Light, assisted EDC

T

theAntihero

Joined
Nov 11, 2011
Messages
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Im looking for something that is very light, assisted and has at least a 3 inch blade, think the Kersaw Chill if it was assisted. Id like it to also be a budget knife so say a maximum of 40 bucks if possible.
 
How light is very light to you?

There's the Kershaw Leek, but at 3oz, it might not be light enough for your preferences.
 
The Enlan EL-01 shows 5.5oz on my scale, so I assume you want something lighter.

Kershaw Leek (aluminum handles) - 3" blade, 2.4oz
Kershaw Echelon - 3.25" blade, 2.6oz
Kershaw Leek (stainless steel handles) - 3" blade, 3.1oz
SOG Flash II - 3.5" blade, 3.1oz
Kershaw OSO Sweet - 3.25" blade, 3.2oz
Kershaw Volt II - 3.25" blade, 3.3oz
Kershaw Blackout - 3.25" blade, 3.5oz

The Echelon and Blackout are going to run closer to $50, unless you look to the secondary market. I think the rest can be found for $40 and under.
 
Ive been using my Buck 282 nxt as its super light but its not assisted and its blade is a bit short for me at barely 2.5 inches, i wish i knew what it weighs since its pretty much perfect weight wise.
 
Can't find specs on the 282, but the 281 looks similar and is listed as 2 oz (from Knifeworks listing).

That said, I think your original inquiry into the Chill might fit best. 3.125" blade, 2oz. Although it's not assisted, it flips open just as quick. Just push the flipper tap towards the handle (as opposed to pulling down on it), and the blade will fly out without the need to throw your wrist into it.
 
Last edited:
flarp said:
Can't find specs on the 282, but the 281 looks similar and is listed as 2 oz (from Knifeworks listing).

That said, I think your original inquiry into the Chill might fit best. 3.125" blade, 2oz. Although it's not assisted, it flips open just as quick. Just push the flipper tap towards the handle (as opposed to pulling down on it), and the blade will fly out without the need to throw your wrist into it.
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for finding that page. Mine doesnt have serrations or a rubber comfort handle but other than that i like it. Ive never had a flipper knife totally open on my which is why i wanted assisted. Id be willing to buy a Chill just to see though
 
Your success with manual flippers will depend in large part on your technique. You can look up better explanations than mine elsewhere in the forum, but the basic idea is to build up tension in your finger before releasing that tension in a sweep across the flipper. It might help to use the part of the knife handle right above the flipper to push down against with your finger to get that tension. You want to pull your finger quickly through the flipper and then it should shoot the knife out. The tension is the important thing. Again, you can look up better explanations than mine elsewhere. The knife will make a difference too, in terms of detent strength and smoothness of the pivot.

I can attest that the Chill is a quality knife that is a good platform for flipping after the universal break-in period (most every knife needs it). I don't own one, but I did get to fondle one from a friend (I cleaned it out for him and then tuned the pivot tension till I could get a nice, clean opening from it). I also own a Kershaw Zing (pre-Speedsafe) that is designed by the same person (RJ Martin) and made by the same company, though not in the same place. Speaking of the Zing, you might check out the stainless version. Yes, stainless steel handles will add to the weight, but the thinness may make up for it in carryability.
 
I think the Chill is a good choice too.
I'm new to flippers manual or assisted and I've got the flick down no problem.
For the really low price the Chill is darn good.
 
annasoH323 said:
Your success with manual flippers will depend in large part on your technique. You can look up better explanations than mine elsewhere in the forum, but the basic idea is to build up tension in your finger before releasing that tension in a sweep across the flipper.
Click to expand...

I find that applying force in the direction as shown on the left works best. The one on the right sometimes takes a little extra wave of the wrist to get the blade all the way open.
Skyline_Flipper_Motion_600x366.jpg

(original pic not mine - credit to another forum member's post here)
 
flarp said:
I find that applying force in the direction as shown on the left works best. The one on the right sometimes takes a little extra wave of the wrist to get the blade all the way open.
Skyline_Flipper_Motion_600x366.jpg

(original pic not mine - credit to another forum member's post here)
Click to expand...

Yeah that how i do it but usually it doesnt open all the way. It could just be because my Enlan el01 is newish and has a very heavy blade
 
SOG Flash II

Very light for it's size
3.5" AUS-8 blade
comes razor sharp
Full flat ground and slices like crazy
Around $40
Best action of any assisted knife I've handled
 
Hmm, the Flash 2 seems right up my alley, 3.1 ounces and assisted. It looks lik the ones i like are in the 70 dollar range though
 
Having owned a Kerhsaw Chill and so does someone I know, I can say the Chill doesn't need assisted opening it opens up quite easily enough with the flipper from what I remember back when I had it.
 
Combo edge Leek blem for $41 shipped. D2 cutting edge/14C28N spine, razor sharp from kershaw and will quickly sharpen up to an even sharper polished edge, SS frame lock, 3" blade, 3oz, ken onion design, tip up / tip down, aftermarket deep carry clips, kydex sheaths available...

I love my 1660VIB rainbow leek; opens as fast as an auto, but since it's "pretty" people don't stare at you like you're using a rocket launcher to open a bag of candy or whatever.
 
Look into the SOG Flashback. Worlds fastest assisted opening knife. And under 4oz. I watched the whole 22 minute nutnfancy video on it haha
 
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