What is the difference between the "flipper" on this knife and a conventional assisted opening knife?
825424
It is alot smoother and easier to use, very comfortable as well. Sorry for such a short answer but its one of those things where only experience can really give you the answer you want.
825425
As other said it's not an assisted knife. I honestly don't know how Kershaw sells this knife with the flipper being flat and smooth. I love this knife and carry it every day but couldn't stand how smooth it was. I used a dremmel to create a "grip" on the flipper and i'm much happier with it.
825426
To be precise, this knife opens on the power of you actuating the flipper. There is no internal spring assist with this knife. I found that my item was a little slow at first on the opening flip action, but quickly has loosened up. I suppose a little drop of oil would make it quicker. This is a low- dollar flipper. The more expensive flippers are like greased lightening out of the box.
825427
An assisted opening knife only takes a small amount of manual movement before the spring or cam takes over. A flipper knife like this one is completely manual. If you don't open it forcefully enough, it will fail to deploy and you will have to use the thumb studs to finish opening it. If it feels too tight to open easily, you can loosen the screw holding the blade on or completely disassemble and lube the action and it will smooth everything up.
825428
'Assisted opening' means that a spring or other mechanical force will finish the opening of the knife by itself once the blade is open a certain amount. The flipper is just a piece of metal that is part of the blade itself that is a more convenient way to open the knife with one hand. On this knife, you even have to give the blade a 'flick', as force on the flipper is not enough to fully open the knife into the locked position.
825429
You pull down on the flipper with your index finger and flick your wrist at the same time. The blade will open fully and lock in the blink of an eye.
825430
MOST assisted knives have either a very stiff initial movement OR an additional lock function, that prevents the knife from accidentally opening when bumped in pocket. The plain jane flipper, IMHO, operates as quickly and even more reliably than assisters, if the blade bearing surfaces are smooth and well-designed. What concerns me about asssiteds is the boost of spring action provided, and then the need for an additional lock function besides the blade open liner or frame lock, which makes it additionally complicated and prone to various issues. The plain flipper doesn't move the blade unless one has actuated it with a finger. The assisted is one of those, why make it this way, types of questions from folks like me.
825431
I don't know precisely how conventional AO knives work, but there is no assist on this knife. If you open it halfway, it won't complete the motion.
740994
It has a flipper on the back side of the blade behind the pivot. Simply flip it down with your index finger to open the knife. Works great!
937590
the blade is black the blade is sharp where the edge of the blade is obviously metal silver color. with the proper flip technique you can open it as you're giving someone your credit card or at least they think when they're robbing you.
2070305
While holding the knife in your right hand, simply push your index finger on the right side hook. It will flick open quickly just like a switchblade (Although these are LEGAL and considered "spring assist" instead of the ILLEGAL "switchblade"). You can also use the thumb stud, but it's a little harder to do I think.
395798
If you're looking for assisted opening, I'd go with the Cryo 2. It's a great knife. The RAT 1 just has a thumb stud, no assist. I bought the Cryo as its a beautiful knife and a bit smaller, so perfect for pocket EDC carry and small work. I got the RAT for slightly heavier duty (also easy to carry) and have been equally happy with it. If you want something the size of the RAT 1, but with assisted opening, the Cryo 2 is the knife.
1909458
You definitely can flick it open, all you have to do is push the little white nob slightly up and flick, you can do it very quickly. Thats my favorite part about the knife. Dont even worry about the price, its a great knife!
953106
Its more like a index finger stud. It is located on the back of the blade instead of normally being on the side of the blade. It works well and opens fast and easy. For the money it is good assisted opening knife.
1798714
This knife is the kind that you flick open with your thumb. It is not a spring load type.
549684
That actually is a blade stop and not a thumb stud. It's not meant for opening the knife. That's what the flipper is for. The flipper can be used with either hand.
1434730
Cara Cara. It has a larger, flat ground blade, a reinforced handle, and is easier to open.
1387695
not the one i have,,, it is a standard three blade pocket knife... you force the blade open and it is usable.... the blade neither lacks open nor needs to be unlocke to close....
2209567
Agree with Endy. It is not assisted but you'll be able to open it just as quickly with minimal practice. Carry this knife every single day. Can't recommend it enough.
953107
To open, you press on a lever like part of the blade. Basically top center of assembly in picture of it when open. Its mild pressure and almost an assisted open. Much easier than thumb opening. I have used mine daily for quite a while and works flawlessly.
395800
Jay, its not assisted opening. It doesn't need it, fastest manual open I own. the only thing I would change about the Rat1 is the handle material. its not as grippy as G-10. Ontario just came out with a Rat1 assisted knife for 2014. its $46 though. I bet youll like the Rat1 better than the CryoII. Get the satin finish, its polished and looks like an$80 blade. Hope this helps
34861
The knife does not have a spring assisted opening mechanism. However, the blade opens very smoothly. Holding the blade completely still and pressing down opens the blade approximately 3/4 of the way. It takes a little wrist action to open the blade completely in one motion.
1154654
Yes, it is easy to flip open with one hand using the flipper and when the blade is fully extended thew flipper serves as a finger guard.If the blade is too stiff to flip open a #8 Torx driver can be used to loosen the blade pivot.
1343638
I favor the onion, as it is a more compact, has the quick open feature and has the tip lock feature - to prevent accidental opening in your pocket. I use this everyday & have not had to sharpened it since I purchased it 6 months ago.