Input needed: ATR vs E.R. Nemesis.

Walking Man

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Hello, I am interested in finding out if you guys would prefer an Extrema Ratio folder (doesn't have to be the nemesis, my preference only) vs. the Spyderco ATR and why. I wish to have a truly neutral comparison, I understand the knives are neutral, and they will have their differences, but I'd prefer to hear more about similar comparisons. Thanks.
 
I own neither, but I carried an ATR for a week in a pass-around and handled the ER folders at the Blade show. I would take the ATR over the ER. Here's why:

- The ATR uses S30V, the best stainless steel on the market. ER steel has gotten good reviews here, but I would still prefer S30V.

- The ATR has a better lock, IMO. I really liked the execution of the Compression lock on the one I handled. The ER uses a lockback, which is very secure but allows some vertical play and isn't as easy to operate one handed.

- The ATR has MUCH better edge geometry. The ER's have very thick blades relative to the ATR, and as such would not make very good slicers. This attribute would probably make it a better extreme hard use folder, so YMMV depending on your intended use.

- I prefer the ergonomics of the ATR's handle to the ER's. I also dislike rubber handles, which ER uses. They probably do provide a more secure grip than the ATR's titanium handles, but I had no trouble with my grip slipping while using the ATR due to the shape of the handle.

That's it in a nutshell, perhaps anyone else who has used the two side by side can give more insight.
 
I always thought a back lock is better than any other locks because there's little chance you can close it accidentally. Beside, there's a little pin on the Nemesis that will make the lock unlockable. It's like having a fixed blade. I don't know much about the steel comparison, but I don't think the Nemesis is designed to cut paper or shave your arm hair. It's more like a combat folder type kinda of thing. You can actually throw the Nemesis without the lock failing on you.

For EDC, utility, gent's knife, the ATR is the way to go. Good edge geometry, good steel and very non-threatening shape.

I think they are different kind of knife. Can't really be compared.

For EDC, I'd choose Nemesis. It's like having a folding sword. :D

Now I want a Nemesis folder !! Damn you guys :D :D :D

For steel comparison : http://www.extremaratio.com/ing/index2.php
Scroll down, click on 'open table'
 
Like Beluga said, they are pretty much two different beasts.

One thing to correct, the Nemesis doesn't come with a rubber handle.
 
FWIW,

You're more likely to see an ATR for sale on a forum for about half the MSRP than you would a Nemesis. Don't know if that matters.

What are you planning on using the knife for?

If it's for piercing hard, dense materials, I wouldn't suggest the ATR. It's the only non-sheepsfoot blade I own that doesn't pass the "stab the scratching post and make the blade support the knife" test.

It is great in all other respects. Super-sharp blade with a deep, hollow grind (I prefer deep or completely flat) and a semi-recurved edge. Integral Compression-Lock is one of the strongest out there. Indexing holes on blade and clip add to surety of grip in both static and dynamic positions. Integral choil adds to safety when choking up on the blade.

Nemesis seems like it'd be better for piercing hard, dense materials and the lock could possibly be stronger than the ATR's. Don't know. Sorry.
 
I'm planning to buy the knife to buy it.
That's right. I am buying it just to own it, and use it, but not for anything specific. BTW I like most of my knives to have a certain tactical feel to them for the -just in case- factor
Like many of you folks, I already own 20 or 30 folders, and I more than what I need. I'm just looking for opinion based mostly (but not soley) on quality, fit, finish, durabilty, handling, carrying, cutting, and the all-powerful coolness factor.
In other words, I need you guys to help me figure out my next mostly gratuitous knife purchase. Thanks
 
Get the ER MAN! Admittedly, the only spyderco's I have are the spyderench and the Lum fixed blade, My ER MPC is on another level when it comes to coolness factor- even when compared to my BM axises(?). It really is a fixed blade in the pocket. Hell, If you buy the Nemesis and don't like it, I'll take it off your hands dude!:D
 
WalkingMan,

What is your impression of the Extrema Ratio Nemesis?


In the voice of the Extrema Ratio Nemesis:

Hi everybody! Boy, do I feel as rugged as a .23" thick blade and cross-bolt supplemented lockback folder can feel today.
 
I'm not aware of any ER folders or fixed blades that come with rubber handles myself.

As another stated, the two being discussed are in different catagories so it's hard to compare them side by side.

My own preference since picking up an MPC is to carry a knife whose edge geometry allows for good slicing capabilities [ the strider SnG ]and another that will not break even if I hang from the opened knifes blade from a shear rock wall crevice [ the MPC ].

Your own criteria should dictate your choices between the two here.
I now carry both above knives on me daily, for two potentially different scenarios of problems that may require a blade resolution.

Stay safe

Brownie
 
Walking Man,

The Nemesis also failed the scratching post test (but I was tired and babying the brand-spanking new knife). The Nemesis is thicker, larger, heavier, and its clip isn't as comfortable as the ATR. It also needed more force to open with a Brownie Pop and has thumbstuds. The handle is extremely secure while being smooth and having no hot spots. The screws all take Allen wrenches, so that's convenient. The screws for the reversible pocket clip weren't sealed in with red Loctite, which is always nice.

Both knives were very sharp out of the box with the ATR being Spyderco Sharp and the Nemesis being merely hair-shaving/paper-slicing sharp (with such a thick blade, that's still a feat).

The ATR had sharp spots in the handle here and there, but they didn't effect gripping or twirling the ATR (try not doing that with those indexing holes. I dare you!). It's a very rugged folder that is equally at home with delicate and hard cutting. Its integral choil and barely-tug-while-securely-hold pocket clip are very welcome features. The Cobra hood is an outstanding innovation, as is the integral compression lock (as is the crossbolt lockback of most Extrema Ratio folders, for that matter).

They're both such great folders that a 'better' one can't be picked. The ATR is a superlative cutter that is frighteningly rugged and the Nemesis is an preternaturally rugged uber-tank that is a very good cutter.
 
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