Doctor's Discussion - Front Flippers: Fun or Frustrating?

My thoughts on the recent run of front flippers. I discuss my ideas on what makes a front flipper great versus not so great. What do you think? Let's have a discussion!
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[@mitchelldelmar9682]

Flying knives are fun... keeps everybody on their toes.

[@johobo2038]

Mitchell Delmar awesome. Lol!!!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

LOL! As long as everyone KEEPS their toes!

[@daveq8745]

I'm a big fan of multiple ways of opening/deploying the blade. I'm new to front flippers, my first front flipper was the real steel g5 metamorph. Very affordable but only one way to deploy the blade and took me several weeks to figure out how to use, thumb, index finger. I recently purchased the Kizer genie , good price and reviews. We'll see how that one works! Good videos, very diverse and informative.

[@sharpsharp4928]

Regardless of size, placement, or detent... it sure beats the piss out of an old school nail nick.

[@kurtstreyffeler405]

Great discussion video. My top 10 ranking of FFs would be: 1. WingManEDC Mach 1 2. Pena Apache 3. WE Black Void Opus 4. Artisan Centauri 5. Kizer Feist (after disassembly, nano oil and pivot adjustment) 6. Civivi Exarch (after disassembly, nano oil and pivot adjustment) 7. Boker Exskelibur (Ghoul Queen edition) 8. Kubey Barracuda (new release) 9. Boos Mini Smoke (too thin and small) 10. Real Steel G5 Metamorph (too thin and long, really have to watch palm placement) Worst action: MKM Viper Burnley Raut. (very small front flipper tab. Works okay with the back flipper)

[@DSNugent91]

The Smoke was my first FF and I have to say I'm a fan. I love the fidget factor of the smoke, I literally just can't stop flipping/flicking it. I'm new to you channel so just catching up on some of your videos. Great content!

[@PlhPatrick]

I like the front flipper. I am more of a flipper knive guy, and a fan of unique opening knives. That being said, if it doesn’t work then I’m out. I will put the time in to perfect the opening, but just like any other knive, the more fun it is to open the more it gets into the rotation. Great video, hopefully the knife makers are watching.

[@coopermarion547]

Have you found any good front flippers? What's your favorite unique opening you've had?

[@daleparker2149]

Just bought the Civivi Exarch...$50 front flipper. Thoughts so far..."Front flippers, the answer to a question nobody's asked!" I'm not digging it. The first half dozen efforts to open it result in dropping it twice and nearly cutting myself the rest. Maybe I'm a clutz?? I'll keep playing with it, but it isn't nearly as intuitive as the back flippers or Benchmark axis lock. I will say it is smooth and shaving sharp out of the box. Quality is there and I'd love it...if it was a back flipper! Thanks for what you post here. Just subbed.

[@pokrpaul1]

Txs Dr. You answered many of my questions about this type of design

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Cool!

[@Gpknives]

Great discussion of the pros and cons of the front flipper design. You really cover all the bases well here and showcase some solid front flipper designs. I'm a fan of a well executed FF and I hope to see some other production companies offer FF designs rather than continue rolling out the titanium FLF. Keep up the good work!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thank you! I think FF are fun, but only if well executed. Wile not the most practical of designs, knife nuts with 15 other blades will rejoice in the freshness of this method. Thank you for your support and your great knife store!

[@stoutdog56]

I like the front flipper concept for the slim profile of the knife with the exception of my Busker. I have added 4 to my collection this year. I didn't know I already had one in my CRK Inkosi. I wanted a Shamwari but the Boker Exskelibur carbon fiber has appeased my desire for one at this time.

