[40SW]

I think I have decided on my next purchase. I have never owned a Spyderco product, but hear that they are phenomenal, both from civilian and law enforcement circles. I hear quality is exceptional. Here is the model in question. Love it aesthetically and the description. Feedback and thoughts welcome.
Here is the link.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=233

[mp510]

That's not a bad looking knife. I just got a Native, their bargain model, and it is a vry high quality product. Spyderco is a great company.

[Wireman]

I give it a thumbs down. What little blade there is on this model is going to be hard to sharpen. If I want a saw, I'll buy a saw. This week, it is "hot" to delete the thumb stud and fashion a hole in the knife for opening. I don't like having holes in my blade. (It also makes the blade look like an alligator, especially if you play shadow games with it at night.) Spyderco thinks a lot of customers like this idea, because all of their knives look like this one.

WM

[Ricky T]

Like mp510 said, it's a good knife. Saw it at Walmart for less than $40. The thumb hole is a great idea for ambidextrous opening, as well as the switchable pocket clip. Thumbs up.
BTW, Spyderco has been in business for a long time and sold a lot of knives. Many cops and civillians rely with these knives.

[Snake Eyes]

This week, it is "hot" to delete the thumb stud and fashion a hole in the knife for opening.

Well, if 'this week' is 20 years long....yeah it's just a passing fad.

I've always found the Spyderco hole far easier to use than a thumb stud. I like these knives.

[Fosbery]

The Spydie hole is one of the best innovations in knife design ever. It's been copied by dozens of other manufacturers. Spyderco design all their knives 'in the dark' i.e. their only interest is how they perform, now how they look.

Personally I don't like serrations but if you want a serrated knife, you can't go wrong with an Endura. I use a plain edge Endura for rough tasks when I don't want to beat up by Sebbie ;)

[lesjones]

My taste has moved away from serrations because they're hard to sharpen, but add me to the list of people who prefer the thumb hole to a thumb stud.

[usp_fan]

Spydies are great knives. I've still got my original endura--the serated edge is great for ripping and holds an edge for a long time. My native is a good small knife but the blade tip is delicate and mine now resembles a flat blade screw driver. My Military is an edge holding beast and sharpens up to be the sharpest blade I own. It is also large, almost too large to carry all the time--It may get traded for the smaller para-military. I lost my delica--and will be replacing it with tne new delica 4. It is the perfect every day carry for me.

The new Delica and Endura have some good redesign that has gone into them. New steel liners under the handles, upgraded blade steel, moveable clip position, and the option of the emerson wave are all good changes.

One note, everyone has an oppion about serations or plain edges. I've finally realized that for me, a plain edge that is kept well sharpened will do everything I need it to. You may be different. Thankfully, Spyderco will accomodate each extreme. These are good knives.

--usp_fan

[mp510]

My Wal-Mart Spyderco is plain edge- no serrations whatsoever. The false edge profile leaves some to be desired. If somebody wants fully serrated, it's not my thing, but some people have their reasons. I personally prefer partially serrated (generally less than 1/3 the blade, if possible, and aggressive but not overly).

I never like opening holes either, and i still prefer thumbstuds. But, that doesn't detract from Spyderco making a quality product.

[Charles S]

Nice looking knife.

I really like VG10 steel not brittle, great edge retention, fair corrosion resistance; it is rapidly becoming one of my favorite steels.

I love Spyderco and having had the Spyderco Endura long before it become a tacticool knife. I love mine. I have one made of GIN 2 steel that is over 18 years old. I love it.

Serrations are not hard to sharpen on the Spyderco sharpmaker, it just takes the right tools and practice. Having said that unless I need the knife to cut rope or webbing on a regular basis I don't want serrations. I absolutely detest serrations on a hunting knife, and they don't work for me on a general purpose knife because I cook with them (hard to slice onions and potatoes on a camp out with serrations).

I think you will be pleased with the knife, Spyderco is a great company that produces superior products. The lost folder I would part with is a Spyderco Military in the plain edge!

[gravis86]

I spent over $200 on a Spydero Manix a couple years ago after it first came out. It's the best knife I've ever owned. It is a little large (back then they didn't have the smaller version they do now), but it still goes with me everywhere.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Spyderco. I personally would get a plain edge, not a serrated edge. The serrated edges are much harder to sharpen than the plain edges. And I would go with S30V for the blade steel, but it costs quite a bit more. VG-10 is not bad, though.

