Lil'Temperance - Help me decide!

F

fcondron

Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
76
I'm a big fan of Spyderco (own quite a few, Native, Almite Navigator, Meerkat, Dragonfly). I'm considering the Lil' Temperance but I need some direction and some convincing. I've read all the posts on it I can find here.

First, is this knife comfortable for every day carry? I'm concerned that it seems to be a bit large closed, and a bit heavy.

Second, I'm terribly torn on what blade style to get. I have many knives with the leaf point blade, and have been happy with them. However, I think I like the change-of-pace that the trailing point offers. My questions about the trailing point are:

1) Is the trailing point version lighter/more comfortable to carry, since the blade has less (or appears to have less) steel? It also appears that the blade is almost completely "hidden" within the scales on the trailing point version.

2) I've seen some posts on the strength of the trailing point tip. Some say it isn't very strong, others say it's beefy and not a concern. Any comments on that?

3) Do you find that your average everyday non-knife-carrying person is frightened by the looks of the trailing point?

Thanks much!
 
Short answer, buy one. They really are awesome.

Now, after that shameless plug, I'll try for the long answer.

1.) I have both blade styles and the weight difference is negligible to the point that I doubt humans can feel the difference. The trailing point does have more of the blade hidden in the handle. You can use the two bottom finger cutouts when the blade is closed w/ the trailing point. This may aid in self defense situations when lethal force is not warranted. For utility purposes, I don't see how it's made a difference.

2.) I've used my trailing point regularly for months now. I haven't really used it to pry anything but have put some very heavy force on it cutting. Hasn't broke or chipped yet.

3.) I find that your average everyday non-knife-carrying persons reaction tends to vary by region. It's raised some eye brows in suburban Maryland and suburban Columbus, Ohio. In my home state of Pennsylvania and western Tennessee the only response it's raised is "what is it and how much". Other then that it's been pretty much ignored when seen.

It's defiantly a larger and heavier knife then what you listed as owning. But that's not a bad thing. I carry the leaf point with out the clip in my Dockers at work. It's carried in the small change pocket of the front right hand pocket. Works like a charm and the pants haven't shown increased wear in months of carry that way.

Hope this helps and good luck w/ your new Lil' Temperance :)

Edited for spelling.
 
Thanks - I'm actually not all that new to the forums, but I took a break for a couple months then just had to create a new userID when I lost my old email address and couldn't manage to recall my password under the old ID. :)

Well I took the plunge and ordered a trailing point Lil' Temperance. Should arrive on Friday!

Hmm noticed I missed a few Spydies from my list above. I actually own:

Dragonfly
FRN 440v Native
Stainless Native
Ladybug
Almite Navigator
Meerkat
Rescue Jr
Calypso Jr
 
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