Caribbean-First Impressions

DJC72

DJC72

Joined
Aug 1, 2014
Messages
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34A3E747-614E-44F1-8C04-0CF74DA0E3ED.jpeg I just got home to a box and I’ve been waiting for with great anticipation. The Caribbean has intrigued me since I first laid eyes on it and I am happy to say that I think this folder will surprise a lot of people. The fit and finish is spot on. Blade is perfectly centered. Lock up is secure with no play and the action is on par with any Pm2 that I have handled. The pocket clip is well constructed and goes unnoticed while in hand. The Caribbean is surprising light for its size and out of box sharpness was superb. Lc200n is a favorite steel of mine too.

The scales color combo was the only thing that caused me hesitation but the one thing that pictures can’t illustrate are how the g10 is machined. The black is slightly raised and the scales really have traction while in hand. I live just outside of Pittsburgh so I guess the bumble bee scales should be a hit. Ergonomics are outstanding on this knife.

My only concern is without a sharpening notch, the blade comes right up to the scales. One should be careful when sharpening the blade. I did strop it on my Ken Onion and took my time when doing so.

I am very happy with the purchase and impressed with the total package that this knife has to offer at a reasonable price. I will keep an eye out for other Lc200n offerings in the future. The Caribbean will see some pocket time and if I need to amend this initial impression thread, I will. Thanks
 
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So,

Can I ask where you purchased from?
I like it a lot!
Being rustproof, and having good edge-holding, this could be my sort-of spydiechef /kitchen knife (part time)
 
I purchased the Caribbean from gp knives. Only serrated version are still available. I would guess the other major retailers should have them in stock over the next couple weeks.
 
Thanks so much for the reply!
I really like the can't-lose-me nuclear yellow stripes, and love the rustproof steel!
I'm going to get serrated and plain blade versions!
In addition to kitchen duties, I can see this also as my no-worries-about-rust beach knife, too.
Also want the Jumpmaster with H1 steel, the soon-coming sprints in burnt orange and REX 45 steel.
Oh, I'm going to be a very broke fellow soon....
 
DJC72 said:
View attachment 916865 I just got home to a box and I’ve been waiting for with great anticipation. The Caribbean has intrigued me since I first laid eyes on it and I am happy to say that I think this folder will surprise a lot of people. The fit and finish is spot on. Blade is perfectly centered. Lock up is secure with no play and the action is on par with any Pm2 that I have handled. The pocket clip is well constructed and goes unnoticed while in hand. The Caribbean is surprising light for its size and out of box sharpness was superb. Lc200n is a favorite steel of mine too.

The scales color combo was the only thing that caused me hesitation but the one thing that pictures can’t illustrate are how the g10 is machined. The black is slightly raised and the scales really have traction while in hand. I live just outside of Pittsburgh so I guess the bumble bee scales should be a hit. Ergonomics are outstanding on this knife.

My only concern is without a sharpening notch, the blade comes right up to the scales. One should be careful when sharpening the blade. I did strop it on my Ken Onion and took my time when doing so.

I am very happy with the purchase and impressed with the total package that this knife has to offer at a reasonable price. I will keep an eye out for other Lc200n offerings in the future. The Caribbean will see some pocket time and if I need to amend this initial impression thread, I will. Thanks
Click to expand...

Does it say on the blade where it is produced? Golden Colorado, Taichung Taiwan, China or Japan?

I think it is a cool knife. Is it a liner lock?
 
DJC72 said:
I purchased the Caribbean from gp knives. Only serrated version are still available. I would guess the other major retailers should have them in stock over the next couple weeks.
Click to expand...
Post more pictures of all angles , Please !! : )
 
Taiwan. Compression lock.

The sheepsfoot model is the most interesting to me, but I'm not $175 interested....

Lapedog said:
Does it say on the blade where it is produced? Golden Colorado, Taichung Taiwan, China or Japan?

I think it is a cool knife. Is it a liner lock?
Click to expand...
 
I’m eager to see a)edge retention b) corrosion resistance

LC is sometimes said to be “rustproof” like H1 but then I have read other reports of it definitely rusting. The same variance is seen in reports of edge holding, I’ve heard everything from S30V level down to roughly like VG10/BD1
 
John_0917 said:
I’m eager to see a)edge retention b) corrosion resistance

LC is sometimes said to be “rustproof” like H1 but then I have read other reports of it definitely rusting. The same variance is seen in reports of edge holding, I’ve heard everything from S30V level down to roughly like VG10/BD1
Click to expand...
Let's be clear BD1 is nothing like VG10. I am the guy with the rush LC200n. The jury is full out on why. For the record it was only my Mule. My Chef has had no issues. Edge retention is between S30v an VG10 when using it as a kitchen knife at camp. cutting on a plastic cutting board
 
neffarious said:
Let's be clear BD1 is nothing like VG10. I am the guy with the rush LC200n. The jury is full out on why. For the record it was only my Mule. My Chef has had no issues. Edge retention is between S30v an VG10 when using it as a kitchen knife at camp. cutting on a plastic cutting board
Click to expand...
I wonder if it could have been something as simple as mislabeling steel types somewhere in the supply line (I.E.-your mule is M4 instead of LC200N), or accidental mixing of unwanted elements in the production of that batch of LC200N....Can metallurgy testing be done to determine the makeup of your mule? Of course, that would probably be NOT cheap... : (
 
I got one too, already resold it. It is very PM2-ish overall, but I wasn't a fan of the scales. As the OP mentioned, the scales are basically yellow and black layered G-10. Spyderco milled out the visible pattern in a layer of black G-10, showing the yellow underneath. It appears to then be highly buffed. It's ends up feeling solid but very plasticky.

Moreover, the geometry of the thumbhole relative to the handle makes it harder to flick open than on a PM2.

AmosPaul said:
Are the scales flat (like a PM2) or slightly rounded?
Click to expand...

Flat.
 
neffarious said:
Let's be clear BD1 is nothing like VG10. I am the guy with the rush LC200n. The jury is full out on why. For the record it was only my Mule. My Chef has had no issues. Edge retention is between S30v an VG10 when using it as a kitchen knife at camp. cutting on a plastic cutting board
Click to expand...

Glad to hear the edge retention is good, I do need to point out though that BD1 is not 8cr level junk some people seem to feel it is. In Cedric Ada’s rope test BD1 significant beat out VG10, I want to say it was bu about 25%. With BD-1N becoming the new standard currently for Spyderco the future looks bright.

Aside from the Ti clip, what is the hardware on the Caribbean made from?
 
I could be wrong but I believe in another thread Sal stated all hardware would be Lc200n. The clip is titanium. Mine will see pocket time but was purchased for occasions that I would be around water and also be in my camping/bug out bag. On the Spyderco Forum Sal hinted that this model Might be offered with full ti scales in the future.
 
John_0917 said:
Glad to hear the edge retention is good, I do need to point out though that BD1 is not 8cr level junk some people seem to feel it is. In Cedric Ada’s rope test BD1 significant beat out VG10, I want to say it was bu about 25%. With BD-1N becoming the new standard currently for Spyderco the future looks bright.

Aside from the Ti clip, what is the hardware on the Caribbean made from?
Click to expand...
For BD1, all my personal experience speaks otherwise but I digress. Either way IMHO it's more than needed for EDC or water use. As far as the Mule goes, Spyderco is still testing it. They said they believe sulphur was present somewhere and it was an accelerant. Jury is still out there honestly I'm appreciative it's not peel play and so will my swim suits as peel play will tear them up.
 
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