Centofante III initial impressions

[allenC]

Awhile back, I bought a Centofante Vesuvius, and while I liked the overall design, I hated the Compression-lock.
I had often thought that the Vesuvius would have been better as a lock-back (especially a SS lock-back), and I had said as much to Sal on the Spyderco forum.

Well, wonder upon wonders, soon Spyderco released the Centofante III.
And after reading several glowing reports on the forums I decided to get one for myself.

I had made the assumption that the Centofante III was in fact the Vesuvius in lock-back form.
Well, you know what they say about when you "assume"...

I was wrong.
While the Centofante III shares the same overall design of the Vesuvius, it is a completely different knife.
Not only is it a lock-back, but it also has VG-10 blade-steel, it has a single nested steel liner, and the blade is thinner too.
I would say it is more refined than the Vesuvius.

If you're looking to replace your ATR or Manix then don't buy a Centofante III.
It's not that kind of a folder.

But if you're looking for a folder that excelles at cutting and slicing then look no farther.

Think Calypso Jr but with a better handle.
Think Opinel No.8 but with VG-10 and a pocket-clip.
Think Victorinox Swiss Army knife but with VG-10, a pocket-clip, and a lock.

This is one of the best thought-out folder designs that I have ever handled.
This might even knock the mighty Calypso Jr off the throne as Spyderco's best small slicer.

It is also different in many ways from you typical Spyderco FRN folder:

There is a single steel liner on the clip side (to hold the clip screws).

The clip itself is held in place by three screws, like the Vesuvius, except they are either torx or allen screws.

You can choose tip-up or tip-down, but for right hand carry only.

The FRN scales themselves are not a one-piece affair but are riveted together (and probably glued too).

Maybe it's the steel liner, but the scales don't have that cheap FRN plastic sound and feel. When I thump the scale it sounds like my G-10 Police scales.
And the silver inlaid Spyderco "bug" is a nice touch too, IMO.

The blade also does'nt have the typical Spyderco lock-back tang design either. On the Centofante III the blade extends nearly to the scales.
This gives more actual cutting edge than what is found on knives like the Delica.
But you must be more careful when closing the knife with one hand.

As stated before, the blade is nice and thin.
It looks about the same thickness as my Opinel No.8 and it cuts like a lightsaber!

I just recieved this knife so I will have to see how it fares, but so far I am greatly impressed.
For the time being, I'll put away my G-10 Police and my Native III and EDC the Centofante III for a couple of weeks.
I'll report on how it performs over time.

Thanks for listening,
Allen.

 

[French Kiss]

I didn't hear anything but I read a lot

Nice review, I like the shape and overall design which gives something quiet esthetic, but I still prefer the full flat grind of the Calypso

 

[Jeff Clark]

When you consider the relative merits of hollow ground blades verses full flat ground blades a lot of the advantage of the flat grind is reduced for thin blades. The Centofante III is a thin blade. I don't think you will notice increased blade drag when material pushes up against the top of the hollow grind. Both flat ground Calypso Juniors and hollow ground Centofante III edges are thin. Neither would be qualified as rugged blades. I don't think there is much difference in that regard. The primary difference that I notice is that the Centofante sharpens more like a straight razor.

In a thread on our Tactical forum someone has been discussing the feasibility of carrying a straight razor for self defense. I argued against doing that and suggested carrying a Centofante III instead. The one that I sharpened is the proverbial pocket straight razor (with a stronger handle, a locking blade and a point). I particularly like the design as a folding hunting knife. It has a very practical shape and a very high performance blade. The blade is thin, but appropriate for real cutting. The VG-10 takes an edge like a razor.