[WonderNine]

Seems like every other person carries one with their carry gun. Why are they so popular??? Personally, I carry a Camillus Cuda Maxx in the back pocket.

[Hkmp5sd]

I'd say it's just personal preference. I like the thumbhole on Spyderco knives over the other one-hand opening devices found on other folders.

[JShirley]

They work. They were also a(the?) leader in one-handed knives. My old martial arts school would do "Spyderco Checks". :D

Of course, we would have the occasional Cold Steeler...

John

[Sir Galahad]

What's great about Spyderco? The Civilian, the Matriarch, the Harpy, the Spyderhawk...:D

[Dave Markowitz]

Spyderco makes great knives for the money. I really like the hole in the blade for one-hand opening. I prefer the hole to thumbstuds.

[10-Ring]

I've had a few. 2 were given to me & are very nice knives. I bought two others at a clearance sale & they have proven to be good everyday knives as well. I think they're so popular because they can be very nice values.

[Combat-wombat]

Well, I don't like the thumbhole, I like thumbstude better. Plus they're as ugly as hell.

[Sir Galahad]

You haven't seen the Matriarch, have you? She's beautiful.

[Don Gwinn]

CombatWombat, you're entitled to your opinion. Personally, I find the hole a simpler and more versatile design. It doesn't care which hand you're using, it's not affected by most gloves, and it's more positive than a stud for me.

My late and much-lamented Native was my favorite knife. For the money, no one matches Spyderco. I like the Cudas, but they're heavy compared to most Spydies and that button opening system, while pretty cool, is overthinking the problem compared to the Spydie hole.

[brownie0486]

As to their being ugly, all I can add to that is " in the right hands, ugly gets the job done".

Carry two Enduras, one in each front pocket, and they will serve very well in a defensive role or the more mundane role of work knife.

Spyderco's--Good value for the money. Carried the customs and semi customs for years in linerlock config. Now I'm prone to lockbacks for safety reasons.

Brownie

[WonderNine]

The thumbstud on my Cuda Maxx is VERY fast. I don't think you can get any faster than that without moving to switchblades.

[brownie0486]

WonderNine:

You go faster on opening than the thumb studs on knives without going to autos.

It's called the "Brownie Pop"

Never use my spyderholes or thumbstuds on folders to open them, actually have taken them [ studs/disks ] off several customs ans semis I owned.

I actually think the autos are slow to deploy, having to make sure you release a botton, switch of some kind. Under pressure of attack you may find the autos are a detriment to survival.

Brownie

[The-Distinctive-Edge]

Ugly seems to be the first impression, then they grow on ya. They are tough as hell and for the money, they are great! Paul

[Mr. Bombastic]

The thumbstud on my Cuda Maxx is VERY fast. I don't think you can get any faster than that without moving to switchblades.

Obviously you've never tried a 'Wave'.

Something else Spydercos do nicely with a little modifying.

[Bruz]

You go faster on opening than the thumb studs on knives without going to autos.It's called the "Brownie Pop"

I concur...especially on my favorite knife right know, Microtech LCC DA, I only use the auto mode when I am playing with it.

[Ed Straker]

Light weight, good ergonomics, high quality, good value.

[Dr.Rob]

I thought Spydercos were popular baecause they can cut a seat belt... am i wrong about this?

[JShirley]

Not at all. Spyderco knives had this going for them:

Reasonable price
One-handed operation
Decent Steel(s)
Serrations

All of these combined to let them get a running start on cornering the "tactical folder" market. The serrations do let them handily cut seat belts.

John

[Sharpdogs]

Spydercos are simply a great value for the money. They are also backed up by a good reputation for customer service. Spyderco's president is pretty active on Bladeforums.com and addresses concerns and questions regulary. Another reason to check out Spyderco knives is their VG-10 steel.

Brownie and Bruz:

What's the Brownie pop?

[brownie0486]

Sharpdogs:

I let Bruz answer that question off forum in a PM to you. I gave him the technique I developed over 10 years ago about 5 months ago now, he's been using it ever since apparently.

Bruz, off line with the directions to him please. Do you still have it written down as I gave it to you initially?

