Have you guys seen the new, improved Spyderco Chinook?

The new one fixes all of my problems with the old one. Pretty awesome. I wish the point was just a little bit lower, but other than that, it looks pretty darn great.
 
Eh, might pick one up, but I already fronted the bucks for the original, which seems more of a hardcore using knife anyway (what I bought it for.)
I wouldn't care about the new Chinook at all 'cept it's S30V.

Dennis, did you scan that from the new Spydie Catalog? Is it out?
 
although I must agree the "clip" part of the clip point is pretty swooped, it does make it look more like a clip point than upswept point, which I think have its uses as an MBC knife.
It's less so of an bowie, but it's also lighter. The looks are ok to me, because the original looked ugly with the pictures and look like a length-compressed folding Ka-bar on crack ;) when I saw it first handed. I love the look of the original Chinook and would like to see the new version.
 
On second thought, the original Chinook looks better. The original Chinook was cool because it really looked like a "folding bowie". I can't say the same for the new model. It would have been better Spyderco had just kept the same blade and add the compression lock, new steel and new carry options. Seems like the compression lock would have been a definite addition since many complain of blade play.
 
I saw the new one at the NY custom knife show (though I am not allowed to post a pic :rolleyes: )...I had a chance to hold it side by side with the original...IMHO, they should have left it as is...if it ain't broke...

RL
 
Hmm... interesting.

I can see why they call the Chinook II an improved design. It looks like it has a thinner point, which would allow easier penetration. The hump behind the hole might help prevent your thumb from sliding forward when thrusting with a saber grip. It also has a deeper choil and "guard" area.

The first Chinook had a classic look and feel to it though. It might take awhile for me to warm up to the futuristic design of the new one. I've never liked the kind of grind that's on the Chinook II either.
 
Looks like a big improvement to me. The blade and grind look much more effective for cutting chores from the picture IMHO. I'd like to handle one to see if the old SOLID feeling is still there. I sure won't miss those 2 oz.'s.
 
Aesthetically, I prefer the looks of the original better, but to be quite honest, the new one looks more functional. And when it all comes down to it, I buy Spydies for their function, not their looks. I don't know if I'll buy this one...

The only function you seem to lose with the new one is less of an ability to pry, but that's not really the primary function of a knife, now is it? ;)

Anyway, with four clip positions on this new version, how can you go wrong?
 
Hmm have mixed feelings on it. I have always liked the chinnok but until actual reviews come out for this one, I will have to stick with the older model.
 
I'll second the old blade/new handle idea. I've got the original, I'm sure I'll get this one as soon as I can. I'll actually have to handle it before deciding which is "better."
 
The original Chin-hook was surprisingly easy to carry, dispite its mass, in my opinion, so I cannot see where lightening the blade really accomplishes anything important.

The real down side of the Chinner to me was the narrow hollow grind on the thick blade stock. It made for high cutting resistance. I don't see where that has been improved at all.

The handle improvements look nice. And I would say that the Chin2 is still a great mini-monster folder.
 
steve: the original chinook was great, but it does have weight problems. If you ever try to clip it to pants that aren't jeans, most likely it will sag so much you'll feel like your pants are going to fall down.
That's why I'm getting it sheathed by normark to make it an non-issue....
I do admit that they should make it a higher hollow/flat saber grind.
 
This knife has always present a quandry for me, mainly because we do not have a b&m store in my area. I cannot hold one and check the Q/C which seems to be an issue when the blade locks.

Mostly I hear from the outdoor guys that this knife is super strong. However, it would seem to me that extreme wilderness guys would go for a drop-point in the Loveless style for game and all around camp work.

Does this knife open with one hand easily for a lock-back? From the pictures, it would seem like it's a two hander. Is it slow for presentation?

Edit--I just saw the alloy info, sorry.
 
Originally posted by Ichabod Poser


Mostly I hear from the outdoor guys that this knife is super strong. However, it would seem to me that extreme wilderness guys would go for a drop-point in the Loveless style for game and all around camp work.

Does this knife open with one hand easily for a lock-back? From the pictures, it would seem like it's a two hander. Is it slow for presentation?

Edit--I just saw the alloy info, sorry.
Click to expand...

Hi Ichabod,

I can only speak to the original version of the knife, but for general outdoor use it shine's. It handles all the various camp stuff easily, and should make an excellent skinning knife. The drop point style tends to be popular because of the tip strength, and because it's a bit less pokey when working inside an animal, but the Chinook gives away very little in the tip department, and I guess the other part could be avoided with just a bit more care.

As to the second part of your question, yes, it's just as easy to open as a lighter Spyderco:).



HTH:D:).
 
About that pointy tip...I have been skinning out and dressing game and beef cattle since I was a kid, and I personally feel that the inconvenince of a clip point for working inside an animal is way overblown. Personal preference is a highly subjective thing, but I like a clip point or even upswept pint for deer and other game animals.

I suppose you might have to be a little more careful not to cut a gut, but a sharp point has a lot more advantages than drawbacks, in my opinion.

The Buck 110 has cleaned its share of deer, and the Chinook bears more than a passing resemblance to it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top