Spec Bump: Original and Improved Comparison [Pictures]

J

jemelby

Joined
Feb 20, 2005
Messages
280
Thanks to the generosity of the Onion/Kershaw Community, I find myself in the enviable position of having two Spec Bumps (and a darn nice T-shirt, too). One is of the original CPM 154 variety, and the other is the new and improved S30V version. I thought perhaps I would share some observations with all of you:

The knives in image one, from top to bottom, are my beloved Leek (still my all time favorite knife), Improved Spec Bump, and Original Spec Bump. You will note in image one that the two knives are proportionally identical. Infact, there are only three significant differences:


  1. You will note in image two that the texturing on the handle of the improved bump is much more aggressive than the original. It drags a bit more going in and out of the pocket, but offers a much better gripping surface. The original pattern is very asthetically pleasing to me, and I prefer the looks, but the radial pattern of the improved version is more functional.

  2. The stud is also quite different on the "improved" version [image three]. I much prefer the original stud, as there is more stud to push with my thumb for closing (I always use the flipper to open). The graduated, cone shaped stud on the improved version makes it very difficult to close one handed. My thumb has the motion down from using the original for several weeks, and I just can't comfortably close the improved one with one hand. Other than that, the two studs are identical in operation. (The picture is not clear, but the stud on the improved version has the same hex shape at its base)

  3. The final, and perhaps most significant difference is the steel. As is clearly illustrated in image three, the improved version has S30V steel. Both steels have their merits, but S30V, IMO, has an edge on the CPM 154. I'm wondering if there was some issue with the (almost proprietary) CPM 154. I have not had any trouble with it., and find it to be a great steel. It's as hard to sharpen as 154CM, but that's to be expected.

That's it. Hope you can all get something out of this. I think there are some out there that would prefer the original over the improved version, even with the tantalizing S30V option. I, for one, am slightly in favor of the original because of the thumb stud issue. Either one is a winner. The Spec Bump is one crackerjack knife.

SB1.jpg
SB2.jpg

SB3.jpg
 
thanks! I've been dying to see some comparo shots. Very helpful. And, if you get time, the more photos the better. Most of us have only seen the one promo photo.
 
jemelby said:
The original pattern is very asthetically pleasing to me, and I prefer the looks, but the radial pattern of the improved version is more functional
Click to expand...
Thanks SOOOO much for shot #2!! It's hard to tell what that new texture really is like, from the few promo photos that are out there. Your side-by-side comparison shot is much appreciated!

jemelby said:
The graduated, cone shaped stud on the improved version makes it very difficult to close one handed.
Click to expand...
I wonder if that's perhaps deliberate, to reduce the chance of accidently unlocking?

jemelby said:
My thumb has the motion down from using the original for several weeks, and I just can't comfortably close the improved one with one hand.
Click to expand...
Of course, if you're used to one, the newer one will seem awkward. Good ol' muscle memory for ya.

I assume you're going to use the new one for a while; please report back in a few weeks, and let us know if you get used to the new stud like you did the original, or if the new design really is harder to use.

jemelby said:
The Spec Bump is one crackerjack knife.
Click to expand...
You got yours in a box of Cracker Jack??? Man, all I ever get is a cheap plastic toy!! :D
 
Great review I have the S30V knife I bought from Savson I thought I was getting the 154 but, the S30V has a great blade and nice knurled handle is very grippy. Thanks for the review was the 154 specbump individualy numbered?
 
I believe only the first 500 of the Spec Bump (CPM154) were numbered, but they only said first production run, 1 of 500...I believe...
 
Gryffin said:
You got yours in a box of Cracker Jack??? Man, all I ever get is a cheap plastic toy!! :D
Click to expand...

You still get plastic toys? All I ever get is a cheap piece of paper with a riddle on it!



I hesitated about using the term "Cracker Jack" in the original post. The term Cracker Jack is defined to mean "Of excellent quality or ability." I am sure you already knew that, and I appreciate your wit :p

This is more for anyone else out there who might misunderstand, and think I was comparing to the quality of the knife to "something that might come out of a box of crackerjacks."
 
I'd have to agree with you on that Leek. I also have a black one, and it sees more use than whatever large knife I have on me (Benchmade Rufus:D lately) I have on me. It needs to be sharpenend frequently for what I use it for and I just use the diamond hone on the black Leatherman Charge Ti to accomplish that.

Those are some excellent pictures of the Bump, and I may end up getting one soon, as soon as all the vehicle insurance bills are paid for the year( 3 cars and 2 motorcycles). Also the bikes both need back tires before the riding season starts in about May.:cool:

CBXer55
Oklahoma City
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top