Opinion - inexpensive non-assisted flippers

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

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Mar 5, 2009
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So I've got some deals working with a few knives I really want, but I've been intrigued by a few of the cheaper flippers out there and was wondering what everyone thought about the original Kershaw Junkyard Dog (plain edge stainless - not the Ti version) or the CRKT McGinnis Tuition.

I may end up getting both, but I really don't see a lot of other knives in the same category (other than more expensive versions such as McGinnis' custom knives, a ZT 0551, or Galyean's actual JYD). I don't think I like the Boker Trance or Direkt enough to buy them (I like several other Bokers that Chad designed, just not those two flippers).

I know Kershaw has a few more flippers (that aren't assisted), and there's always the CRKT M16 (I've got a few), but I didn't really care too much for the Buck Vantage Pro.

Is there anyone else out there making an inexpensive (under $60) non-assisted flipper?
 
The Kershaw Groove comes to mind. Can be had for $55 or so. Also, the RAM.
 
I got a nib kershaw Lahar about a month ago. It was the last one the site I got it from had in stock thou. Fantastic knife made in Japan with vg-10.
 
clockman said:
I got a nib kershaw Lahar about a month ago. It was the last one the site I got it from had in stock thou. Fantastic knife made in Japan with vg-10.
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Very nice - I had never seen a Lahar before you posted that. I would almost swear I was looking at a Rake when I saw the video reviews I found of it (and I love my Rake, but wish it wasn't assisted). I'm also a huge fan of VG-10 - so much so that I may be able to get over the fact that its got a re-curve shape to it.

Appreciate the info. Thanks ibute21 for the nod to the Groove - I'd checked them out before, but not really closely. I know I want a Damascus or Orange-handled Zing and as large as it is, I still find the composite JYD-2 to be attractive (but larger than any folder I own).
 
I've heard good things about the Junkyard dog.

Kershaw is coming out with a ton of new designs this year. Notable among them are the Kershaw Tremor, Brawler, and RJ1 (http://www.kershawknives.com/searchresults.php?brand=kershaw&search_by=whatsnew&search_value=&current_page=1&current_set=1). Another new knife is the Buck Vantage Force, an update on the Vantage knives. The differences are that the Vantage Force has a black coating and a back spacer for more stability. The Kershaw Skyline is a fan favorite, as well. All these knives are around 35-40 bucks.
 
Kershaw Storm and StormII are highly underrated non assisted flippers that can be had for a song.
 
My CRKT Suma is great, that thing pops open with authority and takes a pretty mean edge. The aesthetics of it just don't quite work for me, but it is very well made, honestly cannot find a flaw with it.
 
I can 2nd (...or 3rd or 4th, I've lost count) on the Kershaw Ram. It's my EDC when I'm wearing jeans (too big for dress pants), and I've used it on everything from cutting sandwiches to stripping electrical wire to cleaning game. I just wish that it came in a CPM154 because I don't believe the Sandvik 13C26 is quite as tough. I tend to keep mine pretty sharp, and I'll find little rolled areas of the edge every once in a while even when I haven't done anything stupid with the knife! Overall...great knife for the $$$ though.
 
The Tremor and Brawler are assisted openers.

You can find old model Kershaw Cyclone models that have a switch to turn off the assist and then they are just flippers.

DocWilly said:
I've heard good things about the Junkyard dog.

Kershaw is coming out with a ton of new designs this year. Notable among them are the Kershaw Tremor, Brawler,
Click to expand...
 
How about the Kershaw OD1. Great flipper that differs from some of the other value price flippers in that it's a frame lock. One of my regular carries.
 
Since you have a few CRKT M16's, you might want to take a look at some of the M21 models.
 
Buck Vantage. If you haven't checked one out, do so because I think they are one of the best lesser expensive flipper knives out there for the money hands down. They are an awesome quality knife for the money. I'd put my $28 Buck vantage Select up against a $140 Benchmade any day.
 
My favorite for the price is also the Kershaw Skyline. Purchased a Buck Vantage Avid about a week ago. So far, very impressive but a much heavier knife.
 
I love my skyline, but the Kershaw Energ II is a real sleeper. it flips really well, slices so well that it would put any scalpel to shame, is a good size, and has decent steel. for 30 bucks blemished, it is a steal.
 
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