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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Spyderco C160P Carpenter Foundry Folder
- Thread starter RayseM
- Start date
Barman1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2013
- Messages
- 6,651
I was going to get around to starting my own thread on this one but I'll just put it all here to make it easier for everyone if you don't mind. :thumbup:
I'm not much for in depth reviews so bear with me.
I really like this one so it should be relatively easy to review, and I've had it long enough for the "honeymoon" to be over and to give an honest opinion, I think.
Fit and finish is top notch. I can't find a thing wrong with it unless I really nit-pick and break out the digital caliper and measure the blade grind which is just a little wider on one side and the blade is like a micron off center. Again this is nit-picking but I'm trying to be thorough.
The pivot, I believe, is the same as the PM2 with the screws on both sides and the PB washers sandwiched between the frame and pivot. Blade adjustment is achieved the same way as well, by getting the proper balance between the pivot and stop pin. In fact, I could leave the screws out of the pivot and still get a proper adjustment using just the stop pin screws. The frame is strong enough to hold the pivot in place without the screws. But I digress, back to the facts.
CTS-XHP. What can I say but it's one of my favorites. Simple to sharpen and gets a crazy sharp hair whittling edge. The FFG makes it a great slicer and the shape, much like the new Bowie, works very well as a slicer and is pointed enough for fine work and thick enough to work pretty hard. The tip isn't too fine as to be delicate, seems pretty robust IMO.
No blade choil. I don't need one and this doesn't have one. Happy. Gimping isn't too aggressive but holds my thumb in place well enough. No complaints here either.
Nice long wire pocket clip. Could be a tad tighter as the frame is smooth and there's no grip on the knife side against the inside of the pocket so it's a little slick. I haven't had an issue with it. And it's fitted for one position, right hand, tip up. No extra holes! Love it...
The handle is thin but it's tall enough so as to get a good grip. My hands are very large and I have no trouble with the grip but, there's one hot-spot. It's the lock bar cut-out. The forward edge is pretty sharp and if I don't consciously move my index finger to avoid it it does dig in a little. But otherwise the handle is comfortable with its rounded edges. The entire knife has a very solid, comfortable feel. Great lockup with no play or rattles, just a solid feel. And the lock does have an over-travel stop.
The original Foundry frame was made with a Carpenter stainless they call BioBlu. This release uses their 465 stainless. I'll mention this because someone asked the question last week I think and didn't get an answer. Why the change in material from the "Carpenter" release to regular production I don't know. I've been looking around for an answer but there's not much info available. I do know that BioBlu is a jewelry grade stainless. Maybe the 465 is tougher??, again, I don't know.
All the steel in this knife are made by Carpenter steel here in the US and then produced in Golden by Spyderco. I'm not really that guy, but there's something about a truly all US made knife that pushes the right buttons for me.
The Foundry has everything I need in an EDC. Just right size, solid feel, great steel, and good looks. And the etched "C" on the side is a bonus for me, it's the first initial of my last name. I'm getting some mileage out of that.
Some shots.
I'm not much for in depth reviews so bear with me.
I really like this one so it should be relatively easy to review, and I've had it long enough for the "honeymoon" to be over and to give an honest opinion, I think.
Fit and finish is top notch. I can't find a thing wrong with it unless I really nit-pick and break out the digital caliper and measure the blade grind which is just a little wider on one side and the blade is like a micron off center. Again this is nit-picking but I'm trying to be thorough.
The pivot, I believe, is the same as the PM2 with the screws on both sides and the PB washers sandwiched between the frame and pivot. Blade adjustment is achieved the same way as well, by getting the proper balance between the pivot and stop pin. In fact, I could leave the screws out of the pivot and still get a proper adjustment using just the stop pin screws. The frame is strong enough to hold the pivot in place without the screws. But I digress, back to the facts.
CTS-XHP. What can I say but it's one of my favorites. Simple to sharpen and gets a crazy sharp hair whittling edge. The FFG makes it a great slicer and the shape, much like the new Bowie, works very well as a slicer and is pointed enough for fine work and thick enough to work pretty hard. The tip isn't too fine as to be delicate, seems pretty robust IMO.
No blade choil. I don't need one and this doesn't have one. Happy. Gimping isn't too aggressive but holds my thumb in place well enough. No complaints here either.
Nice long wire pocket clip. Could be a tad tighter as the frame is smooth and there's no grip on the knife side against the inside of the pocket so it's a little slick. I haven't had an issue with it. And it's fitted for one position, right hand, tip up. No extra holes! Love it...
