A couple questions and comments on the R2

[gunmike1]

I will recieving my R2 in a couple days, and I was wondering if anyone knows what angle the factory edge is at (plain edge). I'm hoping it is in the 10-12 degree per side range, if not I will just have to reprofile it. It looks like it will be a great cutter with the full flat grind, and considering my intended uses 10 degrees per side with a 15 degree microbevel should work out good on it. The only thing I don't like on this blade is the slightly dropped point, so I will probably have STR put a splinter picker point on it at some point. Otherwise I can't find much not to like about the design, it's good looking, light, strong, and about the perfect size for an EDC. I can see where some people are coming from when they complain about it not having the cut out blade like the original R (that knife is really a thing of beauty), but functionally the R2 should be much more useful. The ergonomics work great for my hand, I like the choil, jimping, and grippy handle, and I have no problems like others have mentioned with the placement of the hole. Overall I think it is a great value for $75.

 

[Peter1960]

IMO all Spyderco knives have 30° (15° each side).

I hope you receive your R2 soon and enjoy it

 

[gunmike1]

IMO all Spyderco knives have 30° (15° each side).

I hope you receive your R2 soon and enjoy it

Both of my Enduras were at 15 from the factory, but my Native is around 12 degrees. I know in Cliff Stamp's reviews several Spydercos were closer to 10 degrees, also. Its not really a big deal, as it only takes a few minutes to reprofile it on a benchstone, but it is nice to have the back bevel you want already set from the factory.

 

[rnhood]

I don't know what angle the R2 has but, mine is razor sharp in the typical Spyderco fashion. My guess would be more on the 10 degree side of things. It is a virtually perfect steak knife, slicing meat is effortless. I will confirm what you have pointed out; that the knife is light, strong, very easy to carry and handle. An underrated Spydie in my opinion.

 

[gunmike1]

Well, I got it in the mail on Saturday. It is the sharpest knife I have ever handled, able to push cut newsprint over 3" from where I hold it with my fingers when I first got it. Shaving is equally impressive. I just flies through cardboard, and kitchen work is a joy with it. The fit and finish is very good, as there is absolutely no blade play. The only nit to pick is the blade is ground to the right as you look down on it from the spine (it goes to the right from heel to tip), which makes it a little off center in the handle when closed. That doesn't bother me at all, as the knife is a great value and an unbelievable cutter. I just sent it off to STR to have a splinter picker tip put on it, and will try to post some pictures when it's done.

 

[kgriggs8]

The R-2 is one of my top five Spyderco (probably top three if I really thought about it). It is really underrated IMHO. I have had one since they first came out and I have yet to find any real falw with them. Almost evey other Spyderco has a major flaw (IMHO) that keeps it from being better. For example, I think the compression lock on the Para really keep that knife from being a great one. If they just gave it a liner lock or a back lock, I think people would flock to it even more. The R-2 is a very well thought out knife and only suffers because it is compared to the R-1 which was a cool one. The R-1 was cool but the R-2 is much more practical.

Here are some of the my all time favs from Spyderco. Not in order.

G-10 Police PE
Large PE Calypso
R-2 PE
Cantofante II PE

 

[gunmike1]

I just got my knife back from STR with the splinter picker tip. I am very happy with the job he did, it looks like it came that way from the factory. The tip is now very sharp and needle like, and the appearance is much improved. I will post some pics tonight if I figure out how to do it.