Flipper knives, also known as flippers, just like folding knives, offer a safe and convenient way to carry your sharp everyday carry knife on your person by enabling the blade to fold safely into the frame; however, they also include a flipper lever for fast opening, and it also serves as a thumb-guard. The best flipper knives offer a variety of features, including smooth, fast deployment via manual, spring assist, or automatic opening, a premium blade with a sharp cutting edge, and a good ergonomic grip for comfortable handling.
There are many flippers as well as manufacturers to choose from, which can make it challenging to find the best flipper knife for you. However, the following review of the seven best flipper knives, arranged by popularity, flipping action, feel, and design, offers an exciting way to begin your search.
What Is a Flipper Knife?
Flippers come in many different forms, but the essential mechanics are plain simple. Part of the blade is shark-fin shaped like a protrusion that extends through the spine of the utility knife when closed.
Flipper knives are, also known as folding pocket knives that have become prominent in the everyday carry community since the increase in popularity of everyday carry or EDC knives in the past decades. It is perfect for self-defense, daily cutting tasks, and anything in between, and an EDC knife kit will never be complete without one.
The best flipper knives have inspired other knife makers as well, essentially ultra-smooth bearing-based pivots. All of the methods use ball bearings around the knife pivot to substantially minimize friction during deployment. The end result is a flipper that works with much more speed and smoothness of deployment; these pivots also produce a more rigid knife overall. Flippers are very convenient, and they are available in all price ranges.
How Do Flipper Knives Work?
Mainly, the flipper knife features a tab or bar integrated into the design that, when flicked with the finger, gives swift deployment of the knife blade with one hand. It makes using a manual-opening knife quicker than utilizing the regular thumb studs, and it allows users to use a knife with a speed safe assisted-opening mechanism at extreme speeds. These are the two main benefits of a flipper knife over a manual-opening knife- having speed and being able to deploy the blade one-handed.
The flipper’s open-back system is what made the frame lock necessary. Pushing down or pulling back puts pressure on the detent, which is an integration of a small notch and bearing on the utility knife and a handle designed to hold the knife blade closed. When the applied force overcomes the detent, the blade steel will snap into the open form. There is a touch of skill in designing and making an outstanding detent, but a good flipper is something that any novice can spot. The knife should open with no wrist or arm action, and just a finger pressure should be enough.
Our List of Best Flipper Knives for Any Budget
Benchmade Axis Flipper 300
- HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures, making it great for outdoor use.
- WELL-DESIGNED: The AXIS Flipper 300 offers the speed and function of AXIS Assist, with the convenience of a flipper. The 300 can be opened and closed quickly and single-handedly.
- COMFORTABLE: The 300's contoured handle is attractive and comfortable to use and hold. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
- VERSATILE: The AXIS Flipper 300's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry.
The Benchmade Axis Flipper 300 rates as one of the best flipper knives due to its ultra-smooth deployment and excellent cutting performance, which is just perfect for various slicing and cutting tasks. It also has a versatile locking mechanism for both everyday and outdoor use. However, due to its ergonomics, it may not be recommended for larger hands.
This is the first-ever flipper from Benchmade. It was designed and created by custom knifemaker Butch Ball. The knife highlights a drop-point blade made out of stainless steel with a textured sand/earth G10 handle scale. It has a great design and size for everyday carry.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 7.36″;
- Blade Length: 3.18″;
- Cutting Edge: 3.00″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.130″;
- Blade Material: 154CM;
- Blade Style: Drop Point;
- Blade Grind: High-Flat;
- Finish Satin;
- Edge Type: Plain.
Buck Vantage Pro
- SUPREMELY SHARP BLADE - 3-1/4" Drop Point S30V Steel Blade delivers a combination of edge retention, ductility, hardness, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance for optimal performance. The full bellied blade offers remarkable cutting ability
- CONVENIENT ONE HAND OPENING - A Thumb Hole on the blade facilitates a smooth one-handed opening action and locks open using a stainless steel liner lock. Built with two stainless steel liners for extra durability and safety.
- SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Ergonomic Grip made from Injection Molded reinforced nylon with CNC contoured G10 material provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. Closed Length 4-3/8", Weight 4 oz.
- EVERY DAY CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, deep pocket tip-up carry clip for easy carry in your pocket, on your belt or in your bag. The Vantage Series comes in two sizes, handle choices and steel options. It's an ideal knife for every day carry
- MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.
The Buck Vantage Pro is hailed as one of the best flipper knives due to its S30V steel blade, also known as super steel, which is one of the top-notch blades in the market. It also has a deep carry pocket clip, so it fits easily in your pocket, and a liner lock, which makes it perfect for everyday use. However, it is not as ergonomically friendly as other knives and may be a bit harder to open.
The contoured G-10 handle offers a secure grip and superior durability. The S30V drop point blade is great for everyday tasks because of its incredible strength and good edge-retaining ability. Sleek, lightweight, durable, and designed with dual steel liners for added strength and safety. It is an excellent pick that users can rely on.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 7.625″;
- Blade Length: 3.25″;
- Cutting Edge: 3.00″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.120″;
- Blade Material: S30V;
- Blade Style: Drop-point;
- Blade Grind: Partial-hollow;
- Finish: Select;
- Edge Type: Plain.
