I picked up a new "precious" at a recent gun & knife show; one I'd never even thought of, previously. I haven't seen much about it in print, either. The Catcherman!
The blade isn't as flexible as I had inferred from info on the Spyderco website. It isn't as suitable for fileting fish as some other blades on the market. However, it is perfect for a long (approx. 4.5") utility folder, for slicing. Its keen point is great for initial penetration, and the AUS-8A steel makes lots of sense for increased rust/corrosion resistance.
My final revelation: the opening hole is "high" on the blade; not "blended in" like a lot of today's crop. It has a distinct "humpback" appearance. Sooooo, I "waved" it! Cut away the front part of the hole, re-profiled the blade around the cut-off portion, and this thing is the fastest-opening-from-the-pocket large folder I own. The "high" position of the hole allows the remaining "catch" to snag on the pocket and snap the blade open, first time-every time. It's a natural!
The low cost of this folder, compared to comparable knives available, makes it even sweeter. This just became my air travel folder. It must be in checked baggage, which cannot be locked, of course. Should some sticky-fingered TSA inspector or airline baggage handler "inadvertently" misplace my folder, I'm not out a great deal of money, and can readily replace it. Losing my Chinook or Civilian would hurt a lot more.
This model may not be for everyone, but it sure suits me.
The blade isn't as flexible as I had inferred from info on the Spyderco website. It isn't as suitable for fileting fish as some other blades on the market. However, it is perfect for a long (approx. 4.5") utility folder, for slicing. Its keen point is great for initial penetration, and the AUS-8A steel makes lots of sense for increased rust/corrosion resistance.
My final revelation: the opening hole is "high" on the blade; not "blended in" like a lot of today's crop. It has a distinct "humpback" appearance. Sooooo, I "waved" it! Cut away the front part of the hole, re-profiled the blade around the cut-off portion, and this thing is the fastest-opening-from-the-pocket large folder I own. The "high" position of the hole allows the remaining "catch" to snag on the pocket and snap the blade open, first time-every time. It's a natural!
The low cost of this folder, compared to comparable knives available, makes it even sweeter. This just became my air travel folder. It must be in checked baggage, which cannot be locked, of course. Should some sticky-fingered TSA inspector or airline baggage handler "inadvertently" misplace my folder, I'm not out a great deal of money, and can readily replace it. Losing my Chinook or Civilian would hurt a lot more.
This model may not be for everyone, but it sure suits me.