Brownie

[Sir Galahad]

Bruz, can you PM me those directions, too, please? I'd appreciate it! (For a BladeForums fellow member, too?:D )

[DigMe]

Uhh...yeah. I'd like to know the "Brownie Pop" too but why all the secrecy. Is this an inside joke?

I never really dug the holes on the Spydie knives either. I heard how great the hole system was but when I finally played around with one I found it awkward. I just have a lowly SOG Pentagon Elite but I can open it in a flash with the thumb stud.

brad cook

[Bruz]

Do you still have it written down as I gave it to you initially?

Yep, still got them and use the POP almost exclusivley.


What's the Brownie pop?

Sharpdogs, I'll send the directions to you, E-mail sent.


Bruz, can you PM me those directions, too, please? I'd appreciate it! (For a BladeForums fellow member, too?

Sir Galahad, since you are also a BF member, OK!


I'd like to know the "Brownie Pop" too but why all the secrecy. Is this an inside joke?

DigMe, no secrecy, and definantly not a joke, just a great method Brownie developed to get the blade out and in action fast. I'll send the directions to you.

[Navy joe]

Ok, first I have many ways of quickly opening folders, but don't do so with my Spyderco Native because low blade mass and a tight lock defy flicking open. Maybe Brownie can explain his ancient Chinese secret?

Spydercos are great because:

1. They created the concept of "production custom" folders. We would not have so many great choices if not for them.

2. They realized you can get way more product for your money if you are not paying bloated domestic wages to american knifemakers. Sad but true, Columbia River kicked this up a notch by going to ROC. I like to buy American and often do, but good knives come out of Seki.

3. Spyderco is a master of saving all the money for the blade. the plastic Enduras are one of my favorites, that handle has got to cost 50 cents to make, but the blade is good steel. The Native is a step above, it stays insanely sharp.

4. They are cheap. I can have spares, I can wear them out, I can have one everywhere. I can spray some CLP in the lock and grease the blade and go diving in salt water all day, no great loss even if it stays on the bottom.

[brownie0486]

Navy Joe:

It won't work with the Native for the reasons you stated, low mass/weight of the blade and the length as well where that model is concerned.

Sir Galahad: I think you'll like it, does't take much time [ minutes] to get it down and practice makes it real fast.

Sharpdogs: Same for you.

Only caveat is I would appreciate not posting it on open forums enmasse.

Thanks folks

Brownie

[jthuang]

4. They are cheap. I can have spares, I can wear them out, I can have one everywhere. I can spray some CLP in the lock and grease the blade and go diving in salt water all day, no great loss even if it stays on the bottom.

I second this reason -- I have lost ~3 Spyderco Delicas over the last two years, along with a Surefire 3P and E2. As you can tell, I tend to lose things rather easily. :( The Delicas ran me around $40 apiece ... would have broken my heart to have lost 3 Benchmade AFCKs.

Salt water resistance is good. My buddies and I are renting a shore house at the Jersey beaches this summer and I've been in and out of the water with my Endura. Rinse it off with tap water, air dry and it's good to go. No pitting or rust whatsoever. Gotta love that VG10 steel.

Brownie, I'd appreciate a PM with the Brownie Pop too if it's ok. My folding knife training is through Insights (DFK 1 and 2) but I'm always interested in hearing new and interesting ideas. Thanks,

Justin

[brownie0486]

Bruz,

Can you handle jthuang's request as well?

Brownie

[LAWDOGKMS]

Once you try a Kershwaw Ken Onion Folder with the speedsafe mechanism, you'll never own anything else.........

They are so fast, several states are trying to outlaw them and categorize them as switchblades..