[@deadmanrunning6670]

Nice review! I first bought the Kizer Feist and I suspect that yours is part of the first low quality builds. There was definitely a learning curve being my first experience. I had the knife fly from my hand more than once, but after some practice I've suitably mastered the technique - it works for me anyway. I latch onto the pocket clip with three fingers middle to pinky, flip with the thumb as high up on the flipper tab as possible, and a little wrist. In fact now when I flip the knife open, I can spread the index finger and the thumb and retain the knife with only those 3 fingers on the pocket clip. As far as closing, the lock bar relief is shallow, I suspect to preserve the lines of the knife. I have several knives with this problem. What works best for me is to disengage the lock bar using the index finger. My opinion, I love front flippers. Currently I have a couple of Feists, a few Twosun models, the Spyderco Smock, a couple of Real Steel Metamorphs, and a CKF Snecx Terra

[@peterramos]

As a dentist, I trust the safety of front flippers rather than front flippers. This vid made me hesistant to buy FF's. Almost bit the bullet on Shamwari haha!

[@smeefbeef367]

I had a cheap knife that had a detent that was way too much so I used 1500,3000,5000, and 7000 grit sandpaper to decrease the detent on it. Just rub the detent ball down a little until it’s better. Maybe not something you’d wanna do to a higher end knife but it’s worth a try.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

A solid idea, but one I might not try on someone else's knife. I may try it one day tho.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

I’ve never dropped my Smoke, but you do have to strike a balance between how tightly you grip the knife while flipping. For me I have to relax my fingers which loosens your grip. It’s gonna be different for everyone, so it wouldn’t be something that you can really teach someone else to do imo. Quantum physics moment is the perfect description, FF 👍.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Haha, I had been watching some science videos this week and learning about space time. So the thought just came to my head about quantum mechanics and how I sometimes can't tell if I'm holding the knife or dropping it!!

[@thomaslanders1162]

You brought up good points.. I'm not a fan of regular flippers (I have a few) so I'll probably avoid front flippers.. The front flipper needs an almost perfect size/angled flipper tab, certain detent and purchase on knife handle (clip etc)....My hands are at least XL that adds to the problem.. I guess they could be good for some people but not me..

[@johobo2038]

Thomas Landers I agree. I like larger knives and I feel like most of these front flippers, so far at least, are smaller.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Why are you not a fan of regular flippers? I'm curious if the front flipper solves any of the issues or just makes them worse. I think it is far more challenging to make this opening method ergonomic across a wide array of hand sizes. Hence, most people would be fine with a regular flipper of any size, but try putting small hands on a big front flipper or big hands on a small one...very awkward.

[@johobo2038]

Doctor Frunkey I missed where he said he didn't like regular flippers. I agree that I like larger knives but I enjoy regular flippers quite a bit.

[@thomaslanders1162]

I agree that the front flipper would be more cumbersome for different hand shapes etc.. I just prefer thumbstuds or an opening home to a flipper.. I think there is less manipulation of the knife opening with a thumbstud..Plus, less worry about detents being dialed in perfect for flipping.. Many flipper tabs aren't great in the pocket either... However, I don't care how fast I can open a knife.. I grew up with knife violence since the early 80's.. Knives are a bad choice for a SD weapon for many reasons...

[@nickdovgi]

I bought a Boos Blades Smoke TM1 front flipper and loved it but it was second hand and wasnt in the greatest condition and a little big so I sold it but I just ordered a Pena X series Zulu and I have a feeling its going to be my new favorite knife. Front flippers are definitely the best and most fun deployment method in my opinion.

[@NeuroSquire]

I agree that probably the best things about front flippers are the lack of pocket pecker, clean lines, and the versatility in opening them can be fun to play with. I got a busker and it's way more fun to play with than my other knives.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

That's it exactly. It's meant as almost a fidget factor for knife guys who are disillusioned with index flippers. I personally like them, but don't see them as practical or tactical. Now certainly, if you have light EDC needs, they can be very fun!

[@mattsedcandmore.1290]

Think I'm going to get the real steel metamorph front flipper. It's only 60 bucks and has the roller bearing instead of balls. For 60 buck think it should hopefully be a win.