Might I also suggest getting the Spyderco Sharpmaker along with your knife? It's a great sharpening tool, and a knife is no good if it's not sharp.

And I am also one of the people that like the Spyderco Hole as opposed to a thumb post.

[cedjunior]

Wireman, did you sign up to the forums just to say that? Not a very well informed opinion if you ask me.

To the OP:
You should also look into the new E4 with the "British Racing Green" handle and ZDP 189 blade. That ZDP metal is so hard it has to be laser cut, can't be stamped out like VG-10 or S30V, yet it is durable enough not to chip or break under normal using conditions. Unlike most metals used in knives that were developed for other uses and adapted to blade making, ZDP was developed specifically for knives. I've got a couple Spydercos my self, an E4 SS with the VG-10 and a Military with carbon fiber scales and a BG-42 blade.

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderc/images/sp10pgre.jpg

[hso]

For those that aren't familiar with Spyderco and it's history, success, popularity and innovation.

http://spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=9

[transalpian]

I carry a Millitary with the CF scales and the BF-42 blade, plain edge. You won't find a sharper knife. With the CF scales, even though its big, it really light.

I love the hole (vs thumb stud) and the sound it makes when the liner lock engages.

WAY much mire than $40 at WallyWorld, but without a doubt, the best knife I've ever had.

[jahwarrior]

you could do a lot worse than a spydie. my advice, though, is to get the waved model. i owned the delica with the wave, and i'm kicking myself for giving to my little brother as a gift. the clipit line from spyderco line (endura, delica, rescue 93mm, dragonfly, etc) are just great everyday general use knives. if you want something for hard use, i suggest something like the manix, chinook, military, or paramilitary. good luck with your choice.

[hso]

Welcome to THR, Transalpian.

[Never No More]

Thats no knife mate....


http://imperialweapons.com/knives/IP-203a.jpg


I carry one similar to this one.

Care to dance?

[hso]

Pretty Mediterranean dirk. Who made it?

[40SW]

Excellent feedback. Thanks so much. I will go ahead and purchase it. I have never had problems sharpening my serrated blades if done correctly.
I will certainly not hesitate to purchase more Spyderco products. Interesting story of success and innovation. As far as the hole, I think its aesthetically pleasing and very functional. Love it.

[wizard of oz]

by the way do you have a spyderco sharpmaker?...mine keeps my delica scary sharp.

[40SW]

I don't have it, can I purchase it from them. What are the benefits specific to it?

[hso]

The Sharpmaker is easy to use and works particularly well for the serrated potion of the blade.

[Ghost Walker]

:rolleyes: Personally, I find it hard to get excited about Spyderco anything. The steel isn't as hard as it should be; the handles are too light; and the locking mechanisms are, well, junk.

(And, yes, I've owned a few!) :)

What's all this about serrations? Blade serrations are, both, very useful as well as ridiculously easy to sharpen - IF you know how! :cool:

Now here's a fairly priced, outstandingly useful, folding knife -

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h39/Me_2U/CrawfordKasper6783.jpg

You can't beat the LAWKS Safety Lock on a folding blade: It will NOT vibrate loose if the blade is hit, and secures your fingers against, 'palm chatter' too! (I've got the scars on my hands from years of practice that say things like spine and simple liner locks are truly worthless on any real, 'working folder'.)

But, please, don't let little ol' me stop ya. If that spidey thing really does makes ya feel better (or badder) then go for it! ;)

[Charles S]

Personally, I find it hard to get excited about Spyderco anything. The steel isn't as hard as it should be; the handles are too light; and the locking mechanisms are, well, junk.

Obviously you are well informed...:scrutiny:



Try something harder than VG10 or CPM 440V and I will bet you dinner you can't sharpen it.

Yes CRKT are superior to Spyderco......:scrutiny:

I have both and CRKT is substantially below Spyderco in both fit and finish, steel, and design....try again.

You can't beat the LAWKS Safety Lock on a folding blade: It will NOT vibrate loose if the blade is hit, and secures your fingers against, 'palm chatter' too!

The LAWKS is nice, but I have yet to have a CRKT that comes close in fit, finish, and performance to my Spyderco Military or even my Spyderco Endura in VG10 with the Wave. I have skinned a lot of deer and hogs with my Spydercos and have yet to have the lock fail. I still prefer a fixed blade...more secure and much easier to clean.