I have one, and it replaced all the folders I own..

http://premiumknives.com/knifefiles/Kershaw%20knives/Kershaw_Knives_K1660ST.jpg

Stainless steel handle/blade. The blade is of 420 stainless steel
with a hollow grind. The index
trigger serves both as an ambidextrous opening aid and as a finger guard when
the knife is open. With a simple push on the index trigger, the closed knife
quickly springs open using The Ken Onion Speed Safe torsion bar technology
to propel the blade to an open and locked position like an automatic knife of
years gone by but legal in every state. The dual thumb studs serve only as the
positive stop for the blade. The notched thumb ramp of the blade provides a
secure placement for the index finger or thumb to rest on during use. Features:
Ken Onion's patent pending "Speed Safe" mechanism incorporating torsion bar
technology for assisted opening. Safety lock system to prevent accidental
opening Metal pocket clip for easy carry (can be remove if not needed) Integral
"Frame-Lock" locking system for secure blade position.

[brownie0486]

LAWDOGKMS :

Not all states are in agreement on the assisted opening yet. It's still a grey area in places so others would be prudent to check with someone before carrying that item.

I seen/handled the assisted opening Onions. Certainly it helps in deployment but they are not the cureall and as you stated they could be banned in certain locales so why chance getting one only to not know if they are legal where you are or whether they'll be deemed illegal in the future.

Food for thought anyway before someone gets one and then learns they are considered illegal in that locale later down the road.

Brownie

[grenadier]

I have owned several Spydercos, and have always been pleased with the quality. Spyderco's customer service is quite good as well.

One time, I had loaned an Endura to a "friend" of mine who had then used to try to etch glass (he couldn't find his triangular file). Well, after many uses in this manner, the serrated blade had dulled significantly, so I sent it back to Spyderco, who put a new edge on it, and it's as good as new.

[Jeff]

I have four Spydercos, including two carbon fiber Police, and a Benchmade 710 axis lock. They are all nice knives, but they don't compare to my Al Mar SERE 2000. You want to talk about value, for about $115 you can buy the best production liner locking knife ever made, IMO.

I would imagine the AMS2K would be popular with the 1911 enthusiasts, since they both share a high quality of build.

[Ron L]

I was given my first and have bought 3 more as a result. They're a great value. They carry well and the blade shapes seem to work best for me. They're not too heavy, especially my CF Dragonfly. I have not lost one as a result of the clip (I had lost 2 other knives as a result of loose or broken clip). They come razor sharp and stay sharp for quite a while before needing any touching up with a stone and when they do need a few swipes, they resharpen very well. And most importantly, I haven't broken one yet. I've broken Bucks, a Puma, and a couple Gerbers.

[Ron L]

Dang it - double tap.

[George Hill]

LAWDOGKMS - You are absolutely right about the Kershaw Onions.

My Boa has been a constant and sturdy companion since day one. SPEED SAFE is awesome. I took the thumb stud off mine and just use the "trigger" to open it.

[Sir Galahad]

Kershaw Ken Onion SpeedSafe's are simply: AWESOME!!! I own a Blackout and a Whirlwind. Thinking on a Boa. They are great knives and FAST! I like mine a lot. I would heartily recommend them to anyone looking for an assisted opening folder.

[bad_dad_brad]

Ditto what Sir Galahad says about Kershaws. I have a little guy, a Scallion I think it is called, and a Whirlwind. They open very fast and positive and I have never had one open up in my pocket by itself (like a SOG did once).

Well if my state makes it illegal - I will just play with it at home and carry a plain old one hand opener, which is just about as good anyway.

[enutees]

I'll tell you why I think they are great. I broke the blade on my Howard Viele Spyderco knife retail of $189. (only paid $90)

Sent it to the warranty department. They sent me a letter saying it wasn't a defect but they would replace the blade for $10 including return shipping. Doesn't sound too bad to me.

[Gray_Fallen]

*long low whistle* this could go on for a long time.

Okay, here I go

Fact! Under stress nothing is easier to manipulate than a "hole" type opener.

Fact Spyderco knives provide a great bang for the buck, so to speak.

