Whether you’re the typical outdoor gearsman, need a blade for use around the house, or are looking for a secondary line of defense, a flipper knife provides one important, convenient feature that many knives don’t: fast one-handed access and operation. The “flipper” access on these knives allow you to instantly and easily free the blade from the handle, which can be the difference in life and death in emergency situations. When choosing a knife that you can rely on, you should ensure that it has a sharp blade with great edge retention and that it is made from high quality materials that won’t give in when you need your blade the most. Then, consider aesthetics, because everyone deserves a blade that turns heads. Here we have chosen a great variety of flipper knives that are durable, ergonomic, reliable, and most importantly, are quick and easy to access. Here are the 18 best flipper knives on the market:
Schrade SCH601T Flipper knife
Emerson CQC-7BW Knife
Spyderco Positron knife
Benchmade- Axis Flipper 300, Drop Point
This high quality 154cm stainless steel blade is extremely durable, boasting stability under extreme conditions and additional rust resistance even when used in extreme weather conditions. The Axis flipper is comfortable and easy to handle with a reversible pocket clip for quick accessibility and a secure hold when fastened to your jeans. Although it is a relatively compact blade, it has a full sized feel due to its unique, ergonomic handle. Equipped with a G10 handle that is impervious to moisture, coupled with the durability of the stainless blade makes this knife excellent for outdoor excursions and rough applications. This utility style blade with its quick open and closing single – handed operations make it ideal for everyday carry, either for tactical use or self defense.
Zero Tolerance 0801BW Flipper Titanium BlackWash Knife
This all metal premium stainless steel blade and handle come in a BlackWash finish that is unique and stylish. The Zero Tolerance 0801BW has an extremely tough blade with a razor edge that maintains excellent edge retention even through frequent use, so you need to sharpen your blade less often. Its machine-grooved titanium handles provide a secure and comfortable grip. The blade opens using a built in flipper. That means one pull and the razor sharp blade rotates out of the handle on its KVT ball bearing system. Simple one handed opening and a reversible pocket clip make this blade exchangeable for right or left handed usage. Its sturdy frame lock and steel lockbar secures the blade in an open position during use. With these top of the line materials and BlackWash finish you are sure to be the envy of those carrying a flipper knife.
Quartermaster Biff Tannen QSE-10TT Framelock Knife
The QSE-10 Biff Tannen folding knife has a very unique design aesthetic and has a solid titanium build that will hold up to the toughest applications. The Biff knife is equipped with a compound ground wharncliffe style blade with a flipper opening mechanism and opens on the ORB pivot system. The handle is constructed from full titanium and outfitted with a steel lock insert to keep the blade open during use and a stainless pocket clip that fastens it securely to your pocket or belt loop. Another defining feature that sets this knife apart is WEDM milled tracers around the handle and the spine of the blade. This blade and handle come in a rugged stonewashed design that is both rustic and modern, depending on how you wear it.
Spyderco Southard Folder
This high quality flipper designed by Brad Southard is a very high performing and durable flipper knife featuring top of the line performance against all applications. The knife includes a modern stonewash finish on the blade and handle that is sure to catch any enthusiasts eye. The CTS 204P hollow-ground blade is very durable and has been tested under harsh conditions. During use the knife maintains stability with the Reeve integral lock mechanism. The blade has a small lever extending from the base and protruding from the back of the knife’s handle ensuring swift deployment. The G10 handle is forged in a textured earth brown finish and provides great, ergonomic grip for the user.
Zero Tolerance 0560BW Blackwash Hinderer Flipper Knife
The Zero Tolerance 0560BW comes in the very popular BlackWash finish for a worn rugged look. The blade is made of ELMAX powdered steel providing excellent edge retention and a very durable blade making it a great knife for rough applications and everyday use. This advanced steel blade provides high wear and corrosion resistance and rolls out of the handle on the KVT ball-bearing system. The handle is finished in basic black 3-D machined G10 in the front and 3D machined titanium in the back. Its lockbar stabilizer and titanium frame lock guarantees stability during use. The 0560BW is equipped with a deep carry pocket clip and quad-mount system for a variety of carries, whether for tactical applications or self defense, where quick access is vital.
