Nirvana

[retired01]

Finally the nirvana's are coming,top knives and many others!

 

[ShepardCC]

Ive seen some videos on them and they are beautiful. People who are getting them seemed to be very pleased. They look like they have really smooth action too!

 

[mmmotorcycle]

They sold out at few places in a matter of minutes.

 

[MaxFactor]

People who are getting them seemed to be very pleased.

Has anyone actually received their Nirvana yet? I have yet to see pics from anyone that bought one!

 

[ShepardCC]

All the pics and videos are from fb.

 

[MaxFactor]

After much anticipation I finally received my Nirvana today!

Here are some pics and initial thoughts.

First of all, this thing is just jaw droppingly gorgeous. The stonewash finish alone would look great but the milled pattern really brings it to the next level. The fact that they were able to seamlessly continue the pattern around the entire handle is quite impressive. I believe the blade finish is an acid stonewash and it's dark, worn look matches the aesthetic of the handle nicely. The clip is stonewashed as well. Only the milled lines, clip screws, and pivot hardware have a shiny finish and I love the contrast.

I don't have a scale at home but the knife certainly has some heft to it. It's definitely heavier than my Military. Curiously, the handle is quite a bit thinner than I expected and they did a great job of fitting as much blade into there as possible. I would imagine that some people might not like the thinness of the handle, but I see it as an advantage for a nice slim profile in the pocket. The blade also features a very nicely jimped thumb ramp that adds some traction to the smooth and slender handle.

Deployment is extremely smooth and the blade flicks out with impressive authority. The downside of this is that the lockbar has a considerable amount of stick. Even without flicking the blade the lockbar is sticky. When flicking hard, disengaging the lock has sometimes required two hands. It's an unfortunate downside to an otherwise superb knife.

Overall, so far I'm very impressed by this knife. I've followed this one closely since it was first announced and it's clear that Spyderco had to overcome some large hurdles to see this model to fruition. The lock stick issue is disappointing but I'm not sure an insert would even be possible on a thin integral like the Nirvana. I suppose the lock surface could be carbidized but I don't know how that would affect production and the cost. Either way, I won't let it keep me from enjoying this wonderful offering from my favorite knife company.

Update:

After about two and a half days the lock stick is gone. Lock bar is still a bit stiff but maybe my thumb just needs to be a bit stronger. I disassembled the knife, which was ridiculously easy, cleaned out the excess oil, applied a drop of 10Wt nano oil to the bearings and a miniscule drop of 85Wt to the detent, and reassembled. Wiped the lock face thoroughly and put on a light coat of Sharpie. All I can say is wow. Even smoother than before with no traces of a sticky lock.

Bonus pic that my photographically inclined friend took.

 

[ShepardCC]

After much anticipation I finally received my Nirvana today!

Here are some pics and initial thoughts.

First of all, this thing is just jaw droppingly gorgeous. The stonewash finish alone would look great but the milled pattern really brings it to the next level. The fact that they were able to seamlessly continue the pattern around the entire handle is quite impressive. I believe the blade finish is an acid stonewash and it's dark, worn look matches the aesthetic of the handle nicely. The clip is stonewashed as well. Only the milled lines, clip screws, and pivot hardware have a shiny finish and I love the contrast.

I don't have a scale at home but the knife certainly has some heft to it. It's definitely heavier than my Military. Curiously, the handle is quite a bit thinner than I expected and they did a great job of fitting as much blade into there as possible. I would imagine that some people might not like the thinness of the handle, but I see it as an advantage for a nice slim profile in the pocket. The blade also features a very nicely jimped thumb ramp that adds some traction to the smooth and slender handle.

Deployment is extremely smooth and the blade flicks out with impressive authority. The downside of this is that the lockbar has a considerable amount of stick. Even without flicking the blade the lockbar is sticky. When flicking hard, disengaging the lock has sometimes required two hands. It's an unfortunate downside to an otherwise superb knife.

Overall, so far I'm very impressed by this knife. I've followed this one closely since it was first announced and it's clear that Spyderco had to overcome some large hurdles to see this model to fruition. The lock stick issue is disappointing but I'm not sure an insert would even be possible on a thin integral like the Nirvana. I suppose the lock surface could be carbidized but I don't know how that would affect production and the cost. Either way, I won't let it keep me from enjoying this wonderful offering from my favorite knife company.

Thank you for the review and the great pics!

Have you tried the pencil trick on the lockbar yet to help with the stickiness?

 

[ncmiked]

Looking forward to getting mine soon. I gave up on other buys to get this one.

 

[Barman1]

.

Overall, so far I'm very impressed by this knife. I've followed this one closely since it was first announced and it's clear that Spyderco had to overcome some large hurdles to see this model to fruition. The lock stick issue is disappointing but I'm not sure an insert would even be possible on a thin integral like the Nirvana. I suppose the lock surface could be carbidized but I don't know how that would affect production and the cost. Either way, I won't let it keep me from enjoying this wonderful offering from my favorite knife company.

