Spyderco Lava

[Josh K]

The Spyderco/CLB Lava is currently discontinued in the '09 run.

The fit and finish of the knife is good. It's stainless steel construction, so nothing can be adjusted by the end user. There was some minimal side to side blade play. When closed the knife looks like a little polished gem. All the lines are smoothly curved, nothing breaking the outline.

When open, the Lava reminds me of the hunchback of Notre Dame. The blade comes to rest at a sharp downward angle. This helps align your wrist for stress free cutting.

The lock is a lockback, and is easiest to disengage if you hold the knife by the second choil.

The handles as said are stainless steel. This makes them a bit slippery, however when held, the knife really grabs your hand. It's not going to slid out. The handles give the knife a bit of heft, which is nice.

That blade shape is a drop point/leaf shaped blade, full flat grind, in VG-10. The blade has little "point" to it, and it's easiest to cut using the belly. It makes it harder to do precision cutting.

 

[amen74]

Excellent pics and review Josh. I still need to get myself a Lava.

Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Artfully Martial]

I always liked the lava....but I can just never seem to be comfortable with SS handles.

 

[Josh K]

I always liked the lava....but I can just never seem to be comfortable with SS handles.

When I first pulled it out, I thought that they'd be really slick, but the design of the knife keeps it in hand very well. A Delica or an Endura I wouldn't be comfortable with though.

 

[3mptin3ss]

there needs to be a frn or g10 version of this knife

 

[dragonram7]

I haven't experienced a SS problem. The handle design promotes a firm grip. It cuts like a big knife. Zero blade after much abuse. Pricey-yes. Surprising performance in a small package-outstanding.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I love the lava, but it's too damn heavy for such a small knife. If they ever release it in g10 or frn I'd buy two.

 

[yablanowitz]

That's about where I am. My brain seems to have a hard-wired limiter for weight to edge length ratio, and the Lava falls on the wrong side of that limit. It is a neat little knife, and I really tried to like it, but I couldn't. I just can't carry that much weight for that little edge.

 

[felix7]

I also have a Lava and I think it is the best mini-folder on the market, the ergonomics of the knife are perfect, I normally don't like the SS handles, but the jimpings on the blade give plenty of grip, so on this particular model I like SS handles, they even give a feeling of toughness-solid knife, especially with a trusted front-lock :thumbup:

I hope that this Spydie sharp jewel will come back soon in the catalog.

 

[Dr Heelhook]

They must bring it back. Preferably in red or orange G-10 .

 

[Josh K]

I hope that this Spydie sharp jewel will come back soon in the catalog.

They may, but probably not in SS.

They must bring it back. Preferably in red or orange G-10 .

Personally, I'd love to see this in G-10 or similar. The only problem with that is the increase in width. Currently the knife is very slim and sturdy. I'm worried that it may suffer from thin G-10 or CF scales.

 

[felix7]

I think that the Lava is perfect with SS handles, but I also like the G10 with SS liners like Manix, if Spyderco will make a Lava with black G10 and SS lines (I like SS liners for rigidity and wear resistance), with screw construction it will be great.
I also would like to see metal treads for the clip, so there will be little chance to ruin the holes for the clip, especially with the little T6 torx.

It is a win or win choice