Also, For those who see an advantage to it, a Spyderco is very easily modified to have a "Wave" type device (www.geocities.com/MAD_tactical/CombatCustomizing.html). The "wave" catches on the pocket as you draw, bringing the knife open, safely, and with much speed. This IS faster than autos, or Ken Onions speed safe, because both those types of openers have to be drawn from the pocket completely before they can be actuated, a "Wave" type actuates AS its being drawn.
My favourite knife like this, and the one that inspired my Spyderco mods, is actually a Kershaw and wasnt intended to be a "wave" type knife. Its the Kershaw Talon with bottle opener, otherwise known as the "Southern Comfort" - read about it here: http://www.donrearic.com/southerncomfort.html I realize plenty of folks dont like the method of use that article reccomends, but *shrugs* thats their problem/choice I guess. Either way, that knife is faster than any other "wave" type I've seen, and all by accident.
Closest to it is a Benchmade Griptilian modified to have a wave, like I modify Spydercos.

Bruz - could you email me the details about the "Brownie Pop"? My email is MAD_tactical@yahoo.com

Brownie - why arent you willing to discuss your "Brownie Pop" on the open forums? I wouldnt think you'd lose anything as a professional instructor by talking about a single method (it seeems to me that its not an entire class worth of material), and forums are a "share what you know, learn what you dont" environment - you know something that we dont, and you keep talking about it, so why not share it with us?
No offense meant at all, but I am just generally suspicious when someone starts talking about a "super great fantastic" method or technique, that they say is better than any other, but then doesnt tell the public what it is - I feel comfortable from your attitudes and previous posting on Bladeforums and Self Defense Forums, that you are not a "Virtual Sensei" (http://philelmore.com/profiling/vs.htm) - but, this reluctance to share freely still makes me a little curious. Seriously, no offense meant or insult intended, I am just honestly curious.

Also, Brownie, you're going to be at James Keating Riddle of Steel, yes? I am going to be there as well - if you'd like, perhaps we can find a moment to compare our opening methods, and have someone time them. I'll gladly even provide a stop watch new in packaging [to evidence no tampering] for the timing of it. I am very honestly curious to see it in action, against a "wave" draw on a "Southern Comfort". Perhaps even under stress of some sort, post hard training or something. You interested in a little semi-scientific test come Oct.?

- Morgan Atwood

[centermass]

Not to hijack the Spyderco thread, and...

Brownie, no offense intended, but (and no, I didn't read any of your super secret manuals.. so maybe I am off base) are you implying that you invented the method of flicking your knives open by keeping a very loose single-point grasp on the knife and a quick wrist "popping" motion? This is almost like saying you came up with flipping open a zippo or snapping your fingers to get someone's attention. I don't think we'll ever know who actually came up with the action, but I'll chalk it up to some unknown "redneck physicist" with a lot of time on his hands. I (and I'm sure many others including the kindly old knife salesman who showed me) have been opening my folders like that as long as I have carried a folder, at least 15 years now. I think I started with a Gerber "Bolt Action" if that is any indication of date. It had the perfect combo of heavy blade, light handle, and loose hinge. I am faster with a thumstud or by "popping" than any auto knife I have ever tried.

Go ahead and open a school and sell some videos, I'm not rushing to the trademark office! I'll gladly work as a consultant for the right price, though!

I'll agree with what someone else above stated in regard to the Native's light blade creating a problem with performing the "Brownie Pop". I have found that lighter blades do make this difficult, but not impossible without practice. As of now, I am carrying a $20 Kershaw Ken Onion Vapor (which I find to be most excellent. I know it's not an Emerson, MOD or Microtech, but I got a family to feed and no covert ops to run right now.) which has a very light blade, and after just a few minutes of handling after I bought it I have managed to determine it's "sweet spot" for the... ahem... "Brownie Pop."

As far as Spyderco knives, I have always liked them since I remember them coming out. They have a very distinctive look, which makes them very identifiable from a marketing standpoint. At first, they were that kooky knife with the big hole in the blade, but their quality and reputation has changed all of that. Their construction is basic, no itty bitty parts, keeping maintenance and upkeep simple. They are no-nonsense work knives with clean lines, usually putting function over form. I say usually, because I have seen a few newer ones that make no sense to me, such as the "D'Alton Toad" and a few others. Spyderco is very good at diversifying their product with many blade and grip styles to suit an ever-growing variety of uses and customers, while always keeping their trademark style evident. They also make use of the newest and most innovative materials in their designs.

