-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Spectrum Energetics Utilizer
- Thread starter dwdickey
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2014
- Messages
- 17,936
Why is that?
This is a public forum where we are allowed to voice our opinion. You may not like the things that have been said, but how do you know that there aren't other people who learned something?
TLE didn't realize it was non-locking until Marci brought it up. Voilà!!!
because in typical fashion on a forum when people start offering their uneducated opinions the thread turns in a bash fest instead of something productive and knowledge producing.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2014
- Messages
- 17,936
What was uneducated about the given opinions?
I know for a fact that I gave you my educated opinion based on what me and hundreds of other folks use a utility knife for in a work setting.
Sorry that I didn't pat you on the head and tell you a $200 non-locking utility knife was a great investment:thumbup:
How is anybody's opinion uneducated?
Becuase it disagrees with yours??
I mean you can ask the mods to close the thread and then reopen it asking only for positive opinions that agree with yours.
But that is not what you did. Its not a bash fest. Its people who see a utility knife that doesn't lock and who wouldn't use that finger guillotine on a bet.
You. Asked.
Cyrano
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2015
- Messages
- 350
"Torture" ... "Stupid" ... "Farce" ... "Insane" ...
Wow, such strong opinions!
I don't intend to challenge anyone's beliefs about what a "utility knife" should be, how it should be constructed, or how it should be used. I can only say that for me, this knife fills a specific niche, and it is greatly appreciated for doing so.
That niche is to have an EDC knife which uses utility razor blades, where my requirements for EDC include:
The Skeletizer fills this bill for me, so I'm quite happy with it.
Do I use it every day for common EDC tasks, as I do any of my other slipjoint knives? Yes, indeed.
Would I use it for heavy-duty construction work, when I expect to be applying a lot of force, possibly in constrained or other non-ideal postures, and there is a real risk of the knife slipping, jamming, or otherwise becoming a hazard to me? Of course not -- but in such cases, I wouldn't use a locking utility knife, either. I'd use a utility knife which is designed specifically for safety, such as the Martor SecuPro 625: (If you can't see the following video, try viewing this post on another platform -- e.g., if it doesn't appear on your phone, try a desktop computer.)
[video=vimeo;197223256]https://vimeo.com/197223256[/video]
Wow, such strong opinions!
I don't intend to challenge anyone's beliefs about what a "utility knife" should be, how it should be constructed, or how it should be used. I can only say that for me, this knife fills a specific niche, and it is greatly appreciated for doing so.
That niche is to have an EDC knife which uses utility razor blades, where my requirements for EDC include:
(1) It must be easily carried -- so it must be thin, light, and have a good pocket clip.
(2) It must have good ergonomics.
(3) It must give me pleasure to use -- so it must be visually attractive, have a pleasing surface texture, and deploy/fold in a satisfying manner.
(2) It must have good ergonomics.
(3) It must give me pleasure to use -- so it must be visually attractive, have a pleasing surface texture, and deploy/fold in a satisfying manner.
The Skeletizer fills this bill for me, so I'm quite happy with it.
Do I use it every day for common EDC tasks, as I do any of my other slipjoint knives? Yes, indeed.
Would I use it for heavy-duty construction work, when I expect to be applying a lot of force, possibly in constrained or other non-ideal postures, and there is a real risk of the knife slipping, jamming, or otherwise becoming a hazard to me? Of course not -- but in such cases, I wouldn't use a locking utility knife, either. I'd use a utility knife which is designed specifically for safety, such as the Martor SecuPro 625: (If you can't see the following video, try viewing this post on another platform -- e.g., if it doesn't appear on your phone, try a desktop computer.)
[video=vimeo;197223256]https://vimeo.com/197223256[/video]
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2016
- Messages
- 11,181
Hmmm...
I know this appears to be a contentious thread already but the OP did ask for opinions so, like others have already done, I will offer my own, based on my experience not only in various trades but with knives in general.
This knife seems way too much of a novelty to be taken very seriously, especially at that price point (which borders on the obscene)and I cannot see anything in this tool to justify such a ridiculous price tag.
