OTF auto vs manual flipper for EDC

I wouldn't considering a ZT 0562CF for LEO duty, way too slick of a handle and the pocket clip doesn't work with thick(er) pants. However, I would recommend with a manual flipper instead of an auto for this type of role. If you're not a fan of framelock/liner locks, their are a lot of good button lock flippers being released. I recently used the Civivi Cogent for multiple weeks in the field, where the conditions were extremely muddy and I was impressed with how the knife/lock held when very dirty.
Dergyll said:
I have the 562CF and find the thumbstuds sharp and doesn't work well...the flipper is fine. My Hinderer had the same issue, but broke in alot better and is now butter smooth.

Does protech give you a discount? Why not try a Malibu or similar button lock? Easy to deploy, play with, disengage, and comes in a wharnie bladeshape. Other companies also have button locks you can look at, such as the cormorant, that fits your bill.

I will admit, if I could carry an OTF all the time, I would. The one-handedness of it makes it so much easier sometimes. I carry a little UTX70 with me when I fish, the pointy tip, half serration side makes it extremely handy. You can't beat an OTF in this regard.

My ideal carry would be a small fixed blade and an OTF of some kind...but alas I'm in CT and can only carry autos (double edge knives as well) when I'm hunting/fishing etc.
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Well, they're bladestops not thumbstuds... so can't really fault them for not operating like thumbstuds.
 
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Gideons said:
I wouldn't considering a ZT 0562CF for LEO duty, way too slick of a handle and the pocket clip doesn't work with thick(er) pants. However, I would recommend with a manual flipper instead of an auto for this type of role. If you're not a fan of framelock/liner locks, their are a lot of good button lock flippers being released. I recently used the Civivi Cogent for multiple weeks in the field, where the conditions were extremely muddy and I was impressed with how the knife/lock held when very dirty.

Well, they're bladestops not thumbstuds... so can't really fault them for not operating like thumbstuds.
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Thanks for clarifying. It seems some dealers list it as a stop, and others a stud...
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Gideons said:
I wouldn't considering a ZT 0562CF for LEO duty, way too slick of a handle and the pocket clip doesn't work with thick(er) pants. However, I would recommend with a manual flipper instead of an auto for this type of role. If you're not a fan of framelock/liner locks, their are a lot of good button lock flippers being released. I recently used the Civivi Cogent for multiple weeks in the field, where the conditions were extremely muddy and I was impressed with how the knife/lock held when very dirty.

Well, they're bladestops not thumbstuds... so can't really fault them for not operating like thumbstuds.
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Ive never had a grip issue, but I could see that. I’ve looked at the cogent but the flipper tab seems awfully small.
 
Silent H said:
I agree with all of your other points about Heretic, but this one. I think their solution for the lanyard hole at the end of the handle/ part of the glassbreaker is as onobtrusive as possible, and the whole butt of the handle is much better than Microtech's glassbreaker and lanyard hole layout.
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I agree with this, I just don't like lanyard holes. Or glass breakers for that matter.
 
KUP12 said:
Ive never had a grip issue, but I could see that. I’ve looked at the cogent but the flipper tab seems awfully small.
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If you want to check out a manual button lock from Civivi, the Conspirator has a better flipper tab and good ergonomics. It fills my hand nicely. The Micarta strikes a great balance between comfort and traction. The blade slices well and it's a decent steel for the price. That's the other thing. At just under $80, it's an easy try.
 
KUP12 said:
What are your thoughts on OTF vs flipper? any suggestions on which direction I should go? Any other knife suggestions for my use case?

Thanks for the help!
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I own alot of autos (both OTF and side openers) and many more flippers.

Between the 2, I'd only recommend carrying a flipper mainly because an OTF is more likely to break (or suffer from mechanical "issues") than a flipper. OTFs also usually have some blade play in them; it's a function of the design unless you can afford a Hawk Deadlock.

Which flipper you choose is entirely a matter of personal preference.

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BTW, FWIW, I am a retired LEO who got into collecting knives long after I retired but, when I was on active duty, the only knife that I carried was part of a Gerber multi-tool and I used the other tools on it more than I used the knife. That Gerber was all I ever needed while on duty.
 
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sgt1372 said:
I own alot of autos (both OTF and side openers) and many more flippers.