[Soap]

The Spyderco you like is an excellent blade!

The steel isn't as hard as it should be; the handles are too light; and the locking mechanisms are, well, junk.

I think you need to do a little more research. AUS-6M, the steel found in the Crawford/Kasper isn't as hard as VG-10. :rolleyes: And if your training is so intense that you break lockbacks and liners, why didn't you switch to a fixed blade after the first scar?

[Ghost Walker]

:rolleyes: Maybe one of you guys would like to buy my highly desirable, collector's, Spyderco, 'Civilian' model? Soft as a butter knife! What can I say? After my earlier experiences I haven't bought a Spyderco knife in years. Looks like they might have upgraded the steel. (Balance is, still, all wrong though!)

Charles, I'll take you at your word when you say; 'You're no expert.'

Daniel, fixed blades - as you should know - are illegal to carry in an urban environment. Other than that I have one of the nicest collections of Randall-Made straight knives you'd ever want to see. (Now that's hard steel!)

As for what I know? Ed Parker and Gil Hibben always thought I knew what I was doing with a blade. Who knows? Maybe, even at my present age, I could still teach you young fellows a thing or two about squaring off with a blade! ;)

[Charles S]

Soft as a butter knife! What can I say?

That either you got a lemon, or you don't know what you are talking about. I will take the Civilian from you at a reasonably price now (PM me)! I really don't expect you to contact me regarding it though. I have always wanted a Civilian!

(Balance is, still, all wrong though!)

I take it you have handled all of the models of Spyderco....I am sure your answer will be as informed as your first.

Charles, I'll take you at your word when you say; 'You're no expert.'

I am sure you are..LOL

Daniel, fixed blades - as you should know - are illegal to carry in an urban environment.

Obviously you are no expert either...I can carry a fixed blade knife legally in every one of the four states I regularly carry in (and often do). In urban environments at that...LOL

Of course mine is not as nice as your CRKT....LOL...I usually carry this:

http://www.dozierknives.com/images/k-7.gif

I could still teach you young fellows a thing or two about squaring off with a blade!

I am not young...and after 25 years of martial arts experience (in Karate [actually a Korean form], Judo, Jujitsu, and Kung Fu - a mixed art long before it was cool) and 15 years of training in the Filipino knife arts (and based upon the lack of knowledge of your prior post) I doubt it.

I would be more than happy to spar you at your convenience and see how proficient you are. I am located in East Texas...feel free to give me a call (PM me)...after a few rounds I will be happy to purchase your dinner!

[19-3Ben]

Is it me, or has the maturity level of this thread dropped like an anchor?

[Ghost Walker]

Charles,

Now that we've butted heads, 'Hello, nice to meet you!' :)

I have one of the first, 'Civilians' every made. It's in the original case and is absolutely pristine! Not right now; but later I'll be glad to post a set of pictures, if you like. The price is $120.00 + $10.00 shipping. I can, also, give you the name of a large West Coast Randall dealer to whom I've sold knives. I am certain, he will vouch for me.

I don't care to continue the argument; I criticized one of your favorite brands and, probably, deserve some of what I got. I'm a big boy; and, that's fine with me! If you want to buy the, 'Civilian' I'll give you a 48 hour inspection privilege; all you have to do is return it to me in exactly the same condition as I shipped it out.

(I usually take pictures and we can do this through eBay if you like.)

I'm too old to BS people and you, probably, are too. Let me know how you want to proceed. ;)

[Charles S]

I am happy to meet you.....I am very interested in the knife....either you can post pics....if you are interested in showing others what the Civilian is like....

or you can PM me pics..your preference. My PM and email are available under my name.

I am sorry for your experience with Spyderco....Spyderco and Benchmade....IMHO are the best made production folding knives readily available. I have had mixed experience with Ernie's production stuff....Of course Chris Reeves....kind of pricey, but great production stuff.

I am partial to Emerson and Dozier in the custom fixed and folder lines....

Randall....what can be said about a legend?

[Fosbery]

Randall-Made straight knives (Now that's hard steel!)

Lol, comparing multi-thousand dollar custom knives to ones you can pick up in Wal-Mart for a few bucks is hardly fair :rolleyes:

[cameron.personal]

Wireman
No Thanks
I give it a thumbs down. What little blade there is on this model is going to be hard to sharpen. If I want a saw, I'll buy a saw. This week, it is "hot" to delete the thumb stud and fashion a hole in the knife for opening. I don't like having holes in my blade. (It also makes the blade look like an alligator, especially if you play shadow games with it at night.) Spyderco thinks a lot of customers like this idea, because all of their knives look like this one.

