Need Recommendation: Small tough flipper

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gradient

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Jan 9, 2014
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Here's my deal: I'm looking for a small (max 2.75" blade) but tough-built flipper. I've been carrying a small Buck Vantage Pro and really like it a lot, but the handle is a bit short so it just doesn't fit the hand solidly. I LOVE the blade shape and length, though.

I had a chance to try out the ZT 0566 recently and the heft and fit and finish are exactly what I'm looking for so I basically wish that I could get a smaller version of it for everyday use.

3+ inch blades are just overkill for the vast majority of my day to day needs.

And yes, I'd like a flipper. Thumb studs just aren't as fun (to me), and this should be a fun knife!

Budget wise, I'm hoping not to spend more than $100. I'm also in Canada, where shipping can be an issue and everything generally costs more than it does in the US so keep that in mind.

My only other consideration, really, would be that the handle material have some good grip to it. The G10 on both the 0566 and my Skyline is pretty much perfect imho.

Got any suggestions?
 
Also, my preference is for either a manual knife, or one that can function nicely de-assisted.
 
The upcoming G10 Cryo (see this thread) might fit the bill well. It is assisted-opening, and I don't believe the Cryo can be de-assisted (unless you drill your own detent hole), but it seems to fit everything else you're looking for. It's compact, very tough, has a good heft to it, around 2.5" blade, and flipper.

[edit]
Here's a pic of the Cryo next to the Small Vantage Pro for size comparison. You mentioned the Skyline and 0566 as well, so I also included those for reference.
ZT0566_Skyline_Cryo_Vantage_800x446.jpg

[/edit]
 
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Kizer 3404A3 is a little over $100 but you get a quality titanium frame lock flipper with a 3" blade of S35VN.
 
RamZar said:
Kizer 3404A3 is a little over $100 but you get a quality titanium frame lock flipper with a 3" blade of S35VN.
Click to expand...

Interesting...that design sure does look familiar. Hah.

3" is a bit long for this go around, though. If I'm going to pick up something in that range I would probably just go for the 0566 (which I do intend to pick up, it's a great piece).
 
flarp said:
The upcoming G10 Cryo (see this thread) might fit the bill well. It is assisted-opening, and I don't believe the Cryo can be de-assisted (unless you drill your own detent hole), but it seems to fit everything else you're looking for. It's compact, very tough, has a good heft to it, around 2.5" blade, and flipper.

[edit]
Here's a pic of the Cryo next to the Small Vantage Pro for size comparison. You mentioned the Skyline and 0566 as well, so I also included those for reference.
ZT0566_Skyline_Cryo_Vantage_800x446.jpg

[/edit]
Click to expand...

Wow awesome comparison shot, thanks for that. You could be right about the Cryo. I had written it off because of the all-metal and assisted opening but the G10 version might sway things.

That being said, I'm impatient and kind of want to pick something up sooner than the new Cryo is likely to be available. I know, I know, I'm high maintenance.
 
If you were willing to spend some more money, the Spyderco dice(smaller version of domino) is coming out soon...
 
Forgot one... There is a Zing that has G10 handles (model number 1735TGRNCKT). The normal Zings have textured FRN handles, but there is one with OD green handles that is G10.

Here's mine. I did a blade swap with a regular grooved Zing (model 1735). The grooved blade was originally in the black FRN handles, and the tanto blade was originally in the green G10 handles. The Zing is a manual flipper, and the blade is right at 2.75". It's not as hefty as the Cryo, but it is a bit more so than the Vantage Pro. It is discontinued, but you may still be able to track one down on the secondary market.

[edit]I got mine as a blem from Kershawguy a little over a year ago. He doesn't have them listed on his website anymore, but you might contact him anyway and see if he's still got any available.[/edit]

Zing_Cryo_Vantage_800x411.jpg
 
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gradient said:
Interesting...that design sure does look familiar. Hah.

3" is a bit long for this go around, though. If I'm going to pick up something in that range I would probably just go for the 0566 (which I do intend to pick up, it's a great piece).
Click to expand...

I used to think 3" was too long also, so I got a mini griptilian and slapped some custom scales on it. Then I got a zt 0561 and realized how small my mini grip was. I bought a kizer 3404 as a "middle" sized knife, and it carries just like the mini grip.

Trust me, you won't notice an extra .25" on a knife. I know I sure as hell don't. And besides, my kizer is smoother than some knives with ikbs I've handled and way cheaper.

I'd at least set a limit at 3", it gives a lot more options.

14048153696_4a48b26a4a.jpg
 
Kyle_4 said:
Well I don't know, he doesn't want to spend over $100 yet the 566 goes for about $160-170 up here.
Click to expand...

The Dice looks interesting, might be worth looking into.

As far as the price tag, I'll pay a fair price. $100 or so is what I'd hope to pay, but if it takes more I would consider it. It's not that I don't have the money, just that I have to prioritize. $50 more on a knife is fine and well but it's also $50 less into my kid's college fund.
 
Blues Bender said:
I used to think 3" was too long also, so I got a mini griptilian and slapped some custom scales on it. Then I got a zt 0561 and realized how small my mini grip was. I bought a kizer 3404 as a "middle" sized knife, and it carries just like the mini grip.

Trust me, you won't notice an extra .25" on a knife. I know I sure as hell don't. And besides, my kizer is smoother than some knives with ikbs I've handled and way cheaper.

I'd at least set a limit at 3", it gives a lot more options.

14048153696_4a48b26a4a.jpg
Click to expand...

Preferences do change, so you could be right. I carried a Skyline for a few months, though, which is just a hair over 3" and found it to be too long of a blade for me.

Keep in mind that the small vantage, which is my ideal size right now is only 2-5/8" which does make the jump up to 3" pretty noticeable.

Good suggestion on that Kizer as a smaller 0566, though. Ergos are good?
 
gradient said:
Preferences do change, so you could be right. I carried a Skyline for a few months, though, which is just a hair over 3" and found it to be too long of a blade for me.

Keep in mind that the small vantage, which is my ideal size right now is only 2-5/8" which does make the jump up to 3" pretty noticeable.

Good suggestion on that Kizer as a smaller 0566, though. Ergos are good?
Click to expand...

Ergos are great! It has a pretty slim profile, and is extremely comfortable in my hand (I'm not a big guy, about 5'9"). It locks up with no blade play at all, and the smoothness is unreal; it's like spreading butter on silk.

Plus you get S35VN steel, titanium, and a lockbar stabilizer. I pretty much walk around all day for work, and the kizer just melts into my pocket as if it weren't there. IMHO, it's the best value ti-framelock available.

Also you can anodize it if you get bored, like I did :D
 
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