[@chrisallan4591]

I've had a G5 for about a year now (gold rose color) and it's become a daily shirt pocket carry... because most folks see it as a pen rather than a knife. It's a handy and practical blade grind in, what I think is a comfortable handle. Some consider the handle to be a bit slippery, especially if you're hands are very dry and calloused. As to flipping it open, I don't really practice with it much anymore because my hand (I'm a lefty by the way) has gotten used to the position of best control/operation. At first, I'd get it open cleanly 3 out of 5 tries, but with use, proper pivot screw adjustment and a little bit of break-in, I get it right about 90% of the time... and with the remaining 10%, a snap of the wrist gets it the rest of the way. On the bearing tension adjustment, because it's rollers, with quite a bit more surface contact area, you can run a very light amount to no preload at all, and still have the perception of zero side to side lash. That's about it... well worth the $60 - or if you've got the cash (about $165), the new "S5" version with titanium handles and CPM S35VM in a front or CONVENTIONAL flipper option.

[@sb792079]

I'm a weird one... for some reason I've grown a habit of using flipper tabs with my thumb. I'll admit, I don't know why I do that. Unless the handle is huge, or it has a bit pocket clip, I definitely DO have that "quantum" moment. But i've gotten used to it enough that I can thumb-open a boker urban trapper petite. So I'm really loving front-flippers. It's like a mechanism that's made for me. I wish there were more options out there!

[@ricksgameuploads4017]

Love my Real Steel G5 Metamorph V2. It's important to get the V2 so you get the texture on the handle, as the main complaint with the V1 was the inability to grip it well enough when opening. I use my index finger around the top to flip it open, it gives me the ability to get a really good grip on it with my pinky and ring finger on the clip, middle finger on the textured part of the handle, and thumb opposite my middle finger. In my opinion it works much better than opening it with your thumb. I haven't had a flyer yet. Great knife for $60.

[@danpusceddu]

I love front flippers (and I wish you had a TBC in that set) but I always hold them in a secure pinch grip (thumb and middle finger just behind the pivot) and flip with my index finger. Never had one fly out of my had that way!

[@frankbutta9344]

They’re certainly interesting. I can’t see an advantage over regular flippers, but I haven’t handled one. Good video!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thank you!

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I've never had a ff in my hand but i like the way the knives look.... i really want to try one.. i might see if i can get my hands on a smoke and try it out... there needs to be a rental knife place people can go.. 😂😂😂😂 Great video.

[@dane5896]

My Brother gave me a Case Russlock knife. It's a one hand opening (front flip) traditional knife. Fun to play with, after you get the hang of it.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Sweet1 It's fun to learn about all these knives I don't know about!

[@Jim00000]

Like all things, they have their pros and cons. I also appreciate front flippers for their clean lines. I only have the Kizer feist as an example but I had to go through 3 of them before finding the perfect one. I agree that the detent is too strong. My third one was actually perfect. I just wish Kizer had better quality control even though people rave about their quality for a production knife.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think Shabazz did a great job of chronicling the Feist's flaws. It's a shame as most Kizers are perfect from the factory. But again, the subtleties of front flippers may have been lost on early iterations of the Feist, and thy learned to balance these factors on newer models.

[@obxnice]

Hopefully after Christmas and maybe after my next income tax is done I will need to get a front flipper. Have seen them out for a little while now and been extremely interested in them. Have never even tried a front flipper out before but think I would like em. Only bad thing about living in a small county, there is no stores but Walmart or Home Depot to get a knife. So checking out one isn’t something you can do here. And for some strange reason I’m the only one I know around here who actually collects knives. Stinks. But guns is a different story here. People think I’m crazy to spend $100s on a knife. Maybe one of these days I will get a front flipper in my hands. Will happen when I buy it. Just hope I like em.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Sometimes, we just have to bite the bullet and buy a knife sight-unseen and hope for the best!

[@lanehoward8816]

my normal flippers I use my thumb on most of mine I think it comes from years of knives with thumb studs I've owned Each knife I have I find different ways to open the blade I think front flippers like u said have to have the rite detent or its a bust on opening 4 most ppl if the detent is to much ppl get bored and set it down and go onto the next knife in there line up you explained it purfect Doc cool video 👍

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think you would love a front flipper my friend! If you open all your flippers with your thumb anyway! Haha! I should send you one!

