Spyderco Nirvana

S

Smithguy50

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Jun 13, 2014
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So I went to the spyderco outlet store today, and I was lucky enough to get a chance to ay with the Nirvana prototype. Let me just tell you, that is going to be one sweet blade, smooth as butter and rock solid.
 
I'm with both of you. Sweet but pricey. I've never managed to keep such a $$ folder for edc, but maybe this time.
 
Smith, have you been able to handle a Sebenza or Strider? If so, how do the three compare?
 
Smithguy50 said:
So I went to the spyderco outlet store today, and I was lucky enough to get a chance to ay with the Nirvana prototype. Let me just tell you, that is going to be one sweet blade, smooth as butter and rock solid.
Click to expand...

This is the knife I was hoping Spyderco would make, based both on my affinity for Rassenti designs, and the fact that he regularly used a Spyderco-licensed opening device for his 1500$+ customs. The idea that Spyderco would be up for a challenge looked doubtful, after the LionSpy. But this thing really captures the essence of the Rassenti custom Nirvana.

It's a fully integral, 3D contoured, & textured Titanium frame-lock. The only other integral production knives have been the Lionsteel SR-1 and 2... and the Nirvana is much nicer, from what I've seen, in every way. The Titanium version of the Marfione Anax is far more expensive than both the Spyderco and custom versions of the Nirvana, and it's questionable whether the Anax qualifies as a custom or not; lastly, the sub-frame-lock makes it less than a full integral.

Instead of going with one of their standard steels, like S30V -- something that limited sales of the Rubicon, IMO -- Glesser showed his smarts and his commitment to Rassenti's design, using S90V instead. It runs on caged bearings that are similar to the GTC bearings that Peter Rassenti used on the custom Nirvana.

Another thing I love about this knife: this is not a flipper with a spydie-hole shoe-horned into the design (the Southard's biggest flaw). Rassenti has been alternating between flippers and licensed spydie-holes for some time. This is one of those rare custom designs that fits Spyderco perfectly; the Nirvana will allow them to break through into an even higher level of price and quality.

The Slysz Bowie, Fluted Titanium Military, Pirela-Crawford Mamba, and Rassenti Nirvana, all represent knives that compete favorably with CRK and Midtechs in the 350$ - 500$ price-range. The price is actually low, in some ways -- try to find another Ti integral with bearings and an S90V blade; the Lionsteel SR-1 with Damascus is more expensive, for a lesser knife. You won't find anything else for under a 1000$.
 
How was the balance? It looks like it might be a bit blade-heavy to me with the saber-ground blade, but it depends on the thickness of the handle.
 
Sikael said:
This is the knife I was hoping Spyderco would make, based both on my affinity for Rassenti designs, and the fact that he regularly used a Spyderco-licensed opening device for his 1500$+ customs. The idea that Spyderco would be up for a challenge looked doubtful, after the LionSpy. But this thing really captures the essence of the Rassenti custom Nirvana.

It's a fully integral, 3D contoured, & textured Titanium frame-lock. The only other integral production knives have been the Lionsteel SR-1 and 2... and the Nirvana is much nicer, from what I've seen, in every way. The Titanium version of the Marfione Anax is far more expensive than both the Spyderco and custom versions of the Nirvana, and it's questionable whether the Anax qualifies as a custom or not; lastly, the sub-frame-lock makes it less than a full integral.

Instead of going with one of their standard steels, like S30V -- something that limited sales of the Rubicon, IMO -- Glesser showed his smarts and his commitment to Rassenti's design, using S90V instead. It runs on caged bearings that are similar to the GTC bearings that Peter Rassenti used on the custom Nirvana.

Another thing I love about this knife: this is not a flipper with a spydie-hole shoe-horned into the design (the Southard's biggest flaw). Rassenti has been alternating between flippers and licensed spydie-holes for some time. This is one of those rare custom designs that fits Spyderco perfectly; the Nirvana will allow them to break through into an even higher level of price and quality.

The Slysz Bowie, Fluted Titanium Military, Pirela-Crawford Mamba, and Rassenti Nirvana, all represent knives that compete favorably with CRK and Midtechs in the 350$ - 500$ price-range. The price is actually low, in some ways -- try to find another Ti integral with bearings and an S90V blade; the Lionsteel SR-1 with Damascus is more expensive, for a lesser knife. You won't find anything else for under a 1000$.
Click to expand...

Well said. Too many people are getting caught up on the price, and complaining that Spyderco knives are not allowed to be in such a price range. If you look at what's offered; an integral folder with premium steel on bearings, it's actually a bargain. I think the comparison against the Lionsteel offerings are quite apt.

As for the pricing, Knifecenter is the only dealer to have preorders up at this time and they are being offered for $430. Knifecenter typically doesn't have the best prices, but they open up preorders ridiculously early to lock people into purchasing from them. Keep your eyes peeled and a few vendors will likely come in for a bit less as we get closer to December and the actual release date of the knife.
 
don't get me wrong. i see the value here and will buy one regardless but $400+ is a bit of a breaking point where you are competing in a different strata. i've handled the slysz bowie and do not consider it a good value at that price. s90v certainly helps the Nirvana and i do think the integral construction is being too easily overlooked (lochsa, anyone?).
 
NJBillK said:
Smith, have you been able to handle a Sebenza or Strider? If so, how do the three compare?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I have not, but when you release the lock on the nirvana, the blade just falls closed, I mean it is just a smooth if not smoother than my customs
 
Brummie said:
How was the balance? It looks like it might be a bit blade-heavy to me with the saber-ground blade, but it depends on the thickness of the handle.
Click to expand...

The balance was great, maybe a tad bit blade heavy, but nothing to complain about.
 
It will be interesting...not sure if I'm going to jump on one. Maybe. I have/had lots of nice knives. This one might be special with the S90V; reminds folks of the special PM2 of yesteryear. The closed-length is perfect; the blade-length is okay, although more blade than I need. I'm not sold on the 3D conforming grip...it might be a bit "overdone." The one-piece integral grip is surely a nice touch, but adds nothing to the usefulness of the knife. I never have grip screws come loose, and if I did, I'd secure them.
It has good jimping, although I'd like some small amount of jimping near the choil area for the index finger.
This is a tough road...for Sal to jump into the price ring with CRK. It should prove interesting.
But I'm sure I'll try one, anyway. I try a lot of nice knives; seldom keep one very long.

I included this link for those who have not seen it...
https://spydercollector.wordpress.c...-production-prototype-peter-rassenti-nirvana/
 
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The proto I handled at the Oregon show in April was not a flipper. It was impeccable but was a custom proto not a factory build. The design is well-balanced and sleek, much more like a CRK than a Strider.
 
Did you notice the unique sound when you closed the knife? I guess thats a result of the single piece ti handle construction. Kind of like ringing a tiny bell when you close it.
 
I have been really looking forward to this one. Spyderco knives just have not appealed to me, until I handled a Rubicon. And now the Rassenti Nirvana..that is one sweet looking knife, and I think it will pair up great with my BM 761. Yeah it is a little pricy, but as a Rassenti design..I feel it to be more than worth the price. Plus S90v.. :thumbup: :D
 
only thing i don't like is the sharp lockbar due to the design. besides that overall amazing knife!
 
This knife is certainly breaking new ground for Spyderco. Very impressive. But I will likely never buy one for two reasons, price and grind.

Price I can understand based on the materials and engineering, but what I cannot understand is why would a designer of a light use cutting tool explicitly choose much reduced cutting ability by specifying a saber grind on a high wear steel like S90V ? :confused:
 
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