:rolleyes: not the sharpest knife in the drawer...

[Soap]

aniel, fixed blades - as you should know - are illegal to carry in an urban environment. Other than that I have one of the nicest collections of Randall-Made straight knives you'd ever want to see. (Now that's hard steel!)

As for what I know? Ed Parker and Gil Hibben always thought I knew what I was doing with a blade. Who knows? Maybe, even at my present age, I could still teach you young fellows a thing or two about squaring off with a blade!

Fixed blades are perfectly legal in many locations, including mine. You very well may be very experienced, but credibility is hard to establish when you give misinformation such as this or the info about AUS-6M vs. VG-10.

[Ghost Walker]

:rolleyes: It's all a matter of perspective; please don't try to wow me with any alphanumeric designations. Cold rolled steel is just that - cold rolled steel. What you get depends a lot on the quality of the heat treating, too.

The kind of production knives we're talking about can be - and in my long experience have been - all over the map when it comes to hardness and temper. Save the linguistic, 'gooble-de-goop' for the younger generation; they can be easily confused. Me? I can't. I understand knife manufacture; and, for whatever it's worth, I've already been there and done that.

So, let me try to understand one other thing? Are some of you guys telling me that in your areas of the country you're legal if you carry a straight knife concealed in the same way that many folding knives are carried; or, is what you're telling me that you're allowed to carry a straight knife, open on your belt, while hunting and fishing?

Maybe, THIS is what you're saying! ;)

[40SW]

My intention was not to create a debate over the various state legislative statutes regarding knife/blade type CCW. My thread was Spyderco specific and to the company/model type. I think the overwhelming response has been positive, thank you all.

[modifiedbrowning]

Are some of you guys telling me that in your areas of the country you're legal if you carry a straight knife concealed in the same way that many folding knives are carried
Yes, at least here in MT with a CCW. My CCW permit says handgun or knife.
40SW, the Endura is a nice knife. I have an older version that has served me well.

[Ghost Walker]

:eek: Wow, you guys out West have it good! That's something you can't do in either New York, or New Jersey; and, my Pennsylvania CHL specifically excludes knives - handguns only!

40SW, My apologies! In retrospect, I should have kept my mouth shut. ;)

[The Equaliser]

Hi all
I am a recreational stalker over in the U.K and at the moment I am carring out a review of a hand made knife which may be of interest to some of you gentlemen on here ( Notice I dont say guys) as its not a term we use over here.

http://www.deertalking.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1187776788


Also I am an acting Global Moderator on the same site/forum of which some here may also be interested in as hunting and shooting is common to both of us
I hope you gentlemen here pop in and introduce yourselves

www.Deertalking.com
Kind Regards
The Equaliser ( Manlicher Stu)

[auschip]

Hi all
I am a recreational stalker over i the U.K and at the moment I am carring out a review of a hand made knife which may be of interest to some of you gentlemen on here ( Notice I dont say guys) as its not a term we use over here.

http://www.deertalking.com/cgi-bin/y...num=1187776788


also I am an acting Global moderator on the same site/forum of which some here may also be intested in as hunting and shooting is common to both of us
I hope you gentlemen here pop in and introduce yourselves

www.Deertalking.com
Kind Regards
The Equaliser ( Manlicher Stu)

An interesting start to the review. I visited both pages (the forum & the bladesmith), but didn't see his heat treat information. Do you have any information about that stage of the build?

[The Equaliser]

Hi

All I know from the information received is that its heated 3 times the gent Bernie the knifes maker is very reluctant of imparting the actual temp req to make the knife.

I suggest you contact him direct through his website he may be prepared to divulge this information,

Sorry I cant help further
Kind Regards
Stuart

The Equaliser

[hso]

as you should know - are illegal to carry in an urban environment

Over-generalizations and errors are very common when people talk about knives. It's perfectly legal to carry a fixed blade ranging anywhere from 4 inches up in blade length in an amazing array of states, not just "out west". TN, where I am, allows carry of 4" fixed or folding blade knives. The state of KY allows any blade length if you have a Carry Permit. AZ doesn't even specify a blade length limit.