A lot of the cost involved with a good quality knife is the blade and no such thing exists on this knife as it is designed to use disposable razor blades. If the cost went into engineering this tool, why did they not build it with the ability to change blades quickly? Razor blades are indeed sharp, but they dull quickly, having to change my blade out every day or every other day seems like a monolithic pain in the ass. A skeletonized frame (I personally find ugly) requires less material but arguably more work in regards to fit and finish. No locking mechanism on a working knife (in the context regarding other utility knives) is very much a deal breaker. Its small size is not that appealing either, especially from a working mindset.
These days, I can pick up a pocket friendly folding utility knife, complete with pocket clip and rapid blade changing capabilities, for under $10, $20 if you are splurging... The idea that I would be spending well over $200 for a tool that does the same thing but less is almost insulting, especially when it costs roughly the same as the ZT I carry regularly. I do not understand the justification for the cost, if it was a $15 tool, we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation. All of that coupled with the notion that there would be no way in hell that I would be using this tool for purposes that I ordinarily would use a razor knife for.
That all being said, if it works for you, then good on ya, beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder... To me, it is way overpriced for what it is offering and comes across as not much different than the pocket jewelry that the company itself appears to specialize in (BTW, some of their other stuff does seem pretty cool).
I know this appears to be a contentious thread already but the OP did ask for opinions so, like others have already done, I will offer my own, based on my experience not only in various trades but with knives in general.
This knife seems way too much of a novelty to be taken very seriously, especially at that price point (which borders on the obscene)and I cannot see anything in this tool to justify such a ridiculous price tag.
A lot of the cost involved with a good quality knife is the blade and no such thing exists on this knife as it is designed to use disposable razor blades. If the cost went into engineering this tool, why did they not build it with the ability to change blades quickly? Razor blades are indeed sharp, but they dull quickly, having to change my blade out every day or every other day seems like a monolithic pain in the ass. A skeletonized frame (I personally find ugly) requires less material but arguably more work in regards to fit and finish. No locking mechanism on a working knife (in the context regarding other utility knives) is very much a deal breaker. Its small size is not that appealing either, especially from a working mindset.
These days, I can pick up a pocket friendly folding utility knife, complete with pocket clip and rapid blade changing capabilities, for under $10, $20 if you are splurging... The idea that I would be spending well over $200 for a tool that does the same thing but less is almost insulting, especially when it costs roughly the same as the ZT I carry regularly. I do not understand the justification for the cost, if it was a $15 tool, we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation. All of that coupled with the notion that there would be no way in hell that I would be using this tool for purposes that I ordinarily would use a razor knife for.
That all being said, if it works for you, then good on ya, beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder... To me, it is way overpriced for what it is offering and comes across as not much different than the pocket jewelry that the company itself appears to specialize in (BTW, some of their other stuff does seem pretty cool).
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2012
- Messages
- 29,050
That thing costs $200? No way no how!
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,319
Price - Nope
Rectangular handle - Nope
Disposable razors - Nope
Rectangular handle - Nope
Disposable razors - Nope
palonej
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2015
- Messages
- 14,580
brancron
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2011
- Messages
- 3,059
I spent $159 on mine, which is admittedly a lot for a utility knife, but I have the money to waste, so why not? It's no more of a waste of money than all those ridiculous Microtechs you see here and everywhere else.
While there has been talk from the makers of doing a locking one as the next version, the current one snaps open and feels fairly secure when using it for light tasks such as breaking down boxes and the like. I have had no issues with it. But then again, I don't work in construction or in a warehouse, where you'd need something more heavy duty and with a faster blade changing capabilities. The copper looks cool, it feels comfortable in the hand, and looks a lot better laying around the a house than a Stanley does.
This is how you change the blade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JulSZCrb-4U. And here is an overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZz7LRiKhzc&t=3s.
While there has been talk from the makers of doing a locking one as the next version, the current one snaps open and feels fairly secure when using it for light tasks such as breaking down boxes and the like. I have had no issues with it. But then again, I don't work in construction or in a warehouse, where you'd need something more heavy duty and with a faster blade changing capabilities. The copper looks cool, it feels comfortable in the hand, and looks a lot better laying around the a house than a Stanley does.
This is how you change the blade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JulSZCrb-4U. And here is an overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZz7LRiKhzc&t=3s.
