The Flick Factor

D

Dredsen

Joined
Sep 11, 2014
Messages
47
A subjective topic indeed, however to some Flickability is a major factor in what makes a user's favorite blade. I was hoping some folks might share various blades they own or have handled that really had that flickability; a folder that you just love handling.

This can be a flipper, an auto, or even a slip joint. I recently bought a canoe pattern slippy that I just love handling, its inspired me to head out during my lunch today to find a case slippy with stag scales. I also have enjoyed slicking my Southard and Manix2.

What are some of your all time favorite knives to just open, and close while watching a show, or considering a problem at work ?
 
Kizer Ki423
ZT 0801
ZT 0561
Brous Bionic
ZT 0770CF
Spyderco Gayle Bradley
Southern Grind Spider Monkey
 
Kershaw OD-1 since the opening mechanism is really interesting and the ZT 0301 because I like the big "thunk" it makes.
 
Benchmade 761. Just might be the smoothest, fastest flick I've owned. It's on the light side, but the detent is perfect.
I'm not saying "Go drop $300 on one", but if a local shop has one in stock check it out.
 
If it isn't flickable I don't want it. YMMV.

Best I have:
PM2s
Manix lw
All 7 Benchmades.....especially 940, 943 and 710-1401
Pro Tech TR-3....awesome blade!
Domino & black Southard
Hogue EX-04.......lovely CLUNK upon lock up!

Worst flickers I've had:
Spydie Pac Salt.....scales rub blade in 5 different spots. Ugh
Ebdura CE.
Both CRKTs I tried.
 
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Zt 0560, after working for 2 day's on a crkt m21-14 big dog knife it finally flips pretty decent.
 
All axis lock Benchmades and PM2 are easy to flip. The only knife I don't flick open is my Sebenza I can I just don't.
 
CRKT M16-10Z was the knife that got me interested in tactical knives, I loved flicking it open, I removed my Auto Lawk for easier closing. I , now, have a M16-13 SFG, it flicks open with authority, it's a tank, serious click when it locks.
 
All of my ZT knives flick smoothly. My ZT 0561 is one of the smoothest, fastest opening knives I own. Great knife. My custom ADV Tac Butcher also flicks pretty well and has a rock solid lockup. Not to mention it came to me very sharp. My custom Mikkel Willumsen Maddox flipper flies out and slams into place. It is the fastest opening knife I own. Problem is, the lock up on it was never the best, and it now has serious lock slippage. I'm sending it off to be repaired this week. I have only handled one Hinderer XM-18 and I was unimpressed. My Enlan EL-01A from China flicks open better. Out of all the knives I own, the smoothest opening one is my CKF Sukhoi 2.0. Even though it uses thumb studs, that knife opens more smoothly than any flipper I have. I can sit and play with that thing for hours!
 
My favorites are my ZT0562 and ZT0392. They open quickly in any direction and are so smooth they nearly close on their own weight.
 
Spyderco military. Sleek and a dream to open with a thwack at the end when the lock engages. Even if you open slowly...THWACK! :)
 
My Andre Thorburn L36. Absolutely Love flipping it. Double row bearings, and as smooth as snot on glass.
 
Gerber harsey air ranger folder. With a flick of the thumb the blade flies open. Buck paradigm. Zt 0562
 
Hogue Ex-1, so smooth, so good
Cold steel american lawman, ti-lite
Benchmade 40T until it broke and became floppy, 580 Barrage despite the terrible handle feel, Griptilian
Spyderco Military aint so bad for a liner lock
Northwoods fremont jack or whatever it is called, GEC missisippi
ESEE 3/4 is oddly satisfying to pull out
 
Freeman Button Lock (just such a solid knife with a great "thunk", even with an aluminum handle)
Reate Valkyrie (all the Reates really, it's just the Valkyrie ergos fit my hand the best)
ZT0562
ZT0801
BM943
BM551
Kizer 4421
Kizer 4443 (the Kizer flippers do amazingly well for knives on washers)
Spyderco Dragonfly (sadly, the Southard is a nice knife but not a good flicker)
Spyderco PM2 (so fun to depress compression lock and flip the blade out with a little axial roll of the hand)

I love deploying my Small 21, but it's not a "flick"...CRK's just aren't flickers but they're still a joy to play with.
 
My ZT 0562 came so stiff the flipper wouldn't open it without a bit of wrist flick. I've loosened the pivot some and flicked it opened about 500 times and its better. But its no where near what other people are getting from theirs. And whomever sharpened it, needs a lesson. Parts of the blade struggle with copy paper while other parts cut phonebook paper. And the bevels aren't even.

The only other flipper I own is a Kershaw Camber. Great action from a small blade. It's my EWDC (Every Work Day Carry) knife.
 
ZT550 hands down is the smoothest non flipper I've got that can be flicked open with the thumb studs
 
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