Spyderco Roadie?

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glocktenman

glocktenman

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What do you all know about the Spyderco Roadie? It's a slipjoint. Any reviews or opinions?
 
I handled one at Grand Prairie Knives a month or so ago. I tend to like some of the modern slipjoints as much as the more traditional patterns but the Roadie didn't do much for me. Not sure why really. I think I just didn't like the looks of it. If I were to get something similar, I would probably go for one of the Falkniven LTC's. I do like the looks of those.
 
I have mine on with my keys. It's a nice small blade, I actually like it not having a sharp pointed blade, works really well for box cutter. wish it was made out of a different steel (n690c is easy to sharpen but does not hold a edge long)
 
It is an interesting little knife that functions well and is pretty well made. However, with that being said that particular product is one of the ugliest knives I have ever seen! I have had a ladybug on my keychain for many years and have nothing but good things to say about it, but the Roadie is too far out there for me. (I have a friend that is a Spycerco fan)
Among the modern slipjoints, I agree with Railsplitter that the LTC is a nice knife.
 
I carry a cold steel lucky one in that department . single blade, Italian,carbon fiber... really nice centering and action. I've wondered about the roadie myself.
 
Even though it does not have a pocket clip and is not one-hand opening, I do not consider the Roadie to be a traditional pocket knife. It does not look like any traditional pattern with which I am familiar. On a timeline, "Traditional" patterns are patterns that no one would have considered odd in the 1960's.

And the Lucky, while it looks like a traditional pattern, has a pocket clip.

I will make the comment that N690 holds an edge a tad better than 154CM / ATS34 / VG 10.
It holds an edge less well than PM alloys such as S30V.

If somebody can show me a fifty-year old knife that looks like the Roadie, we can proceed.
 
Oh, I don't know, Frank. I might be able to scare up a picture of an old electrician's Sodbuster who happened to blow a couple holes in the blade. ;)
 
They didn't make folding knives with sheepsfoot blades in the 1960s? The dimpled blades are more modern, but traditional knives have sported some unusual features, too. In the 60's the dimples would probably have been considered "groovy." :D
 
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That isn't any sheepsfoot blade that I've seen on a traditional knife.
 
Wurrwulf said:
Oh, I don't know, Frank. I might be able to scare up a picture of an old electrician's Sodbuster who happened to blow a couple holes in the blade. ;)
Click to expand...
How about this one??

This knife is in my collection, I got it for a song and it tells an interesting story:)
 
Well, as a Cult of the peanut member I must say that for me the Roadie become a modern single-bladed Peanut. A carry it for about 2 weeks and it's great!

Pros of the Roadie for me:
  • strong tip;
  • opening without nails;
  • flat ground;
  • less weight;
  • a little slimmer.

And it have a very useful and comfortable blade shape. For the first sight it may be ugly-looking, but it can be opened without nails and, as one wise man said, you always know where the tip is.

20161228-cpsr-01.jpg


20161228-cpsr-02.jpg
 
IIRC, the Roadie was originally developed when the TSA was considering allowing small slipjoints on airlines. The preliminary regulations almost directly indicated a SAK classic in terms of dimensions. Spyderco was going to have their own TSA compliant knife ready to hit the market, but the regulation change got squashed. They decided to release the knife later on, since they had already done the legwork.


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I think the roadie looks mighty fine, and if weren't for the price tag attached to it in europe I would have long gotten one.

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I'm 400 miles from my collection so I can't take a picture of it, but the Roadie kind of reminds me of a budding and grafting knife I have. I'd have to agree with Frank that overall, it's not a traditional.
 
I really like the looks of the Roadie -- and the Falkniven LTC. However, for me, the price of each makes purchasing one out of the question. Heck, if I were in the market for a classy, slim penknife, I'd prefer to save a ton of dough and go with a Victorinox floral knife or Pocket Pal instead.

-- Mark
 
Just to add regarding the ltc. I purchased one... And the third knife was finally okay. The first two had severe quality issues, not properly domed pins sticking out of the handle, blade rubbing and piss poor lamination in regards where the cutting core came to rest between the outer layers. Just saying. Your milage may vary.

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As a ten dollar knife, it might be something I would carry. At $44.95, I have no interest.
 
The Roadie is an excellent first knife for 10 yr olds. My daughter loves her knife, though the blade shape and size isn't what I fancy much. [emoji3]
 
I'd agree that it looks like a grafting or budding knife but without the exact function.

I am wondering though, would it be possible to have a spot on the porch to discuss "modern" traditionals?
Knives like the roadie or kershaw double cross come to mind. I guess you wouldn't want it to get out of control or diminish the feel and scope of this subforum but I think it's interesting to see similar knives with newer materials sometimes and to be able to compare with the styles they were influenced by would be interesting.

Just my 2 bits.
 
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