How Thick is the Spyderco D'Allara Handle?

T

Thirteenth Star

Joined
Apr 1, 2004
Messages
525
I can't tell how thick the handle is from the photos available, but I believe somebody mentioned that the D'Allara handle is thicker than most.
 
I heard that Spyderco is taking another swing at this model. The original was uncomfortably thick. I don't have any numbers, but it was thick enough that using the lock was a pain. I would pass on the original.
 
It is pretty thick, but very hand filling. I think they're the best FRN scales ever made (really). The scales, for once, even look pretty high quality. Think Kershaw Bump/Spec Bump 3D modeled stuff for thickness...but it feels really good. I didn't have any problems with the *thickness* either in hand or in pocket.

However, there's something you should know. Spyderco makes some of, if not the, best ergonomics out there. Perhaps as a biproduct of this (and maybe not) Spyderco seems to like the handle to only enclose the actual edge instead of the whole blade. This is sort of annoying to me from a design standpoint, not to use all that space in the handle makes the knives noticeably wider (closed), but hasn't caused a problem. The D`Allara, however, has taken this too far, making this an exceptionally wide knife when closed. The ball is also too recessed for my tastes, though I bet I'd adjust. It also might please SD nuts who have long criticized the axis lock for the potential for an opponent to disarm it....that would be extraordinarily difficult to do in a struggle with the D`Allara.

This is the best deal Spyderco offers in their entire line, I feel safe in saying. It's too wide when closed, period, but this knife offers so much.

I don't expect the handle width to be too much...it's noticeable, but not a big deal.
 
Well, I'm asking because I find a thick handle to be desireable, as it fills the hand and makes a knife easier to grasp (Assuming it's not extremely thick).
 
Hi Thirteenth Star,

The D'Allara 2 has gone through a number of mold changes as the knife evolves (4). The latest "Drop Point" version has had the handle thinned and the ball bearing access opened. Both changes were made as a result of customer requests.

Currently, the D'Allara 2, is 16mm at it's thickest part and 12mm at it's thinnest. It's a 3D handle. The thickest part is in the "palm swell" to be able to fill the hand in use. It's 1/2mm thinner than the Native 3 (15.5mm).

For comparison, the Endura4 handle is 12mm thick. Both have skeletonized stainless steel liners (nested on the Endura).

The thinner knives are easier to carry, the thicker knives are more comfortable to use.

These dimensions do not include the clip.

Hope that helps.

sal
 
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