- Joined
- Mar 4, 2014
- Messages
- 3,646
So I'm trying to give my new Spyder Positron a bit of pocket time, in the hopes it could be a longer standing EDC. I don't know why, but I keep comparing this to the ZT0450. Even though the zt is titanium, and the Spyder is CF, I think they are really going after the same market....mid-sized, lightweight edc. But....I just really like the look of CF, especially for EDC Gentleman's carry.
So far, the 450 action beats the Positron by a long shot. It's smooth, but I cannot get the blade free floating for the life of me. Most of the time opening happens fine. But a good 30% of the time a wrist flick is needed. Since both are flipper only with no other opening option, I'd say this is pretty critical (both on pivot bearings). The 450 is 100% rocket to solid lock.
The second most notable feature is the lock accessibility. There is no scale choil recess for easy thumb access. I found myself needing to flip the knife over, and use index fingertip and/or nail to unlock (using both hands). So in the pics below, I deepened the front CF just a bit. Maybe between 1/16" and 1/8" at the most. It's now much easier to release with the thumb, although the lock jumping is still quite sharp. At least it can be done now without pain or damaging skin.
The third thing that I noticed within the first few minutes of ownership was the very sharp point at the end of the scale (tip side). This could just be my hand geometry, but it bugged me. A scale the size of a GB wouldn't be an issue, but this is a small knife. So I knocked off the very point on both sides. It's not a big thing, but the point dug into my palm when locking in to flip blade open. Now no longer noticeable. Very comfy.
Like most of my Spyder's, the blade came sharp out of the box with even/balanced final grind. Probably 60% of my new purchases go straight on the KME for a new edge. I'd rather get some use out of a blade before sharpening, but dullness or uneven geometry really bug me. I don't mind the S30V steel, but do not think it can sustain premium prices in a smallish production knife any longer. The S35VN in the ZT seems to hold an edge a bit better than most of my S30V blades. I know that can vary greatly by heat treat, but that's just an opinion. Love the wire clip. It does not draw attention, very functional, and does not cut up pockets over time.
Personally I think this knife should fly off the shelves in the $120-$130 price range. But I really have a hard time telling people that it's a $280List/$170Street priced knife. Especially if it's someone that has handled many of my other mid-priced knives. Overall I do really like it. It looks great, carries great, and very functional. I do think it needs a bit more refinement for prime time, but if you have the cash, it's definitely worth checking out.
Hopefully I didn't bubba this thing too bad. I really liked the clean sharp lines in it's original form, but it's now at least usable to me and will not just be a dust collector. Feel free to critique if desired. I can take it....unless you slander my Mother, then be prepared to live with a new "spydie hole".
So far, the 450 action beats the Positron by a long shot. It's smooth, but I cannot get the blade free floating for the life of me. Most of the time opening happens fine. But a good 30% of the time a wrist flick is needed. Since both are flipper only with no other opening option, I'd say this is pretty critical (both on pivot bearings). The 450 is 100% rocket to solid lock.
The second most notable feature is the lock accessibility. There is no scale choil recess for easy thumb access. I found myself needing to flip the knife over, and use index fingertip and/or nail to unlock (using both hands). So in the pics below, I deepened the front CF just a bit. Maybe between 1/16" and 1/8" at the most. It's now much easier to release with the thumb, although the lock jumping is still quite sharp. At least it can be done now without pain or damaging skin.
The third thing that I noticed within the first few minutes of ownership was the very sharp point at the end of the scale (tip side). This could just be my hand geometry, but it bugged me. A scale the size of a GB wouldn't be an issue, but this is a small knife. So I knocked off the very point on both sides. It's not a big thing, but the point dug into my palm when locking in to flip blade open. Now no longer noticeable. Very comfy.
Like most of my Spyder's, the blade came sharp out of the box with even/balanced final grind. Probably 60% of my new purchases go straight on the KME for a new edge. I'd rather get some use out of a blade before sharpening, but dullness or uneven geometry really bug me. I don't mind the S30V steel, but do not think it can sustain premium prices in a smallish production knife any longer. The S35VN in the ZT seems to hold an edge a bit better than most of my S30V blades. I know that can vary greatly by heat treat, but that's just an opinion. Love the wire clip. It does not draw attention, very functional, and does not cut up pockets over time.
Personally I think this knife should fly off the shelves in the $120-$130 price range. But I really have a hard time telling people that it's a $280List/$170Street priced knife. Especially if it's someone that has handled many of my other mid-priced knives. Overall I do really like it. It looks great, carries great, and very functional. I do think it needs a bit more refinement for prime time, but if you have the cash, it's definitely worth checking out.
Hopefully I didn't bubba this thing too bad. I really liked the clean sharp lines in it's original form, but it's now at least usable to me and will not just be a dust collector. Feel free to critique if desired. I can take it....unless you slander my Mother, then be prepared to live with a new "spydie hole".
