Obie M2 or Hinderer Flashover; which framelock?

S

SpyderJon

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
2,038
Howdy all! I'm about to hit an age milestone, and so am thinking of a new knife for the occasion. Well, I've had 2 of Mike's M2s (the next Carson M4 if you ask me), yet never seen any of Rick's work up close. The Flashover appeals to me, but I'm unsure how I'll like it; and I know about Mike's F&F but never had one of his framelocks. Anyone here got one? Both? Does the Hinderer stabilizer really make that much of a difference? Thanks!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Congrats on reaching the milestone Anthony. First of all I'm going to say that you CAN NOT go wrong with either one you pick. I know that statement gets bandied about quite a bit but in this case it is totally applicable! Since you've had a couple of Mike's M-2's I'll just let their fit and finish answer your question about his framelocks. Mike also has the framelock and liner lock trick figured out as both these locking systems function flawlessly in his knives. I've had a couple of Mike's framelocks and it was with extreme regret I ever sold them!!

Rick's Firetacs are something to behold. His fit and finish is impeccable, and he too has this framelock geometry figured out! I had an Extreme model and currently have the Firetac 165, and both were as well built and functioned as well as any knife I've ever had. As far as the Lock Stabilizer goes, you probably won't even notice it is there or that it is working, but it is built to keep you from over extending the lock bar when you unlock the folder and it also keeps the lock bar locked up rigid when the knife is in the open position. It does not allow ANY vertical movement to occur in the lock bar, and for this it is well worth it!

As I said in the beginning....you WILL NOT go wrong with the products of these two makers. You'll just have to decide on which style you are most drawn too and go from there. :) :) :)
 
Well, pretty much what he said.

In your shoes, I would lean toward a Hinderer. Since you already have/have had some of Mike's knives, you know what to expect. When you get another one, you will of course be impressed, but at the same time you don't have the anticipation of something new. I'm trying to say that it is a known, and therefore slightly less exciting.

If you go with one of Rick's knives you have nothing but our recommendations. You will be impressed and surprised all at the same time and the anticipation that will build prior to getting the knife will make it that much more special. A little "mystery" if you will.

Anyway, enough dribble. You will more than likely be happy with both. I know this is a knife for a special occasion, but.......whichever maker you get, if for some reason you do not find yourself completely satisfied, they are both hot in the aftermarket right now.
 
Rick's firetac is a step up from the obies. My 0.02, although I love my obie.
 
Haven't had an Obie framelock but I have had a liner lock. Great knife with outstanding fit and finish.

That being said, I would suggest going with the Flashover. You already have some of Mike's work so you should really get a Hinderer. I love my Flashover, it is so comfortable in the hand that it is unbeleivable. I like the lock stabilizer, it isn't a huge different but it deffinetly does what it is supposed to do. The fit and finish on Rick's knives is some of the best I have seen and I love that I can switch from tip up to tip down carry if I choose.

Like others have said, both are great, but my choice would be the Hinderer.
 
Thanks for the replies, folks. Moot point now, as I'm outta work now. Even have to sell the whole collection. Still have my EDCs, but may have to sell those as well. It was a nice thought though.

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top