Essential cookies keep our site working (cart, checkout, sign-in) and are always on. With your agreement, we also use cookies for analytics and advertising to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Statement.
I had wanted this knife for a long time, and when they put it on sale, I had to buy it. I don't like most Spydercos because the only blade deployment method was the hole in the blade. But with this being a flipper, it was the only Spyderco that spoke to me. First, this is a big knife and could voilate laws in some locales. If you have big hands, the frame is large enough to accomodate a full grip for all but NFL linemen or NBA players. The action is butter. Very smooth and quiet. As others have commented, then detent is fairly weak, but since I carry it tip down, I have not had a issue with accidental opening while in pocket. The pocket clip makes it ride high in the pocket, so it isn't a deep carry option. I have thought about drilling additional holes in the clip and trimming the top of the clip to make it ride lower, but haven't done it yet. The blade is an excellent design. It has a very thick spine and a flat grind down to the edge, and it is a very efficient cutter. The spine thickness combines with the shape of the tip give it a very strong tip despite the flat grind. It came razor sharp, and the edge is evenly ground tip to choil and symmettrical on both sides (something that isn't as common as you would think even in knives at this price point). I love this knife and it will stay in my daily carry rotation. Highly recommend.
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
I was an early adopter and remain a big fan of Spyderco. Despite that, this blade is my first Spyderco Compression Lock knife. I've been dying to get one for a while now and I picked the Amalgam for its size and for the blade return pause when the compression lock is released. This knife is such a joy. It exceeded my expectations in all ways. The full flat grind is so nice and glides through anything, literally as if butter. I love it's clean, open frame, and nice heft. The blade weight is perfectly balanced and flips easily into the compression lock. I especially like the no frills CF/G10 handles, which allow easy grip manipulation. I prefer a bigger folder to a smaller one and this does the job. The thickness of the blade at the spine is another great feature. Some Spyderco's have really disappointed me in this way, e.g. the Centofante. If you're a Spyderco fan and you don't own this one, you should.
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
Great knife all around. I've seen a lot of people hating on the flipper because it can get in the way when closing using the compression lock. If timed correctly, it'll close just fine without hitting your finger. It very easily opens with any method...thumb or middle finger in the spydie hole or, of course, the flipper. It feels solid all around, yet is very lightweight for its size. A couple nitpicks: while the knife has excellent ergonomics, I'm not positive I like the feel of the carbon ply, I'd like to see a textured G10 version similar to the PM2, and the pocket clip could ride a little lower. I look forward to some sprint runs on this one!
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
Oofah
Washington State
Nov 02, 2022
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material
Cons: None
Top Notch quality knife
Right out of the box, it's snappy, comfortable, slick and super sharp. The flipper tab/compression lock combination does take a while to get used to but once you get used to it, you realize it's an incredibly comfortable and quick way to deploy a knife and one of the quickest ways to put that blade back in it's carry position. You just have to get used to removing your index finger before the flipper tab falls through the compression lock. Don't give up and call it a failure like too many reviewers do after using it for only a few hours. It ride super comfortable in the pocket. Especially when you consider its size. It's slim, light weight and has a decent sized blade with carefully thought out ergonomics. I use it as an EDC for box cutting, light gardening, food prep. I would have liked a deep carry pocket clip but that's easy to remedy with so many aftermarket clips available.
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
This model is the newest addition to my folder collection. As usual, the materials used, the design, the sharpness are all of the highest calibre. The grip is very comfortable and is the right size and configuration for my XL hands (great ergonomics). The knife is very light, but well balanced. The blade flips out without any effort and locks up vault strong. This knife (like all Spydies) will shave hair from any part of your body, with no effort at all! This knife joins my EDC rotation and with so many knives, the opportunity to actually cut with it will be rare. I have no doubt this knife will be up to any task I would ask of any knife.
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
I work at a brewery and need to cut things all the time. This is the most expensive knife that I own, so I expect it to be the best blade I own, but I had no idea that the ergonomics and weight would be so fantastic! In addition, the blade is more than razor sharp out of the box, and the spyderco hole has become a familiar friend within the first three hours of receiving the knife. The compression lock is an added bonus for flick-ability!
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
Baker
VA
Mar 26, 2018
Pros: None
Cons: None
Looks good
Spyderco response to Emerson and Hinderer fans, IMHO at first sight.
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
This was the very 1st spyderco that ever caught my eye, not sure why but I bought 3 other models before this. I absolutely love this knife. There's a lot of blade in a very slim lightweight design. Came super sharp right outta the box (like all spyderco knives) ergos are great feels excellent in the hand and have 0 complaints about it. Slices like a dream!! This will definitely be one of my favorite EDC knives in my rotation. I'd also like to thank Knife Center for great service I couldn't ask for better....top notch 👌🏼👍🏻
Spyderco Brian Lai Amalgam Flipper Knife 3.8" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles
Sam
California, USA
Mar 08, 2019
Pros: Handle Material
Cons: None
Nice Ergonomics; Crappy Blade Finishing
I love the laminate handles. The are well finished and fit my hand well. I love the overall blade style. The action is OK. Not great, but not poor. About average for a Spyderco. (Honestly, I had expected somewhat better, given reviews from other sources). The choil and the spydiehole have very sharp edges, and need a lot of polishing before you can use either. I have cuts on my fingertips from the choil and the hole (attempting to open it with the hole, rather then the flipper). This is completely infuriating, and unnecessary. They did such a good job on the handle and such a poor job on the blade. Had I known that before purchasing, I wouldn't have bought it. Grrr.
Portions of the following content are served by a 3rd party. If you have accessibility or usability difficulties related to this 3rd party content, please call 800.338.6799.
Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
XSubscribe Today: Exclusive Specials, Free Stuff with Every Order, Early Access to New Items!No ThanksYou have been subscribed successfully!
(
