? on CRKT Viele Wasp

S

Steelwolf

Joined
Jul 19, 1999
Messages
443
How does the CRKT Wasp (small) hold up in comparison to stuff like Spydie's Delica or Endura? I noticed that it is designed by Howard Viele, and looks very much like the Spydie Viele offering, so how does it compare to that (both the old AUS8 and new VG-10)? Points to compare include but are not restricted to:
1. Edge holding
2. Rust resistance
3. Ease of sharpening (only look at full plain edge)
4. Ergonomics (opening, holding during use, pocket carry, etc.)
5. Sheeple friendliness
6. Fit and Finish
7. Ruggedness (do the titanium bolsters scratch easily, blade play after multiple openings, how about the carrying clip?)

Has CRKT done the heat treat properly and hardened it to an optimal level?

Truth be told, I was looking for a knife for my girlfriend. She was attracted to my VG-10 Spydie Viele (small, cute, right size, etc.), but when I offered it to her, she just couldn't bring herself to deprive me of it. (Lemme ask ya, where d'ya find a girl who loves ya to pieces, takes an interest in ya hobbies and recognises th' attachment yer haves to yer knives?
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) So we went down to the local army surplus store and looked through what they had. The old Spydie Viele in AUS-8 was there, but I'm a little unhappy about spending almost $300 on a knife made from AUS8. Besides, it was bigger and heavier (not by much, but enough that she didn't want it) than the new Viele in VG-10, so that was out. The CRKT Wasp and SOG Mini Autoclip were the other 2 contenders. Ron@SOG, I'm sorry, but you lost. Ever thought about putting it out in pink?
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Would have been no contest then. I know there was a $150 price difference, but she didn't know.

I know the Delica would have been a good buy, in terms of price point, durability, ease of carry, weight, size, etc. But the black handle took it out of contention for her.

So, the original comparison questions remain, with the added question if this is good as the first knife for my girlfriend who is a newbie to the world of knives.

Thanks in advance to all.


[This message has been edited by Steelwolf (edited 06-18-2001).]
 
i cant say much about the different steels,but i will tell you about everything else.

i dont think you'll scare many sheeple with either knife. you'll probably get some "nice knife" comments on the wasp, and when they see the spydie youll get some "hey i got one just like that at a flea market!"

ergonomically,both arent too bad. the downside on the wasp is the rear of the handle.its sharp. another downside is the thumbstud. its placed too close to the middle of the blade IMHO. the spydie is pretty comfortable,but you may find it a bit lacking if you have large hands. i havent had this problem,though,and i stand at 6'4".

both have good fit and finish,and are high quality.the clip on the wasp may be tight,though,as its a pretty strong spring.
blade play should NOT be a problem with the spydie. now that i think about it it shouldnt be a problem with the CRKT either. ive owned a few of each brand,and never have had one with blade play.

If you made me pick,i would go with the spyderco. why? sal glessler has his own forum on here,and will help you out. CRKT is nowhere to be found on here,although their customer service is pretty good. spydie hole makes it easier to use. you wont have to worry about the finish.i handled one of the wasps and the rubber insert on the thumbstud came out! you get the same fit and finish for less with the spydie,too.
good luck,
-mo.
 
Fit and finish on the Wasp is excellent and the edge holding is acceptable, but the ergonomics aren't too great. I thought I had to have one, so my wife got me one for Christmas, but I don't carry it much because it is uncomfortable and snags on my pockets.
 
Steelwolf,

I've got a Spyderco Viele (AUS-8 serrated) that I picked up used a couple of years ago and I impulsively added a CRKT Wasp (small, plain edge) to a recent mail order.

I am pleased with both knives. The Spyderco is probably the smoothest opening production folder I have ever owned and nothing beats (IMHO) the Spyderco hole for opening.

The Wasp's blue/black scales are refreshing compared to the more common black. The thumb stud is my least favorite part of the Wasp. What follows are my comments on your specific questions:

1. EDGE HOLDING
2. RUST RESISTANCE
3. EASE OF SHARPENING
These questions all concern the steel and its heat treatment and I really don't have much personal experience to assess this. I know that the VG-10 on the second generation Spyderco Viele is probably superb in the edge holding and corrosion resistance department based on my experience with other Spyderco VG-10 blades. The blade on the Wasp is made of something that only CRKT uses and I forget the name (and I think that they changed the name).

4. ERGONOMICS
The Wasp does have sharper features than the Spyderco but I don't find it uncomfortable.

5. SHEEPLE FRIENDLINESS
The modified wharncliffe and colored scales help to make the Wasp quite welcome in most circles, especially the small one.

6. FIT AND FINISH
No complaints here!

7. RUGGEDNESS
Wasp seems very rugged. Liners and clip look great after riding around in my pocket with keys and coins for a week. No blade wobble but I don't like the Wasp washers (plastic/teflon???) as much as the Spyderco Viele where no washers are visible.

Hope this helps you reach a decision. Let us know what you decide. Cheers! -Alan
 
I own an old version spydie serrated, a new spydie plain, and a small Wasp. I bought the Wasp on impulse because of it's eye appeal. A truly good-looking knife. The ergonomics of the sharp edges and stud are poor, but it's just fine for daily light use. Both Spiedies are right at the top of my favorites list. Great eye appeal, superb blade steel, smooth as anything I've handled. If yer gal intends heavy use and self defense, I'd go with the Spyderco. If she wants pretty but effective for light use, the Wasp.



------------------
GronK
Just 'cause yer paranoid don't mean someone ain't out to get ya!
 
Nah, I already warned my gal that the knife is a light, utility cutting tool, not a self-defense weapon. It would take far too much training to learn how to use effectively that way. Of course I also mentioned that when backed in to a corner, then anything is legitimate, but always be looking to run or get out. I think she does better at unarmed self-defense anyway.

I've sanded down some of the edges and made it a little more comfortable to hold. Her hand is small enough that the point on the butt of the knife rests just past the heel of the fist. But it still digs in to her when she is wearing it in her pocket, so I guess that will have to go.

The pocket clip makes the knife ride a little to high IMHO. Any suggestions about this?
 
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