I like them a lot, but 1)lose things too easily, and 2) am married and have bills, which both negate my need for an over $30 knife. I probably could have afforded who knows how many Spydercos to this date in lost/broken/boring knives, someday I'll get me one and keep it real safe-like... and practice the "Centermass flick" TM with it in secrecy and shadow!

Stay safe all, Steve.

[brownie0486]

Wow, I just don't know where to begin with this so I'll just say a few words and be on my way.

The "Brownie Pop" came about by my playing with speed in deployment of the tactical folders, thats all.

It doesn't use the wrist to "flick" and I never said I invented anything at any time, what I said was I developed the technique out of necessity. The presumption with most here is that it is a "flicking" motion to open the blade by centrifugal force. It is not that at all and has no bearing on the actual tehcnique.

Why do I not post it on the open forums and ask others I have sent it to not to do the same? Because there are people here who don't need to know the Pop in my estimation on the open boards and once on the internet enmasse every nutcase will have access to it which is not a good thing to have these bangers getting ahold of this on the steeet. Thats the only reason it has to be that way in my mind.

If I were worried about it not working or being something everyone else knew I would not be posting I develoed this for myself. It isn't that difficult to get down as others have mentioned once they were shown the way.

I make no claims to anything other than it is a way to present the clipped knife from the pockets in a real hurry.

As to the riddle, I'll be there and we can talk at that time. We don;t need a timer but you can bring one if you wish. I don't take it as a challenge or insult but more that the person speaking is confident in his abilities whic his a good thing.

Over at the bladeforums I have been inundated all weekend with requests by PM to give them the tehcnique and I have accomodated about two dozen over there in the last two days. Most that have gotten back to me have been very happy and mention the speed with the knives casn be deployed from the pockets. Not all get it down right away, but that is understandable. And as an aside, they haven't flicked one wrist in performing the "Brownie Pop".

Everyone have a good day now.

Brownie

[Baba Louie]

Initially, three concepts... clip for pocket/wasitband carry, serrations on blade and hole for ambidextrious use. Then factor in price. Then design variations built on a theme.

From sharpeners to folders, cheap and expensive, to fixed blades...

A fifteen year overnight success.

Cuda's are nice.

Spydies are... very nice.

YMMV

Adios

[Gray_Fallen]

Ok, Brownie, thanks for the reply - question answered, and answer understood :)

[centermass]

Brownie, I appreciate your well-stated response to my apparently conclusional and assumptive post, and I apologize if I came on a little harsh. You're probably a great and knowledgable person, as a vast majority of the people on this site are. I was having a bad day and I needed to vent on something, no matter how trivial.
That's one thing I love about this forum, usually respectful replies to sometimes disrespectful questions or statements. Hence- "The High Road" and all. I know my post count doesn't imply it, but I have actually been around here, TFL, and several other forums for quite a while and enjoy reading (Obviously not posting. Look what that got me, making an a@@ of myself! :rolleyes: ) the useful info here every night.

This is better than therapy, and cheaper too!

Steve

Have a good evening, and stay safe everyone.

[Gray_Fallen]

I am still interested in having Bruz or Brownie send me the information about how to do this technique, after Brownie's description in his last post here, I am even more interested than before.

[JShirley]

There is nothing new under the sun.

[brownie0486]

JShirley :

You are so correct there sir.

When the crow magnums [ spelling ] first learned to skin a cat it was an arduous process of trial and error using flynt chips.

Over the milennium the art of skinning the cat became less arduous and more effective in time consumption and loss of meat after the butchering due to better cutlery and knowledge gained over the years relative anatomy.

So, no, there is no new way under the sun to skinning a cat but over time ways are found to be more efficient and therefore more expediant at the same task.

Thats what we are talking about here.

Brownie

[Sir Galahad]

New things under the sun are all individual experience. Was everyone born knowing all the positions in "Joy of Sex"? Things may exist, but that does not mean everyone knows them. Some people might say, "Ah, big deal, I know how to do that!" BUT----that doesn't mean everyone does. Who cares who knew what when? I, for one, am more than grateful to Brownie for sharing his training and insight with me. I'll continue to refer to it as the "Brownie pop". Maybe some other person had a similar technique, but I take Brownie at his word that he invented this one. In my personal experience, Brownie is a man of integrity, honor, and always willing to help. He wouldn't claim something he couldn't take credit for. Thus, I believe what he says. Trust me on this, folks.

