Praise for the ATR....

A

allenC

Joined
Jun 18, 2000
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When the ATR was still in production I was busy looking at other knives....I didn't think that I wanted another metal handle knife, and I didn't think that I wanted another Compression-lock folder (after some issues with a Salsa).

But recently I was trading some knives when an ATR was offered in trade.
"Why not?" I thought.
Once I actually got my hands on it I was extremely impressed....what a fantastic design!
The handle is nothing like I thought it would be....it's not slippery nor uncomfortable....pictures simply don't do it justice.
The cobra-hood is simply fantastic and makes opening the blade easy as blinking an eye.
And the blade design itself is very nice....I love a nice high hollow-grind....they slice so well.
The tip is strong yet still thin enough for some fine work.
Another very nice design is the pocket-clip:
Some folks have complained that the clip makes the knife difficult to remove from the pocket, or that it causes the knife to ride too high....but I don't think they are seeing the real benefit of the folded clip design....it's very comfortable when cutting!
Yep, most clips dig in to my palm when doing tough cutting and ruin an otherwise comfortable handle (one of the reasons I dislike most pocket-clips).
But the ATR's clip, with its folded edges and wide body, does not dig in to my palm at all.
And the Compression-lock:
What can I say....I used to dislike this lock (:o), but after using it for awhile, I'm a believer.

It's really a shame that this one was discontinued....but that's true of many Spyderco folders.

The ATR is giving my Alaskan Guide Buck 110 a real fight for EDC status!
 
You have a Good one there! I almost bought an ATR but I'm hooked on G-10. :)
 
If there's one thing I learned from the ATR it's that I like the integral Compression lock, a lot. While it probably doesn't need all that metal for reliability, it is confidence inspiring, and may keep the lock in better condition over the next century or two.
 
i really like my ti ATR's and the SS versions not bad either.

i also have never understood why some folks dont like the pocket clip on it, go figure.

its my fav spydie by far and the only spydie i own which actually gets carried.
 
I know I court banning to the wilds for this statement - but the ATR was the first Spyderco I really liked . Had given a number of other spydies away as gifts - but the ATR fit my hand - all of mine are incredibily smooth in terms of open/close operation - agree about the comfort of the clip when cutting - but it really was just too agresive in wanting to stay where it was cliped. Have a STR lowrider that gets the only use of my 5 ATR's.Actually considered getting the blade cut down on a ATR to 3" or so -this led me into the Lil'Temperance - which has been my EDU for the last few months.
I hope Spyderco will consider some more compression lock designs - this is just too good of a idea to not keep using.
 
The one I love most in it is the integral compression lock,very simple in design. I think its starting to wear.
ATRlockbarwear1.jpg
 
you do have to do some bending on the clip to get the correct tension on the pocket,
 
SIFU1A said:
you do have to do some bending on the clip to get the correct tension on the pocket,
Click to expand...
Absolutely. That's true of a lot of knives, because everyone has his own idea of how tight he wants the clip. Is it for convenience or security? Is it mostly worn with chinos or jeans? Since almost all clips remove easily, adjustment only takes a minute.
 
I doubted I would ever again look at anything that even resembled a liner lock however the compression lock is a different system and the stainless steel on the ATR Stainless full serrated version (a real spyderco [original spyderedge]) is definately thick enough, fit and finish is great, opening is smooth with no blade play. They should make this the new military standard since the design is just as reliable (actually probable more reliable), straight forward and simple as a liner or framelock but much more secure.
 
Would the integral comp lock work if it was on the opposite slab? just wondering since it seems the only use the comp on the left slab.
 
XionGlydius said:
Would the integral comp lock work if it was on the opposite slab? just wondering since it seems the only use the comp on the left slab.
Click to expand...

Well for right handers, I think having it on the right side would be more dangerous. When it's on the left, you're more likely to get your fingers out of the way when closing it. When it's on the right, how will you close it easily? I think having it on the left and flicking the blade down is faster, safer, and easier.

Having the liner on the right seems faster, safer, and easier for a regular Walker liner lock.

Just an idea.
 
THG said:
Well for right handers, I think having it on the right side would be more dangerous. When it's on the left, you're more likely to get your fingers out of the way when closing it. When it's on the right, how will you close it easily? I think having it on the left and flicking the blade down is faster, safer, and easier.

Having the liner on the right seems faster, safer, and easier for a regular Walker liner lock.

Just an idea.
Click to expand...

ah, see I wasn't thinking about that at all. Very good point.
 
"Would the integral comp lock work if it was on the opposite slab? just wondering since it seems the only use the comp on the left slab."


I am not too sure since the right side of the blade tang has some sort of a cutout to accomodate the compression lock when the knife is in the closed (folded) position
 
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