Your experience with Spydercos is unfortunate and inconsistent with many who own them. My experience has been that they generally produce knives that perform very well and are quite durable. I wouldn't treat my early Delica like a sharpened pry bar, but I certainly have abused my old Terzuola over and over again. I do consider the Bob Kasper design from CRKT to be one of the finest fighting folders ever devised (the fixed blade is even better), but it takes nothing away from the Spydercos either.

My apologies! In retrospect, I should have kept my mouth shut.

No, not necessary. We all have the opportunity to learn from each other. Just a little different "attitude" next time. And being correct helps too.;)

Lemme know if the Civilian deal doesn't go through. Depending upon age and condition it might fit with my proto Civilian and the smooth and full serrated ones I have.

[hso]

The Equaliser,

Welcome to THR! Good to see another UK subject here.

We shall assume that "recreational stalker" is in the context of hunting game as opposed to what would come to mind for us.:evil:

[The Equaliser]

Thanks for the kind welcome and you would be correct in assuming that
my reference to a recreational stalker differenciates the difference to someone who is employed as a professional hunter as against someone who merely hunts deer for unpayed pleasure , although i used to be semi professional at one stage in my life.

Kind Regards
Stuart
The Equaliser
Hope you visted our forum on www.deertalking.com ?

and also seen the review on the handmade knife i have been briefed to do by the knifesmith

I will try to visit your forum as much as i can as I am sure i can contribute certain items beneficial to all .

[hso]

Stuart,

We'd find it interesting if you'd start a thread describing the knives/tools you've used to clean and skin game.

[The Equaliser]

Ok i will see what I can do, but I need to play about and familiarize myself with the controls on here and in particular how to attach photos.

This seems to be a problem on most sites ,i have quite a few on the current knife review held on photobucket, although this knife i have only just aquired the other day to do the review, so non as yet, but that might change hopefully this weekend as i am going up to Scotland to one of my stalking areas, of which I have 6 areas and amounts to 8000acres,but at the moment the bucks are resting up and hard to find,this is due to energy expanded by these particular deer whilst rutting, so no gaurantee that i will be able to put this particular knife through its paces .

We in England have to abide by certain laws in regard to the sexes of the deer and at what time of year they can be shot, i presume that you also have similar restrictions in place to protect the times of the reproduction of the species?

At the moment we can only shoot Bucks and this will change on 1st November when we will be allowed to shoot the does then the bucks become protected by law.
I can put up some piccies of roe deer shot this year it may help if someone could kindly direct in instruction as to how this could be achieved as you all are aware i am new on here.


In the meantime I will leave you with a link that you all may enjoy
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/index.php

Kind Regards
Stuart
The Equaliser

[Stainz]

I must admit to being most fond of the old Buck 110 as the ultimate pocket folder - and it'd be my last knife. Even the 420HC steel blade - the $30 Wally World version - is very serviceable. The $65 S30V 110AG from Cabelas, the CPM154 110BP from Bass Pro, and the BG-42 'customs' from Buck ($84 up) give you some 'hi tech' steel choices. A better way to spend $50-$60 for anyone's knife collection would be that Spydie #204 'Sharpmaker' - it is slowly converting my drawer of butter knives/paperweights to real knives again. Who ever thought a Vict. SAK could get 'scarey sharp'?

I like many of the Kershaw 'assisted openers' - the Scallion, Blur, etc. Mine are sharp - again. I am not so sure about my BM Gryp - thumb stud - Blur is better there. My previous 'blade hole' is the Puma Sportec's slot... must be a German 'acquired' taste. At least it was a good closeout price bargain. Then I saw the S30V Native at W-W for $39.48 last spring! My wife snuck back up the hill to the store for something else from W-W that very day - and bought me that Native - what a bargain. And - retrieve it from your pocket and rotate it to the proper alignment - and that 'hole' is a natural means of opening the knife (Try it - no looking!). I used it for lunch moments ago - I was too lazy to get a kitchen knife to slice tomatoes.

I did carry a Blur in my back pocket - for defense - for a while. My 296 (5-shot .44 Special) just didn't fit my pockets as well as it should for CC anymore (Too much of me...). Then I found Mika's pocket holsters - and a LNIB 642 (5-shot .38 Special) for my smaller pocketed pants. I feel better protected with one of them. I will also have a 110 in my back pocket - and my other front pocket with that Native. They are great EDC knives - tools! My 'protection' will remain noisier. Give a Spydie a chance... especially that bargain, the S30V Native.