CRKT M21-14FS Special Forces
- Safe And Secure: Automated liner safety provides extra layer of lock security
- Extremely Sharp: Veff Serrations provide superior cutting power of rope and straps
- Exceptional Grip: G10 handle provides exceptional grip in all conditions
- Designed by Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Versitile Use: Built tough for use around the house, in the garage or at the shop
The CRKT M21-14FS Special Forces are considered one of the best flipper knives for its Veff Serrations edge, which is just perfect for cutting rope and fibrous material etc., and velvety-smooth deployment, thanks impart to input from military personnel who require nothing but the best in the field. It also features board flippers on each side and a temporary hand guard to prevent injury should you slip, and more.
Designed by famous knife maker Kit Carson of Vine Grove, the M21-14SFG provides a combination of Carson Series features demanded by military procurement specialists.
The opening knives showcase a stainless steel InterFrame build with textured black G-10 handle scales. The stainless steel frame lock with friction grooves presents a positive locking and is paired with CRKT’s patented AutoLAWKS automatic safety, which turns the folder into a virtual fixed blade automatically.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 3.99″;
- Blade Length: 9.25″;
- Cutting Edge: 3.125″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.14″;
- Blade Material: AUS-8 58-59 HRC;
- Blade Style: Deep-bellied Spear Point;
- Blade Grind: Hollow;
- Finish: Select;
- Edge Type: Veff Combo.
Spyderco Dice
- Made of highest quality material
- Manufacturer: Spyderco
- Spyderco dice cf Laminate/Titanium plain edge knife
- Flipper Opener, RIL lock with steel interface
- 4 position ambidextrous clip
Just like its big brother, the Spyderco Domino, the Spyderco Dice is hailed as one of the best flipper knives due to its incredible feel in hand and swift flipping action. It also has great lockup strength, which makes it a great everyday carry knife.
The Spyderco flipper knives have a handle made out of a titanium scale on one side and a titanium liner and carbon fiber / G-10 laminate scale on the other. The solid scale sets the basis of the knife’s robust Reeve Integral Lock mechanism with a steel interface that serves double duty as an overtravel stop for the lock. It is balanced by the striking geometric pattern of the Cubic Check G-10 laminate scale, which provides subtle texture and an incredibly distinctive look. For comfort and versatility of carrying, the Dice also includes a four-position pocket clip.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 6.50″;
- Blade Length: 2.50″;
- Cutting Edge: 2.25″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.12″;
- Blade Material: CTS-XHP;
- Blade Style: Drop point;
- Blade Grind: Flat;
- Finish Satin;
- Edge Type: Plain.
Zero Tolerance 0350
- High performance and premium quality S350V stainless steel makes the recurve blade extremely durable and resistant to corrosion and wear
- Non-reflective black Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) blade coating and black G-10 handle cleanly pair together to make a sleek, smooth, aggressive knife
- Quad-mount pocketclip convenient for left or right-handed, tip-up or tip-down carry
- EDC folding pocket knife ideal for use as a survival tool, during precision cutting, self-defense or tactical use, or as the perfect gift
- General all-purpose knife great for everyday tasks while working, camping, fishing, hunting, utility or outdoor activities
The Zero Tolerance 0350 is part of Kershaw’s military line of knives, so you know you are getting a quality knife at a good price. This flipper includes assisted opening and a SpringSafe feature for single-hand action, even while wearing gloves. It also has an ambidextrous thumb flipper for both right and left-hand use, a liner lock for everyday carry, and more.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 7.625″;
- Blade Length: 3.25″;
- Cutting Edge: 3.125″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.121″;
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V;
- Blade Style: Drop Point;
- Blade Grind: Hollow;
- Finish: Select;
- Edge Type: Plain or Combo.
Hoback Kwaiback
The Hoback Kwaiback flipper, like all Jake Hoback knives, is known as some of the sharpest knives in the field, and they remain sharp even after several uses, which makes them one of the best flipper knives in the industry. In addition, it has an incredible feel and a smooth deployment that many flipper enthusiasts love.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 9.125″;
- Blade Length: 3.75″;
- Cutting Edge: 3.875″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.1875″;
- Blade Material: CPM-20CV;
- Blade Style: Tanto;
- Blade Grind: Flat;
- Finish: Select;
- Edge Type: Plain.
Shirogorov 95T
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The Shirogorov 95T rates as the best flipper knife for its excellent craftsmanship by Russian Brothers Sergey and Igor Shirogorov, who are world-renowned for some of the finest custom knives, and its fast, smooth flipping action with a crisp, clean snap. It also features an exquisite hand fit and finishes in addition to a beautiful, fully-functioning milled titanium pocket clip.
In addition, its S90V stainless steel drop point blade is one of the sharpest blades in the industry, which is just perfect for various cutting tasks and food prep, and it even maintains its smoothness after washing. However, because it is manufactured in Russia, it may not be readily available in the US, and it may be a bit pricier than other flippers.
Some technical features include:
- Overall Length: 8.75″;
- Blade Length: 3.875 “;
- Cutting Edge: 4.0″;
- Blade Thickness: 0.154″;
- Blade Material: CPM-S90V;
- Blade Style: Drop Point;
- Blade Grind: High-Flat;
- Finish: Select;
- Edge Type: Plain.
Final Review of Best Flipper Knives
The flipper knives we listed were ultimately chosen for their swift, buttery-smooth flipping action, which many flipper enthusiasts love. However, to find the best flipper knife for you, you first need to determine what it is that you require in your tool, and don’t be afraid to try various flippers on this list, as well as others, until you find the best flipper for you.