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What are the differences between these 2 knives otherwise the steel type? Pics would really help! Thanks! 
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Merlin vs Tasman
- Thread starter Mattman888
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
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- 5,738
There were two generations of the Merlin. The first used the same handle as the first generation Delica, with an integral FRN clip. The second used the same handle as the third generation Delica, with a barrel bolt clip. That same handle is now used for the Salt I and Tasman Salt. So, aside from "nameplates" and the fact that the Salt I and Tasman can be had in yellow, the FRN handles of the Delica 3, Merlin 2, Salt I, and Tasman are all identical.
The hardware, lockbar, and lock spring on the Tasman are more rust resistant than those on the Merlin, and the Tasman's barrel bolt and clip are titanium. But aside from the fact that early second generation Merlins would not have had a Boye dent, while later ones and all Tasmans do, there are no visible differences in the hardware that I can see.
As for the blades, the Tasman's has a larger Spyderhole and also appears to be somewhat "taller", perhaps to accommodate said Spyderhole. Not a huge difference, but noticeable when both are viewed together.
Here are shots of a late second generation Merlin and a Tasman...
Paul
My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
The hardware, lockbar, and lock spring on the Tasman are more rust resistant than those on the Merlin, and the Tasman's barrel bolt and clip are titanium. But aside from the fact that early second generation Merlins would not have had a Boye dent, while later ones and all Tasmans do, there are no visible differences in the hardware that I can see.
As for the blades, the Tasman's has a larger Spyderhole and also appears to be somewhat "taller", perhaps to accommodate said Spyderhole. Not a huge difference, but noticeable when both are viewed together.
Here are shots of a late second generation Merlin and a Tasman...
Paul
My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 415
Paul,
is the blade on the Merlin thicker (3 mm vs. 2.5)?
is the blade on the Merlin thicker (3 mm vs. 2.5)?
Last edited:
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2006
- Messages
- 10,048
Nope. The Harpy is 3mm thick, but the Merlin is 2.5 mm.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 415
Man, that just makes me want a VG-10 PE Merlin more. How about a sprint run in royal blue like the PE Spyderhawk?
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
- Messages
- 5,738
Yes, it does. I missed that.
Paul
My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam