Emerson La Griffe v. Spyderco Swick

[soccergod04]

I'm looking at getting a smaller knife for utility and as a last ditch self defense tool and the La Griffe and Swick both caught my eye and seem to fit the bill. They're both of similar design and size and the price is right at around $60.

So my question is: Does anyone have both and how would they compare in these roles?

Thanks for any help!

 

[senoBDEC]

I think the La Griffe is substantially smaller than the SWICK.
http://www.bestknives.com/emlagrif.html
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7172

I personally found the SWICK to be more utility-oriented, and it fits my hand very well.
However, for areas where weight is a concern, I think the La Griffe excels (neck knife, etc). I also have a utility-HAK (Hideaway Knife) which I like better than the La Griffe, but it is A) slightly slower to access, and B) there MAY be issues with production currently...

For a recent discussion on HAK vs La Griffe - see here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=510692
Also consider a custom La Griffe / Shark / etc from Fred Perrin (or another production model - http://www.edcknives.com/vcom/product_info.php?products_id=1510).

 

[redneckone]

I don't have La Griffe. I have three Swicks. They are great little knives, they carry well as neck knives or tucked in a pocket. They are very easy to keep sharp due to the short, straight blade. I EDC at least one everywhere I go. SD or utility, you cann't go wrong with a Swick.

 

[aj1985]

I'm looking at getting a smaller knife for utility and as a last ditch self defense tool and the La Griffe and Swick both caught my eye and seem to fit the bill. They're both of similar design and size and the price is right at around $60.

So my question is: Does anyone have both and how would they compare in these roles?

Thanks for any help!

Price is very different.
La Griffe around $20 cheaper and easier to find than the swick
Size is different as well I believe
One is pure SD the other one has utility purposes
La Griffe also has a rescue model something to consider

If i were you I'd get a La Griffe i just saw it yesterday and that things looks so comfortable around the neck.

take care

aj

 

[redneckone]

Price is very different.
La Griffe around $20 cheaper and easier to find than the swick
Size is different as well I believe
One is pure SD the other one has utility purposes
La Griffe also has a rescue model something to consider

If i were you I'd get a La Griffe i just saw it yesterday and that things looks so comfortable around the neck.

take care

aj

bestknive.com still has the swick at $61.00

 

[untamed]

You require "a smaller knife for utility and as a last ditch self defense tool"?

For me the SWICK it is and I'm wearing mine as I type.

1. Spyderco's genius for ergonomic design handling is in this knife

2. Its straight edge affords you both BOTH utility and SD duties (I've actually used it to carve and smooth-out wood). Because of its "claw" design, the La Griffe's point isn't going to be optimal for thrusting/poking/boring. Not so on the SWICK.

3. The clincher for me as well was when it came time for re-sharpening. No special rod sharpeners unlike on the La Griffe.

4. S30V is a bit of "hit or miss" though. The edge-holding is superb, though chipping did happen on the edge. Once you get past the initial edge-grind though with use and sharpening, things will be smooth sailing.

Call me a SWICK-loyalist. I believe you will too should you buy one.

 

[CL01]

The over 1/2" of length can be a big deal when carrying around your neck. Personally, I prefer & use a Spyderco SPOT. I don't know why Spyderco discontinued them, but at 4 3/4" long, it's actually shorter than the La Griffe.

They are discontinued, but I've had within the last few months & paid $50-60 for them. Both of mine were the micarta scaled one with VG-10. I say were because I traded off a SE one & then pick-up a PE, which is usually an EDC.