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2015
- Messages
- 93
Going to jump into this discussion mainly because I was thinking of a knife like this not long ago and was wondering why no one has brought something viable to the market that has stuck. Having worked in a warehouse cutting cow hide leather and cardboard all day I can claim a good deal of experience using box cutters.
As to this particular knife, I think it is fairly interesting and I can see the appeal. Not necessarily my cup of tea but it doesn't have to be. It would work fine for light duty tasks where a sharp blade was necessary and would look "good" doing it. I've thought many times about getting something in this vein for my father who has worked as a lineman for forty years, constantly using his knife and can't figure out how to keep it sharp. It would need to look more conventional though, this one is to high concept for his taste.
For anything heavy duty or for dirty work I'd reach for something else. That really gets to the heart of the matter for me though, I'd love spend $200 plus on a folder and would take great pride in a knife like that, but can't justify the expense or the design for the type of work I do. From working with utilily knives in the past the lack of a lock (and what appears to be somewhat dainty backspring preasure compared to say a Lansky World Legal) and quick change function kill it for me. Personally I turn to a Milwaukee button lock, it was by far the best in the shop.
I say go for it!
PS,
Thanks for the link to the safety cutter, I need something like this for my wife and now I have a direction to start looking.
As to this particular knife, I think it is fairly interesting and I can see the appeal. Not necessarily my cup of tea but it doesn't have to be. It would work fine for light duty tasks where a sharp blade was necessary and would look "good" doing it. I've thought many times about getting something in this vein for my father who has worked as a lineman for forty years, constantly using his knife and can't figure out how to keep it sharp. It would need to look more conventional though, this one is to high concept for his taste.
For anything heavy duty or for dirty work I'd reach for something else. That really gets to the heart of the matter for me though, I'd love spend $200 plus on a folder and would take great pride in a knife like that, but can't justify the expense or the design for the type of work I do. From working with utilily knives in the past the lack of a lock (and what appears to be somewhat dainty backspring preasure compared to say a Lansky World Legal) and quick change function kill it for me. Personally I turn to a Milwaukee button lock, it was by far the best in the shop.
I say go for it!
PS,
Thanks for the link to the safety cutter, I need something like this for my wife and now I have a direction to start looking.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2016
- Messages
- 11,181
I have to admit, the copper looks pretty sharp (no pun intended). Looks a heck of a lot better than the skeletonized version, which costs more. But again, everyone has their own tastes in aesthetics.
And you are absolutely right, if you have the money to spend, who are we to judge what you spend your money on? I am not a Microtech fan, to me they fall in the overpriced pocket jewelry category as well. However, they have a considerable fan base and people don't mind paying those prices for their products. Which is pretty much the case here too, if Spectrum Energetics wants to charge a price consumers are willing to pay, it is not for me to judge.
I guess it simply comes down to the hipster factor... A company took a rather mundane, albeit useful tool design, and made it cool while ensuring its exclusivity by a rather high price point.
(BTW, I am not familiar with the makers of the two knives you have pictured to the left of your Spectrum, but I dig them, they look awesome)
brancron
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2011
- Messages
- 3,059
Pàdruig;16777599 said:
Thanks! They are both by fellow Blade Forums members. The fixed blade is by Adam Reese and the folder by Walter Wells. Both excellent makers and very nice guys. The Reese is by far my most used utility knife (the very thinly ground 1084 blade at 61 Rc takes a screaming sharp edge), and the folder was built by Wells to my specifications (I love small folders). I highly recommend the work of both makers.
I hope the OP will excuse this brief detour from the main thread topic!
I spent $159 on mine, which is admittedly a lot for a utility knife, but I have the money to waste, so why not? It's no more of a waste of money than all those ridiculous Microtechs you see here and everywhere else.
While there has been talk from the makers of doing a locking one as the next version, the current one snaps open and feels fairly secure when using it for light tasks such as breaking down boxes and the like. I have had no issues with it. But then again, I don't work in construction or in a warehouse, where you'd need something more heavy duty and with a faster blade changing capabilities. The copper looks cool, it feels comfortable in the hand, and looks a lot better laying around the a house than a Stanley does.
This is how you change the blade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JulSZCrb-4U. And here is an overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZz7LRiKhzc&t=3s.
Love the pics, it's nice to see something constructive added to the thread.