How do you operate the lock one-handed? Well I've operated them almost one-handed in the past by putting my index finger on the top of the handle and pushing the lockback lever with my thumb, but then I have to use my other hand or some other object to start the blade closed. I find a linerlock or similar much easier to operate truly one-handed. I did have a small lockback with a loose enough pivot that I could push the lock lever and the blade would start to swing closed, but hold it wrong and the blade would build up enough momentum to slice into your index finger. This is the reason I completely abandoned carrying lockback knives.
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Best Spyderco 3" or Less, Plain Edge, Liner Lock?
- Thread starter CCMI
- Start date
How do you operate the lock one-handed? Well I've operated them almost one-handed in the past by putting my index finger on the top of the handle and pushing the lockback lever with my thumb, but then I have to use my other hand or some other object to start the blade closed. I find a linerlock or similar much easier to operate truly one-handed. I did have a small lockback with a loose enough pivot that I could push the lock lever and the blade would start to swing closed, but hold it wrong and the blade would build up enough momentum to slice into your index finger. This is the reason I completely abandoned carrying lockback knives.
That's how you do it. At least for the Spydercos I've used (Dragonfly, Manbug), your other fingers should keep the blade from closing completely in case it goes too far. Actually just the inside finger closest to the edge. In both the simple case of whipping it closed after using your thumb on the backlock, or the involved case where you use your index finger to start the blade closed. You finally shift your grip to get your fingers out of the way. I have my middle (and maybe ring) finger(s) along the back of the handle, thumb on the front of the handle, and push the blade closed with my index. The blade edge doesn't ever come close to your skin, relatively speaking.
Now that I think about it, a third way to go about closing it is to use your index finger on the hole to keep it from going too far but it's 1) awkward and requires too much fiddling, and 2) the closing action on my Spydies doesn't want to do it in one step.
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This only works for mid-lock (backlock located near middle of front of handle) knives: Hold edge up, thumb in Spyderhole, fingers along back of handle so blade path is clear - press down with middle finger and thumb close. Works for all my backlocks and I find it safer and faster than the "thumb backlock and swing half-closed onto index finger" method... I use a similar method for the compression lock too (right hand onyl), index finger and thumb close.
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How is that Cat treating you? I was thinking about getting one for my friend.I finally found a Carbon Fiber S30V Cat to disassemble and mod with the G10 scales of the newer 440C Cat. I went ahead and polished the liners, clip, hardware, and to a lesser extent the blade itself. It turned out pretty sweet.
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To be clear the pic above is a G10 Cat with S30V.
The Cat shape and size is ideal for me. It is a little bigger than the Dragonfly (which was a bit too small). I smidge smaller than the Persistence. It is people friendly and as comfortable as any knife save the Native 5.
The liner lock is the best I've owned. The detent is strong, the release is smooth, and the lock up is solid.
The 440C blade never gave me trouble. It was a good steel and if it would have had jimping I would have kept it. The S30V has in a very short time grown to be my favorite. It sharpens easy enough with the Sharpmaker and is tough. A chore to polish that's for sure.
The G10 is smooth like the Persistence. Easy on the pants and grippy enough to have a sure grip. The Dragonfly G10 was super grippy. This is just right. In the same realm of the Native 5.
The clip is my favorite style. I love the pass through construction of the liner and the contrast in the belt clip.
I could go on all day. The Cat is my favorite so far. It pushed out my Native 5 and Dodo. It is a super knife and for about $50 it is even better.
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Sage I.
Great EDC, great steel, great ergos, grippy CF, Walker linerlock.
I delayed because it didn't seem unique enough - but it really is just right.
Great EDC, great steel, great ergos, grippy CF, Walker linerlock.
I delayed because it didn't seem unique enough - but it really is just right.
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The perfect three inch knife now this is pandoras box.
So you didn't care for the CF on the S30V Cat?
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Great, thanks!
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I can't comment on that. My Cat was a factory second. This means there is a problem that caused the knife to fail QC (at least that's how I interpret it). With my Cat the carbon fiber machining by the liner lock/spydie hole was gnarled and pitted. The bevel around the entire knife was jagged and rough. So in this particular case the carbon fiber was terrible.
I am not personally a fan of carbon fiber on knives. It would not be a selling point for me and I would not pay premium for it. I bought the factory second Cat with the intention of building it with the G10. I prefer G10 to all other knife handle material (maybe an old fashion wood or micarta). I think Spyderco (with the exception of the Dragonfly G10) does a great job balancing grippy and easy on pants. The Cat was no different. Excellent quality.
I do think Spyderco does well with carbon fiber. This is based solely on the Sage 1 that I briefly owned. It was textured and very attractive. I do like the look of carbon fiber, just not on my knives. The Sage went back due to the blade shape not the carbon fiber.
Assuming you can find a carbon fiber Cat, also assuming not factory second, I think it would be fine if that's your thing. The closest alternative IMO is the Chaparral, but that is a backlock. If your already at the Chaparral price point and if you don't mind backlocks, I would instead go Native 5.
Thanks for explaining why you did that.
I have the original Cat -- the CF version. It is one of my favorite Spydies so when the G10 came out, I bought one. I much prefer the original but YM obviously does vary.
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Dragonfly 2. You can get the FRN handle for under $50. The G10 version is ~$80. I carry the G10 version and love it. Great ergonomics and good lock-up. The thin blade is an awesome slicer.
Also, the Benchmade Emissary is a great little EDC blade. Oh wait... wrong sub-forum :O)
Also, the Benchmade Emissary is a great little EDC blade. Oh wait... wrong sub-forum :O)
Sage 1 fits all your criteria nicely. It is a really nice little knife, and easily one of my favorites.
The Taichung Taiwan factory produces stuff with incredible fit and finish for Spyderco.
The Delica 4 and Persistance are good runner ups but don't quite meet your want list.
The Taichung Taiwan factory produces stuff with incredible fit and finish for Spyderco.
The Delica 4 and Persistance are good runner ups but don't quite meet your want list.
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One more vote for the Sage 1. I just got mine, and it is a great knife. Meets all your requirements and preferences, and it is really beautifully made.