Caribbean.....out finally ..got one....

[jbmonkey]

interesting the layered yellow and black g10...and I guess 3d shaping to get the yellowjackets lines. looks better in person than pics. its quality but not so punch in the face as many pics seem to show. just a bit more muted in a good way.

handle is larger than blade. seems like more room for more blade. reminds me a little bit of a pm2 in setup of handle blade ratio. always wondered why designs are done this way....maybe necessity in engineering....not sure. I see no advantage on less blade and more handle....but too each their own.

liners are kinda high polished but not mirrored and cut out for weight reduction. it's a pretty thick and wide folder. sits in the pocket well for its size and shape. bevels came a just a slight tad more obtuse than golden made stuff. seems common in Taiwan made I've acquired. easy to get very sharp and not really an issue for sharpmaker touch ups at all....more of just noticing it than any issue.

compression lock isn't a free falling on mine. very stiff. can't shake it to close a bit and then close one handed. don't think it will become a free faller even with use. doesnt bother me just makes it a two handed closer.......I haven't played with the pivot to see what's possible on free fall and no blade play. as it is now solid lockup and no play in any direction.....the way I like folders.

all in all a very impressive knife for the price point.

now some pics......

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi JB,

Thanx for the comments.

On the blade / handle ratio thing. That's an eye thing and not a function thing. Handles are for holding, blades are for cutting. In this design, I wanted a blade that was 3-3/4" long, as I'm planning a larger version. (4-1/4" blade). This is a work knife, not an art knife, so I wanted a handle that was ergonomic for a large hand even with gloves. I guess different designers have different philosophy's behind their designs. The balance and control of the blade to handle has different functions to different designers. Think scalpel. A handle large enough to control the blade and a blade small enough to control and no larger than necessary to do the intended job.

This model took a long time to design and long time to build. Special steel, custom G-10, and we had to assemble twice as we added ceramic ball bearings when we learned the steel ball bearings were rusting.

sal

 

[jbmonkey]

^thank you Sir for explaining why this happens on blade to handle ratio. handle is large enough for most hands...so a bit more blade doesn't seem to be any hindrance to me but I realize folks have different wants needs and philosophies on such topics.

excited to hear a larger blade version coming out. I realize many don't like bigger folders but I sure do.

great job by the way it is a winner....

 

[DJC72]

Ha ha, a larger version...I love it. The ergos on this knife make extended cutting sessions a breeze.

 

[onsetoutdoors]

Mine hasn' left my pocket since I got it. Spend most of my free time fishing Cape Cod. The grip on it is amazing, love the blade length and shape. Steel is perfect for it's extended use around salt water. Couldn't wait to get my hands on it and am definitely not disappointed. Have the leaf shaped PE and will probably add a SE Sheepsfoot for boat use.

 

[jstn]

I love my Caribbean. Spyderco hit a home run with this one. I had no idea it was on ceramic bearings, but that explains why it is so smooth. I had mine out today fishing and my buddies were all impressed too!

 

[Sal Glesser]

Thabx JB,

The larger version has a better handle to blade ratio as I didn't need more handle so I just covered the blade.

Thanx to the rest of you for the kind comments.

sal

 

[jbmonkey]

yes Sir^

yep forgot to mention that. the grip is amazing. lots of traction on the setup of the scales without making hot spots from my limited use of it so far. very smart design..........

 

[michaelm466]

Like this version, but will wait for the larger version as I prefer ~4" blades, definitely looking forward to getting one.

 

[SCBaldr]

Hi JB,

Thanx for the comments.

On the blade / handle ratio thing. That's an eye thing and not a function thing. Handles are for holding, blades are for cutting. In this design, I wanted a blade that was 3-3/4" long, as I'm planning a larger version. (4-1/4" blade). This is a work knife, not an art knife, so I wanted a handle that was ergonomic for a large hand even with gloves. I guess different designers have different philosophy's behind their designs. The balance and control of the blade to handle has different functions to different designers. Think scalpel. A handle large enough to control the blade and a blade small enough to control and no larger than necessary to do the intended job.

This model took a long time to design and long time to build. Special steel, custom G-10, and we had to assemble twice as we added ceramic ball bearings when we learned the steel ball bearings were rusting.

sal

As someone with freakishly large hands, I greatly appreciate this handle to blade ratio. Thank you Mr. Glesser!
Album and Thoughts here : https://imgur.com/gallery/LVO3EHq

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

I’d close it like backlock. Press the lock with thumb, index in the Spydiehole, once released, push down with index finger. The only difference is on backlock the thumb presses down, on compression lock, it presses sideways.

 

[jbmonkey]

As someone with freakishly large hands, I greatly appreciate this handle to blade ratio. Thank you Mr. Glesser!
Album and Thoughts here : https://imgur.com/gallery/LVO3EHq

you Sir make it looks like a mini version. can ya take a pic with it in a normal cutting grip....curious if your fingers all fit on the handle........thanks

 

[SCBaldr]

you Sir make it looks like a mini version. can ya take a pic with it in a normal cutting grip....curious if your fingers all fit on the handle........thanks

Just barely...

 

[lieferung]

Just barely...

You make it look the size of a Delica

 

[jbmonkey]

Just barely...

wow.....if ya told me you could choke the life out of me ......I'd believe ya.

remember though.....wasn't asking for smaller handle just why more blade wasn't added to fit handle size. Sal explained it well for me. thanks for posting.......

 

[kniferbro]

I love my Caribbean. Spyderco hit a home run with this one. I had no idea it was on ceramic bearings, but that explains why it is so smooth. I had mine out today fishing and my buddies were all impressed too!

Not on ceramic bearings, but rather has a (one) ceramic bearing as the detent ball.

 

[DJC72]

I just broke down some thick boxes with the Caribbean. If a folder does not have solid ergonomics, this task will quickly create discomfort in my palm while cutting. The Caribbean felt secure and comfortable. It zipped right through the cardboard like it wasn’t even there. I hope to see other variations of this model in the future.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Hi JB,

Thanx for the comments.

On the blade / handle ratio thing. That's an eye thing and not a function thing. Handles are for holding, blades are for cutting. In this design, I wanted a blade that was 3-3/4" long, as I'm planning a larger version. (4-1/4" blade). This is a work knife, not an art knife, so I wanted a handle that was ergonomic for a large hand even with gloves. I guess different designers have different philosophy's behind their designs. The balance and control of the blade to handle has different functions to different designers. Think scalpel. A handle large enough to control the blade and a blade small enough to control and no larger than necessary to do the intended job.

This model took a long time to design and long time to build. Special steel, custom G-10, and we had to assemble twice as we added ceramic ball bearings when we learned the steel ball bearings were rusting.

sal

Gosh darn it. Okay, I'll start saving my money for the Caribbean XL. Could you guys design maybe one or two fewer folders that I really, really want?

 

[uxo2]

I like that they used a normal 3 screw clip.
A Lynch clip would be a nice addition
and since he uses Ti, no corrosion.

 

[Kreyzhorse]

Love the sheepsfoot version. Now I've got to figure out what the hell to sell now to land one.