Drop + Gareth Bull Miura Front Flipper Knife

Miura bulls have a reputation in Spain for being large, fierce, and cunning. A matador who turns his back on one may never turn back around. Our latest blade is inspired by these mighty beasts. Designed by Gareth Bull, the Miura is a sleek front flipper made with premium materials. Unlike a traditional flipper tab, the Miura’s flipper is built into the spine of the blade, which opens by rolling a thumb over the jimped tang (similar to how you’d ignite a lighter). Measuring a modest but capable 7.3 inches, the knife features a blade made of premium S35VN stainless steel with a black DLC finish—a welcome pairing with the carbon fiber or rosewood handle. For slicing security, the Miura is outfitted with a titanium liner lock. For carry, use the tip-up titanium clip.

Clean, ergonomic, and without a smidge of wasted space, the Miura has multiple finger grooves and a raised jimping section for control with every cut. The front flipper is key to that streamlined aesthetic; there’s nothing that takes up extra real estate on the blade, and nothing to get in the way when you put the knife to work. In the pocket, the absence of a flipper tab means the knife won’t catch or snag, either. In the words of the designer: “Fewer parts equals less to go wrong.”

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (arguably the most famous knifemaker in the world), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process of Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM), which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.

Aside from his natural design sense and handiwork shaping and grinding blades, Gareth Bull may be best known for his use of front flippers. The South African designer—along with brother, Jason, and father, Mike—made his name creating them. When asked about his affinity for the style, Bull noted, “For me it was love at first sight.” For his customers it has been, too. Designs like the Shamwari and Miura (on which this folder is based) have catapulted Bull to international acclaim. It’s not a wonder why the front flipper is on the rise: says Bull, “Everyone loves simplicity, specifically simplicity done well.”