SpyderCard vs. SOG Access Card.

Sergiusz Mitin · Oct 6, 2000

<center>SpyderCard vs. SOG Access Card.</center>
<center>Patr 1 of 2</center>

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921060&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967126&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>Some time ago I saw the request for this comparison on SOG forum. Well, here are these two counterparts. When would we need this kind of knife? In my opinion it would be very useful when:
* extremely flat package is required, for ex. to carry the knife in a wallet;
* the knife is used like pure utility tool without any mention that it could be a weapon also;
* we are going into an area where even pretty small and peacefully looking conventional knives are causing unwanted attention.
I have checked this going into court of justice in Lodz. There is the metal detector at the entrance and I always have to deposit my handgun and my regular knife (usually it is BENCHMADE AFCK or SPYDERCO Starmate. But guards didn't take any attention to SpyderCard in my wallet. Yes, the wallet caused metal detector reaction but the coins inside have explained this

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921061&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967127&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>Here these pieces are shown from opposite side. I can't say which is "front" side and which is "clip" one because SpyderCard doesn't have clip at all and Access Card has the clip on the "wrong" side for right-handed user. Really this is nothing wrong, simply this card-knife is designed to be clipped outside of the pocket instead of conventional carry mode than the knife stays inside the pocket with only clip visible outside. Exactly like access card or name tag... Is this carry mode useful? Yes, I found it quite comfortable to carry and easy to access for ex. when I have to cope with an opening of lot of cardboard boxes and to do something inside them. Clipping the knife outside my pocket takes less time and effort than putting it each time into the pocket.
However if you want to clip Access Card inside the pocket or waistband - nothing wrong can occur also. This is not tactical knife and half second more in knife deployment (to turn the handle in your handle into proper position) can change nothing.

<center><a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921062&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967129&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a><a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921063&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967130&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a></center>
<center>And here they are opened.</center>

<center>to be continued...</center>

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 10-06-2000).]

Sergiusz Mitin · Oct 6, 2000

<center>Patr 2 of 2</center>

Now some comparison.
Access card is somewhat narrower and as result is somewhat lighter, it weights 57 grams comparing to 93 grams weight of SpyderCard. These are manufacturer specified data. I just considered that really weight difference is unnoticeable. I'll weight both knives in the nearest food shop and then I'll update.
<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921064&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967131&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>SpyderCard is noticeably thinner, it has thickness 5 mm only. Access Card is also 5 mm thick in handle but it has non-removable clip which rises overall thickness to 9 mm. <a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921065&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=left SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967132&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>This makes SpyderCard easier to carry in the wallet. Access Card is noticeably too thick and I think it could cause fast wallet damage if carried in standard credit card pocket. My wallet is quite large man's one with multiple pockets for money (bills and coins) and documents. It is also somewhat onto heavy side even without any knife inside. Of course holding one or another card-knife makes it even heavier but not unnaturally heavy for it's size.
<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29921067&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=29967133&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>However if you want to carry Access Card in your wallet you can do it this way.
My Access Card has somewhat smoother action and is slightly easier to open and to close. On the other hand it has minimal blade wobble (really hardly noticeable and no way causing discomfort) when opened and locked. I guess this is the natural result of the Arc Lock supported with single-sided operating button. SpyderCard doesn't have any wobble at all.
SpyderCard has more comfortable (for me at least) opening device - the round SpyderHole. Access Card's oval opening hole is slightly less comfortable but smoother action recompenses the difference.
SpyderCard has somewhat sharper point. This can be advantage when you need to use the point of your blade but this can be also disadvantage if your knife is used in rescue situation. Access Card's point is completely blunt.
Both knives have the same edge length 62 mm. My SpyderCard has partially serrated blade but it is available with plain blade also. Access Card is available with plain blade only as to my knowledge. Interesting detail: the seemingly straight Access Card's edge really is not straight, it has very slight belly.
SpyderCard's blade is 2,4 mm thick. Access Card's blade is thinner, it measures 2 mm only. Both knives have thin high performance edge created with hollow grind. Both knives came shaving sharp out of the factory box.
SpyderCard has AUS-6 stainless steel blade. Access Card has 440A stainless steel blade. Properly heat-treated these steels are quite similar in performance.
Thanks to it's "no-pull-away" shape SpyderCard handle is more comfortable for slicing and for ex. cutting through heavy cardboard. The hump above SpyderHole provides comfortable thumb placement and very accurate point control. Access Card handle fits my hand better in straight push-cuts, for ex. sharpening pencils.
Both handles have plenty of space for engraving if you want to personalize your own knife or to make a nice gift to your friend.
<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=30007663&Sequence=0&res=high" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=1811604&p=30007665&Sequence=0&res=high" border="2"></a>SpyderCard has no additionall accessories. Access Card has pivoting plastic adapter, which holds diminutive screwdriver, very gentle tweezers and plastic toothpick. Hmmm, the toothpick for me is basically disposable item, what about spare ones?