[brownie0486]

Sir Galahad:

There will always be some people that don't believe things until they see them or until verified. I think many here initially thought I was stating i "invented" something, which of course was never mentioned by me anywhere.

I developed my own way of opening the knifes [ one from each side at the same time from the pockets ]over a few years of carrying folders. I got real fast at the presentations over time with no formal knife instruction under the hood. Could get em out but didn't know what to do with them once opened.

Back in 94-95 I made one of JAK's Riddles in Little Rock, Ark after seeing the ad in a knife rag. Looked interesting and went for three days where I met some terrific people like Mike Sastre of kydex knife sheath fame [which he wasn't at the time ], and Jerry Van Cook, the knife writer/reviewer.

During the second day, during a break I approached JAK and showed him the opening of the two blades together. He wanted to see it again. I did it again.
He showed me a few espada y daga drills during the break [ which I really got off on ], and then made the comment that they sounded like they were popping when locking open. He liked the pop and hence the "Brownie Pop" was named, not born as I had been doing it for years, but named the "pop", hence the "Brownie Pop".

I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to train with JAK on a few other ocassions as well as with some southern boys where Mike and I went back for more along with Jerry.

I wasn't aware of how everyone was "flipping" knives around. I played with the thumbstuds, spyder holes and that got mundane after awhile. As I was always opening and closing them, I started "flicking" the, naturally, it was a normal progresion. That turned into looking at the fastest way to open the knife once it cleared the pocket. A lightbulb went off one day and by fumbling a "flick" where the blade didn't open all the way, I discovered something that was faster and more secure at opening the blades.

After a few years of opening them this way I developed bad elbows [ sore as hell all the time ], like tennis elbow almost. I stopped popping them unless I was just showing someone. I was opening them 50-200 times a day and it was too much all the time, over time.

I understand that a well known trainer showed something very similiar to the pop at a "99" seminar. That doesn't surprise me as anyone who has the time and energy could have developed this from something they saw or figured out on their own like myself.

When I show the technique in classes it is the "Brownie Pop". Thats what it was named [ the "pop" ] and so thats what I call it. I have great respect for Mr. Keating and his knowledge of the blades. I am honord to have trained with him but more importantly to meet him as a man. He runs with the same no holds barred , tell it like it is attitude that I have also had since the joining the USMC back when it was the old corps in "69". I'll be seeing Jim again this fall fortunately, I'll bring back some great material without any doubts.

I don't worry about others and what they think, I know what works for me and works quite well. I also know who I am, and therein lies the rub, here in outerspace others don't for the most part. It's understandable here on the web.
Those who have trained with me and have been trained by me know who and what I am and what I'm capable of through personal contact. The rest is just fluff on the net.

Brownie

[centermass]

Again, I apologize to Mr. Brown for making an assumptive an uninformed post. I was clearly wrong in doing so. After making my little forum faux pas, I did take a trip over to Brownie's site and realize that he is, in fact a very knowledgable and objective analyst in regard to the fighting folder. As the young 'uns say, "My bad." As a former regular lurker of 1911Forum, I'm not sure how I overlooked his site before now. Definitely good stuff, please keep up the good work.

Willing to "man up" to my mistakes -Steve

[TheeBadOne]

