Shenanigan or ripple?

I bought a Ripple maybe 8 months ago and it was an awesome knife. Buttery smooth IKBS, nice lines. I didn't carry it because it was a little thin for me. Sold it. My brother got one about a month ago and it was terrible. The flipper was so sharp it was painful to use. The ridiculously heavy detent just made it worse. It also had the stickiest lock I've ever seen. Ever. Took 2 hands to disengage. I've made it a point to handle every Ripple I've seen since and they have all been closer to my brother's than the one I had. Based on that I would recommend a Ripple ONLY if you can handle it before you buy it. The one I had was very nice, so it's possible to get a good one, but beware.
 
if you like recurves I think the shenanigan is very nice, great ergonomics; steel is just ok.
 
I haven't handled a Shenanigan, but the ripple I have (linerlock version) is thebest non assisted flipper I have. No problems with the lock or anything else. My only complaint is the tip down carry only flipper.
 
I know it's a bit pricier but the CRKT Eros is a pretty slick little blade. Just a bit smaller then the Ripple with a different blade profile but you move up into Ti handles. I've only handled this knife but I liked it a lot.

If a choice only between the Ripple and Shenanigan go with the Ripple.

Cheers
 
If you go with the Ripple make sure you know what you are getting. They made some cheap ones with aluminum handles, 8CR14Mov blade, and a liner lock instead of steel handles, Acuto blade, and a frame lock.

I bought one on the exchange here a few years ago and was disappointed when I got the aluminum model expecting the "real" Ripple. I believe the seller honestly didn't know there was a difference (I didn't either until I had it in hand) and he reversed the deal.

When shopping, if the price seems too good it probably is.
 
I think the ripple wins with the IKBS. The earlier blue and black models had some QC issues here and there so beware of the cheap examples on ebay. They usually have problems. The new ones are supposed to be improved. If you like the looks of the shenanigan but want the IKBS system I would look at the foresight. Its an amazing blade. For me it beats both of the examples you asked about. And if you get a first production it will have an Acuto + blade.
 
I had both Shenanigans and the better quality Ripple. I still have both Shenanigans and got rid of the Ripple due to the very uncomfortable ridges on the scales. It's a beautiful knife, just not one you would want to use for extended periods or you're going to end up with a sore/blistered hand. The Shenanigans, however, are beautiful, ergonomically friendly and comfortable knives. I prefer the aluminum handle to the PPS, b that's mostly for the aesthetics and the weightier feel.
I second what Purple EDC said about the Foresight, though. Far superior to either of the others. Comfortable, extremely well made, and just cool. Ken Onion knocked another one out of the ball park with this one.
 
I have both the framelock and linerlock flavors of the Ripple, and I was amazed when I first opened them. The ball bearing pivot is so smooth and frictionless that the blade swings out much like an assisted opener. For me the clip is not great, but overall they are fine knives that slice like crazy. Like Brother jimh, I wouldn't want to use one to build a log cabin, but the Ripple IMO is more in the lightweight EDC and gentleman's knife genre than a heavy user.


Ripple, top.

jimh0220 said:
I second what Purple EDC said about the Foresight, though. Far superior to either of the others.
Click to expand...

Superior unless doubling the weight and pocket volume matters. I do want a Foresight, though, as they appear to be very comfy and just plain look cool too.
 
Last edited:
ripple for sure, shenanigan didn't feel right in the hand & the ripple is a little classier & sleeker looking in my opinion

and the flipper is excellent
 
I got one of the high end Acuto Ripples about 2 days ago,,,,, very disappointed! The only way to use the flipper to open it is to use the edge of a table or such and press hard! It will then open,,,,,also the silky smooth ball bearings everyone talks about aren't that smooth! Blade not centered!!!!!!! I have adjusted the pivot and oiled it and it is somewhat better? I have been working it a few hundred times on the edge of a workbench each time I pick it up and you can almost open it by hand now!!!! It is improving! In the end I think it will be ok but geeze!!!! For the price it shouldn't have any QC problems like this. I have made in China Kershaw flippers costing $20 that are smoother out of the box than this high end CRKT Ripple!!!!! I'm sure there are fine ones out there but I sure got one that needs some work. If it'll smooth up I'll keep it!
 
Doubletee, you might want to return that sucker and get you a good one. The action on it should be smooth as glass, and almost trick you into thinking its an assisted opener.
 
Doubletee said:
I got one of the high end Acuto Ripples about 2 days ago,,,,, very disappointed! The only way to use the flipper to open it is to use the edge of a table or such and press hard! It will then open,,,,,also the silky smooth ball bearings everyone talks about aren't that smooth! Blade not centered!!!!!!! I have adjusted the pivot and oiled it and it is somewhat better? I have been working it a few hundred times on the edge of a workbench each time I pick it up and you can almost open it by hand now!!!! It is improving! In the end I think it will be ok but geeze!!!! For the price it shouldn't have any QC problems like this. I have made in China Kershaw flippers costing $20 that are smoother out of the box than this high end CRKT Ripple!!!!! I'm sure there are fine ones out there but I sure got one that needs some work. If it'll smooth up I'll keep it!
Click to expand...

Have you contacted CRKT? I imagine they'll let you exchange it for a better one.
 
^ what Seelow said, CRKT has always been a stand up company and would replace a defective knife
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top