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Looking for a mid-tech non assisted flipper. Need advice

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Joined
Jan 6, 2013
Messages
241
I find that with the knife hobby personal preference evolve or change as time goes on, and at this point I'm wanting a nice non assisted flipper. I searched and seen threads on cheap flippers but I'm looking for a great flipper in the 200 - 400 range. I'm not overly picky about the steel but want smooth action with a solid lockup. Any recommendations?
 
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Sounds like a Spyderco Southard, Spyderco Domino, or ZT 560/561 would be perfect for you. I've heard nothing but praise for all of them, and they've all got great steals (204P, XHP, and Elmax respectively).
 
The Spyderco Southard and the ZT 0801 both have fantastic flipping action. Both are incredibly smooth.
 
Most of the Kershaw and ZT flippers can be de assisted. Something else to look out for would be the Tim Galyean pro series knives.
 
Brous Bionic, my newest knife that meets your criteria. Great blade, very light!
 
Definitely recommend a ZT0801 it flips amazingly flips as good or better than my Curtiss F3. Spyderco Southard is also good, but the detent isn't as strong as on the 0801 and Kershaw's KVT is smoother than Spyderco's bearing system, at least on my model that is.
 
Ya' know, many assisted folders (flippers and otherwise) can be converted to "non-assisted." So if the knife you really dig is advertised as "assisted," investigate if it is in fact convertible. Here is one example from my collection (HTM-DDR Gun Hammer):



 
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ZT 0550 is my first non assisted intentionally got for carry, and I love it. It seems that nicer knives w/o assist run on ball bearings anyway so the action will be smooth at $200-400 (I would assume)
 
Another vote for the soutHard.

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Lots of great options guys thx! That lahar is awesome but seems like it would be hard to find. The Brous bionic is kind of what got me going in the flipper direction but looks kind of small. The ZT0801 is very interesting being that it's designed by Rexford.
 
Wait a minute, Did you want a mid tech flipper or a production flipper? Your thread title indicates that you want something more than production but your price range isnt really in line with most mid tech knives. Here are my recomendations in both categories.

Production

Brous T4. - This is a great smooth flipper that while not being superlative in the blade finish is very well built and heavy duty. I wouldnt get one as a collectors item but if you want something that can handle hard use its a very stout and ergonomic.

Spyderco southard- Fit and finish is simply astonishing. If the spyderco logo was not on the knife it very much could pass as a mid tech. IMO though the lockbar strength on many of them is so intense you really dont get to witness the benefit of the bearing system. I feel the best flippers will have a blade that just drops back into the handle. You wont really see that in a southard. Still a great knife.

ZT801 - If the styling is up your alley you would be hard pressed to find a better deal in a bearing flipper knife. I would prefer a different steel but this knife exudes value in way not many others can come close to.

Boker Plus Titanium Kwaiken- Probably the best $120 flipper I have ever handled. Its fast, slim and overall just a very well executed knife. Ergos slightly suffer for styling but even with the very straight slim profile its a very nice edc choice.

Midtechs:

Jake Hoback Kawaiback- Now this one completely violates my rule of never recommending a knife that hasnt been released yet. I never like to give a thumbs up for something I have not handled. Its irresponsible and there is literally no basis to form an opinion without having atleast handled one. But jake is a maker that really cares about his craft and has from the start been very generous with sharing information and his innovations. With that said I think this knife shows great promise and I have faith that Jake wont allow a single mid tech kawaiback to hit the streets without it being up to par. Its at the very top of your price range but this is actually the bottom of where mid tech knives usually start.

scott matsuoka knives- This guy learned a lot from Ken Onion. As such you will see a lot of kens influence in his work. He makes multi thousand dollar customs yets also makes some of the most affordable customs available. His hand rubbed satin finishes are amazing. Several of his models have the same organic flow you see in onions work but they have their own identity. Most of his knives are flippers and ride on IKBS. Nothing too tactical and most of his offerings will be edc type knives. Still a very underrated maker whos work should really cost double when you consider some new comers have the stones to ask triple what his knives cost right out of the gate. They are a smidge above your top stated price but the jump in quality and exlusivity make them a solid choice and worth the extra money.

Olamic Wayfarer- These really are borderline production but honestly they have more handwork than many makers claiming to make customs. These are also slighty above your range but they really do appear to be solid and smooth knives.

Todd begg spa treatment Field marshal - This is really a production knife that is essentially pimped by Todd Begg designs team. They take the boker field marshall which is all ready a pretty good knife and they add IKBS, tune the lock and give the pocket clip and pivot area their signature Cracked ICE treatment. This is a good option for those who want the ergos of a begg knife yet are on a budget. Good thing is that these are worked over by the same guys making the bodegas. Some might scoff at the idea of a $300 chinese knife but your getting the best of the best from that chinese knife to begin with and then its completely overhauled by Todds minions. The amount of work that goes into them makes them worth the extra cake.
 
The additional other two mentioned by PURPLEDC I totally agree with: Brous T4 and Boker Kwaiken Ti Flipper.

Another I recommend is the MicroTech DOC which combines the best of Strider and Marfione.

You may also be able to snag a Zero Tolerance 0600 for under $400.
 
Ya. Sorry guys, I guess I should have done more research on the definition of mid-tech, thought it meant mid range and not necessarily production or custom. I guess I'd be more interested in a production but I'd consider stretching the budget for a nice custom?
 
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