Zieba Southern Star Flipper M390 4” Blade, $674 Recommend?

Douglas Wever

Douglas Wever

Joined
Mar 23, 2018
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66
So I have been exceedingly happy with M390 blade on my Benchmade 761 Titanium; not quite as enthusiastic about the Benchmade mechanics on this frame lock. But hey, at $329 I’m good!

So I’ve located another Titanium with M390, the Zieba Southern Star Flipper from Michael Zieba and Jason Knight.

Cost: $674.95 CAN ANYONE GIVE ME A RECOMMENDATION RE THIS KNIFE? Thanks!

“The Southern Star is a full-size folder with a fully 3D contoured Titanium handle and backspacer reminiscent of that of a solidly built fixed blade knife. The sweeping Bohler, 4” M390 powdered stainless steel recurve blade is designed for heavy cutting and the signature Knight-designed fuller groove gives it a racy, practical look and lightens the blade for lightning fast flipping.


The internally lightened 5.25” Titanium handles are the core feature of this knife. The 3D machining is so comfortable it will allow you to cut for long periods without any hot spots or fatigue. The frame lock is rugged enough for fixed blade knife chores and has a maker-replaceable lock face for a perfect lock up. At over 6 ounces the “Southern Star” is a handful and the kind of knife you can stake your life on.
 
It's really subjective, the materials are good but others use it as well, the design is personal taste. Jason Knight is of course a big name and Zieba makes some high quality knives as far as people have stated, so if you personally are good with the price it won't be a bad purchase. But there is a ton of knives out there in the same range, same materials and probably as good in terms of production.
Maybe somebody else can chime in who actually owns that exact knife, although I would be surprised if there is anything objectively bad about it in terms of manufacturing given the people and company behind it.
If you're interested in other suggestions, feel free to post your budget and what you're looking for in a knife (Size, Weight, Blade Shape, Lock Type, Country of Origin etcpp), then you can get flooded with recommendations. Since M390 and Titanium is pretty ubiquitous these days, or at least fairly widely available on a number of models.
 
I have no doubt it's a nice knife, but it's a bit of a boat anchor, isn't it? Seven ounces is a lot of weight. I carry some 4" bladed knives and they're much, much lighter (e.g. my CKF Milk or ZT 0454 both weigh about 4.3 ounces) and all of them were less expensive. As an example, the CKF Milk was <$400 new, has internally lightened titanium handles and a 4.2" M390 blade, and IMO about the most perfect action of any flipper I've ever owned (and I've owned Shiros, so be quiet you Shiro cultists).

That said, luxury goods are worth what you're willing to pay for them. Do you feel $675 worth of want for it?
 
You know after letting it digest a bit. You started out pretty strong with your first expensive knife, why don't you look at a couple "cheaper" knives, just to gain a bit perspective. I'm thinking maybe a ZT 0920, it's almost a third of the price with Titanium, a large blade and excellent steel and action as well as american made if you care about that aspect. Or if you're open to venturing to the asian market, a Reate Horizon D also offers quite a lot for half the price and has a fuller and flipper, again Ti and M390.
 
OK, so how about a sale Cold Steel Tri-Ad Lock Gray G-10 4” 62RN on sale for $329.95 marked down from $599? Is CS one of those companies that over prices the heck out to give the appearance of huge discounts or is that actually a great price.?

Anyway it has CPM-20CV (Crucible’s version of Bohler M390).
 
Douglas Wever said:
OK, so how about a sale Cold Steel Tri-Ad Lock Gray G-10 4” 62RN on sale for $329.95 marked down from $599? Is CS one of those companies that over prices the heck out to give the appearance of huge discounts or is that actually a great price.?

Anyway it has CPM-20CV (Crucible’s version of Bohler M390).
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The 4-Max is an absolute tank, 9+ oz IIRC. If you're into that sort of thing, I'm sure it would be solid.

If you want something lighter, but with titanium handles and a ~4" M390 blade, you could also check out the Real Steel Megalodon for right around $200.
 
Dude, I wouldn't pay more than $150 for any Cold Steel folder.

It almost seems like you're trolling but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you aren't. Put away your wallet and spend some time reading and interacting with the very knowledgeable membership here.

Take a few minutes and describe your needs and intended use of a folding knife. You say you liked your Benchmade, but what about it has you looking for something new?

