Opinions on Spyderco Meerkat?

Richard

Richard

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Been peeking at this knife on AG Russells web-site. I was there the other day with a freind of mine, and looked at it then. I mainly opened and closed it a few times, but did not really examine it closely.

What are your opinions (good and bad) about this knife? Is it durable? I would not abuse it, it would mainly just be an EDC for the usual opening mail and boxes, and sometime whittling (turning sticks into piles of shavings).

The way the handle pivots to close is neat, is this a design that will hold up well?

Thanks for your input.
 
First off, let em state I am a Spyderco Knut.

I always carry a Spyderco. They are the best.


I hate the Meerkat. IMO. The idea is neat but the knife is not soo good. When closed everything was tight, when open the handles move, and there was a lot of blade play. Hold blade and shake, knife would rattle. I talked with Sal Glesser of Spyderco and he asked me to send it in. I did and got fantatstic service. The guy even called me at home to ask a question.

I got a brand new one.........wiggly handles and blade play. I got rid of it. You may want to hop over to the "Spyderco Forum" and do a search. You will find my origional complaint post and many more.


IMo, if you want a knife in that size, go for a dragonfly or one of the others. There are two knives in the Spyderco line I beleieve should be discontinued at once. Meerkat is one.

BTW, I am sure some folks love them, YMMV, etc.
 
The meerkat is king of the minis ergo-wise for my hands. I really like how nice and beefy that handle is, it's hard to find that in a 2" folder. Also my impressions of the lock is that it's pretty strong, it's got a very confidence-inspiring lock up, so it should DEFINETELY be fine for a light use EDC. My only real gripe is one-hand closing isn't very easy with it, but overall I really like the Meerkat.
 
I've tried the Meerkat many times in a store.
The handle is too short and the blade is too tight to really open the blade easily with the thumbhole, and the strange variation of the lockback is IMO counterintuitive to use. Given that someone didn't see the instruction on how to close it, they might end up cutting themselves trying.
I think there are better spydercos at the similar size that's worth the money.
I'm in no way bashing their knives, I love the Endura that I have.
 
I have one. No blade play, no wiggly handles. Opens easily and I find it easy to close one-handed, as well. The handle is comfortable for me, but I have fairly small hands. If you find the Navigator or the Dragonfly too small for you, the Meerkat will be too small, too.

All in all, I think it's a pretty good little knife.
 
Meercat

Good: Cheap, great ergonomics for a 2"blade folder, cool phantom lock (the one I have has no blade play), cool wire clip, also available with reverse S blade.

Bad: Much heavier than similar designed Navigator, tricky one hand closure, some issues with blade play (as mentioned above).

It's perfect for opening mail & boxes and whittling the odd stick...however I much prefer the Navigator because whilst the same size, it's lighter and I prefer the lock back to the phantom lock.
 
I agree with most commentators above, Meercat has good gadget factor and is affordable. But if you want that size knife, then Navigator (which meercat is based upon) is much classier and better made, with better materials, VG-10 and almite, good old-fashion reliable lockback. One size up is the Salsa which also grows out of Navigator design, if Navigator is a little too small for you.
Martin
 
Thanks much for the input folks. I think I migt pass on the Meerkat and check the Navigator or Salsa.
 
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