I'll (probably) never learn - aka, my new Southern Grind Spider Monkey

I remember reading your review, and appreciating the ravioli pic!! Made my mouth water!!!
You did a great job on that write up Herlock!!
Really enjoyed it!
Joe

Herlock said:
Hi! Congrats for your new knife! Those copper scales are really beautiful. I have a Plain Jane SG Spider Monkey since a couple of years and it’s still one of my favourite EDC. It’s really a gentleman tactical folder (if such a category exist), very pocket-able with an ultra-utilitarian blade shape. My long version here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/southern-grind-spider-monkey.1350578/
Click to expand...
 
Since I'm not the only one that is new to the Southern Grind experience (sounds like something you pay for at a club off I-95, doesn't it?), I'll add a few pictures.
I didn't bother with the USPS Priority box, or the bubble wrap around the knife box. Use your imaginations for the former...the latter is under the box in the images that follow.
http://i.imgur.com/TqzGobE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ABrzSEq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ybwx5wz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lgtvz9I.jpg

I'll get some pictures of the knife, possibly with some size comparisons, tomorrow (if it isn't raining...and maybe if it is)
 
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I've got a few initial thoughts about this knife; but I'll refrain from posting them until tomorrow... I will say, though, that the pros and cons are pretty even right now.
 
palonej palonej
A quick shot from work during the night:
http://i.imgur.com/3V0VfsG.jpg

Now to throw a little color into the images...
http://i.imgur.com/YpWD8V9.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QFRTNkW.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ihkJpx1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/56maqo1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/di3I8VJ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zpYnquU.jpg


Now, for my initial impressions...
Last evening, I found it difficult to flick open. I could do it by placing my thumbnail against the stud, but not with the tip. Part of that is due to my current (annoying) hand injury - no, I didn't cut myself - as it is painful to open any of my knives...and this one is smaller than I'm used to, so I have to hold it differently. Opening it with a slower, deliberate motion, it feels almost sebenza-like (with a less distinct thunk at lockup, at least compared to my large 21 - I don't have a small to which to compare it)
I didn't care for the pocket clip - it's fine in the pocket, providing decent grip without being rough on the pants...but the end of the clip was hitting in an uncomfortable spot. I have already subconsciously modified my grip, and it doesn't bother me as much as it did last night. Maybe it will be okay.
I find the clip side finger groove to be a little uncomfortable - that's mostly a reflection of the size of the handle as a whole...it's a little small for me. I wear L-XL gloves, though I don't have sausage fingers
This isn't the first small knife that I've liked...and I can't say that it will push any of my regular carries out of my pocket; but the copper gives it an edge in that regard. If I like this one, and get used to the size; I might be able to get some other small knives into my pocket - like my 0808, 0770, and 0456.

I know I mentioned size comparisons; but I forgot about them when I was taking pictures, and I don't feel like going back to take more. Maybe tomorrow.
 
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Looks good in the copper! I have the carbon fiber version. Yours looks very familiar, but very different. Enjoy!
 
Hi!

hhmoore hhmoore : Very nice pics :thumbsup: and, again, those coppers scales on the SM are really beautiful :cool:. I really had to tell myself I don’t need another SM :D! Enjoy your new pocket companion in good health!

palonej palonej : Thanks! Happy you liked my ramblings :). I try to write up here – with no “ambitions” at all :p - something about my impressions/experiences with the knives I buy and own. It’s part of my personal fun in this hobby :). It’s always nice when someone appreciate this or simply find this somehow useful. I really like the SGSM and it will be a keeper for me. Thanks also – in great delay – for your answers to an old post of mine about Protech knives. I’m still evaluating the purchase of a manual TR4 and your answer and pics were very "inspiring" :).
 
Joe, you should pick one up. They are worth the price of admission.

I like the size of the Spider Monkey. The clip doesn't give me any issue when using it.

The carbon fiber is very nice, and the steel is no slouch either.

Get one from Whitty over at USA Made Blade.
 
I agree on the Spider Monkey being an odd size, at least for people with larger hands. I found the problem really is the thumb ramp - it limits where you can put your thumb, and it was in a very awkward position for my hands. I'd like it better if the thumb ramp was level with the back of the blade (e.g., make the blade a bit wider).

Here's hoping for an upgraded Bad Monkey with an improved steel, and hopefully some cool sprint scales.
 
Joe- just remember the weight when considering the carbon fiber vs copper. They really have very different personalities o_O :D . The action on both of mine is very smooth. I think you would be impressed as well.

pnu8Gdw.jpg
 
The copper version is listed at 5.4 oz... and is now sold out.
The cf version is listed at 3.2 oz.

I probably wouldn't have taken the risk on the cf version, just because of the size concerns... but, at this point, I'm glad I grabbed this one. I don't know how long it will manage to stay in my pocket (already have a knife in my cart, and sold stuff to finance it); but I'll probably come back to it semi-regularly just because I like copper.
 
Yeah, I can see where XL hands would create size concerns. I too like copper. Have you looked at the Bad Monkey in copper? I've thought about it....
 
I have not - the Bad Monkey never appealed to me all that much. Didn't even know there was a copper version, honestly...but I just looked it up. Between the size and the blade steel (14c28n), I'm not sure the copper is enough. I'm not really that much of a steel snob; but I want better in a knife at that price point
 
I totally agree on the steel. I also think the weight would become an issue. I'm hoping they come out with a new Bad Monkey based more on the Spider Monkey, but larger. I would grab one for sure.
 
Meh - the weight doesn't bother me. My 0200 is a little over 8oz, and my 0550 with copper scale is barely under 8. At that point, another ounce isn't gong to make much difference. If I was used to carrying a 3-4 oz knife, I might be put off by something more than twice the weight.
 
It's one of those knives that gets smoother the more you use it. You get used to the clip. My flicks open very nicely. If SG ever comes out with a 3.6ish model, I'd get it. The 4" blade of the BM is just a bit much for me.
 
I'm not even put off by the 4" blade... but the 5" handle and 9.25" OAL take it over my limits.
 
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