its the first flipper ive edc'd but i havent had any problem (and i wear slim fit jeans.) the flipper is pretty smooth with a nice radius and no jimping.

I suppose it depends on how you carry it also I have just switched to RH tip down so that would make a huge difference, I havent carried any flipers since I switched carry position.

i used to carry rh tip down, but switched to tip up a while back. in this config the curve of the southard points away and not into the pocket space which im sure also helps... the flipper is on the inside though.

sorry I ment tip down I had been using tip up.

Southard's rather curvy bellied blade shape is my biggest design concern. But rotate the wrist a bit, and I'm sure it produces more "flat" cutting area.

As for flippers, it's great when you need it. A lot easier to hit than a thumb stud--to get the blade started, if not fully deployed--depends on how encumbered you may be at the time of need.

If you, for example, carry tip-up RH and press the knife to the back of the pocket...the pocket helps to keep the blade closed and you can also slip your finger onto the flipper as you retrieve the knife from your pocket. Pretty fast and smooth deployment as soon as the knife leave the pocket.

As for keys...that's a bigger riddle. I try to never put them in the same pocket as my primary EDC knife. But that's not always possible, so it's an ongoing riddle.

I like to keep my house keys in a seperate pocket from my car keys, I am anal about my remotes staying nice. lol

im all about the carabiner for key carry. and if i need to be quiet, they easily make from the belt loop into the back pocket.

one of the design knocks i give the southard is the small spydie hole. you can notice its much smaller than the para 2, and its not entirely accessible either. along with that the blade has some strong retention; it makes for a tough open when not using the flipper. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

I think that is a design feature of the flippers a strong detent lets them build up energy to swing open so when you try to use the thumb studs or spydie hole it can make it a pain.

Compares to a Hinderer...wowza!

The blade shape is a little tough for me, it's not my style, but I figure it's efficient. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I've only handled a Hinderer, never carried or used one, but feels similar in hand to me. I think the blade shape ( especially the top) helps to give it a compact profile when closed, yet still be a pretty long and strong blade. But I actually prefer the curve of the edge myself to a straight

Let me tell you, making folder scales by hand is not much fun



Still have some work to do,

Looks like it will be pretty sweet when you are done though.