Mid to High End Flipper that can also be opened via studs/hole

oprichnik

oprichnik

Joined
Jul 9, 2015
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I am in the market for a mid to higher end flipper (high end can be subjective, so in my case max $600), but would also like to have the ability to open the knife via thumb studs or hole. Are there any such knives? I am specifically wondering about ZT brand, but others are welcome. Ideally looking to spend $200-$400. Titanium frame lock preferred, blade length under 4", not bias towards any steel type.
Thanks
 
The current ZT models with bearings, I own are not user friendly to open by thumb stud. They have strong detents and the thumb studs are just functional as blade stops.
 
Just thought of Spyderco Southard! That one is a flipper and has a thumb hole, any one know if it is easily flickable open using the spyderhole?
 
Spyderco Domino sounds like it might fit. It's a little smaller and thinner than most ZTs but it's a good flipper and also has an opening hole.

The blade is lighter and thinner than on most ZTs and the detent isn't crazy stupid heavy, so it won't rocket out with the flipper in the same way that say an 0808 would. But the flipper is still quite quick and reliable, and the detent is heavy enough to make the flipper work well but not so heavy that it becomes a chore to use the opening hole.

Currently 3 versions available, CTS-XHP steel with either black cubic check cf or blue lscf, or CTS-204P steel with blue g10.
 
A world of possibilities exist based on your budget and your desired specifications. Unless you have an urgent need for a knife, I'd suggest you take your time and look around some. Visit the ZT website and (and other websites as well) and make a list of the models that may fit your needs. Then do a search or use Google-fu to search for those models here. Odds are if you find something you like, lots of others like it too. And they'll be plenty written on it for you to absorb. I'll start you off with the Southard:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=spyderco+southard+site:bladeforums.com

Good luck with your search. :)
 
Hinderer makes folders that open flipper, or thumb studs. They are available now for retail, too. I have two, the XM-18 and XM-24 and love them. I've been carrying the 18 and it's solid, cuts great. They are designed to open either way, but they flip just fine once you get the hang of it.
 
oprichnik said:
Just thought of Spyderco Southard! That one is a flipper and has a thumb hole, any one know if it is easily flickable open using the spyderhole?
Click to expand...

No, it cannot be flicked open and can barely be opened at all using the Spydie hole. It's actually just for looks on the Southard; it is designed as a flipper only.
 
LionSteel T.R.E.

Flipper and thumb disc are also removable:


r3rtVv9.jpg
 
I'm happy as can be with this for EDC, opens easy flips straight upwards, no wrist flick, sharpens quickly has a solid frame lock. Can be bought BNIB, about 425. It's designed to open by thumb stud too.
Detent is lighter than my ZT0562CF, but it's very hard to open the ZT anyway but flipper.

29fpnae.jpg
 
Hmmm...That's too bad, good looking knife.
I have a Techno and can flick using spyderhole very nicely, I thought that since southard has very similar hole placement it might be easily flicked as well. Saw a couple of you tube videos and I know it can be done...perhaps with some practise

brancron said:
No, it cannot be flicked open and can barely be opened at all using the Spydie hole. It's actually just for looks on the Southard; it is designed as a flipper only.
Click to expand...
 
Nice looking Hinderer, what is this model?

jill jackson said:
I'm happy as can be with this for EDC, opens easy flips straight upwards, no wrist flick, sharpens quickly has a solid frame lock. Can be bought BNIB, about 425. It's designed to open by thumb stud too.
Detent is lighter than my ZT0562CF, but it's very hard to open the ZT anyway but flipper.

29fpnae.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Southard's hole is nearly covered up by the handle. Spyderco puts a hole in their blades as a trademark, even fixed.
 
Here's My, ZT 0452, XM-24, XM-18 and ZT 0562CF. The ZT's are pure flippers. With very strong detents. They load up and pop open fast, the Hinderers you pull through on the flipper and they flip just fine, just different. But, thumb stud opening is easy.


1ou982.jpg
 
Well, I can flick my Techno with easy, took some practicing, but nevertheless. Southard hole placement seems similar to the techno, so I thought might not be too bad.
jill jackson said:
Southard's hole is nearly covered up by the handle. Spyderco puts a hole in their blades as a trademark, even fixed.
Click to expand...
 
Yep. And I'm just the opposite. It's one of my favorite knives . . . especially when you dress it up. :)

3R2nueC.jpg


Different strokes . . .
 
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