OK, I decided to entertain myself and ordered one of these. I got it a few days ago. It was a plain-edge, numberless, black-clipped one.
I want to say that so far it is above expectations.
But first, the shortcomings. The screws on the clip are really bad. I feel that they are a bit too soft, the heads mash easily and the threads don't fit well. I like the shape of the clip, because it helps give a very firm grip on the knife, esp when holding for "kinetic openings", or changing grips, but the clip is too flat at the tip--this makes it a pain everytime I clip the knife back into the pocket or WB. It would be nice if the clip came up a bit at the tip, like the normal spyderco clips. Anyway, a bit of bending solved this.
Then there is the concealability. Obviously, as it rides so high and has that ramp, it is going to be easy to see. So I guess, one has to like the knife characteristics so much that one is willing to suffer the obviousness. I still don't know how I'm going to carry it.
Now the praise. I really like the compression lock. It feels extremely tough and reliable. The grip shape of the handle also feels very secure. I feel that I could ram this little knife into a coconut and my hand would not slip on the handle.
I guess it is designed for stabbing and twisting out, right? I personally like this, because I believe that this is the fastest and most efficient way to get the knife into the target.
I also like the idea that it can be used closed as a hammer. I am most comfortable with boxing movements, and the knife can easily be used as a lead flick-out jab, held like a hammer, with the ramp impacting. Then my rear hand can come in, then instead of a hook from my lead hand, I can use the knife like a hammer in almost the same motion. Or it can go just like a normal punch.
Also the butt of the knife is the best striker I have ever seen in a folding knife. Stab in, rotate out, strike with the butt and swing-cut.
The kinetic opening idea seems very useful too. So far I have not tried opening it on my thigh, as I have noticed that the point tends to dig in when the surface you open it on is too wide....it is very easy to inertia open too, or you can use the ramp or hole with your thumb. It feels as if you can do a lot of things with this knife...it's kind of like a toy.
So I guess I'll be getting the trainer and tapes later.
If only it were more concealable, I would make it one of my EDCs immediately. If I wanted a small knife to defend my life with, I think this is it.
In short, it's a great knife.....but like a high-powered sports car, it has its "difficult" side.
I want to say that so far it is above expectations.
But first, the shortcomings. The screws on the clip are really bad. I feel that they are a bit too soft, the heads mash easily and the threads don't fit well. I like the shape of the clip, because it helps give a very firm grip on the knife, esp when holding for "kinetic openings", or changing grips, but the clip is too flat at the tip--this makes it a pain everytime I clip the knife back into the pocket or WB. It would be nice if the clip came up a bit at the tip, like the normal spyderco clips. Anyway, a bit of bending solved this.
Then there is the concealability. Obviously, as it rides so high and has that ramp, it is going to be easy to see. So I guess, one has to like the knife characteristics so much that one is willing to suffer the obviousness. I still don't know how I'm going to carry it.
Now the praise. I really like the compression lock. It feels extremely tough and reliable. The grip shape of the handle also feels very secure. I feel that I could ram this little knife into a coconut and my hand would not slip on the handle.
I guess it is designed for stabbing and twisting out, right? I personally like this, because I believe that this is the fastest and most efficient way to get the knife into the target.
I also like the idea that it can be used closed as a hammer. I am most comfortable with boxing movements, and the knife can easily be used as a lead flick-out jab, held like a hammer, with the ramp impacting. Then my rear hand can come in, then instead of a hook from my lead hand, I can use the knife like a hammer in almost the same motion. Or it can go just like a normal punch.
Also the butt of the knife is the best striker I have ever seen in a folding knife. Stab in, rotate out, strike with the butt and swing-cut.
The kinetic opening idea seems very useful too. So far I have not tried opening it on my thigh, as I have noticed that the point tends to dig in when the surface you open it on is too wide....it is very easy to inertia open too, or you can use the ramp or hole with your thumb. It feels as if you can do a lot of things with this knife...it's kind of like a toy.
So I guess I'll be getting the trainer and tapes later.
If only it were more concealable, I would make it one of my EDCs immediately. If I wanted a small knife to defend my life with, I think this is it.
In short, it's a great knife.....but like a high-powered sports car, it has its "difficult" side.
