Smoothest flipper in 200-300$ price range?

T

TXwaterman

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Dec 22, 2012
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126
Looking for a new piece for my collection and leaning towards a flipper. Wanting for handle material titanium or carbon fiber, but open
To suggestions. 3-4" blade, steel not too important . I've been looking at Reate district 9, zt0801, guardian tactical helix.
Also spyderco . Need help from the pros. Thank you guys.
 
Of all the flippers I have and had, the ZT 0801 is by far the smoothest. That's not to say it is my favorite or the best flipper out there, but the two I've had had simply glass-like action. The blade dropped immediately when the lock released, and flipped out with slick authority when the detent is overcome in flipping. Other great options are the Spyderco Southard and Domino -- both great and very different flippers, with the added bonus of the Spyderhole opening option. For pure, smooth action, though, I most strongly recommend the 0801 or one of its variants.
 
Another benefit is that one can be had for a good deal less than your suggested budget, also. With some tactful shopping, you could theoretically have two for the upper end of that price range.
 
I've never had the ZT0801, but I've had the ZT0560. Granted, they are a little different in design but they both run on the same bearing system. My ZT0560 was very smooth, especially when I put a drop of CRK flourinated grease on each side of the blade.
 
In terms of flipping action, the ZT0562 and ZT0801 are mechanically identical in feel (I have a few of each), and I believe they are far superior to any other flipper made by ZT (save for the 0777 and 0454 - those are limited editions, though). Those two would've been my recommendation as well. Probably the most authoritative flipping action on the market for production folders. Kizer makes some that I think are actually smoother, but they don't flip as well as the ZT's and a Chinese two year warranty is a hard sell against a lifetime US warranty.

I have a Spyderco Southard and it may be smoother than either of those ZT's, and the steel is freaking phenomenal, but it doesn't flip with the authority of the ZT's. It would probably be my next choice after the previously mentioned ZT flippers. If you like the Sebenza Insingo blade, you will love the Southard's blade profile...incredibly practical for opening boxes, etc. You can find a Southard for around $205, just FYI.
 
the CRKT Foresight has awesome flipping action despite its lower price

[video=youtube;Qzhs41jWvb8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzhs41jWvb8[/video]
 
The Spyderco Domino seems to get allot of praise. It's a Titanium Framelock with Carbon Fiber and it's a Flipper.

I have decided to buy a Domino. Just deciding which steel to get, the XHP or the 204P.

Goodluck
 
I have the zt 0561 and it is one of my best flippers. Ok guys I'm going to pull the trigger on the 0801. I might have enough for the southard too. Thank
You everybody!
 
Mrbladedude said:
The Spyderco Domino seems to get allot of praise. It's a Titanium Framelock with Carbon Fiber and it's a Flipper.

I have decided to buy a Domino. Just deciding which steel to get, the XHP or the 204P.

Goodluck
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If flipping action is your primary driver, you'll love the Domino. Mine flipped incredibly well (though admittedly I hated almost everything else about the knife and got rid of it).
 
TXwaterman said:
I have the zt 0561 and it is one of my best flippers. Ok guys I'm going to pull the trigger on the 0801. I might have enough for the southard too. Thank
You everybody!
Click to expand...

The 0801 flips like a rocket, as others have mentioned, but if you get both the 0801 and the Southard don't be surprised if you end up carrying the Southard more (it doesn't flip as hard, but it's lighter and carries better).
 
There are good number of productions in that price range with excellent action. Personally I pick my ZT 561 or ZT 801. The action feels different between the two but both of mine are very smooth and snappy and can be found for some excellent prices on the exchange.:thumbup:

Now, what's a flipper thread without pics....:D

20141116_085948_zps3qjzzesp.jpg

IMG_1772_zps2b2956d0.jpg
 
I love how the ZT 801 flips, but mine needed fluorinated grease to make it so.
The smoothest flipper I have so far is the Bocker Kwaiken.
 
I own all of the knives you listed, the Helix is the smoothest without question. Their ceramic bearing system is insane. As for a Spyderco, the Rubicon is smoother and nicer than both the Domino and Southard.
My order of choice would be:
1. Helix
2. ZT 801
3. Rubicon
4. District 9

I really like my district 9 as well, but you had better be in the mood for a big overbuilt knife if you go that route. As for the Rubicon, once you get past the initial lock stick, she's a dream. If you want some comparison pics, let me know.
 
I have handled an 801 a bunch and it has been the smoothest of any flipper I have played with. The only reason I never bought one was because the thing felt huge in my pocket and (this may be silly) the pocket clip's style doesnt match the damn knife! You have this flowing, elegantly designed and finished knife with a nice titanium color and some right angled black, cheap looking clip, tossed on as an afterthought. It irritates me. The clip is highly functional for sure, but damned it, put a equally slick cip on it. The 0562 has a clip that fits its design and still provides deep carry function, why not do the same for the 801? At least give it the same stonewashed, gunmetal finish.
 
Between $200-300 I would suggest the following for flipping action:

ZT 0562 or 0562cf - super smooth and fires adequate
Reate Hills or horizon - fires the fastest of almost any knife I have flipped, including high end customs. It also has recoil on some flips, just insanely hard. It's pretty smooth as well.

Both of these have really good flipping tab and lockbar side geometry that allows you to get leverage to flip out easy and fast.

You also might want to check out the boker kwaiken. They are sub $170 and depending if you get a good one, flips fast and smooth.
 
tchapman414 said:
Of all the flippers I have and had, the ZT 0801 is by far the smoothest. That's not to say it is my favorite or the best flipper out there, but the two I've had had simply glass-like action. The blade dropped immediately when the lock released, and flipped out with slick authority when the detent is overcome in flipping. Other great options are the Spyderco Southard and Domino -- both great and very different flippers, with the added bonus of the Spyderhole opening option. For pure, smooth action, though, I most strongly recommend the 0801 or one of its variants.
Click to expand...

mainaman said:
The smoothest flipper I have so far is the Bocker Kwaiken.
Click to expand...

Good to know. Been wanting one.
 
The ZT 0562 is the smoothest I own meeting your criteria. The Kershaw R.A.M. however has one of the smoothest most fluid actions I've ever come across.
 
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