So, I need a nice flipper

kniferbro said:
The 0450 is sweet. I vote for that one. The 0450cf is badass too :thumbup:
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The 0450CF? I like the CF, I love the green standoffs. I do not like black blades.
Now, if they put the CF and the green standoffs on the regular 450, it would be a no-brainer.
And, yeah that's one strike against the 450: I don't like red. I mean, any color but red, OK? I'd forgotten about that. Easy enough to switch out, I suppose, but that's more $$$.
 
Bigbluefish said:
The 0450CF? I like the CF, I love the green standoffs. I do not like black blades.
Now, if they put the CF and the green standoffs on the regular 450, it would be a no-brainer.
And, yeah that's one strike against the 450: I don't like red. I mean, any color but red, OK? I'd forgotten about that. Easy enough to switch out, I suppose, but that's more $$$.
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If you can stretch you budget a bit, you might be able to find a 0450CF ZDP 189. This model comes with a satin blade, titanium frame side and blue standoffs.
 
I'm currently EDCing a TRE G10, which I bought in November. The flipping action is excellent, worlds better than the original TRE and early G10s. It doesn't push-button flip, but as long as you lightswitch it the deployment is reliable, fast, and smooth. There's no wrist action or other trickery necessary at all and I can easily flip it with my weak hand or with fingers I don't normally use for flippers.

I've seen a lot of recent reports saying the same thing, and even a few people complaining that the detent was way too strong for them. I think Lionsteel listened to early complaints and changed the knife sometime last year.
 
I got the lionsteel KUR right when it came out and I LOVE it, it is a but larger and that's one of my favorite parts, but it is an amazing knife and unbelievably solid, smooth and fast after a little break in, it is so solid and tight it does take a couple months and then it flys. I assume that is what the not so smooth lionsteel comments felt, but it's worth the wait. The TRE is very similar and in the smaller specs like you require, I would be surprised if you weren't impressed by it, it is a little pricey but not really when talking high end folders, and if it's built anything like the KUR then it is bulletproof and very detail oriented while still being a clean functional look. Did I mention I LOVE my KUR? If I was looking to get a little bit smaller of an edc I would be quick to put the TRE in my top three after having this KUR. Good luck with your new knife no matter which way you go! PS, the Bohler Udderholm sleipner steel is nice, I love udderholm steels (I'm Swedish blood so maybe a little biased) but the pmD2, V4X, and sleipner have all been satisfying to use, I'm ordering a piece or two of Caldie for some machete/sword knife things (not sure which way I'm going to go with it) and it promises to be a tough clean steel, they all seem to be, very clean and tough and I hope people start using BU a lot more so the knife size pieces can be more available.
 
What about the Boker kwaiken, or urban trappers?
 
My Mantra is an outstanding flipper! Of course a number of people are having issues with them though. I absolutely love my Brous Bionic 2.0, again outstanding flipping action. KSF has an XL version too. I keep going back to the idea of picking one up but I've been more into traditionals lately. If you've got the $$ and patience, Smock Knives SK23!
 
I own the 0450, Tre G10, and Techno.

The ZT took about a month to loosen up. I think I got permanent nerve damage in my right index finger. But ever since then it flips smooth and fast. Great design, overbuilt but not in that ridiculous Strider/Hinderer way. Sits really narrow in the pocket. Only minus is lack of finger purchase to disengage the lock. And maybe it's a quarter-inch too long.

The Tre is as lousy a flipper as everyone says. All the G10 edges came really sharp and needed to be sanded down. The clip is beautiful but it rests on the lockbar. Cmon, guys! It's really light and has the best blade. Sexy design and top quality. But (did I mention this?) the flipping sucks.

The Techno is my favorite. Every time I open it I wonder why anyone needs a flipper or bearings. Closes beautifully, too. Somehow it goes from a comically thick spine to a great-slicing edge. The weird blade shape just works. It's a smooth, chunky little worry stone in my pocket. Only minus is the sharp edges on the lockbar cutout.
 
Thank you all for your input.

Well, I think...not 100% sure, but I THINK for this purchase I am going to get the ZT 450. Deciding between the 'natural' titanium, and blue anodized versions, red standoffs be damned. One of the deciding factors is that I feel it will best replace my BM 940 in the size, weight, style capacities.

However, doing all this research I discovered:

The good news: I am now no longer desiring the TRE G10 flipper. Among other things, I hate the G10 backspacer. And on a 'gent's folder' which is really what this is, the G10 looks out of place. It makes the knife look cheap, which it certainly is not. C'mon, all that beautiful work on the titanium scale and lockbar, that great M390 blade, and you put ho-hum G10 on it? Really? They could have gone with polished G10, as on the Enzo Birk...that would have looked much better, and an aluminum backspacer, anodized green, red, or gray. And still come in at a price point significantly below the TRE.

The bad news: I MUST have the 'real' TRE. Just can't decide between full TI with blue or bronze clip and spacer, or CF. Man, I love the looks of that knife. No, I don't NEED the 3 opening methods, but it is cool. And, hey, I might like the thumbdisk better than the flipper, who knows? And since I'll already have the 0450 flipper...

I also discovered that I will not sleep well until I at least try - not sure I will keep- an SR2-A. Yeah, I know it's not a flipper, but I got distracted and what can I say? It's a good looking knife. And should be very pocket friendly. I'd like the violet SR2 in TI (yes, I am quite secure enough to carry a purple knife), but I am not willing to pay the premium for the color, and the extra weight. (Talk to me again at the end of the year and see how business was, maybe I will change my mind if I've moved on the SR2-A.) Hey LionSTEEL, you need to make a navy blue or sky blue SR2-A! Have to decide between red and orange.

