Anyone else prefer the SS models and non flat ground blades?

H

HotRodColt

Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
330
My first Spyderco was a part serrated Endura SS. I love the balance and weight of it.

I recently ordered an Endura 4 FRN FFG. It is definitely sharp, but it feels flimsy compared to my SS model.

Just picked up an older SS Police models in ATS-55. It has that old familiar heft I love.

So, what Spyderco models should I be looking at?
 
Well their Byrd line still has quite a few SS models. However you were asking about Spyders. They don't seem to have too much in the SS handle category anymore but they do have quite a few metal handle ones. The C160P Carpenter Foundry is an all steel knife but it is ffg. The Fahrid Mehr K2, and the Marcin Slysz Bowie have ti handles but ffg blades. The Gayle Bradley 1 and 2 as well as the G10 sprint Worker have steel liners and non ffg blades. One of the only recent (so recent it's still on pre-order) Spyders that I have seen with a non-ffg blade and all metal construction is the Rassenti Nervana.
 
well,some like the FRN handle knifes and some don't! i enjoy the heft of heavy folder myself,and you could try the manix 2 or gayle bradley 1) at 5.2oz but don't think it will make a grate choice for EDC!
 
"feels flimsy" is subjective, and does not equal actually being flimsy.


The Police SS is definitely an iconic folder.

The SS handles are just a bit too temperature sensitive and slippery for my tastes.
 
FRN feels cheap.

So I replaced them with G10.
Now my endura feels solid.

As for a FRN to SS comparison.

SS is slick in any environment.
Blooded. Oil. Sweaty hands.
Gets Hot or Cold to touch.
Rides heavy in pocket
Scratches easily.
It looks pretty.

FRN. Just looks and feels cheap
But is tough. Light. Grippy
cheap and comes in many colors.
 
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I like FRN. Steel handles are slippery even when dry--I have dry skin and it's hard to really grip a metal handled knife without some sort of coating or anodizing. Still, I've been looking at the SS Police model and wondering if I could make it work for me. I like the narrow profile and long blade.

I do prefer swedges and saber grinds to full flat grinds for aesthetics. FFG's are kind of boring to my eyes. Functional but not very interesting to look at. Just personal preference.
 
Get a Tatanka.
Flimsy does not come to mind when I use this knife. :D
 
I agree with the OP, I love the heft of the stainless steel Spydercos. I've never found them too slippery for my needs, and all the SS Spydies I've owned have always had excellent fit and finish. One of my first was a fully serrated Endura. Gorgeous and wicked looking....

serrend_zpsrxg2xh27.jpg~original


I vastly prefer the SS Lava to its blue G10 counterpart....

sslva_zpsfbdwuqh2.jpg~original


And I prefer the SS Ladybugs to their FRN sisters (less likely to open accidentally in pocket). Sad to hear they're being discontinued....

(pic by Spyderco)
LSS3_L_zpsfvql4qqb.jpg~original
 
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uxo2 said:
FRN feels cheap.

So I replaced them with G10.
Now my endura feels solid.

As for a FRN to SS comparison.

SS is slick in any environment.
Blooded. Oil. Sweaty hands.
Gets Hot or Cold to touch.
Rides heavy in pocket
Scratches easily.
It looks pretty.

FRN. Just looks and feels cheap
But is tough. Light. Grippy
cheap and comes in many colors.
Click to expand...


FRN is great while cutting up fish. Super grippy and easy to was the scent off.
 
I don't like FFG for most things. I think food prep is probably the exception.

However, I have little use for all-steel folders when FRN ones are so much better.
 
I actually still like them quite a bit. All things being equal, I'd love to see some more metal handle(Ti,SS,Al) back locks from Spyderco in the works. I keep on looking at getting another SS Delica of Endura, because I always liked them, especially after seeing some use and wear on them.
 
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