Life after titanium framelock flippers

[mycough]

I respect that but sadly most security isn’t that good and I’m not about to sit in a large public place with my kids twittling my thumbs if some weirdo with bad intentbcan walk right in armed also

Fair enough, truly nothing more important than protecting your family.
I carry small fixed blades all the time so I have no dog in this fight.
Carry on Gents...

Russ

 

[Chariotz4]

Hawks/Panchenko Orbit - Hawk lock with a toggle detent

While that likely wouldn't be a knife for me, I'm definitely happy to admire it from afar because as many other people have already said in this thread, it's something different!
Nice knife!

 

[ScooterG]

I’ve grown less and less fond of framelocks over the past year or two, as mentioned, mainly due to the ease of closing when twisting and, yes, the plain ti framelock flipper is getting a bit boring/overdone.

My rotation the past few months includes knives with Triad, Scorpion, Compression, Axis and Ball Bearing locks. I still carry the occasional framelock (Spyderco Domino & CRK Zann) and linerlock (Microtech SOCOM & ZT 0770CFM4) but they are becoming less and less relevant for me. (And no, I don’t want to sell them yet )

I’ll 2nd/3rd or whatever the sentiment for more button locks and hope Mr. Demko keeps up with his innovations.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I shall only say that if I'm wearing a suit and what someone chooses to look at is my pocket clip I need to have a stern talk with my tailor.

 

[JParanee]

I shall only say that if I'm wearing a suit and what someone chooses to look at is my pocket clip I need to have a stern talk with my tailor.

Good one

 

[danbot]

I shall only say that if I'm wearing a suit and what someone chooses to look at is my pocket clip I need to have a stern talk with my tailor.

Winning!

 

[Mecha]

I'm on the horizontal-carry leather sheath and a slim, sleek fixed blade train. It's specifically how Ms. Oye and I are approaching new knife + sheath setups, directly due to JParanee's influence. Admittedly when I first heard about it, I thought it sounded weird.

Still fine tuning the package, and when perfected, should blend right in along a belt. This is a LARGE prototype with the flapper retention thing upside-down, and the knife handle not wrapped yet. Still working out the bugs, hehe:

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Okay, I lied, I'll also say that if it was legal and practical for me I'd go with the JParanee carry method in a heartbeat, not so much for any SD element, but simply because, in use, fixed blades are superior to folders in many ways regardless of lock type.

I carry a folder because of legality, convenience and social mores. Most folks here aren't going to be too worried about an open carried fixed blade, but I'm not going to risk legal consequences by carrying one concealed or potentially alienating my clientele by open carry, so a folder becomes the most practical tool to carry.

 

[danbot]

Okay, I lied, I'll also say that if it was legal and practical for me I'd go with the JParanee carry method in a heartbeat, not so much for any SD element, but simply because, in use, fixed blades are superior to folders in many ways regardless of lock type.

I carry a folder because of legality, convenience and social mores. Most folks here aren't going to be too worried about an open carried fixed blade, but I'm not going to risk legal consequences by carrying one concealed or potentially alienating my clientele by open carry, so a folder becomes the most practical tool to carry.

Amen brother!

 

[danbot]

I'm on the horizontal-carry leather sheath and a slim, sleek fixed blade train. It's specifically how Ms. Oye and I are approaching new knife + sheath setups, directly due to JParanee's influence. Admittedly when I first heard about it, I thought it sounded weird.

Still fine tuning the package, and when perfected, should blend right in along a belt. This is a LARGE prototype with the flapper retention thing upside-down, and the knife handle not wrapped yet. Still working out the bugs, hehe:

Looks awesome Mecha!

 

[Mecha]

Looks awesome Mecha!

Thankee Danbot! The finished ones should be sort of like the size of an opened Opinel #7 but with a shorter handle! Just neatly and closely hugging a belt.

 

[danbot]

Thankee Danbot! The finished ones should be sort of like the size of an opened Opinel #7 but with a shorter handle! Just neatly and closely hugging a belt.

Sweet! Post the pics!

 

[Lapedog]

Dan try a small fixed blade worn horizontal on your belt in front of your left hip

It will not really be concealed unless you untuck your shirt

I think you will be amazed at how many people don’t even mention it

Here is a custom Navaja from Spain in a horizontal or vertical leather sheath

Notice no pocket clip or frame lock

Works great

For example I carries my Bradford Guardian 3 that way. Horizontal on the 10:00-11:00 o’clock position on my belt. I think appendix carry is the best location to carry a fixed blade you plan to potentially use for self defense. The problem was that sitting in a chair or in my car I found that location to be very uncomfortable as the sheath sort of jammed into my belly.

So I made concession and carry my fixed blades iwb on the 3:00-3:30 position. I find that very comfortable and unobtrusive. I use a static cord on most fixed blades and most I carry are small. Some of the very small ones my static cord is a ball chain so I can switch the blade to neck carry at any time.

 

[JParanee]

I'm on the horizontal-carry leather sheath and a slim, sleek fixed blade train. It's specifically how Ms. Oye and I are approaching new knife + sheath setups, directly due to JParanee's influence. Admittedly when I first heard about it, I thought it sounded weird.