The handle is thin but it's tall enough so as to get a good grip. My hands are very large and I have no trouble with the grip but, there's one hot-spot. It's the lock bar cut-out. The forward edge is pretty sharp and if I don't consciously move my index finger to avoid it it does dig in a little. But otherwise the handle is comfortable with its rounded edges. The entire knife has a very solid, comfortable feel. Great lockup with no play or rattles, just a solid feel. And the lock does have an over-travel stop.
The original Foundry frame was made with a Carpenter stainless they call BioBlu. This release uses their 465 stainless. I'll mention this because someone asked the question last week I think and didn't get an answer. Why the change in material from the "Carpenter" release to regular production I don't know. I've been looking around for an answer but there's not much info available. I do know that BioBlu is a jewelry grade stainless. Maybe the 465 is tougher??, again, I don't know.
All the steel in this knife are made by Carpenter steel here in the US and then produced in Golden by Spyderco. I'm not really that guy, but there's something about a truly all US made knife that pushes the right buttons for me.
The Foundry has everything I need in an EDC. Just right size, solid feel, great steel, and good looks. And the etched "C" on the side is a bonus for me, it's the first initial of my last name. I'm getting some mileage out of that.
Some shots.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2010
- Messages
- 831
I didn't think they made any with the BioBlu... I haven't heard any mention of it since the report that they were unable to get it flat enough for the dimension required for the scales... (I didn't follow the release that close, though?)
RayseM
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2010
- Messages
- 8,247
Thanks Barman1 - I don't mind at all, intact I consider myself lucky to have you give such a thorough Barman quality reply. I'm not a big fan of a stainless handled knife but this one intrigues me. My impression is that it would be a very good EDC. The fact of no choil is a bonus to me - much why I really like the Endura. I often snag the choil when doing long cuts and so prefer an EDC without it. No experience with the CTS-XHP so good to get some feedback on that cutting edge steel. And though I don't have a C in my name I do qualify as a carpenter so there is some affinity there too. Looks like this one will be in my pocket sometime in the near future.
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2012
- Messages
- 2,174
Great review Barman. I opened a post after I got in my Foundry and I love it. I agree with everything that barman has to say except the hotspot. My hands are a bit smaller, just plain larges, and it doesn't bother me at all. The one thing on this knife that I like the best is without a doubt the jimping. It is perfect. Without you would have a serious lack of grip but with it, the knife runs perfectly. I love the grind and the steel is great. My only gripe is I wish they would offer one with Ti scales but I get the whole idea behind the knife and the carpenters, etc. It really is a killer edc and it jumped right into my rotation which is rare as I usually like to "play" with my new knives for quit some time before they become part of the family. This one just feels great in the hand and is perfectly sized. I love the slim, sleek look.
Could it be lighter? Yes, of course it could. And as I said, if Spyderco decides to put out a limited edition with Ti scales I think it would be one of the best Spydercos ever made. I know thats a big statement but I really think it would be true. Or possibly some sort of hole pattern to shed some weight in the current scale. That could be an easy fix all. The pricetag is a bit steep but worth it in my book. Hmm.. if anyone out there could put some nice champferred holes in my current scale I would really appreciate it and then that would really help the weight issue. But all things taken into account. The Foundry is a winner and for me is a welcome addition to my edc rotation.
And if anyone from Spyderco is reading this PLEASE release a version with either Ti scales or simply make a hole pattern in the current scales to shed just a bit of weight. Besides that, I love it and highly recommend it.
Could it be lighter? Yes, of course it could. And as I said, if Spyderco decides to put out a limited edition with Ti scales I think it would be one of the best Spydercos ever made. I know thats a big statement but I really think it would be true. Or possibly some sort of hole pattern to shed some weight in the current scale. That could be an easy fix all. The pricetag is a bit steep but worth it in my book. Hmm.. if anyone out there could put some nice champferred holes in my current scale I would really appreciate it and then that would really help the weight issue. But all things taken into account. The Foundry is a winner and for me is a welcome addition to my edc rotation.
And if anyone from Spyderco is reading this PLEASE release a version with either Ti scales or simply make a hole pattern in the current scales to shed just a bit of weight. Besides that, I love it and highly recommend it.
Barman1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2013
- Messages
- 6,651
Seriously. the Foundry just dropped into my pocket (with its deep carry clip
) without a second thought.Agreed, it's a natural.