Funky blade shape. Good company. Is it good? bad? ugly? useful? Or a combination? Does anyone have one, and if so, what uses do you have for it that other knives do not seem to "fit?" I have not found a retailer that stocks one here in Charlotte, NC, but the "ergo test" is round two of the process. Just wondering if it is only a collector's item, or if that blade shape gives it a killer advantage. Do you see any drawbacks or huge advantages. I would not carry this alone for EDC due to the blade shape, so that is not what I am asking. I simply have not heard much about it. I have read the writeups about the Capt's intended uses, but I am wondering if anyone has put it through the ropes. Thanks guys.
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Opinion on Spyderco Captain?
- Thread starter Dave28210
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I had one and liked the novelty of it, but the handle has a little small for me and the blade shape was awkward. I remember pulling it out to cut plastic wrap off a game for my kids and being stumped. The liner lock was a thumb-buster, but secure. I debated a long time before selling it 'cause it was so different and well made, but ulimately decided the Mini Manix was a better choice for me.
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- Nov 2, 2006
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Not one of my favorite designs, I think Spyderco is top notch and a good number of them, I tend to stick with the more functional designs like delica,endura,dragonfy styles. But hey what do I know I am not overly impressed with my millitary ergos
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It's awesome and way more useful than you might expect. One of my buddies got it and I got to put it through its paces, and not only was it incredibly comfortable to use but it did well on a MUCH wider scope of tasks than I expected it to. Not usually a fan of forward-swept blades nor liner locks but I'm seriously considering getting one.
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- Jun 14, 2005
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I owned a couple Captains but was never quite pleased with the design so they were eventually sold. The thing that piqued my interest in the beginning was its unusual blade shape and its ergonomics. Like many of Spydero's designs, its ergonomics are superb. It fits my hand like a glove. I also liked the fact that it was relatively compact and lightweight. However...
I am a fan of liner locks but the one of the Captain is very hard to disengage. You really have to jam your thumb against the liner to get it to move. I suppose this makes it secure but it was painful on the thumb after just a few closings.
What I really couldn't get used to was its blade. When I first saw it I envisioned that the concave edge would have the same ability as a hawkbill and that the front convex portion would have similar abilities as the front edge of a razel. I gave it a try as an EDC but quickly realized that it didn't excel at my daily cutting chores, which includes mundane tasks such as breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting rope, opening packages, etc. First of all, I could not find a task where the convex portion proved to be useful. It was ok at scraping but it was no where near as effective as a razel. Its concave edge was adequate for typical hawkbill tasks but it really could have benefited from a SE edge and larger radius of curvature.
Also, after using a Captain as an EDC I realized that I use the tip of a knife for far more cutting chores than I realized. There were many instances, such as opening a package or clampack, that I found myself trying to figure out how use its blade to perform a basic cutting task. Its lack of a well defined tip proved to be a deal breaker for me. I need some sort of tip, even a sheepsfoot blade will do.
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I am a fan of liner locks but the one of the Captain is very hard to disengage. You really have to jam your thumb against the liner to get it to move. I suppose this makes it secure but it was painful on the thumb after just a few closings.
What I really couldn't get used to was its blade. When I first saw it I envisioned that the concave edge would have the same ability as a hawkbill and that the front convex portion would have similar abilities as the front edge of a razel. I gave it a try as an EDC but quickly realized that it didn't excel at my daily cutting chores, which includes mundane tasks such as breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting rope, opening packages, etc. First of all, I could not find a task where the convex portion proved to be useful. It was ok at scraping but it was no where near as effective as a razel. Its concave edge was adequate for typical hawkbill tasks but it really could have benefited from a SE edge and larger radius of curvature.
Also, after using a Captain as an EDC I realized that I use the tip of a knife for far more cutting chores than I realized. There were many instances, such as opening a package or clampack, that I found myself trying to figure out how use its blade to perform a basic cutting task. Its lack of a well defined tip proved to be a deal breaker for me. I need some sort of tip, even a sheepsfoot blade will do.
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- Jun 14, 2005
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- 333
LOL, exactly! I had similar moments
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- Mar 8, 2008
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- 25,979
use the yokote (point of geometry transition at the tip) The prominent point there does a fine job for many of these types of tasks. That was one of the things that surprised me the most about it--a knife with almost no tip was able to still perform most of the functions I usually used a tip for.