Between the 2, I'd only recommend carrying a flipper mainly because an OTF is more likely to break (or suffer from mechanical "issues") than a flipper. OTFs also usually have some blade play in them; it's a function of the design unlike you can afford a Hawk Deadlock.

Which flipper you choose is entirely a matter of personal preference.

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BTW, FWIW, I am a retired LEO who got into collecting knives long after I retired but, when I was on active duty, the only knife that I carried was part of a Gerber multi-tool and I used the other tools on it more than I used the knife. That Gerber was all I ever needed while on duty.
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Thanks! Yeah this will be sort of an EDC knife that’ll also rotate with me in duty for light tasks (heaviest task it’ll see if cutting seat belts). I’ve got a fixed blade that does my hard tasks. I also carry a multitool in my car but this is the third one I’ve had thanks to breaking tools/blades on them. My current work knife is a Gerber 06 auto which has been great for the last few years but I’ve finally decided to try something else
 
I'm not LEO and don't have much experience with autos.
I like carrying a blade that I can deploy quickly and reliably, although when I deploy a blade I'm cutting open a package or something like that. I've owned a lot of knives with thumb studs and a few flippers, but my EDC rotation these days is almost all Spyderco. I found that thumb studs for me were not reliable, flippers were a bit more reliable but slower, and the Spydercos with the bigger blade holes were the most positive and most reliable.
FWIW- Some thumb studs were smooth enough that it was hard to get enough traction on them so I had to take time to carefully position my thumb and then sometimes I might still slip and miss it. Flippers were similar- I had to carefully position the knife in my hand and my thumb on the flipper tab. The only exception to thumb studs was the Kershaw Blur that has large and sharp thumb studs that my finger never slipped off of. Now with Spyderco blades with the bigger hole, they proved to be fastest and most reliable- easy to get my thumb to the hole and I never slipped.
When autos became legal in Texas I bought one to have a token auto in my collection- a SOG with button lock. It seems to work well but I don't carry it because I'm afraid it would open in my pocket. I could carry it with the safety lock engaged but that defeats the purpose. A D/A OTF might be fun to carry but I haven't tried one and a good one is more than I want to spend for the novelty.
For the OP I would think that a Spyderco Police or Spyderco Military would be worth a try.
 
I was thinking about this thread while doing some sanding earlier. I broke out my best OTF and grabbed a couple of random folders off my desk. From top to bottom:

Kizer Domin ~ $60
Kizer Assassin ~ $70
Hogue Exploit ~ $270

The Exploit is a cool knife but it has blade play in all directions and rattles when I shake it. The Domin has none despite having truly "drop-shut" action. The Assassin isn't quite as solid with the same action but it's still good. It's a significant difference and it means that I'd never choose the Exploit for precision cutting. So while the Hogue has S30V with a decent heat treatment, any possible advantage in edge retention over Kizer's 154CM really doesn't matter to me.

I mentioned not liking aluminum. That goes for both the feel and how it wears over time. Each of the Kizers has a different type of Micarta. Both offer better traction than aluminum. Both are more comfortable than aluminum. Meanwhile, the steel and Micarta combinations do radically better with wear. For instance, I recently started doing a little ergonomic modification to those Assassin scales and decided to go full "battle-worn" with one of my wife's emery boards. If that doesn't simulate heavy wear, I don't know what does. If you looked at the picture first, did you even notice? Now imagine doing that to the Exploit. 😮


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Grab a Cobratec to see if you like the OTF action first. Their nicer CNC aluminum models go for just over $100 with D2 steel. They definitely aren’t Microtech/Benchmade quality, but they are reliable and a good entry into the world of OTFs without plunking down a ton of cash.
 
Don't buy a Cobratec. Buy something from a legit company, not just "assembled in the USA" garbage
 
Look at a Demko 20.5 with a shark lock. Very easy to open and close with one hand. You can get carbon fiber scales or titanium if you prefer that. A hinderer flipper would be another good choice.
 
jjg6319 said:
Look at a Demko 20.5 with a shark lock. Very easy to open and close with one hand. You can get carbon fiber scales or titanium if you prefer that. A hinderer flipper would be another good choice.
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I’ll check out demko! Thanks. I love hinderer’s, but a little out of my price range.
 
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