- Joined
- Apr 14, 2014
- Messages
- 9
Dear Sal and Spyderco in general,
My first Spyderco knife made its way to me in the mid nineties, just as I was getting into technical theatre work. My main focus was on the overhead rigging, which consisted of 3/4" natural and synthetic fiber rope used to suspend various loads over both performers and audience members. Needless to say, that Rescue model with its serrated edge and molded pocket clip saw a whole lot of heavy use cutting those ropes, and having used it for several years in that role, I can say that it was a great tool in that setting. Even with the minimal attention that my initially 18yo self gave that blade, it continued to excel where others literally simply failed. To this day it is one of a select few that I happily recommend to my coworkers if they are looking for a good rigging knife.
Since the day that one sprouted legs at work I have been actively searching for my Perfect Knife. That search has taken me through numerous manufacturers, blade shapes and handle styles, edge profiles, all sorts of materials, etc. I tend to purchase a knife then use it for a while before deciding that its just not quite what I'm looking for, then I find someone who has no knife (or a low quality one) and gift it to them. If I've got a drawer full of barely used knives, and they want to be used, why not make everyone happy? It also means that I don't have to give up my highly prized EDC to whatever misfortunes befall loaned knives. Often this gift leads to others going on their own personal quests for their Spirit Knife.
There are still several blades from a few different makers which find their way into my pocket from time to time, and that is usually because they have proven themselves particularly suited to specific tasks. A few of those even make it into my tool bag regularly. For the last few years though, there is one model which has superseded almost all others in my daily rotation. Around three years ago I purchased two knives sight unseen, based purely on reviews I'd read or watched online. The first was a gift for my roommate, and it was a Spyderco Tenacious. A fine blade in its own right, especially given the combination of materials and the price point. The second, well it was about to become my new favorite pocket knife ever. The Spyderco Stretch had me enthralled immediately. The curves in the handle fit my hand as though it were made with me in mind. The curve of the sharpened edge with the flat ground blade makes for one of the fines slicing tools I've used. The re-curve of the spine while reducing weight, also makes for a trimmer package while hanging on the very utilitarian, yet refined pocket clip.
In the time between then and now, I've continued my quest for the perfect EDC for me personally. I've probably bought another 20+ knives since, but the Stretch keeps being the one that comes out of my pocket most days at work. I'm actually on my third Stretch even, this one being a Super Blue. My ZPD-189 version typically lives on my desk at home, and the first one I bought, the VG-10 was recently gifted away to a close friend.
Recently, I've had the pleasure of handling your Manix models. At work the other day someone had a Manix Lightweight with the translucent blue scales, while yet another person was sporting a Griptillian. Being able to handle them side by side it was clear that in my hand anyway, the Spyderco fits me better. That experience has been being mulled over in my mind since. One thing that I keep coming back to is how wide (not thick) the folded package of the Manix is. Fact is that I'm absolutely in love with my Stretch, but find myself soo attracted to the Manix line, large and small, the next natural thing occurred to me:
My ideal EDC knife would be a merger of the Stretch blade, the Manix locking mechanism, your wonderful Volcano grip, and a relatively deep carrying wire pocket clip.
An XL option would be great too.
Thank you for reading,
AmirMortal
Does this make sense to anyone else here or am I completely alone in this?
My first Spyderco knife made its way to me in the mid nineties, just as I was getting into technical theatre work. My main focus was on the overhead rigging, which consisted of 3/4" natural and synthetic fiber rope used to suspend various loads over both performers and audience members. Needless to say, that Rescue model with its serrated edge and molded pocket clip saw a whole lot of heavy use cutting those ropes, and having used it for several years in that role, I can say that it was a great tool in that setting. Even with the minimal attention that my initially 18yo self gave that blade, it continued to excel where others literally simply failed. To this day it is one of a select few that I happily recommend to my coworkers if they are looking for a good rigging knife.
Since the day that one sprouted legs at work I have been actively searching for my Perfect Knife. That search has taken me through numerous manufacturers, blade shapes and handle styles, edge profiles, all sorts of materials, etc. I tend to purchase a knife then use it for a while before deciding that its just not quite what I'm looking for, then I find someone who has no knife (or a low quality one) and gift it to them. If I've got a drawer full of barely used knives, and they want to be used, why not make everyone happy? It also means that I don't have to give up my highly prized EDC to whatever misfortunes befall loaned knives. Often this gift leads to others going on their own personal quests for their Spirit Knife.
There are still several blades from a few different makers which find their way into my pocket from time to time, and that is usually because they have proven themselves particularly suited to specific tasks. A few of those even make it into my tool bag regularly. For the last few years though, there is one model which has superseded almost all others in my daily rotation. Around three years ago I purchased two knives sight unseen, based purely on reviews I'd read or watched online. The first was a gift for my roommate, and it was a Spyderco Tenacious. A fine blade in its own right, especially given the combination of materials and the price point. The second, well it was about to become my new favorite pocket knife ever. The Spyderco Stretch had me enthralled immediately. The curves in the handle fit my hand as though it were made with me in mind. The curve of the sharpened edge with the flat ground blade makes for one of the fines slicing tools I've used. The re-curve of the spine while reducing weight, also makes for a trimmer package while hanging on the very utilitarian, yet refined pocket clip.
In the time between then and now, I've continued my quest for the perfect EDC for me personally. I've probably bought another 20+ knives since, but the Stretch keeps being the one that comes out of my pocket most days at work. I'm actually on my third Stretch even, this one being a Super Blue. My ZPD-189 version typically lives on my desk at home, and the first one I bought, the VG-10 was recently gifted away to a close friend.
Recently, I've had the pleasure of handling your Manix models. At work the other day someone had a Manix Lightweight with the translucent blue scales, while yet another person was sporting a Griptillian. Being able to handle them side by side it was clear that in my hand anyway, the Spyderco fits me better. That experience has been being mulled over in my mind since. One thing that I keep coming back to is how wide (not thick) the folded package of the Manix is. Fact is that I'm absolutely in love with my Stretch, but find myself soo attracted to the Manix line, large and small, the next natural thing occurred to me:
My ideal EDC knife would be a merger of the Stretch blade, the Manix locking mechanism, your wonderful Volcano grip, and a relatively deep carrying wire pocket clip.
An XL option would be great too.
Thank you for reading,
AmirMortal
Does this make sense to anyone else here or am I completely alone in this?
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