Return of the Merlin

Mike Sastre

Mike Sastre

Custom Crafted Concealex Sheaths
Joined
Mar 23, 1999
Messages
1,919
Hawkbill fans - the Merlin is back. ATS-55 Harpy blade on Delica 98 handle with reversible pocket clip. Great little knife just got better. For those of you who haven't tried this blade shape, it makes a great everyday utility knife and if you work or play around ropes and/or webbing there's nothing more efficient for cutting these except maybe a Civilian. Thanks Spyderco!!!!

Mike
 
Sal & Co.:

Any chance there will be a plainedge version?

Thanks!

Clay

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Clay Fleischer
cdfleischer@yahoo.com

Picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue...

 
Clay - We haven't planned one. For rope (line), net, etc, the teeth work better. How many out there think it's worth the SKU to have a plain edge version?
sal
 
Would I be 'throttled' about the head and shoulders if I said yes to plain edge? Sorry. I like the looks of teeth, but I like the feel of smooth {plain}.
redface.gif


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Live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse, it's the only way to win.
Outlaw_Dogboy


 
I would love to see a plain edge version,however I am probably in the minority on this one.just wanted to lend my support.
 
Ha Sal,

I'm not a serrated fan, but I just got an Aluminum Civilian and am very impressed (thanks). I think it is your best knife. I wonder if I'll be able to sharpen it without ruining it? When the 204 comes out with the video, I plan on getting one along with one of your less expensive models to practice.
I can sharpen a plain edge and am afraid of change. Am I being too paranoid?

Sceptical,
Nick
 
Nick - Skeptical is OK and change is inevitable.

You should have no problem sharpening the Civilian on the 204 Shrpmaker. I would recommend the 3 strokes on the ground side (front side), 1 stroke on the non ground side (back side) method.

You will probably sharpen your plain edge knives on the Sharpmaker as well. It is "Quick & Easy".
sal

 
I have mostly plain edge knives. Everyone claims that a serrated edge such as used by Spyderco (and thus used by me
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) cuts rope, webbing, etc. better. The Spyder edge is certainly effective.

My question in this regards is this: When I cut a rope, parachute cord, or piece of webbing it is usually to do something with it afterwords. It seems to my limited experience that the rope or cord frays more as it is being cut, when using a serrated edge, thus making it more difficult to melt a smooth end or otherwise secure the end. Does anyone agree or disagree?

Donald.
 
Sal in your last post you talk about using one stroke on the unserreted side to 3 on the serrated one.

I was always under the impression that you dont ever use the stone on the reverse side of a serrated blade??



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Harvey Wareham

Live Long & Prosper, so you can buy more knives :)


 
sal, you already know my vote...in reality, serrations provide a larger cutting surface, hold an edge longer, & when properly sharpened, is the most efficient type of knife blade. in the case of the merlin, there is no need to make a plain-edge version (too many SKU's!). i will ask around the shop over the next weeek or so to see what our customers think of the idea.

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-charlie


 
The only reason I can think of for a plain edge Merlin is to be able to take one through airport security. Unfortunately, even with a non-toothy blade, my guess is Mr. Hawkbill is going to be considered threatening. Sigh...

Joel
 
Bagman,

I think the 1 stroke on the non-ground side is to lightly remove the burr that is formed from the previous 3(or whatever) strokes. I could be wrong.

Ken
 
Bagman - Ken is correct, if the desire is to keep a thin edge. Otherwise one stroke to one stroke each side. Produces a stronger edge, though not as thin.

Donald - yes, often times the serrated edge will fray the edge of the line, but this often occurs with a plain edge as well. Much has to do with the weave of the line.

You might consider some minor melting before cutting?. Cutting on a backing surface like a cutting board also helps. Putting a piece of tape around the line and cut through the center of the tape and melt both ends before removing the tape (which usually burns off anyway). Some suggestioons.
sal
 
And "They" thought I was nuts for grinding the teeth of a Merlin! The smooth edged hawkbill has quite some merit. I use it for grafting and purning.
Dan
 
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