Hi Sal - I didn't think Spyderco made anything that was less than fit for hard use! I've been spoiled by having a couple of other Spydies on hand for over 10 years now, including my favourite Endura. I've got a nasty habit of modifying my knives to suit my needs, and I was worrying that I might become guilty of the sacrilege of modding a priceless collectors piece!
Hi V-1. I purchased the Li'l T because of the new compression lock. The only way to see an example out here is to buy one in! I like the fit and finish, and I can see the design of the lock is excellent and will be very reliable and trustworthy. I've got a bit of play in the blade because the fit of the pivot-pin is a smidgeon loose - nothing drastic. I love the shape and the grind of the leaf blade - like a grown-up Dragonfly! My first with G10 handle material - feels good and I like the green color.
It might take me a while to get used to the shape of the handle. With my Endura I use three ways of opening it: 1. conventional with thumb in thumb-hole; 2. pinch the thumb-hole between the thumb and index finger and again make a sharp movement downwards to move the handle away from the blade; and 3. "bounce" the blade open with a sharp downward movement. With the Li'l T I can't use the last because the blade movement is a bit tight (but smooth) and the detent too strong (both good things). The first technique is ok. But for the second I usually position the Endura for the downwards movement by starting in a conventional grip with the blade closed, then pinch the thumb-hole loosely between thumb and index finger, then rotate the bottom of the handle outwards and upwards to position for the sharp downwards movement (pinch blade tightly) to open the handle. With a bit of practice it opens reliably but with very little force. With the Li'l T the handle protrusion that forms the thumb-ramp catches the web of my hand between thumb and index finger during the upwards rotation.
How do you other Li'l T owners use them? For me this looks best suited to tip-up carry, conventional opening, and close with thumb in hole and tip of index finger on the lock-release.
Chris