Stainz

[cracked butt]

I have/owned about 1/2 dozen Spyderco folders and its pretty much the only brand I buy now- I even have one of their kitchen knives, the wife loves it because its the first kitchen knife she's ever used that actually cuts stuff.:D

The VG-10 Steel holds an edge through a lot of abuse and isn't too difficult to sharpen.

The only knife I've had a hard time
warming up to is my Endura 4 Wave. The grind isn't quite right- its very sharp but it doesn't cut as efficiently as the Delicas that I've owned. I might send it out to have it reground as a flat grind instead of its hollow grind.

My current favorite is the Spyderco Yojimbo- it was made as purely a defensive knife, but is so rugged and such an efficient cutting instrument (it was specifically ground for slipping into flesh and cutting it with minimal resistance) that I carry it for everyday use. Its basicly a folding 2 15/16" box cutter with a thick spine that is flat ground to a thin edge and sort of a wdge shaped tip. Its made out an even more exotic steel than the typical Spydies (CPM S30V).

As far as the complaints about the civillian goes- the complainer must be using the blade for things other than what its intended for. Its intended solely as a last ditch defensive knife- the blade is very thin, serrated, and sharp for slicing through clothing/tendons/flesh- Spyderco even warns that the knife is for defensive purposes only and not to be used for cutting anything else.

[Ghost Walker]

As far as the complaints about the civillian goes- the complainer must be using the blade for things other than what its intended for. Its intended solely as a last ditch defensive knife- the blade is very thin, serrated, and sharp for slicing through clothing/tendons/flesh- Spyderco even warns that the knife is for defensive purposes only and not to be used for cutting anything else.

That's right; they do! So how far off would you say that I am ... hmmm? ;)







(Anybody want to buy my non-existent 25 + year old Civilian; it's in excellent condition and still for sale!) :D

[GAC]

I could scare up $50 bucks for the Civilian, but I'm poor. You should be bale to sell it on blade forums without any trouble.

How do you know the Civilian is "soft as a butter knife" if it is pristine and never used?

[Ghost Walker]

I'm just like, 'really quick' for my age! ;)

[GAC]

I don't understand. You looked at it and quickly discerned it's softness? Or were you responding to a different reply?

I'll still buy it for $50.

[hso]

Ghost Walker,

If the knife is unused with all the materials you've described I'd be interested in purchasing it.

How do you want to carry out the transaction? Feel free to PM me or you can send the knife to Coal Creek Armory, 10737 Dutchtown Road, Knoxville, TN, 39732 and they'll hold it for the inspection period.

[Ghost Tracker]

Spyderco knives are NOT phenominal, they're good performers for fair prices (I have a S30V Native clipped on my pocket as I type this). You don't get to exceptional until $200+. Phenominal starts around $700.

Gents, it's ALL RELATIVE to your use & your wallet. My Native easily handles my daily cutting chores, sharpens easily & isn't junk. My Emerson folder is the choice when the expected chores are more "dire" and the price of failure is higher. If I KNOW I'm going into Harm's Way, then it's a fixed-blade like an EK Commando or Stryder.

We are VERY fortunate to have the choices, the resources & the RIGHT to choose. To me, it's foolish to risk loss or damage of a HIGH DOLLAR knife in situations that don't require one. It's equally goofy to expect a $50 Spyderco to perform in the gravest extreme at the level of a knife costing five times as much. Choose Carefully!

[Dave Markowitz]

Anyone who thinks Spydercos are junk should read this old thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=40190).

[hso]

GT,

I gotta agree, you get what you pay for.

The best folder I've ever handled (best being a subjective term) is a John W. Smith practical. Perfect in it's simplicity. Amazing in it's smoothness. Tough as nails (well, tougher). The perfect expression of a folding knife. And $500. My wife uses hers gardening and I carry mine only on "dress" occasions. Otherwise I usually carry a Sebenza (almost as perfect as John's knives, but still hundreds of dollars). Are there knives that do 80% of what my wife uses her Smith for just fine for less than 20% of the cost? Sure are. It just costs lots more to get that last 80% out of anything regardless of what it is. My Sebenza comes close to the Smith, but it's more than a reasonable person would pay for a using knife also.

I always tell folks that probably 80% of the cost of most things is getting that last 20% out of it. Why? Because that last 20% is the really tough part to do. The polish, edge geometry, fit, ergonomics and efficiency of function all can be had readily with good effort, but that last bit towards perfection takes a whole new level of effort.

