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

When you flip a Hinderer, you're not loading anything up like a bearing flipper. So don't pull on the front of the flipper. Put you finger on the jimping on the front and roll the blade out. Took me about a day to get used to it, but I actually like the way they flip now. That and the ability to open them by thumb stud sold me as a EDC. Plus they feel great in hand.
 
jill jackson said:
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.
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Sorry to disagree but I don't have strong fingers or thumbs. I went with ZT because of the flippers but I have since learned to use the studs on my zt's to flick them open. i don't see them being difficult to open with the studs. I'm thinking I use the studs now instead of the flipper as it's less finger movement - flicking my thumb versus pull up my index finger then flick it. Pulling up my index finger to put it against the flipper is a longer movement. But I'm not doing this for speed, I'm just plain lazy.

And I'm jealous of your XM-24 though. Maybe someday.
 
For me it's a matter of not having to use a specific technique to deploy a blade. I carry a lot of different knives and I tend to prefer the ones that open reliably without me having to remember what I happen to have in my pocket that day and which technique I have to use to get it open. But to each their own . . .
 
I can open the ZT 0562cf with the studs, but it's not easy, fast or without a bit of pain where it digs into my thumb. For one thing the stud closed is very close to the handle, You can't get under it at all and have to push straight into it. Doesn't bother me because it flips fast and flawlessly.

ZT0562CF1.jpg
 
Yep. If you're dealing with a strong detent, that can get tough on your thumb. :( Yet another reason I like flippers.

In terms of deployment, the strongest opener I've experienced so far is the ZT 0450. That knife with KVT flips open faster than most of my AOs. It's light blade and super strong detent may have something to do with it.
 
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My 0452 flies open so hard and fast you'd think it would fall apart from the force. But, it doesn't.
 
Exactly. Makes me wonder why people get so worked up about AOs but don't think twice about buying a KVT like the 0452 or 0450. Like they can exert more control over the latter than they can over the former? I don't think so. Once those Sinkevich ZTs break their detents, you'd better be out of the way.
 
If you're not opposed to giving ADV some business (touchy subject) I'm pretty sure I just saw a butcher with thumb disc and flipper. Also saw some Ray Laconicos with a simple thumb stud and flipper but those start to get spendy. Some aren't too bad though.
 
At the very high end of your budget and a knife that has no other opening option except the flipper - so far 2 strikes - I recently bought a used (pre-owned) Andre Thorburn flipper that broke your $600.00 threshold + a few dollars and because of S&H. Even pre-owned and made 3 years ago this knife is so perfectly - yes flawlessly - made that I can't imagine the need for a hole or thumb stud to augment the flipper.

It fires out so fast I can feel a recoil :D. More to the point the deployment is so smooth and effortless than I can almost believe the knife is broken. There is no resistance to the flip - perhaps I should write that the resistance is so perfectly balanced that there is none. The lock bar tension is just as much as it needs and no more, yet there is absolutely no blade play at any stage of deployment including full lock up.

As you can tell I am now a huge fan of AT knives. Spend the money and know what a flipper should be. Do the google for a few vendors with decent prices. Every now and again we see some on the BF exchange. Sorry, if I am telling you stuff you didn't ask about but they really are worth some consideration IMHO.
 
I really want to keep it in the $200-$400 range. Looking to get a sebenza down the road, so need to spread my dow. I am willing to cough up up to $600 max, that includes any shipping, taxes etc... and would like to get new.
Thx all for your suggestions
 
Spydie Domino was the easiest ive owned to open both ways...flipper, middle finger flick, thumb flick, or slow thumb open were all pretty easy. It was just a tad small for my EDC taste. Otherwise, a solid knife.
Hinderer XM-18/24 also comes to mind. Designed to open with both studs and flipper.
 
I have Spyderco Techno and two Dragonflies to fill the smaller EDC needs.
Would really like to be in the 3"-4" blade lengths
I will give the domino a look regardless, seems like a descent choice.

blades&wrenches said:
Spydie Domino was the easiest ive owned to open both ways...flipper, middle finger flick, thumb flick, or slow thumb open were all pretty easy. It was just a tad small for my EDC taste. Otherwise, a solid knife.
Hinderer XM-18/24 also comes to mind. Designed to open with both studs and flipper.
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Hinderer is the only flipper I know of designed to open studs, or flipper. Some people don't like the light detent, I find they flip just as fast as anything else though. You just have to use a different technique. All my bearing flippers have strong detents, most without any studs at all. Even if they have them it's just for blade stops.
 
The benchmade 300-1 as stated above flips or you can use the thumb studs! You should check it out! And it is well under your budget!
 
Will definitely take a look at this one, hope they have it in stock at my local knife store. I do like the looks!

hatchettjack said:
The benchmade 300-1 as stated above flips or you can use the thumb studs! You should check it out! And it is well under your budget!
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korn_2956 said:
My Southard tolk opens like a rocket with both flipper and thumb studs
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Yes. It is quite nice.
[youtube]LrAwulR-xJI[/youtube]

The thumbstuds also work great for left hand opening.


Miso
 
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I agree with the Hinderer suggestion. They can be had used for less than $400. The gen4 are good flippers if you use the "pushbutton" technique but can be opened easily with the thumb stud. They are also a lot of knife for the money.
 
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