Specifications:
Blade Thick: 7/32"
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Handle: 4" Cord Wrapped
Overall length: 8 1/4"
Weight: 2.5 to 2.7 oz
Steel: 420 Sub Zero Quench
Why:I was looking into getting a small fixed blade for the purpose of a light user/back up blade. Basically, something I could use for my standard EDC chores if I carried it alone as well as being excellent for SD. Stumbling across the Cold Steel Spike at SMKW for a rather reasonable price I ordered the Scimitar variant.
First off, there are now 7 variants of the Spike in the Cold Steel line up. I chose the Scimitar because I wanted that extra grip the pommel and jimping would provide, liked the false edge, and I feel that curvature of this knife will slash and cut the best out of all the variants.
Sheath
The knife comes with a SecurEx sheath with grommets and lashing loops. However, it has no belt clip so you'll either have to use the supplied bead chain (which is a bit larger and heavier than the kind on your dog tags), or rig up something of your own. I've tied a piece of 550cord to the top grommet and the other side to my belt loop and carried it in my pocket (front or back). That way, when I draw it the sheath stays behind and only the knife comes out. I've also found I can simply push the sheath off like I would push a thumbstud while the knife is in my pocket but that is by no means a high stress, life or death situation technique.
Handle
The handle came supplied with a cord wrap of some kind of synthetic thread. I was not satisfied with this at all. The handle is thin enough to begin with, there's no reason to use the thinnest wrap available. Essentially, the supplied wrap doesn't increase the diameter in any noticeable way. I then wrapped the handle with gutted 550cord right over the supplied wrap. This made the knife much more comfortable and secure. However, this knife is still best used in SD with the saber grip (shanking style), or hammer grip (reverse or standard). Using the jimping is something reserved for EDC tasks IMHO. The ball on the pommel is rather attractive and does enhance the grip. It could be used as an "impact device" but chances are if this knife is drawn in anger the only impact is going to be the blade hitting bones.
Blade
The knife came, typical Cold Steel, shaving sharp. So sharp in fact, that when I accidentally stabbed my palm ever so slightly it bled uncontrollably until I applied pressure and clamped down on an artery. Now that its healed substantially, its very clear that the piercing ability of this knife is nothing but needle-like. There is no doubt that this knife will be vicious in a self defense capacity. Stabs through multiple layers of carboard were easily done and it zipped right through 550cord. The mirror polish is "pretty" as my sister said but it just isn't my style. I'd send it out for a durcoat or the like if that wouldn't cost more than the knife itself. If I'm ever feeling the itch for a subdued coating the rustoleum or krylon will come out.
Use
Is this knife better than an Emerson LaGriffe, Spyderco Spot, or Hideaway Knife? It depends on your priorities. They seem pretty much even. For the reach you lose when going to one of the other three you get more security in the hand. Also, the Spike will stab far better and by my best estimations slash equally if not nearly as well. If you're more inclined to the "standard" knife shape then this is a better choice. Thinking out of the box, it could be tossed in BOB due to its small size and weight but again, that depends on what you'll use it for. I don't think the tip would handle battoning well (other variants may be better), size may be an issue for those who like a larger knife, and you'll never chop with this one.
Blade Thick: 7/32"
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Handle: 4" Cord Wrapped
Overall length: 8 1/4"
Weight: 2.5 to 2.7 oz
Steel: 420 Sub Zero Quench
Why:I was looking into getting a small fixed blade for the purpose of a light user/back up blade. Basically, something I could use for my standard EDC chores if I carried it alone as well as being excellent for SD. Stumbling across the Cold Steel Spike at SMKW for a rather reasonable price I ordered the Scimitar variant.
First off, there are now 7 variants of the Spike in the Cold Steel line up. I chose the Scimitar because I wanted that extra grip the pommel and jimping would provide, liked the false edge, and I feel that curvature of this knife will slash and cut the best out of all the variants.
Sheath
The knife comes with a SecurEx sheath with grommets and lashing loops. However, it has no belt clip so you'll either have to use the supplied bead chain (which is a bit larger and heavier than the kind on your dog tags), or rig up something of your own. I've tied a piece of 550cord to the top grommet and the other side to my belt loop and carried it in my pocket (front or back). That way, when I draw it the sheath stays behind and only the knife comes out. I've also found I can simply push the sheath off like I would push a thumbstud while the knife is in my pocket but that is by no means a high stress, life or death situation technique.
Handle
The handle came supplied with a cord wrap of some kind of synthetic thread. I was not satisfied with this at all. The handle is thin enough to begin with, there's no reason to use the thinnest wrap available. Essentially, the supplied wrap doesn't increase the diameter in any noticeable way. I then wrapped the handle with gutted 550cord right over the supplied wrap. This made the knife much more comfortable and secure. However, this knife is still best used in SD with the saber grip (shanking style), or hammer grip (reverse or standard). Using the jimping is something reserved for EDC tasks IMHO. The ball on the pommel is rather attractive and does enhance the grip. It could be used as an "impact device" but chances are if this knife is drawn in anger the only impact is going to be the blade hitting bones.
Blade
The knife came, typical Cold Steel, shaving sharp. So sharp in fact, that when I accidentally stabbed my palm ever so slightly it bled uncontrollably until I applied pressure and clamped down on an artery. Now that its healed substantially, its very clear that the piercing ability of this knife is nothing but needle-like. There is no doubt that this knife will be vicious in a self defense capacity. Stabs through multiple layers of carboard were easily done and it zipped right through 550cord. The mirror polish is "pretty" as my sister said but it just isn't my style. I'd send it out for a durcoat or the like if that wouldn't cost more than the knife itself. If I'm ever feeling the itch for a subdued coating the rustoleum or krylon will come out.
Use
Is this knife better than an Emerson LaGriffe, Spyderco Spot, or Hideaway Knife? It depends on your priorities. They seem pretty much even. For the reach you lose when going to one of the other three you get more security in the hand. Also, the Spike will stab far better and by my best estimations slash equally if not nearly as well. If you're more inclined to the "standard" knife shape then this is a better choice. Thinking out of the box, it could be tossed in BOB due to its small size and weight but again, that depends on what you'll use it for. I don't think the tip would handle battoning well (other variants may be better), size may be an issue for those who like a larger knife, and you'll never chop with this one.
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