[@lanehoward8816]

Doctor Frunkey 😉😊

[@MrGeerbear]

Doc- While I understand the idea to reduce the profile, I find them somewhat cumbersome. Certainly not as easy to deploy as other methods. Only good if you don't care about fast deployment. Be ready for lots of fails. I've had no drops, but always feel like it is a possibility. I'm glad you tackled this subject.

[@MrGeerbear]

BTW- My Kizer Wakulla was the best front flipper, but I think this deployment method is headed for the dustbin of history. People aren't fond of losing control of their knives and having them fly around. They all are different as far as getting the action right which is another negative.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think it's a curiosity rather than a necessity. I would not want a front flipper in any sort of emergency situation!

[@MrGeerbear]

That is exactly what I've been thinking.

[@chrisallan4591]

"Absolute cheapest" in a good quality knife is the Real Steel G5 Metamorph at around $60. They just introduced a higher grade version, using titanium for the handles with CPM S35VN blade steel... running around $165 at knife center... the only current retailer I'm aware of. (this version is also available as a conventional flipper... should the front flip concept be a bit too scary) Regarding "quantum mechanics", the Metamorph does suffer from a lack of grip... the relatively smooth, anodized aluminum offering little to hang on to. I find that if my hands are slightly damp/sweaty, the available grip goes up considerably vs. dry hands.

[@rohandas5987]

Oh man, that Olamic Busker looks so good

[@lamprozar1]

Nice review great topic since this is being brought to market some are very cool designs definitely not for me I like a simple action you said your self it takes patients to handle one so it just doesn't seem that it's for me thank you for sharing 👊 👊👊

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Definitely a more complicated deployment. Not for everyone! Thanks!!

[@PongbyAtari]

I much prefer the standard flipper much easier for one hand operation & a lot more fidget friendly. I own two front flippers and doubt I will by a third.

[@davidcalderwood2887]

I know this is an old video, but try the newer Kizer Feist in carbon fiber, I'm not sure what they did but the action is so much smoother on it compared to the original kizer.

[@valebliz]

Even the second gen framelock is perfectly ok. I got one and i don't have any problem with it

[@jkstdstang]

I love front flippers and own a few. I agree the fiest while classy looking has a very strong detent. The indiana knives exclusive g10 version of the real steel metamorph is an affordable one to try out for anyone wondering about front flippers and works very well just be sure to get this version and not the super slippery regular aluminum model . I also own a boker decade exskelibur that looks very similar to a trevor burger but its a boker unfortunately With some issues. Boker also makes the mini a2 although i havent tried that one yet and probably won't. A Trevor burger or the garreth bull would be awesome to own!

[@pauljenkins2370]

I use another opening method for opening is , I use the side my index finger in radius motion. The problem is with sharp jimping on the flipper tab, the side on the finger gets sore. I soften the jimping on my Boos Smoke.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I fins myself unable to do this on most of these. Oddly, the Feist is the best for this motion for me!

[@MonkkeyJunkkie]

The Real Steel G5 metamorph is a pretty good one at about 60 bucks, looks really nice also.

[@kurtgrates4964]

Thank you Doc, I agree, I like the front flippers but prefer standard flippers a little bit more. For some stupid reason I have a hard time spydy flipping any knife.. I do like the way the Smoke carries in the pocket, time will tell how much I enjoy it, so far not a figgit friendly when compared to a traditional flipper

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thanks man!

[@kurtgrates4964]

Doc, The more I carry my Smoke the more I like the knife but the less I like front flippers. This is a great slicer, love the blade shape, well made light smooth, just no fun to flip.. the verdict is now in - no more front flippers..

[@alexanders1445]

That quantum mechanics equation every time I try to open it?! No thanks, I’ll stick with blade holes. More real estate then a stud or disc, it’s hard to try and miss a spydiehole.

[@albertptran]

Making sure im not the only one having a hard time opening the Feist

[@rmasterstyle138]

Just got a Cultrotech Kutch. So far I'm terrible at it lol. I have lots of knives and am very handy with them. This is the first style that has me off. But it's only been ten minutes or so. Hopefully after watching this I'll start to get it

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Enjoy. Thanks!!

