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Spyderco Cat G-10 question
- Thread starter temchik
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- Nov 9, 2009
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There exists a camp of thought that does not like to hear the following, oh well. Two things to consider. The first, when you try and save a few bucks on stuff like this you can end up spending more in time and money in the long run, sending it back, checking around, etc. I understand that everyone wants a deal, and try to save money when possible. However, somethings just cost what they cost. Saving say $5 on this item is not worth the wondering, questioning, and scrutiny; at least it wouldn't be for me.
The second thing, buying from reputable dealers/sellers that have proven track records of legitimacy and successful transactions is the way to go. I don't buy milk from a guy selling it out of the back of his trunk in the parking lot of a grocery store because it's $2 cheaper than the grocery store. This is not to say there are not some good sellers online that are not "authorized". The fit and finish on a knife is only one indication of the authenticity. I have seen plenty of legitimate items with the fit and finish you describe, ultimately it proves nothing other than you are noticing things that might be obvious to many others as well (your eyes work). In other words, you have a knife with some issues that other people can see too. Unless you've owned that specific model before and it is genuinely different from what you have had, then assuming what it should and should not have also proves nothing.
Experience is the most valuable thing there and there is nothing wrong with trying to save a buck or two. Anyone can get a lemon and wonder if it's genuine, especially if all other products by the same manufacturer have been virtually perfect.
My main question is to owners to share their experience and confirm or deny a specific feature
My main question is to owners to share their experience and confirm or deny a specific feature
It's hard to photograph this, but I tried
There is also some up and down blade play and the Spyderco hole is rather rough
Are those Carbon Fiber scales and not G10? They look like carbon fiber and plainly they are. If so, you have the original Cat with the S30V steel blade. They had serious quality control problems and stopped production. The new Cats are G10 with 440C blades. If it is the original run the price was probably higher. I have the new Cat and it is superb.
I have two of those bought about 3 years back I think, both have nylon washers and the same slight issues. I did bought them with a authorized dealer. I had to set the bevel as it did not even come with one! lol Thankfully, the 440C was a breeze to work with.
You know they used to offer CF scales and a S30V blade, but had to cut back because they could not offer correct QC at the price point. I think they dropped back tho G10 and 440C to get the fit and finish back up but keep the price low. At least that is what I understood from a couple of forum treads.
It is a nice little blade all things considered, it sure doesn't compare to a G10 DF or a Techno, but take the value into consideration and it gets a pass IMO. I put a convex on and it is truly razor sharp edge. Mine now sits in my main first aid kit. It is perfect for the job!
I'm sure you could improve yours with a bit of tweaking and adjustments.
You know they used to offer CF scales and a S30V blade, but had to cut back because they could not offer correct QC at the price point. I think they dropped back tho G10 and 440C to get the fit and finish back up but keep the price low. At least that is what I understood from a couple of forum treads.
It is a nice little blade all things considered, it sure doesn't compare to a G10 DF or a Techno, but take the value into consideration and it gets a pass IMO. I put a convex on and it is truly razor sharp edge. Mine now sits in my main first aid kit. It is perfect for the job!
I'm sure you could improve yours with a bit of tweaking and adjustments.
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I don't think so. Not to be argumentative but that is a carbon fiber pattern. Even the layering says it is carbon fiber (Spyderco uses carbon fiber laminated to G10). The G10 pattern is very finely patterned and would not look like that even in close up. Also, the pivot and some other items appear stone washed, whereas the G10 is smooth. Where did you buy this Cat? If it has a 440C blade as you say, then perhaps you have a Frankenspyder? The blade will be clearly marked as to the steel.
DNAIrradiator
Gold Member
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- Jul 3, 2013
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That is NOT the CF pattern. I believe the OP would know the difference! 
To the OP, I find my G10 Cat to be a rather low end Spydie. The G10 is a lower quality version than used on their Japanese or Golden models, the lock has fair action, but nothing to write home about. Mine also has an odd WD40 like smell to it than none of my other Spydies have (and I have a lot!). I'm afraid it's a bit of you get what you pay for... Save up for a G10 Dragonfly or a CF Chapparral
and you won't look back! Cheers, DI
To the OP, I find my G10 Cat to be a rather low end Spydie. The G10 is a lower quality version than used on their Japanese or Golden models, the lock has fair action, but nothing to write home about. Mine also has an odd WD40 like smell to it than none of my other Spydies have (and I have a lot!). I'm afraid it's a bit of you get what you pay for... Save up for a G10 Dragonfly or a CF Chapparral
and you won't look back! Cheers, DI 
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2015
- Messages
- 2,182
Not to knock the Byrd line, but I feel like the Cat would be
more appropriate being sold as a Byrd...
more appropriate being sold as a Byrd...
Yep, i tried the pivot and it doesn't change anything. I got it tight enough so there is not side to side play, but still smooth to open. Doesn't change the centering though, this is the best I could do...
Seems I got a genuine, but amazingly the quality is just not there. My Persistence is perfect in every way (well, I just wanted a better steel), but looks like I am sending this one back
Seems I got a genuine, but amazingly the quality is just not there. My Persistence is perfect in every way (well, I just wanted a better steel), but looks like I am sending this one back
That is NOT the CF pattern. I believe the OP would know the difference!
To the OP, I find my G10 Cat to be a rather low end Spydie. The G10 is a lower quality version than used on their Japanese or Golden models, the lock has fair action, but nothing to write home about. Mine also has an odd WD40 like smell to it than none of my other Spydies have (and I have a lot!). I'm afraid it's a bit of you get what you pay for... Save up for a G10 Dragonfly or a CF Chapparral
humm still, wish I had gotten my hands on one of these, bearing I would have gotten a decent finished one.
I personally think spyderco would do well to group the Cat and Chicago under the ''value line''.
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- Nov 9, 2009
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Sending it back is a good way to go. I had this happen once with a Manix2, the blade would not center, no matter what I did. I even sent it in and it was sent back better, but still very off center. I figured the blade may have been warped.