Spyderco Rookie?

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Lock1454

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
885
Hi all,

So I just started getting into knives and am looking to expand into some more, usable knives (not really looking to buy knives that I'd never want to carry). The only knives of any real mention that I currently have are a Griptilian (BM551SBKOD) and Spyderco Tenacious - I know, quite the collection eh? :P About to place an order for a SOG Flash I (or maybe II) and a Spyderco Ladybug, plus possibly this Spyderco Rookie...

So I was looking at some knives, particularly the Delica 4, figured it was a staple knife for any collector / user so it would be something worth having. Now, I am not too crazy about FRN handles (really enjoy the G-10 handle of my Tenacious) and I saw that they also have a model with G-10 handles for $95 (instead of $45 with FRN), which seems kind of a hefty price for some G-10 scales. While looking through Spyderco's site for other G-10 handled knives, I saw the Sprint Run Rookie, and I was really enticed by it. I was wondering, has anyone ever had a chance to get their hands on one or know about this particular knife? The handle is only 3.75" (the same width as my hand), which seems like it may be a bit too tiny, especially considering the handle has a bit of a troyle (not sure of how to spell that, but the groove which prevents your index finger from sliding forward). This may have been negotiable, but while looking at the pictures I realized that there is no jimping at all on the ramp of the blade. 3.75" handle seemed like a bit of a stretch, but then adding in the lack of jimping seemed like the knife really wouldn't have a good enough grip.

Also, can anyone recommend any decent $10-$20 knives that wouldn't be terribly missed if lost? Looking for a knife to be able to carry when partaking in activities where an item such as a knife could be jostled loose from my pocket and lost, and would hate to lose a nicer knife in such an incident. (Preferably a knife from a brand carried by yourcornerstore)

Thanks all, really appreciate any input on these questions!
-Dan

P.S. - Sorry if this was posted in the wrong forum, I just signed up and this seemed like the correct place to post this :)
 
I haven't handled the Sprint Rookie, but I do have one of the original G-10 Rookies (black handle, plain edge). I find the grip quite secure, and my hands are a bit larger than average. It is a fairly slim knife and carries well. The handle is a little shorter than the Delica, but the blade is longer. The Sprint Rookie is also VG-10 steel, where my old one is ATS-55.

There are several differences between the FRN Delica and the G-10 version. The FRN has nested liners (they don't show along the edges), where the G-10 has full liners. Flat grinding costs more, and the custom-made G-10 is much more expensive than the FRN. The G-10 also has to be machined, where the FRN is injection molded and comes out of the mold in the final shape.

For a good, inexpensive knife, take a look at Spyderco's Byrd line. They are one of the best buys out there. I don't know about where you live, but around here the corner store carries mostly junk not worth buying.
 
Thanks for the reply :)

It seemed that where the handle length was actually the same length as the width of my hand coupled with the lack of jumping, that a secure grip to work with the knife would be rather hard to accomplish. You really have no problem with it? (makes me wonder if maybe the sprint has different dimensions? Will have to look that up).

And in regards to the cheaper knife, yeah -I'm most likely going to grab a Byrd, probably a Raven. Had a Cara Cara, and it definitely was quite the bargain, but I just didn't enjoy the stretched feeling it had - just too long for my tastes. And when i said a brand carried by yourcornerstore, I actually meant the website yourcornerstore.com :P It's the main site I've been ordering from and seem to be some of the better prices / selection from what I've been able to find.
 
Ah. I'm not familiar with that site. I actually snag most of my knives off eBay.

The dimensions are the same on the sprint as they are on the originals, only the steel and color have been changed. I am quite used to using a three finger grip on my pocket knives, since you have to get up to about 4 1/4" for me to get all four fingers on it. I'm also one of the geezer brigade that grew up using slipjoints with no jimping, clips or locks, so that part doesn't bother me either.
 
i have the fg sprint run rookie.

it is smaller than i expected, in fact i find it to be tiny. i carried it for a couple days, but i found im not dextrous enough to use it regularly.

of course, it is a quality knife, as are all the spydercos i own.
 