[@knifenutsdave]

I like the idea of front flippers, but not as much the execution - primarily the detent strength balance that needs to be struck. I have/had four different knives that could be front flipped: Boos TS1, Kizer Wakulla, MCK Anax, and the CKF Veksha. The Kizer worked best because it essentially had no detent, so it was the best front flipper but also the easiest to shake out, which I find annoying. I think a Sebenza style detent where the blade can't be shaken out but the detent breaks easily when opening would be optimal for these knives.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I agree. Finding that sweet spot on the detent is key here. The Shamwari flips the best but the detent is weak as can be. I think the Smoke has it nailed pretty much perfectly.

[@knifenutsdave]

I tend to agree, mine was fantastic until the detent ball kept falling out (William sent me a replacement from the second generation thankfully).

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Yikes! Will watch out for that!

[@brokenspear6604]

I think they are cool, but I probably wouldn't buy one. Awesome video as always Doc

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thank you! An interesting fad that deserves analysis. Not for everyone.

[@cameronutt6383]

I like front flippers, maybe not as much as traditional flippers, but it's nice having something different. The Boker Exskelibur 1 is a decent front flipper in my experience (better than the Feist in my opinion and better than my Lombard Dassie front flipper), though Boker's quality can be hit or miss so bear that in mind, and if you order one its best to ask the seller to check it out for you. I'm also currently awaiting the next pre orders for the Boos blades Smoke. Also, I never really had trouble with front flippers (brother's Feist and my Dassie are the exceptions, My Exskelibur, and brother's Exskelibur are good to go and my friend's Gareth Bull Niura and Boos Smoke are both awesome). I was a daily smoker and stoner for over ten years (quit last October), so I know my way around a Bic lighter, and in my book it's the same basic concept if the front flipper is done right. Great video as always!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I actually owned one of the older Exskelibur 1's and it was quite terrible. It was beautiful, but the lock stick was unreal and the "flipping" action was very stiff. It is similar in a way to lighting a bic!

[@cameronutt6383]

Doctor Frunkey I have the carbon fiber and TI framelock model, my brother has the maple burl liner lock in 440c (he says his has just the tiniest amount of stick every now and then). Mine doesn't have lock stick and while the detent isn't super light it has a pretty decent action and I can snap it with authority or open it slowly. My biggest complaint (though it's kind of a pro) is that the scales are very thin, feels almost flimsy in a way. Sorry to hear you didn't get one of the good ones, but it's understandable because Boker can be very hit or miss in terms of quality (so can Benchmade and people still love them, I like my 940 but I specifically requested it was checked before it was sent. I think Boker is a bit worse though to be honest). Mine has serial# 0642 so I don't know exactly how old/new it is.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I had the maple burl one. I eventually sent it to Boker USA and they sent me a new knife haha. Boker is VERY hit or miss, but I would like to try one of the new Exskeliburs

[@zoo2you]

Yet to try one. But like the concept.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Try it out. Let me know what you think.

[@HidingFromJessica]

I kinda like a tuffer detent. There are no surprises when reaching in my pocket. Like scissoring my finger......again.....

[@HelpImDusty]

Stedemon makes a $50 front flipper. Maserin has 2 for under 100. Boker has the Exskelibur and the much cheaper panchenko design. There are many entry front flippers. Also if you were to hold the knife closer to the pivot you can flip ALL front flippers with your index finger. My first, second, and fourth knives in my collection are all front flippers so i can say i have a good idea what I'm talking about. If you wanna challenge try to open a Maserin Gourmet with your index lolz. That's crazy strong detent and also just not very smooth in my case :)

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Appreciate your thoughts here! I had a Boker Exskelibur large back in the day and it was not smooth. I just thought it was a timely discussion as there seems to be a rising awareness and popularity of this deployment mechanism. I feel it is novel and fun, but not as practical or even safe as other methods.

