Question about Moran Featherweight

O

otomak

Joined
Dec 16, 2002
Messages
3
Hi, I was interested in a Spyderco Moran Featherweight and was pretty much set on getting one, until I found this site. I've been reading thru some of the other threads and reviews and it seems like the knife is awesome. But I've read that the newer model Moran Featherweights ship with a plain edge (flat grind?) rather than the convex grind that they originally were produced with.

I was wondering if someone could confirm this, or help convince me that this 2nd generation knife is just sharp as the first.:)

Also, are the new Fallkniven F1's produced with a convex edge instead of the original flat grind? If thats true, it seems like spyderco and fallkniven just flipped grinds on their knives. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Mak
 
Basically you are correct. The first edition of SPYDERCO Bill Moran Featherweight knife had fully flat ground polished blade with convex edge. Later they turned to satin finish and conventionally sharpened edges what are very sharp out of the factory box. This is excellent knife, my strong favorite, I just can’t decide with clear cut do I like better drop point or upswept point blade. They come with very good Kydex sheaths with Tek-Lok multi-position belt clip, IMO it’s one of the best factory sheaths ever made.
However I would advise you to do not share my fascination uncritically, try to handle the knife before buying. The handle is shaped somewhat differently and might be not for everyone.
If it handles comfortable and secure for you – you really can’t go wrong with this knife providing great cutting power in really featherweight package (just right for my laziness).

The first edition of Fällkniven F1 was issued with flat ground (tapered in tip direction) blade and conventionally sharpened edge. In 2000 (if I recall well) they turned to convex edge as their other models are sharpened from the beginning.
F1 is also among my favorite fixed blades. With full tang construction and significantly thicker blade it can take more abuse and definitely is more heavy-hand-resistant than Moran. Quite naturally it is heavier. It has more conventionally shaped handle and is less risky to buy it on-line without pre-handling.

Anyway – the edge can be turned between conventional and convex in either direction in the single sharpening session. All you need for such transformation is the decent set of bench stones and free-hand sharpening skills. There is no difference in the shape of blade main grind what is sometimes mixed with edge sharpening method.
 
thanks for the info, serg

I think I'll go check out my local knife shop and handle the moran one more time. the F1 is beginning to sound more for me tho :)

Mak
 
so, which is sharper, the convex "moran" edge or the current fully flat-ground "cannaled" edge? guessing, I would say the latter.
 
depends what you consider "sharper".

I have a convex edge on my FRN Dragonfly, and Eric "Normark" can tell you it's sharp(Waiting on my 2 rigs, and I asked him what he thought)... and thats only ATS-55.

My C52PBK Calypso jr lt PE is sharp too, carried IWB for a folding kitchen knife. I put a 20 inclusive on it, and finished off with an 800grit at 30inclusive. Though the VG-10 has a sweet as&#115 edge on it, I think my 'fly would outcut it with the current edge.

I plan on getting a FB02 Drop Point(little more usable belly), and if I get a v-grind one, I'll grab my 200grit and toss an convex on it, just work that sucker in and move up grits.
 
Which one is sharper depends on which one got the better sharpening job, Spyderco is fairly consistent in quality of NIB edges so both are likely to be very sharp. As for which one would cut better, it depends on the exact nature of the edge. Either could be thinner or more acute, or they could be near identical.

-Cliff
 
Just got one of these for a friend
from GlassHartt@aol.com he's VERY
impressed! Nothing like the traditional "fixed blade" in this
era of folders. Speaking of which, I
have the Lum Tanto (FB03), real "bushido" ( the way of the warrior )
In My Book (IMB) glasshartt had'em
for $55 I think. Just about ANY Spyderco knife you can't go wrong!
But that's my two cents. (Luke 21:1-2)


AET ;)
 
The Spyderco Moran is my favorite production fixed blade, and vies for favorite production knife, period.

I carry one Swept Point and one Drop Point, EDC, and they sleep with me. This is one heck of a knife. And not only is the knife well made, the sheath is very high quality, maybe 1% of the population needs more than this sheath provides. My brother Matt wishes that his Perrin sheath was this effective.

If you want to accessorize it a bit....

Buy a IWB strap, my brother Bryan carries his Drop Point that way, EDC.

When my hips are restricted by a chair in a movie theater, I utilize a static line. You can make this out of a length of paracord. Mine includes a a carved wood toggle, as an added level of security.

I am at the end of period of re-evaluation of my knife hobby, appraising my real interest and focusing on aspects that I like. During this period I sold a fair number of knives, but I still have my Spyderco Morans.
 
I'll go on record to say that you would be hard pressed to find a sharper, better cutting, higher quality utility fixed blade for the money than the Spyderco Moran. I think I paid $50 for mine, and you will never see it on the for sale/trading block. This knife is a slicin and dicin machine!
 
otomak-

I just got one of these babies from Allen E Treat-thank you Allen.
I got the FB01. It is a killer knife. I really can't add anything that hasn't been said already except if you cut yourself with this knife you will be seeing a doctor. Dang sharp, nice size, fits the hand good.

Try it - You'll like it!!!

ken
 
Spyderco does GREAT work with it's
"custom collaborators"! Bill Moran
is an "old hand" in the field of
knives. If any of you ever get enough money together ( like $500 -
$700 ) you can get one of his finest
"hand made" custom jobs! Same goes
for Bob "T"erzoula or Pete Marzitelli whose "spike" really
tickles me! If I EVER get enough
pazoolas I'm gettin' one of those!
For now, I'll just settle with my
CRKT/Marzitelli Prowler.

So many knives! So little money!

AET ;)
 
Bastids!! :)

You making me come up with even more money now, with all these glowing recommendations!!
 
Otomak,

I own both of the knives you mentioned in you post.....Moran DP and F1.I opted for a sheath from Normark for the F1,but find the knife a little "top heavy"in EDC.On the other hand,the Moran with the FACTORY sheath is so light you forget you are carrying it....I too feel the Moran is the best factory fixed blade for EDC,an absolute MUST HAVE!!

GH
 
Grouse hunter is right on the money, the moran is with out a doubt my favorite woods knife. You forget it is on your hip, until you need it, it's sharp as a straight razor, vg-10 holds a great edge, and has one of the best sheaths of any production knife.

And this recomendation comes from someone who has had problems with almost every spyderco folder he has ever bought, and probably wont ever buy another one. But this knife stands on its own.
 
As I previously posted, Bill Moran is an old hand when it comes to the fixed blade & he bought that concept into the 21st century with his two offerings by Spyderco. Remember the
fixed blades of old : 440C, stag or
some fine wood with a leather sheath? ( I used to own/carry a Schrade "sharp finger" but tend now towards the folder due to the Draconian "laws" that permeate the Land.) It just goes to show that a good "old hand" and some modern materials, with a good company to
help mass produce the design to bring down the cost to the consumer,
make for the BEST. Oh, by the way, I
still have a coupla fixed. Meebee I
should look into a Spyderco Temperence? But thats the subject of another thread. Ken K deserved only
the very best & he got it!

Let's keep this righteous thread going, gang!

AET ;)
 
I also am the satisfied owner of a drop point Moran. I feel it to be much more useful than the Fallkniven for every use except prying (which normally shouldn't be considered a "use").

I do have a nit to pick with the design that's not exclusive to the Spyderco Moran - choils. It seems that all kinds of materials can hang up on the unsharpened portion. Having the blade/handle transition without a 'catch' would be perfect IMHO.
 
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