An homage for a neglected beauty,

J

Johnny brown

Joined
Jun 3, 2017
Messages
184
I don't post a bunch, but every now and again I just have to speak up. Always was intrigued by the vrango, but it seemed to fly under the radar. It's just I never saw much said about it; maybe it was an out of sight out of mind type thing. Maybe it's the fact that it's a smallish knife, or that it could be perceived as expensive for what it appears to be (which isn't very close to the case imo) or the recurve, that's it, people get scared away from recurves. Again, this is unfortunate, because you're missing out if you haven't experienced the enhanced performance that a well executed recurve can add to a blade. A combination of several factors perhaps, or maybe it was bad timing as far as standing up to other offerings in the lineup at the time. Regardless, this thing is fantastic. It's beautiful. Perfection really. The f/f is supreme. I mean it's right up there with the best in the line. It's unique, the way the liner lock is done is just so damn cool. It's so damn smooth on opening and it's a great little cutter for smaller tasks. The inlays are amazing, take it into the sun and the way the light plays with the blue and and the cf inlays is amazing. It's crazy to me that it flew so far under the radar. It's one of the most attractive knives from Spyderco, no joke it's just so good. I did a search of thread titles after I bought one and there had NEVER been a thread posted with the name of this knife in the title, and I think its deserving of at least that. So here it is. I bought a second because you can find em discounted at about half of what they were retail, so yea if you appreciate great craftsmanship don't let em pass you buy, it's a beautiful little knife. Thanks for reading my rambling haha. Anyone else like this knife like I do, just curious.
 
Yes you guys and Mr. Henningson did a great job, its very impressive. Especially considering materials and craftsmanship in relation to the price of the knife. I think the market irrationally overlooked it. But hell with the herd, I'm just glad I pulled the trigger.
 
I had some gift card money leftover from Christmas, and actually just placed an order for a Vrango today. I'd be lying if I said your post didn't finally convince me to jump the fence. I don't know that I'll be using it as a fishing knife or for work, but I could see it being the perfect around the house EDC. It will likely replace my Titanium Squeak in that regard.
 
I've been eyeing this model for some time. It and the Myrtle really intrigued me. I suspect many were turned off by the clip positioning, which isn't even a consideration of mine. Believe it or not, I'm coordinated enough to use both tip up AND tip down configurations. I'm a sucker for a reasonable recurve too.
 
The thing turning me away from the vrango was the priece and sharpening the recurve. Price has improved, but sharpening the recurve (not using) is what is keeping me away.
Petunia D. Feeble Petunia D. Feeble the Myrtle is an awesome knife, unfortunately i got one with a bent lock side and the dealing with spyderco customer support from here (Germany) left me no choice but to sell it as defective and bear the loss. I suggest trying one.
 
Some how, i had no idea the Vrango existed until last month. I was immediately taken with it and got lucky enough to find one for sale on the exchange.

Wow, it's a beautiful knife. It's a Spyderco so of course it's well made, but this is one of the best I've seen Spyderco produce.

The blade shape is unique, kinda a recurve tanto. Should be fairly straight forward to sharpen on a Sharpmaker.

Overall, the knife is a tad smaller than I thought it would be but is well proportioned and is easy to carry and use.

Love the hourglass clip without the Spydie logo too. Adds a distinctive look to the knife.
 
I love the design. Love the looks, the materials, and the unique blade shape. Unfortunately when I had a chance to handle one I didn't fall in love with the ergos in my hand. I should say though that I had the same initial reaction to the Stretch and that knife later became one of my favorite (and most comfortable) Spydercos after carrying and using it. I might need to have another look at the Vrango.
 

It is a great looking knife. The price kept me from it, however, because the exchange rate is terrible.
 
Just got my Vrango today, and I'm glad I got one before they were all gone. The handle is small, but I can still get a comfortable three finger grip on there. I was a little worried that the lanyard hole would poke into my palm, but all the edges and corners are nicely chamfered. I'm digging the blade shape as well. I'm not usually a fan of recurves, in fact I actively avoid them. For some reason, though, this one just works for me. I also love the shape of the tip, and the fact that I basically have two points to work with. The carbon fiber panels were fitted very well, with no gaps around the edges. If I had a complaint, I wish Spyderco had used a clip that better fit the design. The standard stainless clip just doesn't work for me. As it is, I may have to commission a titanium clip from Mr. Henningson to match the rest of the knife.

I know this knife appeared expensive when it first came out, but having handled it, I can see where the money went. It's a steal at the discounted price it's selling for now.
 
How practical/useful is this blade shape? I'm sure it would get through baling twine well. Have any users reported on its suitability for everyday tasks such as opening mail, breaking down a cardboard box, and others? Or are most folks buying it for a collection?

Zieg
 
The Zieg said:
How practical/useful is this blade shape? I'm sure it would get through baling twine well. Have any users reported on its suitability for everyday tasks such as opening mail, breaking down a cardboard box, and others? Or are most folks buying it for a collection?

Zieg
Click to expand...

It does just fine with mail and I love it for opening cardboard boxes. The tanto tip + recurve is fantastic for cutting through the cardboard and tape without cutting into the contents. For breaking down cardboard boxes, it does less well than other knives because of the shoulder at the top of the saber grind, but it's super slicey if you're able to keep the cardboard in the area below that, like holding the knife parallel to the cardboard instead of perpendicular.

33733709481_9f067206d4_c.jpg



I have small hands, so my in hand pics might be a little misleading:

33706792812_b011ed70c3_c.jpg


I got mine as a partial Christmas gift in 2016 before it was discounted and felt it was well worth the money then. Now that it's discounted so much, it's a steal.
 
I had a chance to handle them at a seconds sale in 2016. I passed even at that price. I simply didn't find anything appealing about it aside from the color. Even if it had been big enough for my hands, the combination of metal handle, tanto point and recurve amounted to strike one, two and three. I'm glad some people like it, I just don't happen to be one of them.
 
AlwaysTomboy said:
It does just fine with mail and I love it for opening cardboard boxes. The tanto tip + recurve is fantastic for cutting through the cardboard and tape without cutting into the contents. For breaking down cardboard boxes, it does less well than other knives because of the shoulder at the top of the saber grind, but it's super slicey if you're able to keep the cardboard in the area below that, like holding the knife parallel to the cardboard instead of perpendicular.

33733709481_9f067206d4_c.jpg



I have small hands, so my in hand pics might be a little misleading:

33706792812_b011ed70c3_c.jpg


I got mine as a partial Christmas gift in 2016 before it was discounted and felt it was well worth the money then. Now that it's discounted so much, it's a steal.
Click to expand...
In your pics the recurve does not look so pronounced. I could get into this knife.

Zieg
 
I kinda think this design would work well as part of the Salt series. Use the same shape, just slightly larger, make it out of LC200N, and throw it in an FRN or G-10 handle. I'd buy one at least.
 
got one yesterday. impressed with fit and finish smaller than I would normally buy but it feels good in hand and the blade design is cool. now to start cutting stuff.
 
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