Poliwog vs Lava

G

GSO

Joined
Feb 6, 2010
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229
As soon as I got my hands on both a Poliwog and a Lava, I realized that these two knives are too similar in the design approach: small, stout blade at a distinctly negative angle that conforms readily to the user's hand. I figured one's going to become my small EDC while the other stowed away for the time being, but the trouble will be deciding which is which.

When you compare the two in all aspects under the EDC sun (utility, ease of handling, ease of maintenance, ability to defend with, ability under hard-use, size in the pocket, etc.) which one do you believe the better all-around?

Alternatively, if you think I'm missing the philosophy of use between these two knives and that they should not be compared for the same niche, I'd like to know your thoughts.
 
I found the flat grind of the Lava cuts better, but the blade shape didn't work well for me. The Lava is more compact in the pocket as well, and stays closed more securely. Both the Lava and Poliwog (mine is the all stainless version) are just too heavy for the amount of cutting edge they provide to stay in my pocket for long.
 
I remember seeing a spyderco lava regrind with a warncliffe blade. That one was pretty sweet. :D

I can't really get behind those really small folders with negative blade angle blades... You are imposing unnecessary limits on yourself when you carry one. If you are not worried about self defense you can get bigger blades with more sensible blade cutting angles in similar size packages. If you are worried about self defense then a fixed blade of equal size would be preferable. Something like the kabar tdi.

... All that said the spyderco lava is just sexy to my eye somehow. I don't know why. As for your question close your eyes and compare how the knives feel "blind". Carry whichever one feels better in the hand.
 
I say go with which one you think is prettier:D Seriously though, I would stop thinking so much and try them out. Whichever one you tend to grab in the morning for whatever, just reason grab it and go. It shouldn't be so complicated. Sometimes I don't even know why I like x knife over y knife, I just do.
 
sideways said:
... All that said the spyderco lava is just sexy to my eye somehow. I don't know why. As for your question close your eyes and compare how the knives feel "blind". Carry whichever one feels better in the hand.
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Blind? My answer would be the Lava. If you think it's only sexy to the eye, I don't think you've held one before. :)
 
yablanowitz said:
I found the flat grind of the Lava cuts better, but the blade shape didn't work well for me.
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I was hoping the Lava's blade had a little more of a point much like the Poliwog. It would've made it a little more versatile in its cutting. Still, the existing blade profile is so friendly looking. The Poliwog's blade with that swedge makes it look a little more aggressive.
 
nccole said:
I say go with which one you think is prettier:D
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My first time encountering a Poliwog was looking at an image of another member's collection. In its folded configuration, it really stood out among the other folders. It's the nifty profile and locking mechanism that endears the Poliwog to me.
 
Don't have a Lava yet, but I love my lil' Poliwog (G-10 version). It feels good in the hand with a full four finger grip, and I love the symmetry of the design, both open and closed.
 
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I will take Lava over Poliwog for few reasons.
1. I prefer FFG blades
2. Lave feels better in my hand
3. I do not like huge swedge on Poliwog
4. Poliwog takes too much room in the pocket.
I used to have both of them, but Poliwog was sold long time ago. Lava is staying, plus I will buy sprint.
Still, IMHO both knives are little small to be primary EDC. As a second knife, Lava is great. One of the beat ergos for my hand.
 
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