The Silent Soldier Flipper is Brous Blades first folder offering and is modelled after the successful Silent Soldier fixed blade neck knife. It has an aggressive appearance and seamlessly marries several features into its compact design.
The knife quickly and reliably deploys when the flipper is pressed downward, like a button, rather than pulled like a lever. The blade travels on a hardened pivot and against a bearing system. As with most bearing assemblies, the movement effortless and without side to side play. The added lateral stability is due to a larger surface contact area between the blade’s tang, bearings and liners. There is also the necessity for tighter tolerances to have a proper, even action along the path of travel.
The knife has a stout blade that is 2.7″ long and 3/16″ thick. A fairly high primary bevel reduces the thick stock to fine edge that is finished with a keen, secondary bevel. This wharncliffe’s sloping shape provides a sharp tip for penetrating cuts. The point is further augmented with a small partial swedge. Following along the spine there is a unique jimping pattern. Rather than having a saw-tooth like or wave-like arrangement the Silent Soldier has parallel rows of relieved boxes that provide exceptional traction.
The most predominant feature of the knife’s blade is a large, chamfered 7/8th” finger hole. This, in combination with the guard/flipper and jimping provides excellent blade control. The hole also designates the knife’s purpose primarily as a CQC or self defense type tool. The intended purpose aside, the knife would be great for most utility tasks, especially those that require fine tip control. The sum of the features also makes the possibility of loosing your grip unlikely.
Made from CPM-D2, the blade can attain a tough, sharp edge. As a semi-stainless alloy, owners will have to take some minor steps to prevent corrosion. It would be nice to have a full stainless blade option, such as 154 CM or S30 V for those who prefer it.
The handle has a partially backspaced, screw together construction. The liners on the knife are full 6AL4V titanium, one side comprising the liner lock. The lock up on this particular example is early and without play. There is jimping on the leaf to help disengage it. As with most titanium liner locks, there is a slight amount of stickiness, due to the difference in hardness between the heat-treated tang and titanium.
The scales are full carbon fibre and are contoured on the inner edge for comfort. They have a smooth matte finish that nicely compliments the satin D2 blade, bead blasted stainless back spacer and right handed, tip down pocket clip.
The Blades arc is equally matched with the handle shape, creating an inclusively ergonomic profile. Although the knife has a fairly small 6 3/8th” form factor the addition of the finger hole gives the user a secure, four finger purchase in a “standard” grip. When held behind the flipper/guard, starting at the finger groove, the handle provides a near-to four finger grip. Both give the blade a forward lean. In a reverse grip, the outside of the arc has more surface area and provides a full grip, without the finger hole.
The handle is executed well, handling comfortably and easily while providing different grip options. Made primarily from light-weight materials, the fairly thick stainless back spacer contrasts as a significantly weightier material. Titanium would be nice here although would also likely raise the cost due to both material price and machine time.
Over all, The Silent Soldier Flipper is an exceptional offering from Brous Blades. It has a unique, stand-out design that is not only original, but also comfortable to use and carry. With a small 3.65″ closed length and reasonable weight of 4.1 Oz, the knife will make a great EDC where legal.
As Jason Brous’ first folder design, it is a solid achievement and a sign of many more great things to come from this designer/manufacturer.
For more information about Jason Brous and Brous Blades, visit www.brousblades.com
Pros
Original design
Multiple, comfortable grips
Good materials
Strong, smooth pivot
Fast, reliable deployment
Cons
Restricted carry in many countries and jurisdictions due to finger hole
Specs
Weight: 4.1 Oz (116g)
Length Open: 6.375″ (162mm)
Length Closed 3.65″ (93mm)
Blade
length 2.7″ (69mm)
cutting edge 2.25″ (57mm)
thickness 3/16 (4.7mm)
steel CPM D2
Handle
Titanium liners
Carbon fiber scales
Stainless back spacer
Tip down right hand clip
Lock
Liner lock
Made in the USA
