Happy Front Flipper Friday to all who celebrate.
Despite the fact that I tell myself I don't even really like front-flippers, they keep showing up at my house.
A true cry for help, I think.
Today's Front Flipper is the Ray Laconico designed, CJRB Ekko
This version has CJRB's budget powder steel AR-RPM9, 3.25" (8.26 cm) in length with green micarta scales. The micarta is very smooth and, depending on opening method, can feel a little slippery but I've not had any real issues.
Straight spine with a nice deep swedge ground out at the front.
Perfectly centered out of the box with really great action.
I like the fact that it's a sheepsfoot with a little bit of belly on it. I like the fact that you can easily spydie-flick it open (and are not forced to use the front flipper).
It's not an out-of-this world knife but a nice solid choice. I got it used, as I do most of my knives these days, and so the price was really good. Looking forward to putting this into the EDC rotation.
Been looking for a design like this but with a tanto style blade. Can't seem to find one
You might consider the Civivi Nugz which is a reverse tanto, I guess but not a "regular" tanto. Otherwise the Civivi Brazen is the go-to tanto but it's thumbstud and not thumb hole.
https://whitemountainknives.com/civivi-nugz-folding-knife-green-canvas-micarta-handle-14c28n-reverse-tanto-plain-edge-satin-finish-c23060-2/
https://whitemountainknives.com/civivi-brazen-folding-knife-green-coarse-micarta-handle-d2-plain-edge-silver-bead-blast-finish-c2023f/
Edit: on the edge (pun intended) of being a true tanto, CRJB is also going to be releasing the "Bellona"
https://whitemountainknives.com/cjrb-bellona-folding-knife-black-g10-handle-ar-rpm9-tanto-plain-edge-j1947-bk/
The curve of the leading edge might not be to your liking however.
I like the cjrb design a bit more than the civivis. Anything with a good steel? Something like s35vn?
The Vosteed Thunderbird might be an option. It too really plays around with that tanto shape given the forward curve but it's a great knife and comes in a couple different super steels: S35VN, M390, Elmax as far as I know. Of course, the price follows so that is probably a consideration.
Edit: Spyderco also released a Paramilitary 2 with a Tanto blade and M4 steel which is very tough. However, I think these are pretty hard to find.
I was looking at cold steel recon 1, really liked the toughness of it but I wanted the little hole opener to try out like the one you showed above. The pm2 I hear might not be as tough
The Spyderco is a very tough knife. They are a highly regarded manufacturer. I would very much cautious you against thinking you need a knife that can survive a nuclear blast.
The cold steel recon 1 looks like it can handle a beating. I'm in between it and the vosteed Thunderbird. Although the thunderbird seems to have negative reviews about the QC
I think that is a bit of a review bias though, no? QC problems happen, for sure, but only the problems are broadcast. Very few people post "hey my knife is continuing to work great months after I bought it" type things.
If you are going to be beating your knives, you don't need a folder. You need a fixed blade.