Well, which card knife I like more? Excuse me, but I really can't to answer this question clearly. Sometimes I like more one, sometimes - another. Mostly depending on what I'm doing, as always with knives (and not only) at least. Making your choice you should think what properties are more important for you and what - less to choose the knife which will match your particular needs. However both knives are very decently made and you can't to go wrong with either.
I just tried to point the properties what differ these knives. If I have missed something - let's try to complete it together.

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 10-06-2000).]

Margelatu · Oct 6, 2000

Great review, Sergiusz, as always. Thanks a lot.

Kdarmy · Oct 6, 2000

Just wanted to say that you did a great job on the review and comparison.

How about turning that ruler over though, so us here in the USA know how big that is!

I myself have 2 of the SpyderCards, which so far I have no complaints about them. Ive looked at the SOG, which I like....But would like it alot better and probably buy it if I could take the clip off.

------------------
Keith D.Armacost
If The Women Don't Find You Handsome,
At Least Let Them Find You Handy. R.G.

Wolfhound67 · Oct 6, 2000

Sergiusz -- Very good review. Thank you.

samo · Oct 6, 2000

Excellent review!!!

Sam

------------------
have spydies
will travel...
AKTI Member #A001148

PiterM · Oct 7, 2000

Sergiusz, thanks for great review.

matthew rapaport · Oct 9, 2000

Ditto here! I think comparitive reviews are the best way to go, and you did a great job. Photos are really helpful too. I'm real glad to finally meet someone who thinks it makes sense to photograph both sides of a knife (or in this case card)!

That's some wallet you have there! Do you carry that in a pant pocket or are you always wearing a sports jacket?

Sergiusz Mitin · Oct 10, 2000

Thank you Friends!

Keith, I have probably the inch ruler but I use it so rarely that I simply do not know where to look for it. However I would have nothing against if Forumites would found me nice limited-edition inch ruler with BladeForums logo

Since it was not done - 1 inch = 25,4 mm

Matthew, usually I'm wearing this wallet in pant left front pocket if I'm wearing normal "urban" pants and in left rear pocket if I'm wearing jeans. If I would wear it in left inside pocket of my jacket it would interfere with the equipment around the belt which I have a lot. As to dimensions - yes, I would be happy if it would be filled with money but not with paper and plastic mess I have to have with myself

Some update as I have promised: both knives weight exactly 90 grams each. Specially for American friends: this is an equivalent of 3,17 ounces

Blilious · Apr 8, 2001

Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin:
Access card is somewhat narrower and as result is somewhat lighter, it weights 57 grams comparing to 93 grams weight of SpyderCard. These are manufacturer specified data.

...
Some update as I have promised: both knives weight exactly 90 grams each...

[/b]

First of all - SOG are BSing us with their figures. Spyderco delivers the facts - as usual.

Second - great review - but lacking in two major points:

Spydercard was designed by the late Eduardo Bardichansky (also the Shabariya by Spyderco)
and was the first REAL knife to fit inside a wallet.

The SOG is nothing but a poor attempt to copy it. Check the dates and see that I am correct.

Had the SOG been that much better - then maybe there would be some justification in copying the design - but it sure as hell isnt.

Anyway - this HAS to be part of the review - the name of the designer and the fact one company copied the other.

Basic facts of life.

I buy Spyderco and I don't buy SOG. Its simple really - I support the good guys - that support the designers and not the ones that copy them.

[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 04-08-2001).]

speedrck · Apr 8, 2001

Thanks for the great reveiw!! Now I can finally make the decision on which to purchase

.
Ray

------------------
Ray Carr

Ron Andersen · Apr 9, 2001

Hi Blilious,

There is no doubt that Spyderco's version came to market before SOG's and SOG is not attesting that fact. From my understanding, the concept of the credit card sized tool/knife design does predate the SpyderCard (someone else with more historical knowledge can clarify this one for meI read this somewhere), and I hear others are following.

I don't have reason to question your data on the designer of the SpyderCard. The AccessCard, though, is a SOG design.

Most every concept is building on the successes or failures of previous products. In other words, there are very few really new ideas, just variations. Our SOG design is one that we have been reviewing and developing for a couple of years and is uniquely SOG in various and patented ways.