More bad news, from a fiscal standpoint: I am seriously considering pre-ordering the ZT 0460 flipper. Yeah, kinda similar to the 0450. My rationalization is I don't have to keep both, I could flip one. Not sure that will work if I like them both though, and at it's expected retail, the 0460 doesn't qualify as an impulse buy. But, damn...that is a good looking knife. I'm going to have to think about this.

I still want a ZT0900. It's actually kinda ugly. But it feels great, flips great, and I just really like that stubby little thing.
 
I really like the 450. Good choice. Mine has become the tactical knife I carry when I don't want to come across as carrying a tactical knife. It seems smaller than it is and is such a handsome specimen that it doesn't freak people out. That said, it's rock solid and capable of most any task.

Actually, I wanted the 900 more than the 450, but I couldn't find one locally. The 909 is my all around favorite ZT. However, I don't run into nearly as much NEED for the big bruiser, so usually it's a 350 in my pocket for hard/dirty use at work and the 450 85% of the other times (the 0454, 630, and 909 fight for the rest depending on my need).

I think you'll be very happy with the 450:)
 
gusnuts said:
I sent you an email.

Here are my thoughts

0900 - Another home run from ZT but the blade stock is very thick and it is probably the worst slicer of the bunch. Very beefy knife and fun to flip.
0450 - Great knife and very slim like the 940. Only complaint is that it won't flip with medium pressure on the lockbar if this was not an issue it would be perfect.
TRE - Outstanding build quality and probably one of the nicest built of the bunch but the flipping action is by far the worst. If flipping is a priority I would stay away from this one.
Mantra 2 - Nice knife. Ergos are good and it is a great slicer. Flipping action was so so for me and this one is only semi stainless if that matters to you.
Kizers - Both are great knives. Flipping action is probably the best of this bunch. I don't like the feel of Kizer's titanium. To me it has a weird finish. Very good bang for your buck though.
Spyderco Domino - Great flipper with multiple opening methods. Slices very well. It is a little larger than some of the others mentioned.
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I see this criticism of the 0450 and never get it--they put a bigger clip on it so you put your finger there and flip away. Great action on that guy.

I have the 0450, 0450CF, and 0452CF. All flip easily with no issue and 40-50% engagement on the lockbar.
 
falar said:
I see this criticism of the 0450 and never get it--they put a bigger clip on it so you put your finger there and flip away. Great action on that guy.

I have the 0450, 0450CF, and 0452CF. All flip easily with no issue and 40-50% engagement on the lockbar.
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I can agree w/ this. I can actually intentionally put pressure on the lock bar and it still flips just fine. Sure it's a little tougher but it still flips pretty easily.
 
And, the 0450, basic (clean, classy) gray titanium scaled version has been ordered. Seems like this would be a better fit with business casual than a bright blue one.

I think the bright red or orange LionStell SR-2A should scratch that need for color itch.

God help my wallet though: I'm starting to really like the looks, features, etc. of the Chris Reeves Inkosi. :eek:

And here I'd thought messing around with knives was going to be less expensive than my watches and guns. :confused:
 
I have the 0450, the TRE, and the Mantra (not the Mantra 2 as the blade is too thin for me).

0450 is one of my favorite all time knives. Useful blade shape & size, and carries like a dream. It's in my weekly EDC rotation.

TRE is ok, for all the reasons others have noted. Still, it's an interesting knife. Mostly sits in my safe.

Mantra is my favorite Spyderco. Flips pretty well, but I am concerned about reported long term durability due to thin bearing races. M4 requires more corrosion care. It's in my EDC rotation.

My recommendation is the 0450 by a pretty wide margin. I actually own both the Ti and CF versions.
 
Have you considered the Boker Kwaiken 3 inch VG10 has lots of variations: all Ti, CF, Micarta, G10 and price is roughly $135 or so. Definitely one of the nicest flippers from what I hear (don't own one). I do have flippers but their price range is slightly higher from what you are looking for.

The ZT 0450 is definitely a good choice, cant go wrong with it.
 
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I say go with a ZT 0562 or of your choice. This 0804cf was my first ball bearing knife and first sole flipper though it doesn't take much to actuate the action. ZT really knows their flippers. Can't speak for many other companies but for the money, I'll go with ZT all day.
 
My 0450 arrived yesterday.
I am very pleased with it.
-Beautiful blade, and nicely sharp from the factory.
-Lockup is solid, no blade play.
-Centering is almost, but not quite, perfect. Nowhere near touching the scale, so really, who cares?
-The handles are very comfortable. I have large hands, but it fits me fine. My pinky rides on that little ledge at the back end just fine. Comfortable in several grips.
-It flips very well.
-No problems with my finger riding the lock bar.
-I seem to be able to close it without removing any parts of my anatomy. (Check back in a week to see if I've gotten careless.)
-The overall appearance with the Ti scales and nicely done blade is very classy.
-I actually like the red standoffs. Kind of surprising.

One little nit-pick: the standoffs are not "aligned." They have dimples, and they are facing different directions. Perhaps they were supposed to align with the contours of the scales. But, really, who cares. I suppose I could always orient them to my satisfaction if it really bugs me.

One criticism: The screws running through the standoffs screw directly into the Ti scale, and the scale is bored all the way through, so the not-so-nicely finished ends of the screws are visible. I don't know if this is an issue, but steel screws in a hole in Ti? Isn't that going to cause wear? Not that I plan on taking the knife apart with any frequency. Also, did the holes on the lock bar side need to go all the way through? It creates one "unfinished" spot on any otherwise great looking knife.
 
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