- Joined
- Aug 8, 1999
- Messages
- 5,094
Recently I read review on www.spyderco.com by a guy who bought a button lock Solo. Solo, for those who don't know are a sister line of knives to Spyderco. Instead of a round hole, they open via a "notched lobe" that is patented by Spyderco. A few years back, Solos were primarily aimed at the gents knife market since they were thin foldrs without clips. Recently, I had noticed the botton lock model on sale at Spyderco's Online Store at the price of $24.95 (shipping included!)
After reading a pretty favorable review, I decided to go for it. Afterall, at less than $25, even if it was terrible, I wouldn't be out of much.
I got the Button Lock today, and I was very impressed with the level of fit and finish. The scales are black G-10 and the blade is roughly 35/65 like a Pro-Venator or Native. The steel is AUS-10A; a very good steel that doesn't not get as much use as it could from manufacturers.
The knife is about the size that I have really come to like, a 2.75" blade and an OAL of 6.5". The knife has a black notched lobe that opens the blade very easily. The notched lobe will appeal to some but not others. It is a very easy to use way to open a knife but it can get in the way for some slicing or stabbing motions. The blade itself is very sharp and has a nice hollow grind. The clip blade has a rather Bowie type of look to it. This is a great shape for general utility. I completely plain edged version would make a nice hunter IMHO.
The final thing I would like to note about this knife is the button lock itself. The actual lock is a liner of stainless steel. The unique thing is that the liner is disengaged via a button in the handle. This design has the great advantage of being able to make the sclaes steep enough that one's hand does not have to come into contact with the liner at any time. This greatly enhances the safety of a liner lock knife IMHO. I should note that this knife is a Sal Glesser design. I can only ask, "Sal, why isn't the button lock used on more of your liner locks?" It would really make your great liner locks like that on the Military even better. Just a thought from a long time admirer of Spyderco. BTW, this Button Lock Solo is perhaps the absolute most knife for the money for sale anywhere at this time!
After reading a pretty favorable review, I decided to go for it. Afterall, at less than $25, even if it was terrible, I wouldn't be out of much.
I got the Button Lock today, and I was very impressed with the level of fit and finish. The scales are black G-10 and the blade is roughly 35/65 like a Pro-Venator or Native. The steel is AUS-10A; a very good steel that doesn't not get as much use as it could from manufacturers.
The knife is about the size that I have really come to like, a 2.75" blade and an OAL of 6.5". The knife has a black notched lobe that opens the blade very easily. The notched lobe will appeal to some but not others. It is a very easy to use way to open a knife but it can get in the way for some slicing or stabbing motions. The blade itself is very sharp and has a nice hollow grind. The clip blade has a rather Bowie type of look to it. This is a great shape for general utility. I completely plain edged version would make a nice hunter IMHO.
The final thing I would like to note about this knife is the button lock itself. The actual lock is a liner of stainless steel. The unique thing is that the liner is disengaged via a button in the handle. This design has the great advantage of being able to make the sclaes steep enough that one's hand does not have to come into contact with the liner at any time. This greatly enhances the safety of a liner lock knife IMHO. I should note that this knife is a Sal Glesser design. I can only ask, "Sal, why isn't the button lock used on more of your liner locks?" It would really make your great liner locks like that on the Military even better. Just a thought from a long time admirer of Spyderco. BTW, this Button Lock Solo is perhaps the absolute most knife for the money for sale anywhere at this time!
