Spyderco Q C35

[lava_lamp]

Spyderco Q Review

I got interested in Spyderco knives around 1999 or 2000 - right about the time Spyderco was discontinuing its iconic "Q" design. If you have seen a Q, you remember it. It is the design with the laser cut bug on the blade resting on a web-like design resembling bridge trusses. The handle is also similarly designed in a striking skeletonized pattern. As Paul Berretta (aka "The Deacon") explains on his excellent website, the Q was conceived as a low cost promotional item for companies to brand with their logo and give away. More than 50 different branded Q versions were produced in addition to the one with the Spyderco bug.

The blades were made in plain edge and SpyderEdge. Some were made with solid, rather than laser cut blades. The handles were mostly black, but I have seen grey, blue, and green ones. The Q was later superceded by the R, which was discontinued in turn.

After 10 years of collecting, I finally got a Q this week. I knew what it looked like, but I was surprised by its extreme light weight. At 1.1 ounces, it weighs less than an FRN Dragonfly, but is a little bigger. I was also surprised by the Q's innovative lock - a relatively strong back lock formed from a single piece of wire. The Q normally has a wire clip, too, that can be repositioned in one of four ways, but my second-hand model doesn't have one anymore.

The Q's pivot surprised me, too. It is secured by a Phillips head screw and is the smallest I've seen on a Spyderco knife. Unfortunately, it contributes to the Q being the flimsiest Spyderco I've handled. The ergonomics compare unfavorably to later Spyderco models, as well. The Q is really a light duty knife for light duty tasks. Overall, it is a neat piece of Spyderco history and a must-have for collectors, if not the most "function over form" Spyderco has ever produced.

 

[crom]

Thanks for the review but I have to disagree on the lock's strength. I EDC'd a Q from about 1995 to around 1997 and that lock is not up to snuff. Could be my imagination but it felt like it got somewhat weaker over time. I moved up to a Delica and drawered it for years when I eventually traded the Q to a member here. If mine had been a plain edge such as yours I may have hung onto it. Nice score on a piece of collectible history.

 

[lava_lamp]

Thanks for the review but I have to disagree on the lock's strength. I EDC'd a Q from about 1995 to around 1997 and that lock is not up to snuff. Could be my imagination but it felt like it got somewhat weaker over time. I moved up to a Delica and drawered it for years when I eventually traded the Q to a member here. If mine had been a plain edge such as yours I may have hung onto it. Nice score on a piece of collectible history.

Thanks. I love it when members respond to my reviews with their own insights. I have had the Q for a few days, so I find your two year experience more valuable to share with everyone.

 

[crom]

Well I think the PE models like yours is more desirable. Watch that pivot screw as well, it may loosen on you. I ended up losing mine and had to source another, from a laptop I believe! It is a very small screw! I selected it from a dealer case in Baltimore, it was the most affordable ($40?) Spydie at that time haha!

 

[leafstorm]

Definitely a neat little piece of spydistory you've got there. And is the lock design ever strange! Does the wire just snap into the notch in the blade tang?

I enjoyed your pics, ive never really seen one of those from more than one angle before. Spyderco knives are currently impressing me the most.

 

[Harry Callahan]

Thanks much for the review and pics.

 

[crom]

"Does the wire just snap into the notch in the blade tang?"

Yes, it's a shallow notch the wire rides in when the knife is locked.

"

 

[brownshoe]

My friend has carried one for about 12 years (flag version). She keeps it in her purse all the time. The only problems were some dirt/rust, she is bad about cleaning it and there is a lot of nooks and crannies, and a damaged tip since it makes a poor screwdriver . When it gets really dirty she puts it in the top drawer of the dishwasher with the dishes. It's the serrated version which is best for someone who doesn't sharpen. IIRC I got it on a SMKW sale for about $25. The lock has never been a problem and the pivot screw has always been tight (I give it a look over about every year or so.)

 

[Bob W]

Thanks for the Paul Berretta link, and your thoughts. Mine has never been used but my initial impression is the same as yours, flimsy. I had no idea these things could possibly be considered Collectible until I saw this website a while back [ http://www.angelfire.com/trek/spyderwa/ ] and checked prices on eBay.

My "Q" is the one made for REI. "This one is fairly common, as about 2000 were made." I wouldn't consider a run of 2000 to be "common," at least not compared to other Spyderco models.