- Joined
- Jun 8, 2005
- Messages
- 4,761
I'd like to preface this (brief) review by saying I know nothing about balis. This one is my absolute first. I will review this knife to the standards I review all my others--this is unfair in one way, as balis have the unique qualifications of "swinging" abilities--which might be very good OR very poor on this knife.
The first thing you notice about this knife is its astounding beauty. I own no knife that I think is visually comparable to this. When closed, it's as if the blade is on display in its own frame or case. The shape and curvature itself are beautiful. The tremendous contrast between the polished VG10 blade and beadblast finish of the handles. When open, I really enjoy the shape of the blade. I do, however, wish that the other side of the blade was profiled more like the others, instead of having a clear line across it. I understand the purpose--this side is sharp, this side isn't. But I don't appreciate the style. A minor problem, nonetheless. The latch hangs open when the knife is open. This doesn't cause any problems, but it looks awkward.
The next thing you notice is the feel in your hand. This knife is solid. It's like a steel baton. The knife has excellent ergonomics, amazingly and unexpectedly. It feels very sturdy. Your thumb can rest comfortably on the guard-like protrusion during use (if you're so daring as to actually use your bali--I am).
A lot of people talk about the best lock. Axis lock, compression lock, lockback, liner lock....there are a lot of choices out there. I'm here to tell you that you're all wrong. This is the ultimate lock. The blade absolutely can not close on your hand when holding this knife. The nature of holding both handles makes it impossible. If the handle actually broke somehow (maybe if you leverage one side with a forklift against a concrete wall?) it would fail backwards--the side that's not sharp. This is simply the strongest way to do it.
It's fun to open and close. Comparable to an axis lock, so far, but I imagine the longevity of the bali will extend if you dare learn tricks. I dare not.
The VG10 4.1 inch blade is ridiculously sharp. This is the sharpest knife I've ever got out of the box. Most spyderflies now are 440C--in fact, when I ordered this one, I was told it'd be 440C also. Because of this, I can't comment on the sharpness of the "normal" spyderfly. I expect it to be almost as good, however.
The spyderfly does have a noticeable heft. The dual SS handles and 4 inch blade add up. The weight doesn't bother me though, because it feels like just such a solid chunk of steel. And solid chunks of steel are awesome.
I actually really like the pocket clip. It helps orient me (a n00b) to which way the blade is facing so I can open it without fear of slicing my hand. Furthermore, it actually clips on just right. I do wish it were moved down half an inch, however. The knife is so long that you have about 1 centimeter past the clip's tightest part when on. This is plenty for it to stay in your pocket (provided you make sure it's on the whole way when you put it in your pocket), but it's just a little too close for comfort.
I also like the latch (the knife can only lock when closed, however). It's spring loaded. You simply squeeze the handle and it unlocks. It works very well, though there is an issue with it.
I want to preface this part of the review by saying that I have e-mailed spyderco to talk about fixing these problems, and, having only done it late at night (a couple hours ago) I have not received a response. That said, I fully expect that spyderco will live up to their sterling reputation and make the knife perfect. When they do, I will update this part of the review with the results.
However, there are two noticeable problems with the knife. This is the first knife I've ever bought that had noticeable defects, and unfortunately, it also happens to be my first Spyderco.
First, the latch is noticeably bent. It works fine, to its credit, but it definitely looks weird.
Second, in one direction of pressure (difficult to explain), there is several mm of play in the handles (when unlocked--when it matters).
These are definitely real issues, marring an otherwise perfect knife.
Overall, I really like this knife, and plan on carrying it whenever its legal. My knives get used. However, buy yours from the store and check for defects. Again, I have little concern that Spyderco will fix these complaints, so I don't think they should hold too much weight, readers. Significant though they are, if they are fixed, they are fixed--thus, if you encounter a similar problem, you can expect similar results. I hope to be able to update this area in less than a couple of weeks. Otherwise, I'll have to return it to the online store.
The first thing you notice about this knife is its astounding beauty. I own no knife that I think is visually comparable to this. When closed, it's as if the blade is on display in its own frame or case. The shape and curvature itself are beautiful. The tremendous contrast between the polished VG10 blade and beadblast finish of the handles. When open, I really enjoy the shape of the blade. I do, however, wish that the other side of the blade was profiled more like the others, instead of having a clear line across it. I understand the purpose--this side is sharp, this side isn't. But I don't appreciate the style. A minor problem, nonetheless. The latch hangs open when the knife is open. This doesn't cause any problems, but it looks awkward.
The next thing you notice is the feel in your hand. This knife is solid. It's like a steel baton. The knife has excellent ergonomics, amazingly and unexpectedly. It feels very sturdy. Your thumb can rest comfortably on the guard-like protrusion during use (if you're so daring as to actually use your bali--I am).
A lot of people talk about the best lock. Axis lock, compression lock, lockback, liner lock....there are a lot of choices out there. I'm here to tell you that you're all wrong. This is the ultimate lock. The blade absolutely can not close on your hand when holding this knife. The nature of holding both handles makes it impossible. If the handle actually broke somehow (maybe if you leverage one side with a forklift against a concrete wall?) it would fail backwards--the side that's not sharp. This is simply the strongest way to do it.
It's fun to open and close. Comparable to an axis lock, so far, but I imagine the longevity of the bali will extend if you dare learn tricks. I dare not.
The VG10 4.1 inch blade is ridiculously sharp. This is the sharpest knife I've ever got out of the box. Most spyderflies now are 440C--in fact, when I ordered this one, I was told it'd be 440C also. Because of this, I can't comment on the sharpness of the "normal" spyderfly. I expect it to be almost as good, however.
The spyderfly does have a noticeable heft. The dual SS handles and 4 inch blade add up. The weight doesn't bother me though, because it feels like just such a solid chunk of steel. And solid chunks of steel are awesome.
I actually really like the pocket clip. It helps orient me (a n00b) to which way the blade is facing so I can open it without fear of slicing my hand. Furthermore, it actually clips on just right. I do wish it were moved down half an inch, however. The knife is so long that you have about 1 centimeter past the clip's tightest part when on. This is plenty for it to stay in your pocket (provided you make sure it's on the whole way when you put it in your pocket), but it's just a little too close for comfort.
I also like the latch (the knife can only lock when closed, however). It's spring loaded. You simply squeeze the handle and it unlocks. It works very well, though there is an issue with it.
I want to preface this part of the review by saying that I have e-mailed spyderco to talk about fixing these problems, and, having only done it late at night (a couple hours ago) I have not received a response. That said, I fully expect that spyderco will live up to their sterling reputation and make the knife perfect. When they do, I will update this part of the review with the results.
However, there are two noticeable problems with the knife. This is the first knife I've ever bought that had noticeable defects, and unfortunately, it also happens to be my first Spyderco.
First, the latch is noticeably bent. It works fine, to its credit, but it definitely looks weird.
Second, in one direction of pressure (difficult to explain), there is several mm of play in the handles (when unlocked--when it matters).
These are definitely real issues, marring an otherwise perfect knife.
Overall, I really like this knife, and plan on carrying it whenever its legal. My knives get used. However, buy yours from the store and check for defects. Again, I have little concern that Spyderco will fix these complaints, so I don't think they should hold too much weight, readers. Significant though they are, if they are fixed, they are fixed--thus, if you encounter a similar problem, you can expect similar results. I hope to be able to update this area in less than a couple of weeks. Otherwise, I'll have to return it to the online store.