Yup, that milled handle would make milling for an insert difficult unless it had a separate lock bar. I'm picturing an example but can't come up with a model name off the top of my head.
I have troubles buying frame locks without inserts these days after wearing a few out and stick.

 

[sutherland]

I should be getting my Nirvana sometime next week. Hopefully the lock stick on your knife will work itself out. My experience with Taichung Spydercos is always the same:
- Excellent Fit and Finish
- Excessive use of oil on the pivot that always works its way onto the lock bar (and all over the knife for that matter)

I always use a Lysol wipe:
- run it through the knife/scales
- clean the lock bar
- clean the blade tang

Then I just run it dry. If there is any stick, just continue applying some Sharpie so the alcohol from the ink works its way onto the lock bar face and gradually breaks down any residual oil/grease that may still remain on the lock bar face.

Enjoy the knife! It looks amazing.

 

[MaxFactor]

If there is any stick, just continue applying some Sharpie so the alcohol from the ink works its way onto the lock bar face and gradually breaks down any residual oil/grease that may still remain on the lock bar face.

The Sharpie method is to break down residual oil on the lock bar face?

I was always under the impression that lock stick was due to galling between the dissimilar metals and the Sharpie or graphite simply created a barrier between the two.

Either way, I've already applied some Sharpie and graphite. The graphite seemed to be considerably more effective at ameliorating the lock stick.

 

[Manek]

I need something to get the drools stains off my phone.

 

[Charr]

The Sharpie method is to break down residual oil on the lock bar face?

I was always under the impression that lock stick was due to galling between the dissimilar metals and the Sharpie or graphite simply created a barrier between the two.

Either way, I've already applied some Sharpie and graphite. The graphite seemed to be considerably more effective at ameliorating the lock stick.

From what I understand, the sharpie trick works to both eliminate oils left over and create a barrier between the lock are and the tang of the blade. Most stick is caused by galling if the lock face is clean, but the presence of oils or other contaminants can also cause stick by making the lock arm over over farther than it should when locking.

Once the excess oil is cleaned out, then yes, the sharpie or graphite will create a barrier between the steel and the Ti to keep the galling from being excessive, though usually over time enough of a micro-layer of Ti builds up on most lock interfaces that the galling stops.
The main issue with most knives is that they don't build the lock face to handle that break-in period and still lockup the right way, so you can develope some lock-rock from it.
I doubt that will be an issue with the Nirvana though.

Until it breaks in, Graphite will probably be the best bet, as it is a little better overall at preventing the galling in my experience.

I kind of wish Spyderco had carbonized the lock face (like CRk does, not carbidizing, as that is only a temporary solution in most cases), but I also understand that would be pretty difficult to do with the integral frame. I have pretty good faith that they got the lock geometry right, and if any of us run into issues then we know they will take care of us.

I have to wait over the weekend to get my Nirvana, and I am practically bouncing around my desk even now wishing it would be here already!!
I will have to sell another much-loved knife if I decide to keep the Nirvana, so I personally have a good deal riding on it turning out as great as I hope.

 

[Biginboca]

I got my Nirvana yesterday. The lock was very sticky but after wiping off the lock face with a paper towel and playing with the knife today the stick is all gone. I've had to break in much worse locks (Strider). This one took maybe 100 openings/closing and it's all good now....

 

[MaxFactor]

the presence of oils or other contaminants can also cause stick by making the lock arm [travel] over farther than it should when locking.

Good point. I hadn't thought of that.

I kind of wish Spyderco had carbonized the lock face (like CRk does, not carbidizing, as that is only a temporary solution in most cases), but I also understand that would be pretty difficult to do with the integral frame. I have pretty good faith that they got the lock geometry right, and if any of us run into issues then we know they will take care of us.

Carbonized? I always thought that was just a mispronunciation of carbidizing. Either way, I also trust that Spyderco would take care of any serious lock-up issues if they were to arise.

I have to wait over the weekend to get my Nirvana, and I am practically bouncing around my desk even now wishing it would be here already!!
I will have to sell another much-loved knife if I decide to keep the Nirvana, so I personally have a good deal riding on it turning out as great as I hope.

I can assure you, it will be well worth the wait. I've been playing with mine constantly since yesterday, to the point that my fingers are quite literally sore.

If you don't mind my asking, what knife are you planning on replacing with the Nirvana?

 

[Otto Carpenter]

Instant classic. Enjoy.

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

Cool knife. I'm glad it finally is out of the factory, now they can move on a few other models!

 

[retired01]

Thanx MaxFactor for the nice pic's and to all you Guy's for info!have to wait untill Thuesday,i was Lucky with Nationalknives,thank you too Robert Glowacki for sending me the last 2!

 

[marcus52AR]

I will admit that it's not a knife I was interested in right away, this thread has piqued my interest though. I'm curious if the lock stick is only present for the break in period though. I took a look at my Slysz bowie this morning, and it's lock face looks like its carbidized.

Definitely a cool looking knife!

Looking forward to hearing other owners experience with the knife.

 

[Roamad]

Want. [emoji14]