Small US Spyders

E

eojk

Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
696
I carry one of two Spyders daily without fail: my SS PE Cricket or my new black ZDP Caly Jr. The problem is, I get increasingly irritated to see "Japan" on the blade as I use them daily. It just reminds me of the ground we're losing.

Anyway, I'm very interested in US Spydercos that can fulfill a similar role. I'm having difficulty discerning exactly what models have been or are available as Golden models, versus the vast majority, which appear to be Seki offerings.

I need a small Spyderco that is:
  • USA-made
  • suitable for right front pocket carry- this means it must be slim
  • must have a pocket clip
  • pragmatic cost-wise(no kopas, etc.)
  • aus-8 or better steel, pref "super steel" fare

I have and love my Dodo, but it's way, way too wide for this type of carry. I fish around in my right pocket a lot during the day, so the Dodo is outta the question.

I also like my Paramilitary, but it's about 1cm too wide/large. It doesn't obstruct the hand too much, but is still enough of an annoyance.

I really liked my old Golden-made Native, but I unfortunately lost it somewhere. This is still a heavy favorite in my mind.

I'm also looking at the UKPK with great interest. This looks to be a fantastic knife for my specific need.

What I'm asking you, my knife-savvy brethren, is if you can think of any other US Spyders that will fit this role. They can be out of production or currently available. Any help is appreciated.:thumbup:
 
I think the Native fits what you're looking for %100. The handle ergonomics seem to be either hit or miss with people, but I love it. Plus you can't go wrong for $40.00

Also a Mini Manix would be a good choice, though I don't know if that would fit the bill cost wise.


I must say though I will suffer the "Japan" on my Cricket. The design is pure genius, and I never have to worry about who I pull it out in front of.
 
There aren't any small US made knives at this time. The Dodo was it. All the small knives are Seki made. If you're ambitious, you can try to find a 440C Meerkat, which was Golden made, but they're tough to find.

This is usually the point where I point out that the Japanese were making blades before the US was even a country, but frankly I don't have the patience to get into it, so here's the short version.

If the country of origin bothers you, that's fine, but you're depriving yourself of some great blades for no good reason.

Sorry, must be in a bad mood tonight.:o
 
ewenit said:
I think the Native fits what you're looking for %100. The handle ergonomics seem to be either hit or miss with people, but I love it. Plus you can't go wrong for $40.00

Also a Mini Manix would be a good choice, though I don't know if that would fit the bill cost wise.


I must say though I will suffer the "Japan" on my Cricket. The design is pure genius, and I never have to worry about who I pull it out in front of.
Click to expand...

my "S" BG C109SLP was made in Taiwan,is that genuine spyderco?
 
smcfalls13 said:
There aren't any small US made knives at this time. The Dodo was it. All the small knives are Seki made. If you're ambitious, you can try to find a 440C Meerkat, which was Golden made, but they're tough to find.

This is usually the point where I point out that the Japanese were making blades before the US was even a country, but frankly I don't have the patience to get into it, so here's the short version.

If the country of origin bothers you, that's fine, but you're depriving yourself of some great blades for no good reason.

Sorry, must be in a bad mood tonight.:o
Click to expand...

i agree. who cares if they are made in japan, if the quality is good then what does it matter? what have the japanese done to deserve us boycotting their products??
 
I'd get a UKPK, even though it doesn't have a lock it feels very secure and I'd have no issues with using it as an EDC. I EDC a Caly 3 since it being made in Japan isn't really an issue for us Norwegians;)

Or a S30V Native like you said. Cheap, nice and US-made.
 
eojk said:
...What I'm asking you, my knife-savvy brethren, is if you can think of any other US Spyders that will fit this role. They can be out of production or currently available. Any help is appreciated.:thumbup:
Click to expand...
Out of production, but you asked:

C19 Bob Terzuola Jr.
C24 Black Hawk
C25 Frank Centofante
C35 Q

:)
 
I'm not saying I'll never buy a Seki knife again. As it is, a third of my Spydies are from Japan, and I do like them. However, there are days when I only carry one knife and I'd like it to be an American one, or I'd like at least one of my carry knives to be American. I don't see what's wrong about taking pride in the workers of my country. But that's for political, so everyone stay on topic, please.

I've seen some good recommendations. I forgot about the quirky Q design, and really like the old Centofante.

I'm still leaning toward the UKPK, as I really like textured G10. I've also noticed the new T-Mag, but it's a bit costly right now.
 
I'd say go with the UKPK. I've been carrying mine since the day I got it. The light weight and thin build coupled with tough S30V steel and grippy G-10 make it a winner in my book! :thumbup:
 
I hope this is okay, but the Walmart near me has a couple of natives. I could get one for you. Pm me.
 
eojk, im sorry but i just dont get it. spyderco is an american company that is doing business in an ever increasingly global market. in my mind every spyderco i buy is helping support sal and the company.so buying only american spydercos is acomplishing what. mind you this is only my thoughts and only offered as food for thought, be well, high.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Eojk,

What size knife did you have in mind?

sal
Click to expand...

Sal, thank you for listening. My "front pocket" knife is used for day-to-day light tasks, so strength is not really an issue. Like I said, I really liked my old 440V Native, so probably not larger than this. I'm not sure if the new Delicas are thicker(lost my Native:( ), but the new texturing is murderous on my hands. I don't use my Endura as much for this reason. I'd prefer:
  • blade between two and three inches
  • handle no longer than 4.5 inches
  • handle thickness of 3/8" or so- this one's important
  • the handle width is also of note- I've recently warmed up to the smaller '11mm?' Spyderholes, which IIRC save on overall width
  • should probably lack steel liners
  • a lighter weight is preferred, but least important

Right now, my Caly Jr. is a very good size. The texturing of the handle is also grippy without interfering with grabbing other stuff out of my pockets. I also really like my Cricket. Something between or including the sizes of those two would be exactly what I'm looking for. However, if the design is a bit bigger, or wider, if it still works well with reaching into pockets, this would meet my need.

For those of you who still don't get it, I'm aware that the Seki knives are still part of Spyderco, a US company. However, when using my Yojimbo or Paramilitary and someone asks me about it, I take great pride in telling them "It's a Spyderco, made here in America." The USA, Earth thing is quite fun too.

I end up using my "light duty" knives more often, however, so I'd like them to be American too.
 
eojk said:
For those of you who still don't get it, I'm aware that the Seki knives are still part of Spyderco, a US company. However, when using my Yojimbo or Paramilitary and someone asks me about it, I take great pride in telling them "It's a Spyderco, made here in America." The USA, Earth thing is quite fun too.

I end up using my "light duty" knives more often, however, so I'd like them to be American too.
Click to expand...

I can't damn eojk for wanting to buy US product. I also tend to prefer a product made in N.America over other places of manufacture. I like to see the jobs stay on the continent and so I vote with my dollars, even if it costs a bit more. With a similar philosophy, I support my local B&M store (Warriors & Wonders) rather than purchasing out of the region.

I have nothing against Japan or China and own Spyderco knives manufactured from both countries, but I will scoop up a Golden product whenever I can.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top