KA-BAR TDI Flipper

KA-BAR and John Benner of TDI have teamed up to create an array of compelling fixed blade self-defense knives, but when they tried a flipper folder, it just didn’t click.

After a complete revamp of the original design, the new and improved TDI Flipper nails the functionality and aesthetics.

The new KA-BAR TDI Flipper forgoes the straight blade and handle of the original and opts for something curved to better match the defensive advantages of the fixed blades.

Its blade is 3 inches long with a spear point blade profile that reinforces the tip. The knife opens with an easily accessible flipper tab or an oversized thumb hole. Either option gives the user access to the blade in a pinch, even when wearing heavy duty gloves.

The handle uses textured GFN scales with a reversible tip-up pocket clip.

Another big change is a switch from a liner lock to a crossbar lock, which gives another option for opening and gets the fingers out of the closing path when disengaging the lock. It also makes the knife completely ambidextrous.

When it comes to self-defense folders, the KA-BAR TDI Flipper has quickly become a popular option.