CRKT M21-14SF SPECIAL FORCES
This Knife from Columbia River Knife & Tool features contoured handles made from black anodized T6 aluminum and stainless steel locking liners that increase stability while the knife is in use. The friction grooves give positive locking and extra stability. This blade is constructed of Aus 8 stainless steel and has a razor sharp triple point serrated edge with a black titanium nitride coating which provides the blade with very high wear and corrosion resistance, making it one of the most durable blades on the market. Standard dual checkered thumb studs and easy one handed opening and closing make this blade quick and smooth. It features CRKTs exclusive AutoLAWKS automatic safety lock which makes the knife into a virtual fixed blade automatically. This knife comes equipped with clip options that allow four position carries for quick access which makes it a great option for both self defense and daily use.
Buck Knives 0347 Vantage Pro
This 3-¼” Drop point S30V blade boasts excellent edge retention, toughness and remarkable cutting ability. Its rated top of the line for high wear and corrosion resistance. A thumb hole on the blade enables an easy one handed opening action and the blade locks using a stainless steel liner lock for stability and safety. The handle is made from injection molded reinforced nylon and contoured G10 materials making it a comfortable carry and increasing ergonomics during use. This blade includes a reversible deep pocket tip up carry for easy and convenient carrying on your belt or pocket and incredibly quick and easy access to your knife.
Kershaw 1955 Showtime
This unique blade is perfect for those wanting to go a non-traditional route. Considered the formal wear of flipper blades, this smaller drop point blade is made of stainless steel and is chip resistant and razor sharp. Kershaws SpeedSafe Assisted Opening ensures smooth and safe operation. It’s very stylish, offering a rugged aesthetic with a two toned black oxide coating on blade grinds and a satin polish on the blade flats. The handle, coated in black oxide as well, provides a solid grip across all applications. This knife is a great all purpose knife for any outdoor activity such as hunting, fishing, and camping and can also be very useful tactically and in self-defense.
SOG TWI8-CP TWITCH II
This simplistic and lightweight knife takes you back to basics rather than taking a decorative approach. Made of AUS-8 steel, the 2.65 straight edge blade is drop point shaped and can be sharpened with ease. This knife features a pass through lockbar and well balanced handle with a graphite finish made of anodized aluminum, which helps to create a comfortable hold for the user. This blade can be opened single-handedly and is very compact at a closed length of only 3.55 inches and has a fixed pocket clip on the back of its handle that provides two carrying positions. While this knife may look basic, it provides stability and a high quality operational guarantee that you can rely on in any situation where a sharp blade is necessary.
KERSHAW KNIVES 1556TI CRYO II
The CRYO II is a high performing blade with a titanium and nitride coating allowing it to maintain a sharp edge and easily pass through anything you are cutting as well as assisting to maintain the longevity of the blade. The 3.25 inch blade is made of stainless steel making it tough and corrosion resistant. The stainless steel handle features a 4 position deep carry pocket clip, secure frame lock, and SpeedSafe opening assistance enabling lightning fast single handed operation. This rugged knife is perfect for an everyday carry and is quick and easy to access for self defense applications as well.
Schrade SCH601T Flipper knife
The Schrade SCH601Ti features a titanium coated D2 high carbon stainless steel drop point blade with an aggressive re-curve that is sure to make quick work of your tasks. It has a machine textured handle with ambidextrous thumb knobs making it a good use for both left or right handed people. This ergonomic grip includes finger grips and provides a firm and stable grip to the user across a variety of applications. The 3.4 inch blade is razor sharp and will retain its edge over time, meaning you need to sharpen your knife less often.
