Maxace Balance Flipper: Opinions? Thoughts? Discuss.

Ok after some more digging I've found that it's division of Stedemon knives...if that helps the discussion. I haven't heard of them either...I really hope they're decent though because I think it would be a great knife for me :cool:
 
Ok, just in case anyone else is interested, I emailed Blade HQ to ask if anyone had handled this knife and I got this answer:



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Hey Taylor,
Thanks for your email. I grabbed a black and brown Maxace from the warehouse and have them here on my desk. I also asked some of the guys her in CS their thoughts after holding and looking at them. One of the guys added it straight to his wish list. Feel free to give us a call 1-888-252-3347 and ask for Jared.
Initial thoughts- nice light weight for size, solid feel, smooth ball bearing system. From bladeforums.com someone put that they are a division of Stedemon knives, both out of China.

To your questions, solid lock-up and smooth release. Also solid detente, maybe not as heavy as a Zero Tolerance but holds very well. Zero blade play, however because of a straight G-10 scale on the one side, if you push it hard, the scale flexes just a little. Really nothing I would be worried about for light to medium use.

Hope this helps, give us a call or email if you have any additional questions.
Thanks

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Mostly this exemplifies why I love Blade HQ but it also makes me feel like I might have to order one of these and try it out for myself!
 
buck-vantage-lg-pro-0347bks1-b-2-large.jpg


These are a lot cheaper, look basically the same and have a proven reputation.
 
I've yet to handle a Vantage that didn't have some variety of mechanical issue, be it in the centering, lockup, or pivot action. Also, the Maxace has a bearing pivot and superior steel (compared to 420HC and the sandvik version; S30V vs VG-10 is a point of debate if you ask me.)

I wouldn't say one is an acceptable substitute for the other. I would also presume Maxace has better QC, given that, again, out of a half dozen Vantages I have handled, every single one has had some sort of issue.

I'd say the Buck Marksman would be a better comparison (bearing pivot, good steel), and a more affordable one as well. Those are wonderful knives.
 
I agree about s30v and vg10 being similar, but I'm ok with 420hc. I've only ever handled one Vantage Pro and it was perfect. Wouldn't surprise me if they weren't all that way though.

The marksman is a nice knife. I just thought of the Vantage immediately when I saw the knife the OP was talking about.
 
Kind of pricey for a Chinese knife and doesn't look as special as the carson labs, kizers, reates, etc.
 
It looks similar to the swamp rat rat trap knife, but if its made by stedemon, im sure its a good knife; I have 2 stedemons and they are top notch...
 
When I looked at it I thought of the Buck Vantage as well... Yeah the Vantage doesn't use a bearing system but the pro is still a great knife with great steel.
 
VermontEdge said:
Ok after some more digging I've found that it's division of Stedemon knives...if that helps the discussion. I haven't heard of them either...I really hope they're decent though because I think it would be a great knife for me :cool:
Click to expand...

Stedemon is relatively new to the scene but they appear to have a reputation for making incredibly high-quality knives. Here's a Jim Skelton review of the Bastion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1lKeVGOc4w. I actually have a limited edition Deep Sea Monster by Stedemon on its way to me right now as part of a Blade Forums passaround: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...of-DSM2015-Pass-around-Stedemon-Knife-Company

Anyways, if Maxace is a division of Stedemon (or their "budget" brand), then I'd put my money on the Balance Flipper being a really good buy. It's a bit too big for my tastes but if it fits yours, you should definitely buy it and report back. If it's not to your liking you can always return it, Blade HQ is very accomodating with returns.
 
Interesting. I dig the little insert for the bearings on the all G-10 side. Nifty little detail. :thumbup:
 
Holy crap a fully nested liner. I wasnt expecting that. I actually like that . Id need to see the quality and flex of the g10 to say yay or nay.
 
I don't quite dig the design (just not my style), but I see some real quality there. Those look to be ceramic bearings, properly raced. I'm surprised they didn't opt for an internal stop pin, honestly.
 
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