Most Popular Spyderco Citadel

[GatorFlash1]

There are two sizes, about a third of an inch or 9mm difference (83mm and 92mm). The blades look like the same shape. Which would you buy and why? I have a source for either size and am leaning toward the smaller C119BK with a 3.25" blade size because it looks better to me and would seem to be faster opening. I'd like to hear from some Citadel owners as to their experiences. I read about the rattlling safety issue, that is a shame. It would seem like a slightly larger ball bearing would cure the problem.





Spyderco Citadel 83mm Black Blade - RESTRICTED ~ C119BK
RESTRICTED ITEM

click to enlarge



MSRP $239.95

length overall

7.76" (197 mm)

blade length

3.25" (83 mm)

blade steel

CPM S30V



length closed

4.55" (116 mm)

cutting edge

3.16" (80 mm)

weight

4.8 oz (137 g)



blade thickness

.118" (3 mm)

handle material

Aluminum

[Alann45]

I have the 83mm with plain blade and like it fine.
Had a 92mm plain been available, I would probably have opted for that but they had pretty much disappeared unless you wanted to pay a premium and the slight difference in size was not worth it to me.

Seems like the 92mm black is the most popular, with the 92mm's in general being the more popular (bigger is always better right? ).

The safety on mine is solid, no rattle.
From the user comments I've seen, the noisy safety is just a mild annoyance and doesn't effect usage.

[Blais]

I've never handled the 83mm version but I love my 92mm Citadel. Definitely one of my favorite autos.

[woodsman83]

Hey guys .
My brother just bought the 92mm about a month ago ..
I liked it so much after handling it, I immediately started to look for one.
Thank god I did and its on the way .. Can anyone tell me why spyderco
Chose to discontinue this knife ..

[gzb]

Hey guys .
Can anyone tell me why spyderco
chose to discontinue this knife...?

This from Sal Glesser/founder and president of Spyderco:

Sorry for your dissapointment. Sometimes there is little we can do. The model hasn't been made for years. We have no parts and they are difficult to move about given current laws. We just closed out older inventory. I'm planning an upgraded version, but it's still a ways off. The Autonomy might serve you, but it too is still not yet in production.

sal

[GatorFlash1]

It looks like from Sal's comments the regulators made it too hard to sell profitably. I really don't understand how I can go to a gun store and buy a 1911 Colt .45acp semi-automatic 10 round pistol and yet they raise a big stink about an automatic knife. I just don't get it. I would think they would allow them but put a tax on them like cigarettes if they think they are so dangerous. Never mind that last, they would first have to prove the automaticds are dangerous and I don't think they can win that argument considering how many are around legally in many states.

[Alann45]

It looks like from Sal's comments the regulators made it too hard to sell profitably.

Not sure in this case its the regulators.
When I first saw it was being discontinued I thought Spyderco was giving up on autos and guessed, like you, that they were tired of dealing with the regulations (and regulators ).
But if that was the case they would not be planning an "ungraded version" of the Citadel and putting out the new Autonomy.

Note in Sals comment that the Citadel hasn't been made for years, which would indicate it wasn't a big seller. It's really not that hard to buy an auto if you really want one, so I'd guess the Citadel just never got hugely popular with auto buyers.

Sort of surprises me because I think it is darn decent for the price.
Could be it was too expensive for the folks looking for a cheap auto, and didn't quite have "the look" or wow! factor for enough folks willing to spend more.

[woodsman83]

Regulation really stink.. lol
I have a hard time grasping some off the wall knife laws in states where gun rights(laws) are so good..
But yet regulation make owning a great great knife like the spyderco it a crime ..

In response to the question
I have handle the 92mm and thought it was great ..
I have one on the way . To me the 92 offered great balance
Not to heavy for me .. I tend to like the bigger knifes .
I would like to handle to 83mm also just to see the similarities.
The safety on my brothers seemed to be a little on the stiff side
But I'm sure it will loosen or break in with time

[philwar]

I chose the large one and never regretted it. I would have loved to buy the same one in satin finish, now I only have the Assassin's version...

[GatorFlash1]

Not sure in this case its the regulators.
When I first saw it was being discontinued I thought Spyderco was giving up on autos and guessed, like you, that they were tired of dealing with the regulations (and regulators ).
But if that was the case they would not be planning an "ungraded version" of the Citadel and putting out the new Autonomy.

Note in Sals comment that the Citadel hasn't been made for years, which would indicate it wasn't a big seller. It's really not that hard to buy an auto if you really want one, so I'd guess the Citadel just never got hugely popular with auto buyers.

Sort of surprises me because I think it is darn decent for the price.
Could be it was too expensive for the folks looking for a cheap auto, and didn't quite have "the look" or wow! factor for enough folks willing to spend more.

Good point. I forgot they are still in the auto business with upgraded models. Like you say it probably comes down to bucks.