CRKT Crossbones
Recently awarded “best imported blade of 2017” at a popular blade show, this blade features a unique slim and handy design making it the perfect pocket knife for quick cutting needs. The straight sharp blade is made of durable steel and provide a razor sharp edge that holds its cutting abilities over time. Its lightweight aluminum handle features a two toned double diamond pattern that is very aesthetically pleasing as well as provides an ergonomic, stable grip. This versatile blade is perfect for tasks such as cleaning fish and other utility needs, and the low profile flipper opener lets you easily open this knife with a single hand. This compact blade features a keychain ring hole for an easy carry.
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Boker Plus Mini Kwaiken
The Boker Plus Mini Kwaiken is highly regarded as one of the better knives for tactical use. Featuring a cobalt alloyed VG-10 steel blade, titanium scaled handle with a satin finish and pocket clip, this durable knife is perfect for cutting and piercing across all applications. Unlike most other knives of its kind, the Boker Plus Mini Kwaiken boasts a low profile blade protrusion that not only makes it more difficult to open by accident in your pocket but makes it more aesthetically pleasing as well. The flipper operation allows you to access the blade easily with only one hand. This knife is compact enough for an everyday carry and sturdy enough for any use.
Ontario Knife Company Carter Prime
This sleek and unique blade has durability and longevity in mind in its design. It has a sheepsfoot blade made of strong D2 tool steel that can withstand rough applications and extreme conditions. Coupled with a titanium framelock handle with a black stonewash finish, this blade makes for a great everyday carry that is sure to last a long time. The unique geometric design provides an ergonomic grip and a tip that won’t wear down with use.
Emerson CQC-7BW Knife
Regarded as the ultimate evolution of the tactical folding knife, this tanto style knife features GTC stainless 440C bearings equipped with flipper opening technology. This, coupled with the emerson wave and thumb disk, creates a knife that provides three options to bring the blade into action, making it an optimal choice for high stress or emergency situations. The Emerson CQC-7BW has a black G-10 handle and glass laminate lock of aerospace grade titanium, S35VN blade steel and is considered one of the hardest blades on the market. Due to its versatility its highly favored by military personnel and law enforcement. The blade won’t easily wear out over time and will retain its edge even through frequent use.
Spyderco Positron knife
This lightweight compact blade made in collaboration with custom knife maker Brad Southard weighs in at only 2.6 ounces and features a stylish carbon fiber handle that is both lightweight and incredibly ergonomic. The carbon fiber handle is machined to provide a firm grip for the user for any application. This knife features a 3 inch SV30 steel blade with a sharp full flat grind. This pocket-friendly blade is optimal for everyday carry and allows one-handed operation with ease. Its sturdy liner lock mechanism is made of skeletonized stainless steel. Reversible deep pocket tip up carry make it friendly for both right and left handed users. Equipped with ball bearing washers for a smooth opening action.
Hinderer XM-18
The Hinderer XM-18 delivers a full on designer knife experience. Its 3.5 inch spearpoint blade is made of S35VN stainless steel. The handle features a textured green/black G10 design on one side and a titanium frame lock on its opposite. Dual thumb studs and flipper access ensure easy right and left hand operation of this knife. Its titanium pocket clip can be mounted for tip up or tip down carry. Jimping on the thumb rest and handle of the blade provide a comfortable and secure grip for the user. Its hinderer lockbar stabilizer and frame lock design ensure the blade remains in place during use. This is an ideal blade for tactical use with its spearpoint blade design and is definitely a blade you can rely on in a life or death situation. Its sturdiness guarantees longevity and blade edge retention even with heavy usage making this blade an ideal choice for groups like law enforcement or military.
Lionsteel TRE
This 3 inch blade is very unique. It features a Bohler M390 powder steel constructed blade. It is unique in the fact that unlike most other flipper knives if offers a system to allow the user to detach the flipper, meaning it is both a flipper knife and standard knife in one. It offers quick IKBS ball bearing assisted opening for a smooth single handed opening operation. The knife has a fully machined titanium frame, spacer and pocket clip that allows the user to wear the knife multiple different ways. This knife is top of the line for both tactical use and for self-defense applications.