I second this reason -- I have lost ~3 Spyderco Delicas over the last two years, along with a Surefire 3P and E2. As you can tell, I tend to lose things rather easily. The Delicas ran me around $40 apiece ... would have broken my heart to have lost 3 Benchmade AFCKs.
For some people (like me!!!) this weighs a lot. The one thing I prefer is a metal pocket clip vs a plastic pocket clip (for better security). My 1st $120 Benchmade AFCK scared me on a regular basis. I found that my favorite jean jacket had a horizontal seam along the bottom that habitually snagged the clip out of my rear jean pocket, depositing it on the ground more often than not. In fact it was less than a week old when I attended a family BBQ and watched as someone picked a familar looking knife off the ground near the chow line. A quick description of exactly how the knife functioned and the marking on the blade returned it to me. This was repeated a few times before I decided to find a cheaper 'replacement'. I picked up a few S&W S.W.A.T. knifes (mini and full sized) as they have a sturdy metal clip and are decent, and affordable. This has worked well for me. My S.W.A.T. knives have been "snagged" a few times to, but not lost. My deer hunting overalls seem to be prone to snagging my clip with it's elastic band. I carry my knife in the right rear pants pocket. I'm sure that moving the knife to a front pant's pocket may relieve the problem, but that's not an option with my total carry system. Any-who, that's my 2 cents.

[brownie0486]

centermass:

I didn't take any offense to the earlier comments and you certainly are entitled to question others statements, it marks a prudent man in my opinion.

I'm not so thin skinned that these things bother me for reasons stated above in my last post.

Glad you liked the site, it's a learning process in an attempt to bring the general public some information relative tactical folders. That we are a meager resource for information about edged weapons and folders specifically is our main goal.

The forums are a learning environment for most of us. I know I have learned much about various subjects and even more about human nature in general in this format at least.

Stay safe out there sir, and "Draw straight, keep your steel sharp, watch your back".

Brownie

[bad_dad_brad]

Well folks you got me going. So yesterday I bought my first Spyderco - a little Dragonfly. I am very impressed - it won't be my last. Nice knife. I always shied away from them because the look sort of odd with that funny hole in the blade, but that hole works - very positive in opening. I like the way it fits my hand - and the blade is razor sharp. I am going to carry the little guy for awhile to see how things go.

So many knives - so little money!

[tex_n_cal]

Own two Spyderco's - a Delica that I've had for some years, and a Spydercard. The Delica is the best of the plastic handled folders I've owned - excellent steel, easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. Mine has cleaned a couple of deer with no problems.

I have a couple of similar knives from other folks - a Cold Steel Voyager. The Delica is designed better - more ergonomic and the plastic is shaped well for easy insertion into your pocket.

The Spydercard is a pretty neat deal though it does weigh down your wallet a little. Nice blade on mine, also.

I have many other knives but can recommend both of my Spideys

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Have 2 Spyderco's on me right now--both of the all-steel variety---a straight edge Delica and a 50/50 Endura-----seems like I have drawer filled Bucks--Gerbers--Kershaws and the like---the Spyderco knives are what work best for me--and probably all I'll ever buy from now on.

No Benchmades---I'm too cheap for that---If I'm going to get in that price range---I'm looking at guns.

[Sir Galahad]

Benchmades are worth every penny. Guns are one thing, but a knife is something I have on me at all times except in the tub or in bed. And there is actually a nice sheath knife within reach by the tub.:evil: I've tried them all. I've come to the realization, if you will, that it's "spiders and butterflies" for me from now on (AFCK and rotation between Matriarch, Civilian, and Spyderhawk.) I love bugs! :evil:

[Inspector Callahan]

Spyderco offers excellent knives for the money. Great customer service. Most models are ergonomic to the extreme, from the very smallest to the greatest biggest. :) All Spydies come RAZOR sharp out of the box. The list goes on.

Just about everything one could want in a knife company really.

They also concentrate their efforts to meet any budget. If you have money to burn, there's a plethora of custom collabs and high end "in-house" designs. If you're on a budget (or just looking for a high performance work knife), there's an entire lineup of fiberglass/nylon handled knives in the $40 - $60 range. Premium blade steel, rock solid lockup. Nothing is sacrificed over the fancier versions exept the handle material, which is quite strong anyways. FRN may look and feel a little "cheapish" but it would take a tree chipper or a blowtorch to really hurt it.

They also have the only serrations in the industry that actually WORK.

Reliable high performance.

[Atticus]

I agree with everything that's been said. I would add that they are very light and easy on the pocket (in two ways). A pocket knife isn't much use if it sit's on your dresser at home. I love em.