[@HelpImDusty]

I'll admit to it not being the safest! ESPECIALLY using your thumb! I've cut myself more times than I can count on each of my front flippers. My Decade Edition is rather smooth but not the smoothest, so you got me there, as well. I suggest the Real Steel G3 Puuko. ~$80 for the 12C27/SS version or ~$150 for the M390/Ti model, ball bearings on each. That may have been the hardest for me to get used to since opening with the index finger can apply much more pressure on the lock and I hadnt had a fronty with a frame lock at that point. It's a good knife to get a solid grasp on that way of flipping. Also, the moment of looseness you feel when using your thumb doesn't seem to happen with the index. Just a thought!

[@edcevo3052]

Love front flippers! Most of my knives are front flippers.

[@royalflush6542]

Like front flippers Needs smooth action as u mentioned I tend to use 2 hands sometimes because of the ergonomics As u said alt ways deployment are necessary Hate as nick describes the pocket pecker

[@Hunglikeagrimsmo]

I would rather have a front flipper over anything else but I'm also missing my index finger and they're so much easier for me to open than anything else other than push button automatics. Now I still can use normal flippers and spydie holes but it's alot harder using my middle finger because it acts as my index finger

[@masonklemetsen4149]

I had a gen 1 kizer feist, then did a warrenty claim, my news one felt way better, less lock bar tension, very smooth action, a great detent. And lookbinto the boker esklibur, I think they can be had for $100

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I had an early exskelibur (the maple burl liner lock) and it was quite terrible. The new generation may be better, but I haven't tried it.

[@JasonNwin]

My one and only front flipper is the Exkelibur. Mine flips great, but I don't really find the front flipper as intuitive as the other methods of deployment. So I never got another front flipper.

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

I bought a 4" Ti-Lite a while ago for shits and giggles and it's pretty fun as a front flipper lol.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I gotta look into this

[@johobo2038]

I've yet to acquire a front flipper and I don't have much interest in them. I'm still not sure at this point if I ever will. There are just to many other options that I want to try out before any knives with front flippers.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

It's true. this is for knife dudes with too much time and money! Haha!

[@Chinookman]

Same...maybe I’ll thin my heard and then...nah. I’ll probably get a back flipper next.

[@Bordodai]

You should give top flippers a try. I by far prefer it to front flippers. John Arnold (South African maker) makes the best top flippers I've felt.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I will give one a try someday! I don't think I really knew much about top flippers!

[@timothyallen9495]

Can't say I'm a fan yet, but if everyone can kinda go with how Boos/WE did it I think I'll have more around. The learning/fun curve is cool.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think Boos nailed it, but it takes a very special knife to do this right. This requires more finesse than a standard flipper, and the worst thing would be a stream of bad front flippers. But, I agree, once you "get it", there is a nice sense of satisfaction.

[@S8NSAYS]

I hate weak detents. I'm all for other ways of deployment if they make sense, but other than being something different for us knife nuts, I'm not convinced.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

fair point

[@kevinmorrice]

its not the cheapest, theres the boker wasabi, its available alot cheaper than kizer and is a very stylish knife

[@Pew7070]

When it comes to getting rid of the pocket pecker I’ll put up with the somehow difficult way of opening it.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Yeah, the index flipper is quite flawed. This is an elegant solution, but maybe not the best.

[@Pew7070]

Doctor Frunkey: It is my conclusion that the human mind, while an amazing and complex part of existence, is not yet operating in a completely efficient way. Anything we come up with, science and technology included, will never be 100% efficient. Why? Because our focus is in a large part under the control of desire/want. And desire/want has a tendency to go against objective reality which includes limitation. Sorry to go all philosophical on you but it was necessary to make my view a little clear. I accept that whatever mechanical contraptions we invent will be lacking at one level or another. Speed of deployment means inconvenient protrusions for a limited carry space. A smooth overall shape means a more difficult way of deployment. So it comes down to where an individual is willing to compromise by accepting the inherent shortcomings. This is just my opinion based on a very limited (one person) perception. I mean no further conflict than what is already existent under the reality of human perception. 🙏🏼

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Couldn't have said it better myself. I need to get you to write my scripts for these videos!

