Needing a new Flipper EDC

C

CluelessEDC

Joined
Oct 1, 2015
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I currently have a Kershaw Clash and a Spyderco Native C41BK. The Spyderco has almost a fully serrated blade and the Kershaw is a standard blade.
A friend of mine suggested that I purchase the Brous Bionic 2.0 because "His stuff is almost like production custom, and it is made in the USA".

I am wanting something to carry outside of work as an EDC. I carry the Spyderco at work, because it is a workhorse and the serrated blade will go through just about anything. While I enjoy my Spyderco, I don't know of many places that will sharpen a serrated edge (not sure why though).

I have a budget of $200, the blade must be under 3.5", I prefer a flipper (assisted would be nice), and I also prefer the drop point blade style. I don't sharpen my own blades (would have to send it out), so I would prefer a blade material that can keep an edge.

While I like the thickness of the Spyderco, the Kershaw is very bulky. I looked at the Benchmade 300 Axis blade, but found that the blade did not lock out very often when using the flipper.

Thoughts, suggestions, comments??

Thanks in advance!
 
Welcome!!
Although not assisted I would recommend the Spydie Domino......blue twill version.
This knife is flat out awesome!! Flips amazingly with a great blade....great steel.....and is built extremely well!
Check the Exchange as they come up pretty often.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on!
Joe
 
palonej said:
Welcome!!
Although not assisted I would recommend the Spydie Domino......blue twill version.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response Joe. Any reason you suggested the Domino over the Brous?

I am fortunate to have the Spyderco store about 20 minutes from my house.
 
^ can't go wrong with a Spydie. I have and love a Bionic 2, but if you have expectations of near custom you will be disappointed. This isn't to say it's not well made however it's no where near custom level. The D2 holds an edge very well and sharpens very easily. I personally do not like assisted knives, a well built flipper should not require an assist. The Bionic 2, (as well as my SSF) flies out yet stays in place when folded thanks to a strong detent. Bionic 2.0 is rather small but sits well in hand, very light and unnoticeable riding in pocket.
 
I'll add the Spyderco Positron, (Ion) is either soon to be released or out there already...haven't been keeping up on Spyderco as much lately, kinda on a traditional kick right now. Also Brous has the Sniper out now too, I'd consider getting one but right hand only : (
 
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I really like ZTs. I have and recommend the 0808, 0900, and 0450 in your price range. Those are all S35VN. I picked up a Brous Bionic 1 not too long ago, and have been fairly underwhelmed. My main gripe is a soft detent, sounds like this has been addressed with the 2.0.
 
I can highly recommend the Kizer Gemini:

0E04bpc.jpg


S35VN steel, contoured titanium handle, anodized titanium hardware and clip, caged ceramic bearings, ceramic detent, steel lock bar insert, designed by Ray Laconico--all for $170: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KU...pper-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles

As far as your friend's claim that Brous Blades' production stuff "is almost like production custom," I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. I've owned a Bionic 2.0, a Sniper (recently released), and have handled many more. The quality is extremely hit or miss. The Sniper I got had atrocious fit and finish issues.
 
I have the first generation Bionic, and I love it. It has a very close handle to blade ratio, which may make it difficult to grip for some. One thing I do notice is that compared to the other bearing flippers I've owned, it tends to get gritty when used on material that releases a lot of debris. I clean it and lube it often. I love D2.

I've had a lot of flippers, and I will say it is middle of the road for me. The 2.0 has a softer (less pointy) flipper and smoother jimping from what I've seen/heard.

My favorite and smoothest flipper I've owned (and I've owned customs, mid-techs and production) is my Kizer Ki423. A truly beautiful knife indeed, and the ergonomics for my hand are second to none.

Here's a pic:

 
I would love to recommend the CRKT Eraser, but I think the blade is too long for your needs, darn it. It's a great flipper though, and you'd have money left over.

I can second the ZT suggestions though.

I had, and loved, the Kershaw Junkyard Dog II, although they can be tricky to find nowadays. The II is just a hair over 3.5, and the I is around 3" I think.
 
ZT 0566, 0770CF, or Kershaw Camber. All are assisted-opening flippers with blade lengths under 3.5". The two ZT's use Elmax, and the Kershaw uses S30V. Both steels have great edge retention. All three are also pretty thin (the 0770 is may even be a bit thinner than the FRN Native). The 0566 and Camber are a pretty standard drop point shape, and the 0770 is more a modified Wharncliffe/Sheepsfoot. Both ZT's are under $200, and the Camber can be had for about $75 (so you can get two within your budget, in case one is unavailable while you send it out for sharpening).
 
For a Fantastic Flipper with a Great steel, you should look Just over your budget cap.
Edit to add: ZT 770cfM4 (sorry!)
The place that knives ship free from have them as an exclusive. It registers just over your cap, but you get a Great steel, it can be de-assisted if you leave the plate in, or leave it assisted for a fast and reliable opening. I feel the new CF weave is an improvement, and you don't see many of them.

On top of that, they look Great sanded to a blackwash.
 
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NJBillK said:
For a Fantastic Flipper with a Great steel, you should look Just over your budget cap.

The place that knives ship free from have them as an exclusive. It registers just over your cap, but you get a Great steel, it can be de-assisted if you leave the plate in, or leave it assisted for a fast and reliable opening. I feel the new CF weave is an improvement, and you don't see many of them.

On top of that, they look Great sanded to a blackwash.
Click to expand...

Took me a bit to figure out what that knife was, but I got it now!

My only question - Did you post that specific knife because of the CPM M4 steel as opposed to the Elmax steel version? If so, do you (and others) believe that the CPM M4 steel keeps an edge longer than Elmax?
 
