Looking for a new flipper

Joined
Nov 13, 2013
Messages
2,577
Hello,

I am going to sale 7 of the 16 knives that make my small collection.
I own ZT, Benchmade, spydercos and CRKs.... Over the last year I think I have developed some kind of a CRK bug and it just make me wants to have a more practical approach in my selection of knives....
I have some knives I don't really use and it makes no sense for me.
I would like to limit my collection to increase the rotation ( and the use) of my knives.

In the process I realize that I don't have much flippers left....
I will only keep my ZT0350M390 and my ZT0801bw in my collection.

I would like to have a third flipper in my collection.

I am looking for a new steel (I have elmax, m390, s30v, s35vn, s110v, s90v already, I am not interested in getting more s30/s35), and a blade between 3" and 3.6", in the range of 200-400$ , micarta or titanium scales, less than 5oz and great flipping action, no tanto, no sheepfood/warcliff blade shape....


what would you recommend? (Pictures will be great)
 
Assuming you are only interested in stainless steels, what remains:
- CTSXHP
- CTS204P (analogous to M390)
- 20CV (analogous to M390)

CTSXHP
- Spyderco Domino
- Wilson Combat Eagle (will have to go used)
- Aegis Hoplite (will have to go used)
- Southard Tolk (modified sheepsfoot)

CTS204P
- ZT0562CF
- Spyderco Southard (modified sheepsfoot)
- ZT0804CF

20CV
- Ferrum Forge (will have to go used)
- Hoback Carbon UHEP (but it is a tanto..)
 
f690b2a3d8a19a91276f9dec37a0f71b.jpg


I know you said you've owned ZT before but this is definitely one you should check out.
 
As it sounds like you may have some sort of steel fetish, why not add some ZDP-189? The ZT 0450 CFZDP has rapidly become one of my all-time favorite ZT knives to carry:

8faQCX8.jpg


Flips great, it carries small and light and ZDP-189 holds an edge like you wouldn't believe. You may have to dig around to find one now, though I know at least one place in the, uh, smokey mountain area (not sure if they're on the dealer list here) had them when last I was there.
 
It might be slumming a bit for you to do so, but if you haven't tried anything in Bohler N690, why not consider a Viper Ten? It's Italian of course, and getting one would cost you less than the bottom limit of your budget range. I can assure you though, that the three samples I have (with burgundy canvas micarta handles, in olive drab G-10, and in silver twill black G-10) all exhibit fit and finish at least the equal of ZT. Blade centering in each of them is great and the flipping action is so well tuned and uniform that I am unable to tell which one I'm flipping just by feel alone.

To be sure, N690 can be thought of as "just" a European VG-10 clone, but consider this: the Viper Ten's 3-5/16" blade is locked by a very interesting interpretation of the ubiquitous frame lock. This feature alone may make this model worth having, especially if you factor in that you can get two Viper Tens under your budget with lots of change left over.
 
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It might be slumming a bit for you to do so, but if you haven't tried anything in Bohler N690, why not consider a Viper Ten? It's Italian of course, and getting one would cost you less than the bottom limit of your budget range. I can assure you though, that the three samples I have (with burgundy canvas micarta handles, in olive drab G-10, and in silver twill black G-10) all exhibit fit and finish at least the equal of ZT. Blade centering in each of them is great and the flipping action is so well tuned and uniform that I am unable to tell which one I'm flipping just by feel alone.

To be sure, N690 can be thought of as "just" a European VG-10 clone, but consider this: the Viper Ten's 3-5/16" blade is locked by a very interesting interpretation of the ubiquitous frame lock. This feature alone may make this model worth having, especially if you factor in that you can get two Viper Tens under your budget with lots of change left over.

Fixed!
 
Thanks sutherland. By a couple of seconds you beat me to it.

Now how about amending the list of stainless steels you posted?
 
Same boat as Evilgreg. The 0450cfzdp is one of my favorites. Not only the super light/slimness of the overall knife but has zdp quickly making its way to the very top of my super-steel list.

Such a good slicer. Cut a strip of leather on a hard counter and it didn't affect the edge in the slightest. I have yet to touch up the factory edge. Iv used the tip extensively for "de-sheathing" ethernet cable and would pass for un-used. Never letting go of this knife and has me seeking more zdp blades. Think Im starting to see why Rockstead uses it. I almost ordered a Rockstead Hizen in YXR7 because of the supposed added toughness over zdp but after getting some hands on with it I might go with zdp when I finally do.

Top 3 EDC folder next to the Lg Inkosi Cf and 940-1.