Buy good knives, they're tools that you shouldn't scrimp on, but understand that it only has to be good enough for the tasks you'll use it for and doesn't have to be perfection. ;)

[Ghost Tracker]

but understand that it only has to be good enough for the tasks you'll use it for and doesn't have to be perfection

...this coming from the man who's wife uses a $500 John W. Smith folder for (gulp!) gardening? And to think, I've fussed at MY wife for using the rusty Old Timer out of my tackle box!

[hso]

GT,

While my wife appreciates knives and even collects them she sees any knife that is touted as a "using knife" as a knife to be used and used hard. This is regardless of cost or provenance. While I understand the philosophy it makes my guts knot to think of using something so perfect (and pricey) to grub up roots in the garden or cut wire to tie up stakes. I keep the door to my "office" locked so she can't just walk in and grab something to scrape/cut/gouge with. Those things that need to be safeguarded from her are kept in a locked case inside my locked office (just to be sure). I trust our nine year old daughter not to abuse a knife more than my wife.

In her defense I told John about it and he just laughed and said that's why he makes the practicals, to be used, and if she ever damaged it she just had to send it to him with an explanation of how it was done and he'd fix it. He also put a hand fluted ivory backspacer and engine turned and heat colored the Ti liners of the folder of his she carries for SD.

[Ghost Tracker]

I was just poking a little fun there hso. Are you familiar with a Knife Maker named Joe Keeslar? A Mastersmith in the ABS and a true artist, he's from Murray, Ky. not far from my home. My sister-in-law recently caught her twin 5 year-old boys digging in the dirt with various old gardening tools from the shed AND A KEESLAR BOWIE from inside the house! I'm not sure either youngin' can sit down comfortably yet. :evil:

[skeeter1]

Like the Nike ad says, "JUST DO IT." I did the same thing with a Benchmark. more my cup of tea, but I got what I wanted. If you like the Spyderco, just get it and don't look back.

[hso]

Joe Keesler?

Yep, I've met him. President of the ABS. He's in Almo near Murray. He was down at Perry Elder's last time I was up in Perry's forge playing with Breed and Gary (trying to cut a meteorite I have). As long as they didn't break the tip on the bowie I'm sure Joe would clean it up for them just for the laugh at what the boys did. I've heard similar stories about Vietnam Randalls and endless horror stories about kids "sword fighting" trees with katana brought back from WWII.

No problem on Gwen. Like I said, I keep things in the collection under lock and key that I can't tolerate being used.;)

[Lucky Strike]

I have two spydercos....a waved endura and a jester that resides on my keychain.

Endura is plain edge and jester if fully serrated. I wanted something that could cut a seatbelt quickly. Since it's on my keychain it's always at hand when driving and i've got it on a quick-release mechanism.

I love them both but not as much as my benchmade doug ritter griptillian.

After owning a knife with an axis lock i don't think i'll buy another knife that doesn't have it....next purchase will be a mini-grip so i have something i won't worry about putting heavy use on (like i do with my ritter grip) and also that will be small enough that people at work won't freak out when i pull it outta my pocket to open a box or something which is what happened when i whipped out the endura

[Blade_Zero]

Pareto principle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle) & high quality folding knives, you got to love that!

GT,

I gotta agree, you get what you pay for.

The best folder I've ever handled (best being a subjective term) is a John W. Smith practical. Perfect in it's simplicity. Amazing in it's smoothness. Tough as nails (well, tougher). The perfect expression of a folding knife. And $500. My wife uses hers gardening and I carry mine only on "dress" occasions. Otherwise I usually carry a Sebenza (almost as perfect as John's knives, but still hundreds of dollars). Are there knives that do 80% of what my wife uses her Smith for just fine for less than 20% of the cost? Sure are. It just costs lots more to get that last 80% out of anything regardless of what it is. My Sebenza comes close to the Smith, but it's more than a reasonable person would pay for a using knife also.

I always tell folks that probably 80% of the cost of most things is getting that last 20% out of it. Why? Because that last 20% is the really tough part to do. The polish, edge geometry, fit, ergonomics and efficiency of function all can be had readily with good effort, but that last bit towards perfection takes a whole new level of effort.

Buy good knives, they're tools that you shouldn't scrimp on, but understand that it only has to be good enough for the tasks you'll use it for and doesn't have to be perfection.