- Joined
- Aug 15, 2000
- Messages
- 2,330
Just took delivery of a 1st production run plain edge Gerber Spectre (model 06900) yesterday and spent the whole day playing with it like I do all my new knives. I thought some other knife knuts thinking of getting the same knife might want to find out what I learnt, so here goes.
Basic Specs:
3 3/4" blade of 1/8" stock 154CM with a 3 3/8" cutting edge and black Titanium Nitride coating. OAL open is 8", closed 4 1/4". Weighs 3.7 oz and has titanium liners and textured G10 handle scales. Liner lock locking mechanism. Double thumb studs. Attached with a tip down pocket clip secured with 2 screws. Bought mine for $109.
Function:
Slightly rough opening out of the box which smoothed up a little after several dozen cycles and re-lubing, but still a bit tight. Locked up tight with no blade play up/down or sideways. Blade was reasonably sharp out of the box and could shave hair with some pressure. A little work with the Spydie Sharpmaker 204 made it cut better.
Closed, the blade was nicely centered between the liners. Some movement of the blade in closed position, resulting in the blade hitting the backspacer if closed quickly. Looks like the hole in the blade is is not aligned properly with the detent ball on the liner. On mine, the blade cut a shallow groove in the plastic after several closing attempts. Didn't seem to have damaged the edge but will probably dull the blade with time.
Testing:
Like all my other new knives, I tested it on some cardboard boxes which I have around in plentiful supply. After destroying some 7 or 8 boxes, I found the edge still sharp enough to shave hair though not hair-popping sharp like before I started.
The liner cutout does a pretty good job of preventing my fingers from sliding forward even when I did some forceful stabs and cuts. The design of the handle is comfortable and works well with the saber grip with the thumb atop the blade spine. I tried disloging the lock by stabbing the boxes and twisting the blade out and the lock held. Also did some spine whacks of increasing force which the knife passed.
The Ti-Nitride coating seems to be pretty tough. I tried scratching it with a nail in a out of the way spot and had to work at it to mark the material. One funny thing, the titanium liners seem to be coated with a grey-brown material that looks like rust at first sight. Doesn't affect the function, though, just looks a bit strange.
Conclusion:
Seems to be a well made, well thought out design. A nice size for everyday carry if not for the hardcore tactical look that may raise a few eyebrows. Problem with the blade blade hitting the backspacer due to the misalignment of the detent ball. The liner cutout could be scalloped slightly to make opening easier. Other than that, I think most knife knuts will be satisfied with it.
Andrew Limsk
------------------
"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
[This message has been edited by redvenom (edited 01-27-2001).]
Basic Specs:
3 3/4" blade of 1/8" stock 154CM with a 3 3/8" cutting edge and black Titanium Nitride coating. OAL open is 8", closed 4 1/4". Weighs 3.7 oz and has titanium liners and textured G10 handle scales. Liner lock locking mechanism. Double thumb studs. Attached with a tip down pocket clip secured with 2 screws. Bought mine for $109.
Function:
Slightly rough opening out of the box which smoothed up a little after several dozen cycles and re-lubing, but still a bit tight. Locked up tight with no blade play up/down or sideways. Blade was reasonably sharp out of the box and could shave hair with some pressure. A little work with the Spydie Sharpmaker 204 made it cut better.
Closed, the blade was nicely centered between the liners. Some movement of the blade in closed position, resulting in the blade hitting the backspacer if closed quickly. Looks like the hole in the blade is is not aligned properly with the detent ball on the liner. On mine, the blade cut a shallow groove in the plastic after several closing attempts. Didn't seem to have damaged the edge but will probably dull the blade with time.
Testing:
Like all my other new knives, I tested it on some cardboard boxes which I have around in plentiful supply. After destroying some 7 or 8 boxes, I found the edge still sharp enough to shave hair though not hair-popping sharp like before I started.
The liner cutout does a pretty good job of preventing my fingers from sliding forward even when I did some forceful stabs and cuts. The design of the handle is comfortable and works well with the saber grip with the thumb atop the blade spine. I tried disloging the lock by stabbing the boxes and twisting the blade out and the lock held. Also did some spine whacks of increasing force which the knife passed.
The Ti-Nitride coating seems to be pretty tough. I tried scratching it with a nail in a out of the way spot and had to work at it to mark the material. One funny thing, the titanium liners seem to be coated with a grey-brown material that looks like rust at first sight. Doesn't affect the function, though, just looks a bit strange.
Conclusion:
Seems to be a well made, well thought out design. A nice size for everyday carry if not for the hardcore tactical look that may raise a few eyebrows. Problem with the blade blade hitting the backspacer due to the misalignment of the detent ball. The liner cutout could be scalloped slightly to make opening easier. Other than that, I think most knife knuts will be satisfied with it.
Andrew Limsk
------------------
"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
[This message has been edited by redvenom (edited 01-27-2001).]