Still fine tuning the package, and when perfected, should blend right in along a belt. This is a LARGE prototype with the flapper retention thing upside-down, and the knife handle not wrapped yet. Still working out the bugs, hehe:

Way to go Sam

 

[JParanee]

For example I carries my Bradford Guardian 3 that way. Horizontal on the 10:00-11:00 o’clock position on my belt. I think appendix carry is the best location to carry a fixed blade you plan to potentially use for self defense. The problem was that sitting in a chair or in my car I found that location to be very uncomfortable as the sheath sort of jammed into my belly.

So I made concession and carry my fixed blades iwb on the 3:00-3:30 position. I find that very comfortable and unobtrusive. I use a static cord on most fixed blades and most I carry are small. Some of the very small ones my static cord is a ball chain so I can switch the blade to neck carry at any time.

Static cord carry in sash is an awesome way to go

Been carrying a Hartsfield that way for 3 decades

 

[TheHollowGrind]

I know that a lot of members here are tired of the Titanium framelock flipper fad and for me, living in Canada with the current import restrictions flippers of any kind are not going to be available.

So, if you're tired of the TFF fad, what would you like to see instead? Thumb studded, pocket clipped slipjoints? Locking friction folders? Some kind of cool new mechanisms?

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing more manufacturers making small (yet practical) EDC fixed blades. Maybe with some kind of pocket clipped sheath!

Front flippers are a little more under the radar since it requires a lot more practice and technique. Most would just open the knife with two hands.
I picked up a few front flipper Hayabusa custom knives from Glenn Waters in Japan and the craftsmanship is amazing. Of course these are $1k+ knives.
Olamic is another maker that makes front flippers at a lower price point; however, they have a thumb hole opening in the blade that allows the knife to be flicked open as an alternative method to the front flipper so it's less under the radar.

Lately I have been admiring a lot of the modern slipjoint knives that use titanium handles with some Moku-ti accents. I had a few from Enrique Pena that also have exceptional quality. I recently saw one on instagram from JB Stout and it got me drooling. Most slipjoints are very traditional so I'm looking forward to where the modernization of the slipjoint folder takes us.

I also like the fact that non-flippers are less intimidating when taking them out in public.

 

[danbot]

Front flippers are a little more under the radar since it requires a lot more practice and technique. Most would just open the knife with two hands.
I picked up a few front flipper Hayabusa custom knives from Glenn Waters in Japan and the craftsmanship is amazing. Of course these are $1k+ knives.
Olamic is another maker that makes front flippers at a lower price point; however, they have a thumb hole opening in the blade that allows the knife to be flicked open as an alternative method to the front flipper so it's less under the radar.

Lately I have been admiring a lot of the modern slipjoint knives that use titanium handles with some Moku-ti accents. I had a few from Enrique Pena that also have exceptional quality. I recently saw one on instagram from JB Stout and it got me drooling. Most slipjoints are very traditional so I'm looking forward to where the modernization of the slipjoint folder takes us.

I also like the fact that non-flippers are less intimidating when taking them out in public.

Sounds awesome! Can you give us some pics?

 

[Mr.SATism]

On topic, I've moved away from flippers and towards fixed blades. In the folder realm, I'd like to see more button locks.

I’m totally down for button locks, if they’re on good models. Kizer and hogue have some, but I don’t like the aesthetics on either one. They’re probably amazing knives though

I’d say the biggest issue is a lack of variety in the execution. Too many matte grey finishes, plain locksides that don’t have any visual or tactile similarities to the show side, etc.

I love gavko knives for this, because he colors both sides the same. Seeing the same color on both handle sides is definitely better than the contrasting *insert color here* and silver that we usually see

If I were to want anything to become as prevalent, it would be the Hawk Lock or any of the other locking mechanisms that don’t put pressure on the blade when disengaged.

+1
I can’t say anything bad about their locks in terms of innovation

 

[BBW]

Not commenting just to counter, but I do like them.

The "ritual" of opening and closing a well designed and executed frame lock flipper is part of the enjoyment of owning/using them, at least personally. The pressure on the tab, the sound, the timing...all repeatable sensory experiences that are unique to each piece.

That said, my collection is evolving to include more slip joints this year.

Having more options with modern materials in tradition designs is a great trend for the hobby IMO. I'll buy more because of it.

bam! right here!!!!
I have had a few nice flippers. My current one is a Shiro Hati on washers and its perfection

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

I know that a lot of members here are tired of the Titanium framelock flipper fad and for me, living in Canada with the current import restrictions flippers of any kind are not going to be available.

So, if you're tired of the TFF fad, what would you like to see instead? Thumb studded, pocket clipped slipjoints? Locking friction folders? Some kind of cool new mechanisms?

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing more manufacturers making small (yet practical) EDC fixed blades. Maybe with some kind of pocket clipped sheath!

Lol wow man that spun out of control fast. So I saw a video on the Spartan Blades Pallas modded for flipper restrictions (no flipper). It looked awesome!!! I’m not much of a flipper guy. I own and neglect two the ZT0095 and the MK Ultra Kukri. If you get one I absolutely guarantee you will love it! Crazy good action. Smooth & fallshutty. I can not describe how much I love mine man. Worth every cent!