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- Dec 21, 2006
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- 1,155
I dont have one but this review was helpful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjG5kHkBaus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjG5kHkBaus
If you're anything like me, (a one handed pirate captain on my sailing ship) it's awfully handy when I suddenly get the call from my scurvy dog's to fly the black flag...quite often its at the end of a freshly plundered bottle of rum, I sometimes drop the knife, blade first ontop of my black boots (why is it never on the wooden stump side?) I find the knife never pierces through to my good foot.
I guess thats why they call it the 'Captain'?
I guess thats why they call it the 'Captain'?
Aye, but I be an equal opportunity Captain, and me crew, well they be one special group of individuals....
Still unsure what to think on this one. Certainly we have some negative reviews, but a few of you guys are really digging this model. What activities do you use these for? Where do they excell, and even if you love the Captain, what are the drawbacks?
I owned a couple Captains but was never quite pleased with the design so they were eventually sold. The thing that piqued my interest in the beginning was its unusual blade shape and its ergonomics. Like many of Spydero's designs, its ergonomics are superb. It fits my hand like a glove. I also liked the fact that it was relatively compact and lightweight. However...
I am a fan of liner locks but the one of the Captain is very hard to disengage. You really have to jam your thumb against the liner to get it to move. I suppose this makes it secure but it was painful on the thumb after just a few closings.
What I really couldn't get used to was its blade. When I first saw it I envisioned that the concave edge would have the same ability as a hawkbill and that the front convex portion would have similar abilities as the front edge of a razel. I gave it a try as an EDC but quickly realized that it didn't excel at my daily cutting chores, which includes mundane tasks such as breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting rope, opening packages, etc. First of all, I could not find a task where the convex portion proved to be useful. It was ok at scraping but it was no where near as effective as a razel. Its concave edge was adequate for typical hawkbill tasks but it really could have benefited from a SE edge and larger radius of curvature.
Also, after using a Captain as an EDC I realized that I use the tip of a knife for far more cutting chores than I realized. There were many instances, such as opening a package or clampack, that I found myself trying to figure out how use its blade to perform a basic cutting task. Its lack of a well defined tip proved to be a deal breaker for me. I need some sort of tip, even a sheepsfoot blade will do.
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How would you feel if the Captain had more of a tanto thing going on? It would certainly solve the "point" problem???
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- Mar 19, 2001
- Messages
- 3,157
loos fine for a collector, but pretty limited as a user... my opinion... FUGLY!
I've had a Captain for a little over a week now. I love it (almost as much as the Mini-Manix).
The downsides? The handle is made for smaller hands, If you think the Military is way too big then this knife should fit you pretty well (the Military is "just right" for me). The liner lock is harder to use than most, but it grips well enought you get used to it. Use it consistantly for a week and your thumb will build the appropriate callous, as with many things it gets easier with practice.
The upside? Smooth pivot, compact form (no wasted handle or blade length), four way clip. If you like using a knife for food prep, this thing makes cutting and slicing very natural, it's much easier to control the depth of a slice with the belly at the end of the blade. The inward curve cuts aggressively. Sometimes it takes a little to get used to using the secondary "point" between the two blade grinds, but that's part of what makes this knife fun to use. It makes you think differently than you would with anything else.
Would I want to EDC it for a year? It wouldn't be torture, but I would rather have a more traditional design like the Military.
For a week at a time, I think it's a blast.
The more you look at it the more you want one...
The downsides? The handle is made for smaller hands, If you think the Military is way too big then this knife should fit you pretty well (the Military is "just right" for me). The liner lock is harder to use than most, but it grips well enought you get used to it. Use it consistantly for a week and your thumb will build the appropriate callous, as with many things it gets easier with practice.
The upside? Smooth pivot, compact form (no wasted handle or blade length), four way clip. If you like using a knife for food prep, this thing makes cutting and slicing very natural, it's much easier to control the depth of a slice with the belly at the end of the blade. The inward curve cuts aggressively. Sometimes it takes a little to get used to using the secondary "point" between the two blade grinds, but that's part of what makes this knife fun to use. It makes you think differently than you would with anything else.
Would I want to EDC it for a year? It wouldn't be torture, but I would rather have a more traditional design like the Military.
For a week at a time, I think it's a blast.
The more you look at it the more you want one...