9 Best Flipper Knives – Top Models Tested & Reviewed
In the 1990s, flipper knives were introduced and easily gained popularity because they offered the most reliable method to open every day carry (EDC) knives with one hand. Along with the thumb hole, the thumb stud and the wave, the flipper is one of the major methods for opening folding pocket knives.
Typically, you can find the flipper on the knife’s spine as part of the blade. Deploy the blade using your index finger to pull back on it. If you are worried about accidental knife injuries, the flipper will give you peace of mind, as the blade normally swings around and ends up underneath the knife.
Table of Contents
- 9 Best Flipper Knives - Comparisons
- Best Flipper Knives in 2020 - Reviews
- 1. Spyderco Southard Folder G-10 Plain Edge Knife
- 2. Benchmade AXIS Flipper 300
- 3. Ontario Knife OKC Carter Prime Titanium Flipper Knife
- 4. Zero Tolerance 0460 Dmitry Sinkevich Flipper Knife
- 5. Zero Tolerance 0220 Anso TI KVT Flipper Knife
- 6. Zero Tolerance 0801 Titanium Flipper Knife
- 7. Zero Tolerance 0350BW BlackWash Hinderer Flipper Knife
- 8. Zero Tolerance Les George 0900 Titanium Flipper Knife
- 9. Zero Tolerance 0801 Rexford Flipper Knife
- Final Verdict
9 Best Flipper Knives - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Primary Material | Blade Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | CTS 204P Steel | 3.46" | ||
  | BenchmadeAXIS Flipper 300 (Currently unavailable) | 440C Carbon Steel | 3.18" | |
  | Robust D2 steel | 3.37" | ||
  | S35VN Stainless Steel | 3.25" | ||
  | Steel: S35VN | 3.5" | ||
  | Steel: ELMAX | 3.5" | ||
  | Steel: S30V | 3.25" | ||
  | Steel: S35VN | 2.7" | ||
  | ELMAX Steel | 3.5" |
Best Flipper Knives in 2020 - Reviews
Based in Golden, Colorado, Spyderco is a cutlery company producing high-quality knives and knife sharpeners. Its Folder G-10 Plain Edge Knife was designed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Brad Southard, an expert in high-performance folder designs.
With an overall length of 7.96 inches, this flipper knife is small and lightweight. It is made of titanium, the CTS-204P stainless steel of Carpenter Technology Corporation and a high-pressure fiberglass laminate called G-10.
What we liked
- The knife is very durable and has a rock-solid lock.
- The blade is razor-sharp.
- With its well-designed blade shape, it’s a great EDC knife.
- The perfect ratio of blade to handle allows the knife to flip very nicely.
- The blade is easy to sharpen.
What we didn't like
- It is only available in brown.
Headquartered in Oregon City, Oregon, the Benchmade Knife Company is a brand trusted by people in the military, law enforcement, rescue, outdoor sporting cutlery and mixed martial arts.
The AXIS Flipper 300 was the first flipper released by Benchmade. This lightweight flipper knife is 7.36 inches long when opened and has a drop-point style blade.
This flipper knife has G10 grips and three opening mechanisms including a flipper, a knob on the blade and an axis lock. It was designed with both right- and left-handed people in mind. You can choose between the serrated edge and the plain edge versions.
What we liked
- The knife has a reliable locking mechanism.
- It has an ambidextrous design.
- The blade deploys quickly and smoothly.
- The blade is sharp and holds an edge very well.
- The blade is easy to sharpen.
What we didn't like
- The handle is a little too thick and heavy.
Ontario Knife Company has been manufacturing knives since 1889. Among their products is the Carter Prime Titanium Flipper Knife, designed by custom knifemaker Robert Carter, grandson of Melvin Pardue and son of Joe Pardue, who are both legendary knifemakers.
The Carter Prime Titanium Flipper Knife weighs 5.6 ounces and is 7.95 inches long. The plain edge blade is made of D2 tool steel and has a stone wash finish, while its handle is made of lightweight anodized titanium. Uniquely designed, the knife features a liner lock flipper that offers a remarkably fast action.
What we liked
- The knife looks great.
- It operates smoothly.
- It has a very helpful tip-up clip.
- It handles hardcore tasks more effectively than other EDC knives.
- It has a robust blade.
What we didn't like
- The handle may feel odd initially.
- At first, you may need to use gun oil to facilitate opening.