Also my #4 isnt a flipper but the BM 908bk-1501 if you dont already have some CPM-M4 in a classy lightweight package. :D

 
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Check out Jeff Freeman at Freeman Outdoor Gear. Dude was a designer at Gerber so he knows what he's doing. You can choose materials including titanium handles, and type of steel between d2 or s35v. For a non-automatic knife, it flies open and has a solid lock.

IMG_0324_zpsltjzolhw.jpg


IMG_0320_zpsr1lyclaz.jpg


IMG_0323_zpsvja0gffd.jpg
 
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If you like to 0801, I think you'll love the 0562CF. CTS204p, carries very thin and the ergos are incredible. I have the 0450 but the handle contours are too cramped for my hand.

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I love M4 and am super stoked about the soon to be released Spyderco Advocate, which might be ideal for you, but honestly you should experience the 0562cf regardless :)

My next flipper will likely be the Kizer Mini Intrepid... I have the Ursa Minor and it has the best flipping action on ceramic bearings I've ever felt.
 
I know you said you're looking for a new steel, but when I read your requirements it just screams Olamic Wayfarer 247. Easily the best titanium framelock flipper under $500 in my eyes, and they're a whole $100 under that (M390 versions start at $395).

3.5" blade, incredible flipping action, top notch fit and finish, great ergonomics, blade shape...the list goes on and on. I highly recommend you check it out. Apostle P, Nick Shabazz and Jim Skelton all have great reviews on YouTube.

Good luck!
 
I love my Spyderco Mantra in M4.

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Also the Spyderco Southard flipper in CTS204p is a wonderful knife imho.

1Fk7Myb_pf5gdgv1-8iZRo3rwP7z35oEPmfm86aLl9urmDXb-xU4Lv4iisU0Rc8Iooif-ECiSzb-JsCAn8ekiAy7I7VHpVjdW6TRaAfAGCFrRNqazADGM93EZuQ_BwnjR2HvsFPSrvuS_nFDgrAIarZc1YMWshn54bjBRi7yyN0cELC9x69Fzwd75Wfim5XfmaAoFHwhvmAJwWIJ2oWsHGATk3MwEMhr2zp8PLs0D4CEMKPEY9sLUfo9Jzg6TA8FMur7WtUXDHie_r0xU8jnUPwFal-0r5jLE1AIxJoYNpiIBYG-nFI7LkwWxl4jlvJ9cmNM7KIST9DDBhoGko6yv62DoWh_QlMPOeaoIHKsPX1spBksnAJlHI3t5YDp84riS0WecxqChtmmo_xh_hX-JVXm88oKJ_UlMtsB9Pow3uqZ_mIAIy-BJhV2QBJM_V8REXZPg-_pnPFH159xRtpRzORo6wFcR7r2D-BYpKXK5Bb8tbGydRMikXW9yUXOcrXjieG6v2C1pXR9ywykyfhoRcGj0TWXasDZh3S8lXNXrOrKXBInyBU7R1uyEo4W6DhWrFpvviDEIC8mcewtlsEq2bo7iuJ2R2JNBBm1TUGQW4p72Od2=w800-h533-no
 
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I know you said you're looking for a new steel, but when I read your requirements it just screams Olamic Wayfarer 247. Easily the best titanium framelock flipper under $500 in my eyes, and they're a whole $100 under that (M390 versions start at $395).

3.5" blade, incredible flipping action, top notch fit and finish, great ergonomics, blade shape...the list goes on and on. I highly recommend you check it out. Apostle P, Nick Shabazz and Jim Skelton all have great reviews on YouTube.

Good luck!
I hadn't seen anything from olamic so far.... The Wayfarer with sculpted tintanium handle looks so nice!
I will have to look for it as well as for a viper ten which looks very interesting too.
 
What do you think of the Reate wave or of the Broussard blade sinner?
These two are very different for sure, but are they good flippers?
 
I say pick up something different and try a Reate. Many different models and steels to choose from and quality is right up there with the best in your price range.

Mike
 
What do you think of the Reate wave or of the Broussard blade sinner?
These two are very different for sure, but are they good flippers?

I would highly recommend a Wayfarer 247 in M390 over a Reate Wave / Horizon, but that's just me. Here's a photo of the type I had made. Fully milled titanium scales, standoffs, screws. The pocket clip is also milled ti, and it has a ceramic ball that is just a dream going in and out of he pocket. It's stunningly nice at this price point.

I won't be home for a couple days, but I'll shoot you some photos of my 247 when I get back if you like.



It's truly an incredible EDC knife. I think you'd love it. Check out the reviews on YouTube. 😀
 
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