Smoothest ZT or sub $250 Flipper 2016

Skip frame or liner locks if you want smooth. Both create an inherent pinch point. Buck 830 Marksman and Freeman 451 BLF are the two smoothest production flippers I've handled.
 
RamZar said:
For small, light and smooth manual flippers go with ZT 0450 or Kizer Gemini Ti.

If you're already getting the Gemini Ti you could go with Kizer Ursa Minor which is the same size but a different blade shape.

Along with ZT 0450 there's also a limited run 0450CFZDP available right now. Actually, you have four choices in the ZT 0450 series.

Top to bottom:

  • 0450
  • 0450CF
  • 0450SIG
  • 0450CFZDP


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Oh. There a black one? When did that SIG come out? Limited release with exclusive cool clip? And very cool grey blade?

Like.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Skip frame or liner locks if you want smooth. Both create an inherent pinch point. Buck 830 Marksman and Freeman 451 BLF are the two smoothest production flippers I've handled.
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Bumping this post. The Buck marksman flies out just by looking at it. It has ruined all other flippers for me.
 
That buck is something different isn't it. Mmm I'll ponder that but I'm more no than yes at this stage.

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It's going to sound dumb, and definitely doesn't fit in with the rest of the knives listed, but I have been awestruck by the RealSteel Thor flipper. I paid a whopping $40 for it, and it gives any flipper I have owned a serious run for its money. Factor the price, and it is nearly unbeatable. Great steel, top notch QC (honestly if you handed me the knife and never told me the price, I would get around $100 or more if the steel wasn't marked).

On the classier end I would say the 0808 or 0450 are hard to beat. Far prettier than the Thor too.
 
wensynch said:
Oh. There a black one? When did that SIG come out? Limited release with exclusive cool clip? And very cool grey blade?

Like.
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The black DLC blade and titanium with CF on presentation side is 0450CF.

0450SIG is an all titanium with gray DLC available only through SIG.
 
Sosa said:
The old 801 before they changed the detent. That's the smoothest of them all.
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I don't know that it was smooth, but it fired like nothing I've ever owned. Like an X-wing with the Millenium Falcon's engines doing the Kessel run.

Smoothness, my Kizer 423 takes the cake for a production knives. It feels like there's no friction at the pivot at all.

Smoothest flipper I own or have owned would be my Bailey mod 2, geek edition. But that is over budget.

Sent via pony express
 
the crkt homefront and crkt foresight are two sub 100 knives that are really nice with great flipping action.

my crkt foresight is one of the best flippers ive handled, feels better than many knives that cost much more.
 
I think the original 801 might be the best all around flipping action. 452 is really good also. 450 is great but a little small for pure flipping enjoyment IMHO. I need a more thwack!!!
 
For under $250 the ZT0450 (way under $250) has to be the best flipper I've had. I am enjoying my Domino currently.
 
Does the ZT 0450CF flip as well as the original titanium ZT 0450?
I'm assuming everyone recommending the 0450 is generalising on the model as a whole.

Man this flipper addiction is turning expensive. I think I've allocated about 3 months of knife funds now. Patience.... I must have patiences... (or not get caught by the wife by CC statement intercept at mail box 😁)

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NjMS said:
Does the ZT 0450CF flip as well as the original titanium ZT 0450?
I'm assuming everyone recommending the 0450 is generalising on the model as a whole.

Man this flipper addiction is turning expensive. I think I've allocated about 3 months of knife funds now. Patience.... I must have patiences... (or not get caught by the wife by CC statement intercept at mail box 😁)

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
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I have both zt 450 ti & cf and both require some break in as most knives do before they become a nice smooth flipper.
In my case, Ti is much smoother to flip, but also more broken in. The black coating might play a small factor but they both fly out hard. The finger placement is crucial as you can easily apply pressure on lock bar due to the small width of scales.
Cannot go wrong with any model. The weight is not to big of difference, even though cf is lighter, when holding in hand as both pretty light.
 
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10after10 said:
For under $250 preowned and just referencing ZT's.....It's hard to beat a ZT0801.
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**Got to agree with 10after10, the 801...AND...the 0456, smoother and more fun to cycle than several nice customs I own. Both amazing production knives. ZT got these two really right! Get that same feel up my leg like when MSNBC's Chris Matthews thinks about Obama. You know the one.

 
If you can live with front flipper (and teflon washers), Boker Exskelibur I is pretty smooth, both opening and closing.


Miso
 
Lots of nice choices offered. One that I really like that hasn't been mentioned yet: The Reate Hills. All the Reates are great flippers, really, it's just that most are more than your $250 limit.

The Hills can be found for right at $170 and its a better flipper than any ZT I own...and I have an 0350SKD, 0770, 0550, 0561, 0562, 0566, 0450, 0392(2), 0801, 0808, 0095...I don't have any of the latest Gen ZTs, however.

Check out a Hills...build quality is on par or better than the best ZTs and Spydercos also.

Edit: Ooops, 0550 isn't a flipper...
 
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