Since its inception, Zero Tolerance has been manufacturing knives intended for heavy-duty use, such as the flipper knife designed by Belarusian knifemaker Dmitry Sinkevich.
Weighing 2.3 ounces, the Dmitry Sinkevich Flipper Knife has an overall length of 7.5 inches. The S35VN blade steel of the knife is rich in chromium carbides, niobium and vanadium. The two-tone blade was stonewashed on the flats and finished with satin on the grinds.
Made of carbon fiber and titanium, the handle of the flipper knife has a pronounced ergonomic curve. For dimensionality and grip, the front handle was partially 3D machined.
What we liked
- The knife ensures fast flipping action.
- The bronze carbon fiber front scale gives the knife sharp looks.
- It is lightweight.
- It was designed with remarkable toughness and resistance to edge chipping.
- Its ergonomic handle will neatly fit in your hand.
- The tip is very sharp.
What we didn't like
- This is not the knife for those who need big and long knives.
Weighing 6.2 ounces, the 0220 Anso Flipper Knife is 8.4 inches long. Its modified drop-point blade has a slight recurve and is made of premium S35VN stainless steel, a powdered metallurgy steel, with added niobium and vanadium carbides.
This flipper knife features a KVT ball-bearing opening system and a titanium frame lock. The knife comes with a reversible deep-carry clip, as well.
What we liked
- The knife is attractive.
- Scratches are hidden by the stonewashed blade finish.
- You can open the knife easily and quickly.
- The blade is tough andwear-resistant.
- The blade is razor-sharp.
What we didn't like
- The knife is a little heavy.
Also in the list of high-quality Zero Tolerance knives is the 0801, a flipper knife designed by knifemaker Todd Rexford. It features a KVT ball-bearing opening system like the 0055 and the 0220.
With a titanium handle, the 0801 Titanium Flipper Knife is 8.2 inches long, but only weighs 5.8 ounces. Its ELMAX powdered steel blade deploys through a built-in flipper.
What we liked
- The knife looks great.
- It is easy to maintain.
- The handle gives you a secure grip.
- The blade is razor-sharp.
- The blade is remarkably strong and has excellent edge retention.
- Hard-use scratches are hidden by the stonewashed blade finish.
What we didn't like
- The knife has a reversible pocket clip, but it tends to work better for right-handed persons than for left-handed ones.
If you want a flipper knife with a pocket clip that can be mounted in more than two ways, Zero Tolerance has one. It is called the 0350BW, which comes in a BlackWash coating.
The 0350BW features a quad-mount system. In addition to right and left side mounting, there are also tip-up and tip-down options.
One unique feature of the 0350BW is its patented assisted opening system called SpeedSafe. Even when you’re wearing gloves, you can deploy the S30V steel blade easily and quickly whether you are left or right handed.
Weighing 5.6 ounces, this flipper knife is 7.75 inches long and comes with a sharpener and nylon sheath.
What we liked
- The knife is very versatile.
- The BlackWashcoating reduces friction and hides hard-use scratches on the blade.
- The blade is exceptionally durable, wear resistant and corrosion resistant.
- While you’re using the knife, the blade is secured by a locking liner.
- The flipper is ambidextrous.
What we didn't like
- The sheath may be too small for the knife.
The Les George 0900 was designed by a knifemaker who spent over 10 years in the United States Marine Corps and has been making knives since 1992.
This 6.6-inch flipper knife has apremium S35VN stainless steel blade that features a stonewash finish. Its full titanium handle comes with a reversible tip-up carry pocket clip and a frame lock.
What we liked
- The knife is an attractive compact folder.
- Its size is functional and fits most people.
- Opening it is fast and easy.
- The blade is tough and chip-resistant.
What we didn't like
- The short handle and extreme blade point may irritate your thumb.
If you want a flipper knife with machined titanium handles, Zero Tolerance offers the 0801 Rexford. It was designed by knifemaker Todd Rexford and features a black stainless pocket clip.
The 8.25-inch 0801 Rexford weighs 7.2 ounces.
What we liked
- The knife has an ambidextrous design.
- It has a reversible pocket clip designed for deep carry.
- The handle is durable and strong.
- The handle gives a secure grip.
- Opening is hassle-free.
What we didn't like
- The knife is not as light as others with titanium handles.
Final Verdict
Before looking for the best flipper knives, you have to be aware first of the proper size and weight for you. Other knives may have topnotch features but may not work well for you because they are either too big and heavy or too small and light for you. To make it easier for you to choose the right knife, check the trusted products listed above first.
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