If an individual wanted a deep cover( small) knife

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peshkabz

Joined
May 6, 2003
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and the choices are (so far)

Cricket- ATS-55
Meerkat- AUS-6
Salsa- Aus-8

I live in a humid environment and sweat volumes( - which of these metals is the most rust resistant?

The Salsa has the longer blade - but a longer blade may not be the best answer, so do not think about blade length. Thanks.:cool:
 
I recommend the SS Cricket SE(VG-10 steel). Even though it has a SS handle, it is very thin and lightweight. The VG-10 steel is very resistant to corrosion and takes a scary sharp edge.

Good Luck
 
As long as you care for it regularly any of Spyderco's stainless steels (actually they only use stainless I believe) are up to the task. The only problems are with salt water or if you don't wipe it off every once in a while.
 
I'd say Salsa, because for a last ditch knife, I have doubts about the grips of the cricket, and the meerkat.
The finish on the Salsa should be fairly restistant. There is nothing like some flizt wouldn't remove.
 
deep cover as in last ditch back-up, yes? if so, I think the Ronin would be the best knife in the Spyderco line-up. A fixed blade is best as last ditch - your fingers may not be able to open a folder fast enough due to the adrenaline, or, you may be sweaty, bloody and have a 300lb guy on top of you....
 
Sweat will rust even a stainless knife.I carry a Rescue clipped iwb,when I medic youth football.One 90 degree day it started to rust after several hours against my "love handles".Sure it came off with little work ( but slight pits are still there).
 
If it's to be a Spydie: Spot or Ronin. Stay w/ a fixed blade. The last thing you're going to want to do when & if "the balloon goes up" is to futz around w/ a folder. If you're Mike Janich or Bram Frank, YMMV.
 
The Meerkat's AUS-6 is the most stain-resistant of those listed, but I don't think that should be your main consideration. Any of them will rust eventually without care and none of them will rust if you provide minimal care.

Of the three listed I would go with the Salsa because it offers the best grip. On the other hand, it is also noticeably larger than the others, which may defeat your purpose. The Meerkat might be a good compromise of grip vs size.

Overall I have to agree with the folks who are suggesting fixed blades intead of a folder. I think the S.P.O.T. is perfect for this kind of task, although the Ronin should be excellent too. The S.P.O.T. is extremely concealable while still providing an aboslutely secure grip that allows you to apply a lot of power behind that small blade.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide to carry.

--Bob Q
 
Find somewhere you can try all of them out, and go with the one that feels best.

I've only handled the Cricket (stainless handles) and find it a bit difficult to open extremely quickly. Given the size of my hands, that may be true for all of these knives, and I'd want to go with a fixed blade or something a little larger. I find that the Delica is a great size for me.

For what it's worth, you might also want to consider the Kiwi, though this might be a bit too small.
 
as I wrote in several places today, I got the MEERKAT today and am so impressed with the quality and solid feel of this knife. The handle fits my huge hands too, which is a real suprise! get the other two next week.
AWE - the joy of anticipation!!:D
 
For deep cover, I'd kinda be into the FB01 Moran. I might buy one of the smaller belt clips to attach to the kydex sheath, but ..... It's already easy to hide and it hugs your body regardless of positioning.
 
How about the Ronin? I just did a review on it actually...
 
I would go for the Meerkat. It has the deepest carry of any Spyderco knife. It is the least likely to get noticed in part because of the deep carry but also because of the wire clip which draws less attention and is less likely identified as a knife. The top of the knife is flush to the top of you pocket.

I think the Meerkat / Navigator design is the most effecient and effective of Spyderco small knives. You can put amazing leverage on it. It has great erbgonomics surpassing the Salsa and Cricket.

I would personally go with the 440C American made version which has better steel, but a little less rust resistance than the Jap version. It also less stiff, at least for the ones I a have seen of each. It has a slightly thinner blade which is an advantage in cutting. Most modern knives have too thick an edge IMO.
 
Deep cover? Vic 3" paring knife in a cardboard sheath carried IWB or taped inside shirt.
 
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