This really makes me wish I knew of a good local knife shop where I could go and check out knives before buying them :(
 
From selecting from the site you mentioned, I can strongly recommend the Spyderco Caly 3.
It's roughly the same size as a Delica, but I prefer it. I have a Delica (ZDP blade, FRN handles) which is technically very good, but the Caly simply feels better in my hands. It's very handy with a good grip, it has a sturdy lock and strong liners, and a practical blade shape. It's one of those elusive near-perfect EDCs in my opinion.
The Sage at roughly the same price is an interesting alternative, the shape is very close but it has carbon fiber handles and a liner lock. The blade should be a bit better than the Caly, whose VG10 blade is already superb so nothing to worry about. Since you already have a liner lock knife (Tenacious) I would rather opt for the Caly for a different experience.
Now you can have an even more classy, and rare experience. Not a better knife (I'd say the same quality as the Caly) but a luxurious approach: the very dressed-up Spyderco Volpe is out of production yet it does not YET reach collector prices. You can have it for similar amounts from ebay vendors. Framelock, all polished, a good austrian steel that's rare in the US, and the olive wood handle scales even SMELL nice. Oh temptation...
 
In general, I'm very iffy about ebay, I never use it. I'd much rather deal with an actual retailer than ebay sellers, heard too many horror stories. Perhaps I may get over it for the sake of expanding my collection.

Yab: I know G-10 is more expensive and requires more work, and I now know that the liners are full instead of nested (learn something new every day- in what nested liners are and that the G-10 model has full) - but I don't think the G-10 model has a full flat grind to it. Unless I'm going blind, looking at the picture, it looks like the usual Delica hollow grind to me :\

Morim: Pretty much what I was thinking may be the case for me with the knife :\

Dagon: I was looking into the Caly 3 a good bit as well. It does look pretty nice, but I was really moreso interested in the Rookie because it's a Sprint Run within a decent price that was close to being nearly the perfect EDC and emergency defense knife if it weren't for the size. Nothing helps bolster a fledgling collection like a limited edition :) Was there another (or few) knife you'd recommend that maybe isn't offered by that site in that same price range?

I'm also rather anal about blade to handle ratio. I think a long handle with a shorter blade makes a knife very unattractive :\
 
Lock,

on your comments and questions:

In general, I'm very iffy about ebay, I never use it. I'd much rather deal with an actual retailer than ebay sellers, heard too many horror stories. Perhaps I may get over it for the sake of expanding my collection.
Click to expand...

The way to use ebay is to only buy from sellers with a very good near 100% score from many buyers. These guys are dependable. Using the link above and checking the score of a few of the "buy it now" offers you would be able to buy a Volpe from dependable online dealers.

Dagon: I was looking into the Caly 3 a good bit as well. It does look pretty nice, but I was really moreso interested in the Rookie because it's a Sprint Run within a decent price that was close to being nearly the perfect EDC and emergency defense knife if it weren't for the size. Nothing helps bolster a fledgling collection like a limited edition
Click to expand...

Personally I wouldn't care that much for a limited edition, there will always be a number of ltds / sprint run models on the market. I would rather care if I really like the knife.
I cannot directly compare the Caly 3 with the rookie as I never handled the rookie. But, looking at the picture I know that I will prefer the flat ground Caly blade. And if you check on comments about the Caly, you will find only enthusiastic feedback. It's really that good, a modern classic. All this shouldn't dissuade you from buying a rookie if that's what you'd like more!

Was there another (or few) knife you'd recommend that maybe isn't offered by that site in that same price range?
Click to expand...

Well yes, and you'll get a number other recommendations from others. I tend to prefer elegant and characterful yet well-made knives. I also tend to strongly dislike overly tactical looking designs.

- For around $100 you can find a few truly excellent Mcusta knives. These are really interesting knives with a good blade, great looks, and nice construction for most except the toughest usage. Check for example here for excellent prices, or here for better pictures to choose :-) I have the classic MC75D Take. It's superb.
Here's the Kasumi ($99.95 at the first linked shop). Admit that you want it:

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- For far less money, one of my all time favourite EDCs is the Eka Swede 88 Masur. Lovingly made in scandinavia by a company with more than 100 years experience. It's practical, very light, a great slicer and sturdy. It's very different from my Caly and I like it equally as a near perfect EDC. This blonde scandinavian beauty also looks so much nicer than a tactical design, and it's only $49 at Ragweed Forge:
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I have the original G10 Rookie in ATS-55. It's quite a solid little knife, and the handle does feel smaller than the Delica. The blade is also not a wide as the Delica. In the older version there is only a liner on one side of the handle. The other side is just the G10 scale. Don't know if that matters to you but I always found myself wishing it was lined on the other side.