Cool your jets and learn before you spend. Knives are like the City bus...if you miss one, another will be along in a few minutes.

Welcome to Blade Forums! If I sound like a jerk, I blame it on being old and cranky.
 
Funny.
I saw the post stating that the S5 weighed 7oz and absolutely had to grab mine and put it on the scale due to the disbelief.
And it does in fact weigh about seven ounces.
Doesn't feel like it though.
It's a big knife with a lot of handle for a large handed individual so it doesn't feel heavy at all.
Just well balanced.
I've got others that are the same weight with no thought as to proper balance and I won't carry them.
At the price you've stated I would not hesitate to buy the S5.
Great knife!
ShvVIKJ.jpg
 
Hackenslash, I wouldn’t even know how to troll on this topic. I know zero about Cold Steel Knives, here’s the sale I mentioned https://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-4-Max-Tri-Ad-Lock-Knife--53273

When I started to knife carry in state LE after some training, I carried a D2 Benchmade 710 for years and a seatbelt cutter. Also later had a Benchmade BOB LUM LFti Tanto (my first Titanium frame) but couldn’t carry the second knife on duty because the pant clip was in the wrong place and wasn’t movable as I remember.

Not really up for another hobby with a big learning curve, just a second reliable knife. Asked someone who I trust, and along with the comments here, the Zieba Southern Star should fit the bill. Thanks to all.
 
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Zeiba makes an awesome knife. I love my mini-S1. Very good ergos with all his knives. I bought mine from him at a show, all his knives were excellent. Good value for the money too.
 
The Italian 4 Max's can be had for around $280 if your patient. The prices will drop when a new shipment goes out.
 
Barman1 said:
Funny.
I saw the post stating that the S5 weighed 7oz and absolutely had to grab mine and put it on the scale due to the disbelief.
And it does in fact weigh about seven ounces.
Doesn't feel like it though.
It's a big knife with a lot of handle for a large handed individual so it doesn't feel heavy at all.
Just well balanced.
I've got others that are the same weight with no thought as to proper balance and I won't carry them.
At the price you've stated I would not hesitate to buy the S5.
Great knife!
ShvVIKJ.jpg
Click to expand...

I did buy it. Here https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat_Zieba-Southern-Star-Flipper-Titanium-Framelock/productinfo/WTK-ZK-SSK/
Also found it in stock here: http://forthenrycustomknives.com/pr...-knight-custom-xl-s5-flipper-one-of-two-copy/

But I liked the Titanium frame’s plain Jane finish of the sample at Wilson Combat’s web page better appearing to me more as a tool than a jewel and perhaps fits the Alaskan no frills ethos better.

Thanks again for the advice, that was the first-hand-experience that pushed me in! Now the shipment all the way up here, we’ve leaned to be patient.
 
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I w
Douglas Wever said:
I did buy it. Here https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat_Zieba-Southern-Star-Flipper-Titanium-Framelock/productinfo/WTK-ZK-SSK/
Also found it in stock here: http://forthenrycustomknives.com/pr...-knight-custom-xl-s5-flipper-one-of-two-copy/

But I liked the Titanium frame’s plain Jane finish of the sample at Wilson Combat’s web page better appearing to me more as a tool than a jewel and perhaps fits the Alaskan no frills ethos better.

Thanks again for the advice, that was the first-hand-experience that pushed me in! Now the shipment all the way up here, we’ve leaned to be patient.
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I was curious about the price being significantly lower than what I paid and realize now that it's raw ti.
That and mine came with a custom Zeiba bead and a Brooklyn bottle opener that has me a little confused as to why seeing as they retail for $149 on their own.
When you get yours you'll have to post up some pictures and let me know if it came with any extras.
 
I’m looking at buying this exact knife and I too am interested in seeing more pics of the Wilson Combat version and whether it comes with any extras.
 
smuiradise said:
I’m looking at buying this exact knife and I too am interested in seeing more pics of the Wilson Combat version and whether it comes with any extras.
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What extras? The little bean skull?

Wilson Combat actually called me this morning to warn me it would take 3-5 business days to Alaska or did I want to pay an additional $51 I think it was to keep the overnight I had previously selected. So I’ll be posting in 3-5 business days.
 
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