[@Pew7070]

Doctor Frunkey Well doc, while this is mighty flattering I think every man should die by his own tongue. 😉😆😜 But if you’re serious give me a buzz on IG. Cheers!

[@pauljenkins2370]

Zero Tolerance 0055 Gustavo GTC Cecchini Flipper, best of both front and traditional flipper???

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Not really a front flipper there, but I see what you are saying.

[@gregwalker4236]

for the very dexterous....think i am going to wait on this design, but i am not getting younger very quickly, so this is not likely to ever be on my radar.....kinda neat but knives flying around is like guns going off unexpectedly.....

[@abc456f]

I have a smoke tm-1 and still struggle to flip it in one smooth motion. Makes me not want to buy any other front flippers.

[@mike102069]

Boker has had them out for years now on the exskelibur line but not as good and these

[@fleagaunag]

What was that ZT you showed?

[@DoctorFrunkey]

0606BLK

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

I’d go for the smoke but it’s not available anywhere right now

[@moealfaleh5606]

Blade hq has an exclusive available right now.

[@captainsewerrat]

I think you should give the G3 from Real Steel a shot, it's a nice affordable front flipper (Possibly the G5 Metamorph as well once it's out). Be it the stainless version or the Ti. (I got the Scandi Stainless and it's a really nice knife for the money)

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I have yet to try a RealSteel. Maybe one day.

[@MrGeerbear]

I have the Real Steel Puukko S-series front flipper (titanium and M390) and it is difficult to open consistently like all other front flippers I've handled. Doc- Try the Real Steel S571 Pro or Megeladon with roller bearings. They are just great. Those bearings have the positives of both bearings and washers.

[@2KCamaroZ28SS]

Pocket Opener is the best

[@Oldmankingspiffy]

I like front flippers

[@jrg1231]

Front flippers and regular flippers are both just gimmicks, they take away more from the knife than they add, basically nothing but a fiddle factor and fun to play with. You get the most actual function out of a thumb hole opener.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Agreed. The worst thing a maker can do is limit opening to just a flipper, front or regular. The Spydie hole remains my favorite deployment method.

[@squirts1]

IMO front flippers are stupid/awkward/unintuitive trend that should stop. The best method for a stealthy/minimal/hidden flipper is more of a TOP flipper. Spyderco Ikuchi for example.

[@Sicarius888]

It takes a few tries, but it is the best opening method when you learn how to do it. Only bad thing about front flippers, there aren't many of them and most are too expensive. I hope there will be more around 60 and less dollars range. Ball bearings pivots already came to budget range so maybe front flippers are next.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think this trend will continue down the stream. At $200, the Smoke is a reasonable deal. I would not recommend the Feist. Surely ,there will be more coming!

[@EverydayCommentary]

The Shamwari is very good. The Kizer is not. I prefer the Shamwari over all but the Spydie Hole.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I agree, my favorite remains the spydie hole for versatility. But that Shamwari action is intoxicating...

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

I like it... takes practice to not drop your knife at first 😝

[@masonklemetsen4149]

I love front flippers, I prefer them to regular flippers.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thanks for the comment, can I ask you to expand on this comment?

[@1425363878]

How would you stab an attacker with that? Wouldn't the blade immediately fold in and cut your fingers?

[@darklaps]

I'm trying to answer this without sounding like a dick, as a knife snob and as a trained martial artist. So I'll try simple common sense. With a blade that has no guard, there are only 2 true methods for an attack. The most effective for this type of knife is slicing motions only. The second is a hammer hold with the thumb locked in place over the end of the handle. Now that my mom dick response is out there, a folding knife is a tool, not truly meant to be used as a weapon. Go learn to use your hands.

[@Brandon_Sweeney]

yes more front flippers

[@idiezsaucedo]

Less tactical deployment of all. Horrible imagining it in a self defense situation.