This will tell you how long ago I bought it: my original use for the G10 rookie was as a carry-on knife for airplanes and as my EDC for school when I was teaching 8th grade!
It's been a while since I could use it for either of those! Now it's clipped to the visor in my car where it opens CD's and stubborn packages.

FWIW, I've never been burned buying a knife on eBay. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't get hosed tomorrow, but if you pay attention to your sellers before you bid you'll probably do OK.
 
Lock1454 said:
Yab: I know G-10 is more expensive and requires more work, and I now know that the liners are full instead of nested (learn something new every day- in what nested liners are and that the G-10 model has full) - but I don't think the G-10 model has a full flat grind to it. Unless I'm going blind, looking at the picture, it looks like the usual Delica hollow grind to me :\
Click to expand...

I suspect the picture you have seen was a pre-production prototype. Delicas come in three grinds and three handle materials. The stainless handle has a hollow saber grind, the FRN handle has a flat saber grind and the G-10 has a full flat grind. The prototypes for the G-10 version were saber ground, and the original stock photos showed that, but it was changed to full flat grind before it went into production.
 
Ahhh yep. I guess I should go directly to the manufacturer's site to find out the specifics of the knife rather than random retailers =P The grinding is mentioned right there on the g10 delica's description :)

So now I'm kind of up in the air about the Caly 3 or Delica (FRN or G-10... not sure which :P I enjoy G10 more, but I also enjoy $50 :D). Or perhaps I'll just sit on it and not get either for now? Hmm...

Thanks a ton everyone, I really appreciate all the help and advice =D

And Dagon, that Mcusta looks amazingly nice, but just not the kind of knife I'm into. It's looks like a knife that would be right down my brother's alley though. He's more interested in stylish blades like that, where I guess I am more into modern / tactical looking ones (for lack of a proper way of describing it)? I'll definitely have to show that to him :)
 
Oh lord it's all too much! Now I'm looking at a Para military maybe... There's just too much goodness (I regret checking Yab's profile and clicking on his "Last Post" thread and reading that! Gah!) Too much knifey goodness :( Although from reading that description I found Yab gave of the Paramilitary - why not go for the knife that is capable of heavier duty work? O.o

Wahhh... No idea what to go for =(
 
The only times it gets easier are:

1) When you actually need a knife for a specific purpose.

2) When you can look at a long list of knives and say "got it, got it, got it, got it, got it, need it, got it, got it, got it, don't like it, got it, got it, want it...

:D
 
3) Yab and fellow Blade Forum users donate copious sums of money to help fund a poor college student's new blooming obsession :P

I personally like option 3 :D
 
That's what you get for starting late. I've been a knife knut since I was six. ;) :D
 
I'll trade you some Micro Machines and a few old NES games I got when I was six for some knives. Sounds fair to be honest :P

I'd be willing to possibly do a trade of services for a few knives? :P By George I'll make this Psychology degree (only 4 months left of this torture, yay! :D) work for me one way or another!

Looking at the Paramilitary, First time I've heard of a compression lock - is it any different than a liner lock on the back of the knife?
 
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Lock1454 said:
I'll trade you some Micro Machines and a few old NES games I got when I was six for some knives. Sounds fair to be honest :P

I'd be willing to possibly do a trade of services for a few knives? :P By George I'll make this Psychology degree (only 4 months left of this torture, yay! :D) work for me one way or another!

Looking at the Paramilitary, First time I've heard of a compression lock - is it any different than a liner lock on the back of the knife?
Click to expand...

it functions like a liner lock on the spine, but the engagement is entirely different.

i had that exact question before i bought one, ill see if i can find the thread. someone posted some great pics and diagrams of the internal engagement.

it is actually stronger than a liner, and some feel it is the strongest lock currently in production.
 
And Dagon, that Mcusta looks amazingly nice, but just not the kind of knife I'm into. It's looks like a knife that would be right down my brother's alley though. He's more interested in stylish blades like that, where I guess I am more into modern / tactical looking ones (for lack of a proper way of describing it)? I'll definitely have to show that to him
Click to expand...

I suggest to also have a look at the amazing Mcusta Tactility series knives on both sites (the damascus one with micarta handle is interestingly priced at $119.95 on damascusknifestore). More tactical looking as the name suggests and quite modern in the micarta version as well, manically well made, a big blade and extremely smooth to operate. Truly high class. Eventually I will buy one.

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