Recommend a flipper opener like SOG Twitch?

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Omega Man

Omega Man

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I just got a Twitch I from mossyoak (thanks!), but am finding it a little too small, even for my smaller, thin hands.
But I love the flipper on it, it's great. I just cannot get knives to open via thumbstuds, I guess I don't have enough finger strength, or I'm not pushing the right way/direction. It's pretty frustrating, and the only other opening method I can handle is on the Leatherman Wave blade, where there's a notch with a raised top that your thumb snags on.

So, I've been looking at assisted openers, and just now found some pages on autos. Videoknife.com has awesome reviews because it's video, and the guy talks you through everything, and you can see how big the knives are, and how they operate.
The one that caught my attention was the Benchmade 2550. Nice!
The size I'm looking for is the same as a CRKT Van Hoy Snap Lock, 6" open, 2.5" blade, 4" closed. That seems to be the perfect specs for my hands. The Van Hoy doesn't have a good grip, and it's already turned in my hand once causing a nice deep gusher on my thumb. So a good grippy handle is a must, and I'm thinking of a index finger-space as well. The flipper would also serve as a finger guard on some knives.
I also looked up the SOG Vulcan and that guy looks right up my alley as well.
I was looking over Adimag's "Recommend a Small Assisited Opener" thread- http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=165610
and it was helpful to me. But I thought making this thread with the more specific request of flipper would get me more specific recommendations.
Let me know your thoughts, please.

EDIT- not considering an auto anymore, to much grey with knife laws.
 
Last edited:
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

Yup, I've been on the SOG site for the past 3 days drooling. I think I like the Vulcan better though, because of that finger cut out, and it's handle. Looks alot more grippy.
BTW, I think I'm gonna keep the Twitch1 as my small knife, and get rid of my Gerber Ridge whenever possible. Thanks again, mossy.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

The Kershaw assisted openers are good $$ value as are the SOG's and CRKT's. Just find one that fits.

A smooth Benchmade Grip can be flipped open by retracting the axis lock first. Makes a very satisfying sound.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

The Kershaw Chive, Scallion and Leek are all very good, assisted knives. Build quality is excellent and they come in about every color imaginable in three sizes.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

heres an XL.

SOG-xl-1.jpg
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

Woah, never new youtube had so many knife vids on it! I'll spend a few hours researching there, too.
BTW, I never noticed the Kershaws having flippers, thanks Carrot.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

the kershaw spec bump or one of the ZT series
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

Check out Pro-Tech for them autos. They have models comparable to the size you're looking for.

Enjoy!
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

CHC said:
Check out Pro-Tech for them autos. They have models comparable to the size you're looking for.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Mmm, but those Pro-techs are expensive!
Now I'm seeing the Boker Kalashnikovs. Woo, nice, and they're $30 or under. I really like the finger grips of the handle. Looks grippy. Might have a winner...
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

Of the two (Twitch/Scallion) I prefer the opening and blade shape on the Scallion. However I usually carry a black Ti Twitch II cliped inside the waistband when I am at work. It is very flat/thin and with it cliped to your pants and the belt over it is pretty much invisible.

If I have to use it the black and gold color seems to make it pretty enough to not scare anyone. If people are around that might take offense I open it with the thumstuds so I don't frighten or offend sombody. Same with the Scallion if I carry it.

Outside of work I usually have a Benchmade Mini-Griptillian on me. To open you can open it like BIGIRON said above or many people will just flick it open. The Twitch and Scallion will sometimes engage the safety while you are wearing them and the assisted opening will not work until you disengage it.

That is the reason I carry the benchmade outside of work. It opens every time without having to wonder if the safety has accidentally locked in.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

if you like the AK-47 knife i would suggest the cold steel verson. The "you get what you pay for" statement is very true with about anything. IMO $80 and up will usually get you a good knife.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

I'd personally go with Kershaw knives over SOG. Also, I'm wondering if you've tried any Benchmade models with thumbstuds. When I first got "into" quality knives, I had a similar problem with thumbstuds with some brands, Cold Steel is one of the ones that I remember having problems with. I doubt that you'd have too much trouble opening a Benchmade Griptilian, 710 or just about any other knife they have. And personally, I think they are a better quality overall. You may also want to check out Spyderco, no thumbstuds or flippers, but I love those knives.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

Well I think after all this, I'm going to go with the Boker AK47, because of the button release. That just gets me, I can't get over how cool it is, and how easily it opens. And, it has a key thing I'm looking for, which are finger grooves.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

I have a few A/Os a CRKT Kommer Full Throtle, Kershaw Blur and SOG Flash II, however since buying the Bradley Alias I'm hooked, seriously no more knives. It's a Sebbie type knife and is a regular opener, however it opens almost as fast and as easily as any of my A/Os, has a great handle shape and is rock solid. It has a higher price tag than the A/Os listed but then, you get what...................

Take a look before you go with the Boker.

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6331

I like it so much I juts ordered a second but with a Devin Thomas damascus blade.
 
Re: Recommend a flipper opener or auto, like SOG Twitch?

jbosman1013 said:
IMO you will not be happy with your boker
Click to expand...
Well then I'm running out of options. Can you give me some specifics why not? I read a review on it the other night that just about sealed the deal, but I was going to bed and didn't want to pull the Paypal trigger.

The other nice button autos I saw was a vid of the Benchmade 2550. Now I just came across this one, the HK series: http://www.yourperfectknife.com/site/1566221/product/MBEN14750BX
This looks good, too bad it does have those finger ridges. I guess I'll have to check out all the Benchmade autos now too.
Thanks for keeping this thread alive for me, guys. I really don't want to make this purchase until I'm sure it's an informed one.
 
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