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spyderg said:
^ can't go wrong with a Spydie. I have and love a Bionic 2, but if you have expectations of near custom you will be disappointed. This isn't to say it's not well made however it's no where near custom level. The D2 holds an edge very well and sharpens very easily. I personally do not like assisted knives, a well built flipper should not require an assist. The Bionic 2, (as well as my SSF) flies out yet stays in place when folded thanks to a strong detent. Bionic 2.0 is rather small but sits well in hand, very light and unnoticeable riding in pocket.
Click to expand...

I have never held a custom or near custom before, so I have no expectations. I can honestly say that I have never looked for a knife above the $50 mark prior.

spyderg said:
I'll add the Spyderco Positron, (Ion) is either soon to be released or out there already...haven't been keeping up on Spyderco as much lately, kinda on a traditional kick right now. Also Brous has the Sniper out now too, I'd consider getting one but right hand only : (
Click to expand...

I don't care for the blade style, but thank you.

BigKurtHaze said:
I really like ZTs. I have and recommend the 0808, 0900, and 0450 in your price range. Those are all S35VN. I picked up a Brous Bionic 1 not too long ago, and have been fairly underwhelmed. My main gripe is a soft detent, sounds like this has been addressed with the 2.0.
Click to expand...

I don't care for any of the models listed, but you have opened my mind to other ZTs.

brancron said:
I can highly recommend the Kizer Gemini:

S35VN steel, contoured titanium handle, anodized titanium hardware and clip, caged ceramic bearings, ceramic detent, steel lock bar insert, designed by Ray Laconico--all for $170: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KU...pper-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles

As far as your friend's claim that Brous Blades' production stuff "is almost like production custom," I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. I've owned a Bionic 2.0, a Sniper (recently released), and have handled many more. The quality is extremely hit or miss. The Sniper I got had atrocious fit and finish issues.
Click to expand...

That is a NICE looking knife! I will have to see if I can source one locally to fondle and verify that the looks transfer over to functionality. Good to know about the Brous issues - thank you!

K.O.D. said:
I have the first generation Bionic, and I love it. It has a very close handle to blade ratio, which may make it difficult to grip for some. One thing I do notice is that compared to the other bearing flippers I've owned, it tends to get gritty when used on material that releases a lot of debris. I clean it and lube it often. I love D2.

I've had a lot of flippers, and I will say it is middle of the road for me. The 2.0 has a softer (less pointy) flipper and smoother jimping from what I've seen/heard.

My favorite and smoothest flipper I've owned (and I've owned customs, mid-techs and production) is my Kizer Ki423. A truly beautiful knife indeed, and the ergonomics for my hand are second to none.

Here's a pic:
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response and your opinion! I like Kizer as a company, but the knife you listed just doesn't do it for me.

RedLynx said:
I would love to recommend the CRKT Eraser, but I think the blade is too long for your needs, darn it. It's a great flipper though, and you'd have money left over.

I can second the ZT suggestions though.

I had, and loved, the Kershaw Junkyard Dog II, although they can be tricky to find nowadays. The II is just a hair over 3.5, and the I is around 3" I think.
Click to expand...

The junkyard dog is very similar to my Clash and honestly, just too bulky.

flarp said:
ZT 0566, 0770CF, or Kershaw Camber. All are assisted-opening flippers with blade lengths under 3.5". The two ZT's use Elmax, and the Kershaw uses S30V. Both steels have great edge retention. All three are also pretty thin (the 0770 is may even be a bit thinner than the FRN Native). The 0566 and Camber are a pretty standard drop point shape, and the 0770 is more a modified Wharncliffe/Sheepsfoot. Both ZT's are under $200, and the Camber can be had for about $75 (so you can get two within your budget, in case one is unavailable while you send it out for sharpening).
Click to expand...

While I like the blade on the Camber, I don't care for the handle. See my above reply regarding the ZT 0770CF (and 0770CFM4)
 
CluelessEDC said:
If so, do you believe (and others) that the CPM4 steel keeps an edge longer than Elmax?
Click to expand...
Like I said, mine doesn't come in until tomorrow, but based on my experience with m4 in a Spyderco Gayle Bradley folder, it's well worth the (hefty) premium. If your willing to step up to that price range, the 0562 CF in CTS 204P is worth a look as well. It's unassisted, but I think closer to your ideal blade shape.
 
BigKurtHaze said:
Like I said, mine doesn't come in until tomorrow, but based on my experience with m4 in a Spyderco Gayle Bradley folder, it's well worth the (hefty) premium. If your willing to step up to that price range, the 0562 CF in CTS 204P is worth a look as well. It's unassisted, but I think closer to your ideal blade shape.
Click to expand...

I actually prefer the look of the 0770CFM4's dark CF. The 0562 is nice, but I am leaning more towards the CFM4
 
Another vote for the ZT 0770CF. Light, slim, big blade and lock up is rock soild.
 
CPM-M4 is a more wear-resistant steel than Elmax. If you look in this thread, one of the members here has put a number of different steels through some tests cutting abrasive rope. If you do tend to use your knives until they're completely dull before sharpening, then you'll probably be able to go for longer with CPM-M4.

ZT0770CFM4_0770CF_sn_800x537.jpg
 
I think the ZT 0566 Hinderer is a great choice for the price, made in the USA, assisted flipper and the elmax steel should hold an edge for a while.
 
flarp said:
CPM-M4 is a more wear-resistant steel than Elmax. If you look in this thread, one of the members here has put a number of different steels through some tests cutting abrasive rope. If you do tend to use your knives until they're completely dull before sharpening, then you'll probably be able to go for longer with CPM-M4.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! I use my knives until I get frustrated with the blade (nicks and dullness). Not sure if this would qualify for "completely" dull, but I do like to use my knives.
 
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