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

I want a smoke! I’m a flipping freak and have the ability to flick anything easily in all sorts of ways, this is a knife I need I think flipping challenges are necessary to any knife enthusiast in order to grow. Ok I’ve lost my mind! I want a smoke ts1 in black obsidian. Who’s got one they can sell me

[@mindmelters2093]

chill bruhh

[@SteveKluver]

Thanks Doc. I bought my first "front" flipper, about 4 years ago. I still have it. That one, is the CRKT V.A.S.P. 7480 > bit.ly/2Anof4Z kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIjKdIebesuYgas Their location, and shape of the tab. Is made so that it will open, in a normal flipping fashion. No new learning new tricks : - ) Maybe we should re-term, some of these flippers you are pointing to? Maybe I have the term wrong? Isn't the main idea of this, to put the tab out of the way, and take up less pocket room? What would the benefit be, of putting that tab, that far around? Causing a new, and some will admit awkward, way to deploy a knife.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think it truly is just novelty. I do not see a functional advantage to this deployment method.

[@SteveKluver]

I agree, for the most part. Especially if they are awkward to open. I will say though. That the CRKT I have, is a dream to open. And, that flipper tab is out of the way. From making the knife taller. That has to be a plus, in most books. That green Smoke, is pretty close to being ok. Since you can reach around from a normal perch, and flip it open. #shrinkthepocketpecker : - )

[@DoctorFrunkey]

It is a fine art, this front flipper. I will have to check out the VASP

[@slidetek]

Agree with your first points. As a southpaw, I'm even more dangerous than usual. I've tried to stab my dog (rest her soul) more than one time with the Smoke. The index finger is even more tenuous a grip than thumb, I have to pinch the pivot with thumb and middle finger, just nuts. As a southpaw, the framelock is another problem in holding the knife without putting pressure on it. Will had talked about a liner lock CF back when he was introducing the Smoke - I said don't do it - but I've changed my mind. A liner lock would solve most of my remaining issues. The Feist is nice, not nearly as fun as the Smoke. My Shamwari is Ti, so no liner lock unless some brain surgeon decides to sell or trade. So, besides scraring my poor dog, breaking a perfectly good glass of bourbon and ventilating a shoe, front flippers are not so much fun as the sense of accomplishment you get once you hit that sweet spot and are no longer a danger to yourself or others.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Haha, what a colorful image of the hazards of front flippers! Your dog, bourbon, and shoe all felt the pain of the learning curve. I think a liner lock would be good for the Smoke, and you may get it. I think he's going to do a CF liner lock right? And you can get the Shamwari from my cold, dead fingers!

[@MrGeerbear]

Slidetek- I totally agree and my bourbon and dog Zeke gave it a thumbs down. Zeke is currently wearing my Smoke as a necklace as he won't let me get close enough to pull it out :-)

[@migueltavares22]

I just bought the Böker Plus Wasabi and was trying to figure out the best way to flip it open. I had no idea that front flippers were seen as a fad (at least in 2017), and that got me wondering: isn’t the front flipper design clearly inspired by the japanese Higonokami? They’ve been making them for more than a century. Anyway, I’m a lot faster and more confident with the Spyderco hole, but I feel that what I lose in functionality, I gain in aesthetics. The Wasabi is the perfect gentleman knife, with the one-hand operation as a bonus.

[@jacobdaus3835]

You said you like reach arounds Lol

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Indeed

[@MrRasnowman]

I do not like front flippers. I’d rather have a spydie hole or a normal flipper.

[@michaelrast4263]

I'd personally just have thumbstuds on a MANUAL knife

[@prestonscott5367]

Kizer T1

[@michaelramirez8358]

I don´t like front flippers

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Appreciate your input! All opinions are welcome!

[@knightsky69]

Front flippers are for newbs. balisongs are for real men. ( For the record. I like everything that's sharp. No hate here. )

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Balisongs are for 14 year olds lol. Front flippers are for gentlemen. Just my opinion 🤗

[@rohmc2985]

If you’re opening a front flipper with your index finger, then why do you even have a front flipper. Why even talk about that technique of opening. It’s pointless. So don’t use it as a downfall when reviewing certain knives.

[@skookumchuck9541]

Frustrating.