I wasn’t expecting much from this $20 mini ratchet, but it’s actually pretty great. Small, compact, cheap, and perfect in a pinch. I keep it in the tool pouch that rides with my travel pack.
A knife that is the right size to carry every day and doesn’t cost so much that when you lose it, it won’t break your heart. Perfect EDC folder…
A few months back, I spoke about an EDC utility blade that I found and loved. A lot of people on knife forums claim that the “Exceed Designs” flipper is made in the US. I’ve found that while the Exceed Designs version might be assembled in the US, I believe it to be machined in China. In fact, I found the factory that I think is responsible for that machine work and bought the parts to build about twenty of them. Since then, I’ve been giving them away to buddies…
Anyway, this weird fascination put me on the map with other people that are into EDC flippers. One of those being Chaves Knives. Chaves builds a lot of short production, really well made knives and recently decided to design and build their own utility flipper called the C.H.U.B. Flipper.
The C.H.U.B. flipper is available with a number of different scale finishes and costs just over $200. Like the Exceed Designs version, it’s main ingredient is titanium and it locks via the frame. Oh… also… it’s made in China as well.
I was sent a C.H.U.B. finished with a black Micarta scale and thought you guys might be interested in my thoughts after using both the C.H.U.B. and the “Exceed Designs” versions for a few months now. So… Let’s do it:
Price
The “Exceed Designs” version retails at around $60, but if you play your cards right you can get them for as cheap as $40… or even cheaper if you are willing to research the shit out of Chinese factories and assemble your own.
On the other hand, the C.H.U.B. comes in at over $200.
Obviously, the Exceed flipper wins this round easily. But, what about value?
Quality
With each in hand, it’s very obvious that the C.H.U.B. is made of higher quality materials to a higher standard. The flip action is smoother, the tolerances are tighter (there is no play in the blade holder at all), and in use the C.H.U.B. is by far and away a better product.
But is it even $140 better?
Usability
The C.H.U.B. is more enjoyable to use just because of it’s build quality. BUT, the value of each isn’t defined by that… The beauty of the “Exceed Designs” flipper is that it’s light (almost a 1/3rd lighter than the C.H.U.B.), very small, and almost (not quite, but almost) cheap enough to be expendable. Break a blade holder by using the thing irresponsibly? Not a big deal… But do the same with the C.H.U.B. and that $200 price tag starts to sting.
The C.H.U.B. is also a bit harder to carry. Like I said, it’s heavier… but it’s also thicker and the pocket clip is less forgiving.
In short, they both do the same task equally as well. The Exceed does it a bit easier while the C.H.U.B. does it with more style.
Conclusion
If you are a knife guy… one that collects short production knives and appreciates a solid action, detail work, craftsmanship, style, etc… all the things that come with custom knives… then you *might* appreciate the C.H.U.B. even after spending $200 on it.
However, if you are just a guy that gets the whole utility knife EDC thing and want one that is easy to carry, the “Exceed Designs” version is the one for you.
Regardless, both of these are better EDC tools (for me) than any of the units from the major manufacturers like Milwaukee, Stanley, etc…
***
You can get the Exceed Designs version here.
You can get the C.H.U.B. Flipper here.
If you order a pair right now, you will get them in six to seven months… BUT, you will never buy another pair of scissors in your life. You will be done… and you will be happy.
This idea isn’t new, but I like the way these guys have implemented it in both design and materials. I wonder why they aren’t offering a key solution? Seems like this would be a nice organizer of those as well.
Ryan, within reason – money is no object. What is the best knife I can buy to carry in my pocket for the rest of my life? I don’t like shopping or researching. I just want to have it and be done with it. Suggestions?
Bryan Crass
I actually think this is a pretty easy one. While I prefer deployable utility blades for my EDC, I did carry a folder for 20 years. I chose the Chris Reeve Sebenza in the small size. It’s small, light, sleek, and holds an edge for seemingly ever. In my opinion, it’s the obvious choice for a guy that wants to buy it, use it, and take it for granted… for ever…
I don’t really use EDC pry bars or things like that. I’m around tools 90% of my day and would rather use the right one for the right job. That being said, I know a lot of folks are into these things…
WESN just dropped a sort of Swiss Army Pry-Bar.
All of these components are available individually, but I thought this kit was particularly smart. Basically, everything you need in a pinch in a tiny, but well made package. Pretty rad.
