Meanwhile in Russia…
Hi everyone!
In this review I’d like to present one of the latest models of Brothers Shirogorov Inc. - Flipper F3. The model was introduced last year in February year and later in half a year it was a bit altered. However let’s follow the order of sequence of appearance. As you may recognize the knife overlook is much similar to Flipper 95 and Hati, the blade shape is all the same, still there is one very important point that makes this knife a separate model. The scales are placed over the titanium plates frame and blade is locked by a liner lock in the opened state.
Part 1
Knife Specs
As I said mainly all the overall dimensions are similar to Flipper 95, the thing is that different is the handle thickness
Opened length – 8.78” (22.3 cm)
Closed length - 5.03” (12.8 cm)
Blade length – 3.75” (9.5 cm)
Lock – liner-lock
Clip – not reversible, tip-up
Handle thickness – 0.59” (1.5 cm)
The weight is relatively same to Flipper 95 – varies at about 5.0-5.2 Oz (145-150 g) depending on the scales and blade thickness.
Through the history of production…
My first F3 I got in March 2013 and it was a simple version with black 3D smooth G10 scales and Cronidur30 blade.
At this time the knife had simple bronze washers and pocket clip alike they put on Tabargan 100NS model. Titanium liners edge was tempered for increased durability in the place of connection with blade in the opened state.
Titanium liners were anodized, back-spacer made of black G10 as the scales.
Actually in F3 liners are solid flat plates not sceletonized like some of other knife-makers do for lighter weight. I consider these plates more like a frame then simple liners I used to see before.
Here is the photo of the knife taken apart. Construction is traditionally very simple and smart that is usual for Shirogorov knives.
In back-spacer a hole was made in case one decides to hand a paracord strap. The technological decision is familiar from the Hati review.
I liked this knife and it definitely made a competition to my Tabargan for a role of folder-EDC I use out for town in my country-house or when I go playing strike-ball or just picnicking for instance, the sure grip thick handle was rather a goody one for a hard use and heavy duty job.
By the way there was also a top version of F3 produced with CF scales and S90V blade, still as I realized this model is too thick for me on the pocket of jeans or trousers it cannot challenge the previously preferred Hati or Flipper 95 for that task, so it didn’t attract me much.
Two things still kept me worrying about the knife – the pocket clip that was too perceptible in hand on the duty and on heavy long-time job it even raised some discomfort to an arm, second thing was the liner that I had doubts can shortly get a wear out for I don’t think hardened steel and titanium is a good couple.
In this very context I was much happy to learn later on in summer of 2013 that SBI have modernized F3 that had now 3D scales wave-pattern textured, new design pocket clip and ball-bearings system. It was a real challenge for me, so I had nothing but to apply for one
And in September I was offered it.
To be continued...
All the best and a sharp edge,
Dmitry
Hi everyone!
In this review I’d like to present one of the latest models of Brothers Shirogorov Inc. - Flipper F3. The model was introduced last year in February year and later in half a year it was a bit altered. However let’s follow the order of sequence of appearance. As you may recognize the knife overlook is much similar to Flipper 95 and Hati, the blade shape is all the same, still there is one very important point that makes this knife a separate model. The scales are placed over the titanium plates frame and blade is locked by a liner lock in the opened state.
Part 1
Knife Specs
As I said mainly all the overall dimensions are similar to Flipper 95, the thing is that different is the handle thickness
Opened length – 8.78” (22.3 cm)
Closed length - 5.03” (12.8 cm)
Blade length – 3.75” (9.5 cm)
Lock – liner-lock
Clip – not reversible, tip-up
Handle thickness – 0.59” (1.5 cm)
The weight is relatively same to Flipper 95 – varies at about 5.0-5.2 Oz (145-150 g) depending on the scales and blade thickness.
Through the history of production…
My first F3 I got in March 2013 and it was a simple version with black 3D smooth G10 scales and Cronidur30 blade.
At this time the knife had simple bronze washers and pocket clip alike they put on Tabargan 100NS model. Titanium liners edge was tempered for increased durability in the place of connection with blade in the opened state.
Titanium liners were anodized, back-spacer made of black G10 as the scales.
Actually in F3 liners are solid flat plates not sceletonized like some of other knife-makers do for lighter weight. I consider these plates more like a frame then simple liners I used to see before.
Here is the photo of the knife taken apart. Construction is traditionally very simple and smart that is usual for Shirogorov knives.
In back-spacer a hole was made in case one decides to hand a paracord strap. The technological decision is familiar from the Hati review.
I liked this knife and it definitely made a competition to my Tabargan for a role of folder-EDC I use out for town in my country-house or when I go playing strike-ball or just picnicking for instance, the sure grip thick handle was rather a goody one for a hard use and heavy duty job.
By the way there was also a top version of F3 produced with CF scales and S90V blade, still as I realized this model is too thick for me on the pocket of jeans or trousers it cannot challenge the previously preferred Hati or Flipper 95 for that task, so it didn’t attract me much.
Two things still kept me worrying about the knife – the pocket clip that was too perceptible in hand on the duty and on heavy long-time job it even raised some discomfort to an arm, second thing was the liner that I had doubts can shortly get a wear out for I don’t think hardened steel and titanium is a good couple.
In this very context I was much happy to learn later on in summer of 2013 that SBI have modernized F3 that had now 3D scales wave-pattern textured, new design pocket clip and ball-bearings system. It was a real challenge for me, so I had nothing but to apply for one
And in September I was offered it.
To be continued...
All the best and a sharp edge,
Dmitry
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