[Inspector Callahan]

Spyderco also leads the industry in new innovation and refinement of older models. Just look at the Endura and Delica for example. How many times since their original release have they been upgraded? Nine? Ten? Each year there's something. New clip design, better blade steel, new handle "grip" pattern. Something new with each run. And this is an ENTRY LEVEL knife we're talking about here. Most high end knife manufacturers are content to allow their entry level knives just float for years in the back of their catalog with no improvements at all.

Spyderco is always working on developing new locks, pocket clips, and blade steels. They are constantly testing edge retention, heat treatment, and even the amount of torque that's required to OPEN one of their knives. Lock strength is also tirelessly tested. The dealer video explains all of this in detail.

Spyderco is truly the leader in the industry. They may not be the largest knife manufacturer, but they are far and away the best. :)

[chaim]

I might have to give them a try sometime in the next week or two. I currently carry around a Ken Onion, Kershaw Scallion. I love it but I'm always up for new suggestions and it is also good to have an alternative should something happen to my knife (my only other defensive folder is one of those $4 no name gun show knives that I don't really trust- flimsy, very thin and flimsy liner lock, and it doesn't really sharpen well or stay sharpened long).

One question, are the Meyerco and "Camp USA by Meyerco" just "budget brand" Spydercos? They have a similar look to them and the Spyderco thumbhole. If so I'll probably start with them since they are very affordable (i.e. cheap) and I just spent some money on a new knife (a really nice Boker "Original Bowie" with stag horn grips).

[Inspector Callahan]

Nope. Meyerco and Camp USA are different companies altogether. Spyderco's "entry level" knives are going to run close to the fifty dollar mark. Here's a link (http://www.newgraham.com/spyderco.htm) to some of the best internet prices. Cheers.

[45R]

I'm going to be a party pooper, everyone is raving about the hole in the blade design for easy opening. Dont disregard the Benchmade Axis Lock. :)

[JShirley]

I like the Axis lock.

Like Spyderco's, too.

[Mr. Bombastic]

With a Mini Griptilian, you can have a hole and an Axis lock! Though, it's not a round hole. :(

The Wave is THE fasting opening folding method though, only a fixed blade opens faster.

[Brian Dale]

Dr.Rob asked, way back on July 7th in this thread, I thought Spydercos were popular because they can cut a seat belt... am i wrong about this? No, you're not wrong. I used mine in a training session last Saturday for just that (cutting all of the seat belts) as we removed the roof of a Volvo we were cutting apart (with other tools) for practice. Still, any decent knife will cut a seat belt. I suspect that for Spydercos, "looking cool while doing it" might sell a few knives, too. The seat belt cutters that our fire department keeps on the trucks consist of a plastic housing with a small, diagonal blade inside a slot where fingers can't come into contact with it. I have one of those in a coat pocket of my turnout gear and another one Velcroed to the driver's side door of my car. My GF has one Velcroed in the same place in her car. I carry a Spyderco Rescue model clipped to my pants pocket all the time anyway, though.

My Spyderco cuts many more things than seat belts, and it's bigger in the hand than the small, flat seat belt cutters, so it's easier to manipulate while wearing gloves. The tip is a sheeps-foot style, so it's easy to avoid poking holes in your patient if you're (for example) cutting away a pants leg to check a possibly-broken leg. EMT shears are great for that, but that's one more tool to carry in already-heavy t/o gear pockets. Some do; I don't. Knives have more uses.

I haven't seen too many jammed seat belts at car accidents. Ordinarily, the buckle still works after a crash. I've only cut one seat belt at a car accident myself in five years as a volunteer FF. The reason for carrying my Spyderco is that I trust it completely to do whatever I need it to do. I always know where it is. I have the cutter that I mentioned in my t/o coat pocket (doesn't weigh much, nor take up much room). A folding spanner wrench that lives in my t/o pants pocket is made with a seat-belt cutter on it (I'd be carrying it anyway without one). Those two blades are backups for the Spyderco, which is the easiest of them to hold with a gloved hand. If the seat belt buckle is stuck or inaccessible when it's time to move the patient, you need to cut the belt now.