Ergonomic Favorite Spyders?

J

JD Spydo

Joined
Nov 20, 2004
Messages
4,827
Now don't let the title mislead you because I realize that when it comes to the term "ergonomics" that can cover a lot of different aspects concerning knife use, knife designs or even any kind of general tool use for that matter. But I personally have three old school Spyderco models that I've owned and used for a lot of different cutting jobs for a long time and these models are like they were tailor made for my hands only. These models seem like they were made for me and me alone.

The three models I'm talking about that I consider my ergonomic favorite Spyderco knives are the C-60 Ayoob model ( G-10 Sprint run), JD Smith model (PE & SE), The Temperance 1 fixed blade model ( PE & SE) and to some degree the C-36 Military model ( certain blade steels especially).

Now you can list folders or fixed blades or even certain specialty Spyderco models as well. Please tell us why you deem them ergonomically perfect for you and what cutting jobs you use them on. Please elaborate on handles, handle materials, blade geometry ect.
 
I think your going to get some great responses.

Mine will be more general in that I find all my Spyderco knives ergonomic favourites, that's the nature of the designs. Unlike other folders I have which look good, but are not as comfortable in use.

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
 
One feature of Spyderco that I've been impressed with are their fixed blade models. I haven't held one yet that didn't have a superbly ergonomic handle. My older TEMPERANCE 1 is a jewel in both handle and blade geometry. The Perrin Street Bowie fits me like a glove tailor made for me.

I've also been told by several Spyderco fans that the handle on the TEMP 2 is also superb for long use. One folder model that was called to my attention that I almost forgot about was Spyderco's older/discontinued C-54 Calypso model ( the very first of the Calypso models).

The JD Smith is literally close to perfect in handle and blade configuration. The C-60 Massad Ayoob model is truly ahead of it's time with superior ergonomics.

Now I know that not every model is going to be ideal to every knife user which is why I want to know what everyone's favorite ergonomic Spyder is?
 
As far as ergos are concerned I love the Delica. I also like the Caly3 and the Military. My hands are large and very thickly muscled so not all knives fit. But these three are pretty good, in my opinion.
 
DocT said:
As far as ergos are concerned I love the Delica. I also like the Caly3 and the Military. My hands are large and very thickly muscled so not all knives fit. But these three are pretty good, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

That C-36 Military model fits my hand very well too. And I like all of the Calypso models but particularly the original C-54 Calypso.

The C-36 Military is one of the most comfortable big folders I've ever worked with. To me it's as comfortable to use as one of Spyderco's great mid-sized folders. Many large folders I've used over the years seem a bit awkward to me but the C-36 Military model is so functional and especially the Sprint models with the great blade steel selection :cool: The C-36 has been in the line up since the mid to late 90s and for good reason I might add.
 
I have to agree that the Military is about perfect. Its handle shape and choil allow for numerous holds. When I grip it in a hammer grip, my thumb just falls right on the spine jimping. It allows for very powerful cuts. The generous handle and angle of attack on the blade allow it to be an excellent food prep knife. It facilitates great kitchen grips. Reverse grip is just as comfortable.

Lets not forget it looks like a formula one race car!
 
While not my favorite knife, my Delica g10 is very ergonomic. The Manix XL fits my larger hands perfectly.
 
The Delica 4 is just a bout a perfect fit for my hand. The handle is just right and feels very nice. If the blade was 1/4 inch longer it would be perfect overall, but still a great comfortable knife.
 
Spyderco pays attention to ergonomics and wont sacrifice it over aesthetics as compared to other companies and its not even close.

My tops in order:
Stretch
PM2
Pac Salt/Endura Gen3
Endura4
Delica4
Large Wayne Goddard
Native FRN previous generation (I havent tried the FRN N5)

Calypso and Millie:Great but too big for my smallish hands YMMV.

Many others are very ergonomic and have no hotspots.
 
Riz! said:
I have to agree that the Military is about perfect. Its handle shape and choil allow for numerous holds. When I grip it in a hammer grip, my thumb just falls right on the spine jimping. It allows for very powerful cuts. The generous handle and angle of attack on the blade allow it to be an excellent food prep knife. It facilitates great kitchen grips. Reverse grip is just as comfortable.
Click to expand...

You made some great points there "RIZ" >> I've also found it to be ideal for kitchen/culinary uses as well. It's Spyderco's best application of the G-10 handle I've ever seen with the possible exception of the C-60 Ayoob model in the G-10 Sprint Run.

The spine jimping you made reference to is spot on>> the jimping is in the perfect place for confident deployment. It's full flat grind blade is designed for ultimate performance. For me it also meets all the requirements for a good "survival" type knife. But for my everyday carry duties I just can't find any disadvantages with the slight exception that sometimes I do find a longer blade to be a little cumbersome on some cutting chores. But I would much rather have that problem than the other way around.

Let's look at it this way>> the C-36 Military has been in Spyderco's main line up since the mid 90s>>you know deep down there is a good reason it's been in the main line up that long. Not to mention the outstanding blade steel selection it's been offered in as well.
 
The Phil Wilson Collab. South Fork couldn't be any better IMO, in all grips. Para2 & Stretch aren't too shabby either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top