Dodo design?

Roodog

Roodog

Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
466
I have one and I love the knife. Its obvious that it was designed to be a very hard use and strong slasher and to maximize slashing ability with the relatively short blade length.
My question is what did Eric Gessler have in mind as the intended use of this knife? Is it a utility blade, SD folder to meet blade length restrictions, or just an attempt to design a different yet functional knife?
 
I think only Eric Glesser can answer your questions. If I had to answer, I'd say it fulfills all three roles you mention.

When I first saw the Dodo about a year ago I dismissed it. But now I too am blown away by the design. Once you hold it and use it -- you get it. ;)
 
I agree with Keith. My guess is that Eric had all three roles you mentioned in mind. When I first saw the Dodo I was convinced I would never buy one. Then I read a test of the Dodo in a German knife magazine. I read the test more than once and I slowly started to change my mind. To make a long story short: now I own two of them (black serrated, blue plain) and it's one of my favourite Spydercos. :)
 
Eric said blade size consideration was important, especially after 9/11. Ergos for control over the blade was important. Overall strength was important, most 2" blades are nail cleaners. SD was a consideration as well.

sal
 
Sal, you passed on a lot of talent to your son. The Dodo and Manix are superb knives.
 
Wow, Eric designed the Manix?

That's the most hefty indestructable knife I've ever held. :)

Good job!

Cheers,
Fisher of Men
 
Thanks for the replies.
Keith Mayton, I thought the same thing until I came across one in a trade (black PE). Now I have another on the way (blue).
Mr. Gessler, once again another great Spydie design. I guess that sort of knife design talent just seeps in at the Gessler household.
 
Nice to see positive comments on the Dodo. I can get one with a blue handle at a good price and was wondering whether it was a decent knife to buy? My main concern is actually the ball bearing lock, i.e. how difficult is it to disengage? The other things like blade length and pocket clip placement are not as serious as I initially thought they would be.

My last few Spydies were two Spots and a Meerkat, so this would definitely be a step into the better side of the range. Why do i want it... somebody always asks that question... (a) to add to my collection, (b) utility, and (c) SD. You guys reckon the Dodo is a worthwhile knife?
 
Andre said:
You guys reckon the Dodo is a worthwhile knife?
Click to expand...

Absolutely. The Dodo is a great utility and EDC knife. It is not too big, doesn't weigh much, it is made of high end materials and very sturdy. The lock is very easy to disengage, although you should have some fingernails I guess. The blade shape is also suitable for most tasks. To my surprise (I expected it to be more difficult) the blade is also easy to sharpen, at least on a Sharpmaker. I got good results on both my plain and serrated version. Most of the time I EDC a Dodo and I switch between my blue plain and my black serrated one. Here is a close up pic of the blade of my blue Dodo.

(click thumbnail for larger image)

 
The Dodo is the closest I've come to the perfect EDC, it's a great design, comfortable in my big mitts and that S30V is imho the perfect steel. cheers, Rob
 
I've been EDCing mine for the past few days. Souped it up on the Sharpmaker earlier today. Takes and holds a scary edge. Fantastic little knife.
 
Love my Dodo. Erik has great talent as a designer. I wonder if he can type as in participate on the fourm?

Saw a pic of a Spyderco prototype that looks like an even smaller (handle) version of the Dodo with a different blade style and the same great lock. Keep up the good work Erik.
 
wotanson said:
The Dodo is the closest I've come to the perfect EDC, it's a great design, comfortable in my big mitts and that S30V is imho the perfect steel. cheers, Rob
Click to expand...

Say Rob you're not talking about the one you got from me are you? :D :D
Well we're even!!. I liked the knife I got from you so much that I just had to run down another one for EDC ;)

ON the DODO. The first time I laid eyes on the knife I seriously thought that it was either a "ladies knife" or a novelty. But I got one about a year ago because I wanted a short blade to carry in the city when I go and I wanted to try to find a premium utility blade. Well I got both!! And very good renditions of both as well. Now MR. Dodo is almost a constant companion of mine most of the time. Along with "Lady Dy" ( my C-44 Dyad). It blows me away daily as to how many additional uses I find for the Dodo. I have 4 of them SE & PE. I believe in " BUUs" ( back up units). I say we give Eric a big high five!!!!
 
The Dodo is the coolest knife I've picked up in a long time. I'm not a fan at all of the Ball Bearing lock, so if they release it with any other type of lock I'll buy a dozen!
 
Chiro75 said:
The Dodo is the coolest knife I've picked up in a long time. I'm not a fan at all of the Ball Bearing lock, so if they release it with any other type of lock I'll buy a dozen!
Click to expand...

Say Chiro 75 you really got me scratchin' my head on that one. That's one of the things I really love about the Dodo is the ball bearing lock. Just curious what is it about that lock you don't like because it is actually one of my favorite locks. I even traded for a D' Allara which has one as well for the same reason. I know we are all different but it really makes me wonder if I overlooked maybe a safety factor or something??? :confused:
 
Thanks for the inputs guys. I went ahead and got the Dodo on Saturday. Great little knife. Hi, my name in Andre and i have a knife problem, there, i said it :D :D :D

The only thing that I wasn't crazy about was the ball bearing lock, but if you grip it on both sides of the frame then it's quite easy to disengage, so it isn't really such a big deal to me anymore.
 
JD, I had some extremely bad luck with the lock on two Dodos. Uncommon experience, and most people says theirs are rock-solid, so I guess it was bad luck. I am a little paranoid, let's say, about that lock now, which is why I would love to see it offered in another lock format so I can use one again. If I didn't have some lock problems with it I would probably consider the Dodo my favorite Spyderco!
 
Well Chiro75 about 3 to 4 months ago I heard someone else echo almost the same complaint that you did. I am wondering if there was not a few of them slip through quality control. I have had 4 of them; one I traded with Watanson and one I sold to a good friend of mine and I have heard nothing but good about them. Did you try to send one of them back to Amanda at Spyderco? They are really super about taking care of their problems. I have had nothing but great luck with them. I also traded for a D'Allara ( which also has the same lock) with a guy on the Spyderco Forum. Of all of the Rescue type knives I have of Spyderco's the D'Allara is way out in front as a favorite for that type of knife. It bewilders me for sure :confused:
 
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