Opinions wanted...

SharpBits

SharpBits

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Apr 26, 2002
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I need to make a decsion between the Chinook PE and the Lil Temperence. Which would you choose and why?

-SB
 
I have both and carry the Lil Temperance more often.
But most importantly, what do you plan to use the knife for?
The Chinook will excel in really heavy duty use or chopping...
But the Lil Temperance will excel in pure cutting performance and carryability...

So what's more important to you?

(You should also consider the legal ramifications of the different blade lengths)
 
I would go with the chinook I don't care for the Lil'Temperance my self, and the Chinook will be a good all around knife with a good heavy duty blade.
 
Lil Temperance is the only folder to satisfy my spending ways! I could list Chinooks negative characteristics but that is a subjective thing. The Temperance folder has only positive features and is simply AWESOME! Engineering and ergonomic perfection!

The real choice is Leaf or Trailing point! My inclination was Leaf, my impatience settled for Trailing, oh how glad I am! Trailing point is thinner along the spine and is superb at slicing, less steel also equals less weight, however minute. Trailing point is what the Gods intended!
 
I carry both! It's my pair of EDC's. I can't imagine a cutting task that this pair couldn't accomplish :)

I also agree with Rogue about the trailing point LT. I thought I wanted the leaf blade but I couldn't find one, so I bought a trailing point. Boy I'm glad! The TP LT is perfect! It looks great opened or closed and it cuts even better. I can't imagine that the LP is more versitile; the TP has a finer tip to it.

I recomend that you buy both ;) :p
 
Thanks everyone for their input so far. I should have added that the knife will be used for utility as well as self-defense. I have a Native FRN that I love which will get left pocket duties when I am not at work. I'm leaning towards the Chinook at the moment, but the Lil Temperence intrigues me. I wanted a Leaf blade at first, but the Clipped point on the Chinook (which I hated at first sight but has really grown on me) makes me think that the Trailing point is the way to go. Assuming I get the LT!
Also, I believe that 4" is the legal limit on blade length here, hence, no Mad Maxx!:rolleyes:
Anyone else wish to weigh in on either side?
-SB
 
I carry a PE Chinook and a PE FRN Native. Get the Chinook. You won't believe how GOOD the Chinook feels in the hand 'till you have the chance to hold one yourself!.:).
 
I agree with rogue and John:
I thought I wanted a leaf point but then Mike Dye offered me a matching numbered pair. Now that I have both, I carry the trailing point far more and really prefer it.
 
I have a Chinook and a couple Lil' Temperances. I only carry the Lil' Temperance, trailing point. The Lil' Temperance's blade grind alone wins hands down in my opinion. It's my favorite folder for EDC. I originally picked up a #'ed leaf point but wanted to try a trailing point. Picked up a trailing point soon after (Oct. '01) and have carried it since. I love the design and can't wait to see the next evolution.

That being said, both knives are quality pieces. It's more a question of your philosophy on blade design and grinds. Both are at the cutting edge of Spyderco technology. Either way you will be carrying one of the best knives in the industry.
 
Well if it's for SD, then I'd choose the chinook because of the extra length.
That 3/4" could help in SD.
Otherwise, I think everyone else's comments would help you decide.
 
I would probably lean toward the Lil' Temperance. Both are on 'my want to get list' but this Spydie has more appeal to me mainly because of the handle design and the modified spear point blade.

I agree with joebe. Too many Spydies, not enough money....at least not right now.:D ;) :D
 
I have'nt handled the Temperance yet but I have checked out the Chinook. It felt as close to a fixed blade as a folder can get, but the weight is something I definitly can do without (over 7oz I think).
For me, that's too much weight to lug around just to cut things.

In another thread, Sal had hinted that the Chinook might be redesigned to shed some weight. Maybe he will elaborate?

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Choosing between Chinook and Lil’ Temperance I certainly would choose LT. Chinook is somewhat onto heavy and cumbersome side for me... Also LT is far better cutter thanks to its fully flat ground blade.

However if the size is not an issue – get the Military! :D
Seriously, it is pretty difficult to find more cutting power in so light and slim (although pretty big) package.
 
I keep reeading people who want to combine their utility knives with their self-defense knives. I will paraphrase Sal Glesser's oft repeated comments on this practice: Don't do it. You need to keep your defense blade at its sharpest possible edge and using it for a utility tool is not going to do that. Pick a dedicated defense blade, practice with it until you know all of its strengths and weaknesses and always, always, keep it in reserve for its dedicated purpose. From what I have gathered in nearly four years of participating in these fora, trying to have a combined utility/defense knife is a bad idea.
 
Everyone: Thanks again for your input so far!

FullerH: I have not yet decided on which side of that argument I fall on. I understand that the Ideal is to have two main blades: One for SD and one for everything else. In my case, any knife is going to remain very sharp as I don't need my knives for heavy utility type work. What I failed to say was that I need a blade that CAN function as a utility blade OR as a SD knife and occasionally for both. I rotate my knives a lot and I don't want them to be "single task knives." That's why I don't own a Civilian. Maybe I should rethink this? Thank you for your input!
Most of my cutting needs can, if I'm honest, be performed with my Native or Jester. I just like these "mid-sized" folders!

As I am still new around here, I am always appreciative when more knowledgable members contribute!

-SB
 
In the event you find funds are limited, then the Temperence would be great in instances where you want to open and use the knife among the "uninitiated", who might gasp and choke upon seeing a Chinook.

I can't count how many times that I want to open and use a certain knife on my person; or open and play around with it, but don't, due to the physical surroundings and those within view. I wind up taking out a smaller knife for use in these circumstances, but it's not as satisfying.

So, maybe the Temperance is a good balance between utitility, self-defense and conspicuous usage amongst the masses.
 
So to expand on the idea that FullerH brought to the table: Would it be smarter (Note: I have not yet begun training in SD) to carry a Matriarch ITW for SD and a Native/Lil Temperance/Chinook or Military (for Sergiusz!) as my user EDC?
Knowledge leads to knowing what you don't know!!

BTW, Does anyone know of any side by side comparo's of LT and Chinook? Pic or otherwise? Millie with any or both of the above?

Thanks in advance.
-SB
[Edited to add:]
Sorry everyone, I just did a search and found out all this is fully covered in the old threads. I need to search before posting :(
 
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