exactly, but again, never used one, so I can't say how they are.
 
Check out Olamic's Mid-Tech Wayfarer 247 going for $375 up. Great quality, flipper action and handle ergos. Mostly made in the U.S. with some of the initial CNC work done in Italy. Comes in many finishes.

Another good choice would be Custom Knife Factory MORRF-4. Initial machining is done in China but they're out of Russia. The most bang for the bucks.

There are three top end Chinese makers: Reate, Rike and WE. The latter two have polarizing colors.

Of these my favorite are the Reate-made Todd Begg Steelcraft series. Considering your 3.25"-3.75" blade requirements, Mini Bodega would probably be too small and Kwaiken too big. So, the choice would be Steelcraft Field Marshall. Comes in many finishes.
 
I'd recommend the Guardian Tactical Helix Nano. Just picked one up and I'm blown away. It's a bit tacticool and has "billboard syndrome" but it's a well thought-out design:thumbup:

Fresh out of the photo booth, with some Gary Graley style photography (I hope he doesn't mind):)

BBB185EA-4034-4F14-8ECD-B304C604E7C9_zpsezbg3cut.jpg
 
+1 for the Field Marshall...very well done--the blade is 4in but it handles beautifully; it's not clumsy at all. It's hollow ground so it actually can cut too. smooth deployment on ceramic bearings...
 
T.K.C. said:
Get yourself a Dervish knife.
Click to expand...
46ac3d2482d8a865bd8fb6c1c3683952.jpg

Love this knife. Had it up for sale, traded it, took it back because the lockbar had drifted, sent it to John, perfect customer service (from a top custom maker?!), fell back in love. Just a great knife.
 
I'll put in a "3rd" recommendation for the Olamic Wayfarer 247. Probably one of the best bang-for-buck, hard-firing flippers out there. I bought the plain-jane and will not be parting with it. It's just that good. For $375 it's tough to beat.
 
Blues Bender said:
I'd recommend the Guardian Tactical Helix Nano. Just picked one up and I'm blown away. It's a bit tacticool and has "billboard syndrome" but it's a well thought-out design:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I have that exact same GT Helix Nano with all stonewashed blade and carbon fiber handles. Mine is an early one (November 2015) direct from GT. Great light flipper with excellent ergos. Blade length is 3.1". My one small gripe is that it's kind of wide. Some design cues from MicroTech as they used to work there.
 
Otto Carpenter said:
I'll put in a "3rd" recommendation for the Olamic Wayfarer 247. Probably one of the best bang-for-buck, hard-firing flippers out there. I bought the plain-jane and will not be parting with it. It's just that good. For $375 it's tough to beat.
Click to expand...

Mine is also the plain 247 for $375. It's a great one. Now, I can even open it using the blade hole (all you have to do is keep your fingers on the clip)!
 
Ratman79 said:
+1 for the Field Marshall...very well done--the blade is 4in but it handles beautifully; it's not clumsy at all. It's hollow ground so it actually can cut too. smooth deployment on ceramic bearings...
Click to expand...

For some reason I thought the blade length of the Field Marshall was 3.75" but after checking it's in the 3.95"-4" range. You don't find it kind of wide?
 
Another vote for the Olamic Wayfarer 247. Mine is the all black PVD coated version for $395 that was modified (satin blade flats, spacer and clip) by the guys at Olamic at no cost to me.

OlamicDual_zpsfjh0tg4i.jpg
 
Well, I ended up finding a blackwash "sculpted" 247 in stock and pulled the trigger. Now the waiting game begins. Thanks for all the recommendations, several other knives to consider for the next go around :)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top