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What's up with ZT? Does every knife they put out have to be a flipper?
- Thread starter Hawk45
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Well they also offer automatics
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The Emerson collabs have thumb disks
Wolverine666
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I agree. There are a few designs that I really like but the flipper aspect keeps me away. I really like the 0550. It's the only ZT I own.
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Haven't you heard about their new fixed blade flipper lineup?
Well, it is not like you cannot use the thumb studs on ZT knives? The knives deploy just fine (for the ones I own) using thumb studs. Also, why do you not like flippers? They allow for a more natural deployment thus meaning you can deploy faster in emergencies, overall make it easier/faster to deploy and they protect your fingers from sliding forward acting as an increased finger choil. What isn't to like?
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I can grind that flipper off
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On one of my 560s it is completely impossible to deploy the blade with the thumb stud. Same with my 0562cf. ZT themselves claims they are in fact not thumbstuds but rather blade stops. I don't mind this at all because it means the blade has a great detent which I like but just thought I would point this out. My 550 and 301 deploy just fine with the thumbstud.
Flippers are fun knives to play with and there are some really good ones out there. I think they can make ideal gent's knives and urban carry pieces.
One of the things I like most about my ZT 561 is that it works equally well by thumb stud or flipper even though it's not exactly designed to. I really like that about it.
I'd still not rely on a flipper as a shtf, survival or bush primary though.
One of the things I like most about my ZT 561 is that it works equally well by thumb stud or flipper even though it's not exactly designed to. I really like that about it.
I'd still not rely on a flipper as a shtf, survival or bush primary though.
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Well the thumb studs are absolutely terrible on the 0804, 0900, 0600, 0909, 0450 and 0452. I don't mind flippers, but I don't find them any more natural to deploy that any other method and less so than some.
I'll also bet you any amount of money you can't deploy your flipper faster than I can deploy my Cold Steel AK-47.
My ZT 0560BW was like that also, but after I broke my knife in they work like a charm and the detent is the same. Yes, I know they aren't technically thumb studs, but they wouldn't put grooves for traction if they didn't want people to possibly use them for deployment.
The way I have trained myself to reached into my pocket makes my finger go right onto the flipper with a secure grip so that works for me. You're comparing different types of deployment. I was just saying why I enjoyed flippers, and I only have a few ZT's so I cannot speak for all. So, of course take it with a grain a salt. I can only speak for my experience.
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You claimed flippers allowed for faster deployment, I pointed out that they don't. No competition, just truth. And the only part of my hand that goes into my pocket to grab a clipped folder is my thumb.
Wolverine666
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Wonderful that you enjoy flippers. Not everyone feels that way. I de-clip my knives. I like a nice clean design to move in and out of my pocket smoothly without any obstructions . I find a flipper "trigger" to be an ugly , unnecessary hindrance that snags my pocket liner. Tried it. Hate it. I'm quite happy with a thumb stud or hole.
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Sometimes flippers are fun, but I usually prefer thumbstuds. I can open and use my knives a little better if I don't have my 0909 firing out with a THWACK! everytime. I love the Original Talos's studs, wish ZT would offer a Les George with nice thumb-studs, too.
yes, I believe I made my stance on flippers very obvious. Now, that being said... Since you de clip your knives (and I assume), having them loose in your pocket, deployment isn't an issue... and if you DID use a pocket clip like the knives were designed to primarily, the flipper would point into the middle of your pocket, not face the liner so you would not have that issue. I also don't think flippers look neat, but I prefer function over looks. I guess just different preferences for different folks. I found your post interesting as I would never de-clip my folders.
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Rival1314
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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zt is known for making what sells, and i think thats what you are seeing. If you are familiar with the site Knife News, they recently did a survey about all types of details such as preferred opening mechanisms, locks, carry preference, etc... That survey showed that flippers are the #1 preferred opening mechanism (along with tip up carry and framelocks). No suprise that the majority of ZTs fall into that category, and they sell like hotcakes. I believe thumbstuds were the #2, but personally im just not a fan.
Best of luck finding something you like
Your truth isnt the same for everyone, isnt it possible that for him the flipper is fastest? I'm also able to deploy my flippers faster than stud knives because I use them more. Im sure you are very fast with your cold steel, but as they guy pointed out its not a competition, its a preference.
Best of luck finding something you like
Your truth isnt the same for everyone, isnt it possible that for him the flipper is fastest? I'm also able to deploy my flippers faster than stud knives because I use them more. Im sure you are very fast with your cold steel, but as they guy pointed out its not a competition, its a preference.
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Wolverine666
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Interesting indeed. As is your response to said post. I would never leave any of my folders "with clip". I find I get a better grip on most knives without a clip in the mix. Is this what led me to eventually becoming anti-flipper (due to trigger/pocket seem dilemma) ? Possibly. That and the unsightly trigger. Just my preference. But I guess that's why there are things called "options". Anyway , your passion for flippers and clips is compelling.
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If a company only offers knives as flippers, and you don't like flippers, then the obvious choice would be to not buy from that company. There are far too many brand options to be whining about a single company.
You could go with Benchmade, they have thumbstuds and an awesome locking system at around the same price and quality as a ZT. You can go with the Spyderco Spydie super hole opener, tried and true. It's ugly, but it's performance is undeniable.
You could go with Benchmade, they have thumbstuds and an awesome locking system at around the same price and quality as a ZT. You can go with the Spyderco Spydie super hole opener, tried and true. It's ugly, but it's performance is undeniable.
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He didn't say a flipper was faster for him, but that it allowed faster and easier deployment. If he'd modified the claim rather than making it universal I wouldn't have taken issue with his statement. He didn't so I pointed out that what he said simply wasn't true in every case.
Basically, your line about my truth not being the same? Tell him, not me.