Your loyalty to Spyderco is not misplaced. They are an outstanding company that has done much for the knife industry and produces wonderful products. My goal is not to sway you away...only, like you, to bring a bit of clarification.

------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.

Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com

Blilious · Apr 9, 2001

Originally posted by Ron@SOG:
Hi Blilious,
...
Your loyalty to Spyderco is not misplaced. They are an outstanding company that has done much for the knife industry and produces wonderful products. My goal is not to sway you away...only, like you, to bring a bit of clarification.

Ron!

I appreciate your sincere and respectful reply, to what was basically a flaming post.

I know the search for a credit card knife has been going on for years - and Victorinox for one had a design of this nature - but nothing that approaches the level of tactical efficiency we came to expect from a pocket knife.

The Spydercard was the first to solve this problem elegantly and discretely.

As for me flaming SOG - well - First of all -the weight is the same and not 50% lighter - and as we tend to buy knives through the web - the specifications should be VERY accurate - otherwise the customer gets something he wouldnt have wanted - given the opportunity to handle it.

The second reason is the fact I considered Mr. Bardichansky a friend - and his untimely death (he was murdered in a terrorist attack some years ago) still hurts us to this day.

May the quest for better knives bring us closer to each other and not vise versa.

I apologize for the heat.

Ron Andersen · Apr 10, 2001

Hi Blilious,

You have my condolences on the loss of a friend.

Your apology is also warmly received.

I have personally researched the weight of the AccessCard, resulting in a measurement of 3.2 ounces (or 90 grams). I spoke with SOG's Marketing Director (who manages all the final numbers) and the 2.0 ounce figure was acquired very earlier in the process. It was either based on a prototype or just a mistake on our part. Either way, I can assure you there was no intentional misrepresentation and related references will be changed as publications are updated. I had actually missed Sergiusz's weight correction in his later post. That would have had me check facts a lot sooner.

It is difficult for any manufacturer to keep each of many (an often changing) facts accurate in publications. SOG does welcome the assistance of customers and fans to help us keep the numbers right.

------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.

Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com

Sergiusz Mitin · Apr 10, 2001

Blilious,
Of course the fact I didn't mentioned Eduard Bradichansky's name is my evident fault. For my excuse I can mention only that I always try to call all reviewed knives the way manufacturer calls them. Please note that I didn't mention Access Card designer's name as well.

It is out of any discussion that Eduard Bradichansky tragic death hurts each normal human at this world as well as every another innocent victim. Unfortunately we are living at the time when it is pretty much opportunities to experience such kind of distress.

I understand and sympathize your hurt but this is not the reason to hurt another, no matter people or company. SOG is not guilty of Eduard Bradichansky's death as well as Access Card is not rip-off of SpyderCard. The only similarity of these designs is that they both are imitating credit card in shape and dimensions. As well we could consider each neck knife as rip-off of another one.

Yes, the missing specification is noticeable fault but in my opinion it deserves to be mentioned but no way to call flame onto "culprit". Dealing with lot of catalogs and specifications from many manufacturers I can say certainly that this kind of fault is nothing outstanding, you could find one almost in each second catalog. Never makes a mistake only who does nothing. The knives are not too accomplished devices, usually it is enough to call your common sense to discover such kind of quantitative fault.

So I'm encouraging you Friends to calm and civilized discussion without flaming or hurting each other.
Please.

Sal Glesser · Apr 10, 2001

Hi Blilious. Eduard was a great designer and he will be missed. If it is any consolation, Spyderco sends royalty checks to Fina (Eduard's wife) every month. (Eduard was survived by a wife and two small children).

Blilious, Spyderco has been known to lead trends in more than one area over the past 25 years. (This is our 25th year).

sal

Blilious · Apr 12, 2001

Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin:
Blilious,
Of course the fact I didn't mentioned Eduard Bradichansky's name is my evident fault..... So I'm encouraging you Friends to calm and civilized discussion without flaming or hurting each other.
Please.

Sergiusz Mitin!

My heat is long gone and I have apologized to Ron and do gladly the same towards you.

I enjoy your reviews and consider them some of the best in this business - I would gladly buy a knife you recommended - not so much so with regular reviews found in magazines - where other factors apart from pure professionalism are present

Thank you for addressing my posts.

Sal! - I know about the checks and I keep promoting his designs - for I think both the Spydercard and the Shabariya are some of the best knives in the production business.

May Spyderco go on doing business under your supervision for at least another 25 years..

Ron!

With this kind of attitude I may start buying Sog products again...

[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 04-12-2001).]