Spyderco Southard: Excessive Praise and Hype? (Or: Purchase One Now!)

O

Oakengroves

Joined
Sep 4, 2012
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The flu isn't the only thing going around right now. Apparently, everyone and their cousin is scrambling to purchase a Southard Flipper. The scramble has left me feeling slightly bewildered and left in the proverbial dust.

Most threads and reviews throw enormous amounts of praise in the direction of the Southard. Objectively, the praise is well deserved. I struggle to think of a comparable folder (CTS204; flipper; titanium frame lock; 3.5 inch blade; around 4 ounces) for around the same price. I'm considering pulling the trigger on a Southard, largely due to its critical acclaim, but have a few major questions:

(1) Has anyone heard any word about the Southard going out of production or otherwise becoming unavailable anytime soon? My knife funds are depleted for several months (two recent purchases set me back around $300). For those of you who have followed Spyderco over the years, can you offer any predictions as to the cost (including secondary market value) of the Southard? I'd MUCH rather wait 3-4 months before purchasing the Southard or put funds toward LE's as they come available.

(2) Am I succumbing to excessive hype? The Southard does not sync well with my known knife preferences. Although it is around the perfect size and weight, I have never been a huge fan of flippers and frame locks. I enjoy being able to use a knife with both hands equally and frequently flip pocket clips around. If the Southard was not enjoying mythical praise, I would probably not given it extensive consideration. There are other knives I am coveting right now that meet my ideal EDC qualities (3.5-4.0" blade, fast action, ambidextrous, and around 4 ounces or less: LE 940, Mcusta Tactility).

(3) What arguments or criticisms exist against the Southard? The knife has received such lop-sided praise that it almost begs suspicion.
 
I like it. I like it a lot. Light, fast, great construction, great materials, great ergonomics, great price for the package.

I don't like the darn spyderhole. Yeah, I know, it's Spyderco's "thing", but I still think it comes dangerously close to completely ruining the look of the knife. I almost sold mine the day I got it, the damn hole was so offputting. Now I'm trying to get past it. We'll see.
 
NeverMore1701 said:
I like it. I like it a lot. Light, fast, great construction, great materials, great ergonomics, great price for the package.

I don't like the darn spyderhole. Yeah, I know, it's Spyderco's "thing", but I still think it comes dangerously close to completely ruining the look of the knife. I almost sold mine the day I got it, the damn hole was so offputting. Now I'm trying to get past it. We'll see.
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How functional is the spyderhole? I love spyderhole deployment (only second to axis-lock deployment). I presume the flipper is the primary deployment method; does the recessed hole limit its functionality (or is it more like the recessed hole on a Gayle Bradley or other comparable model)?
 
I couldn't compare it to other Spydercos, as I dislike the hole enough to keep me away from them. I tried using it, once, and thought "why bother". I'd be perfectly happy if every non-Axis lock knife I owned had a flipper and neither thumb studs nor holes. The Axis equipped knives don't need any of the three. I'm just weird like that though.
 
For me, the Southard is just amazing. I believe it is priced well. I have over twenty custom knives all the way up to a grand. This is just about as close to a custom made knife as you can get. I am very, very happy with my purchase. I have no idea how long the production will run. If you can find a way to swing one, I recommend doing so. There is nothing to be suspicious of, this is the real deal.
 
The hype is justified. It really is that good. The only real knock on it is that there is no option for left hand carry. It doesn't affect me, or statistically the majority of the public, but if you're a lefty its something to consider. Other than that, the knife is great, and just about the perfect edc knife for me.

As for pricing and availability, the Southard is a full regular production knife, not a sprint or limited edition. It has thus far been tremendously popular so I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. Eventually supply will catch up with demand and they'll be readily available. I don't really see the price dropping though, truthfully, it might even go up a bit just like many of spyderco's high end models. When they become more common place I'd bet they'll go for around $240 new or around $200 gently used on the secondary market. You definitely owe it to yourself to at least handle one and decide for yourself. Either way, don't feel rushed, the Southard isn't going anywhere.
 
Ps... Most all Spydercos will have the hole, even fixed blades. It is a identifiable icon for them.
 
jeffzerot said:
Ps... Most all Spydercos will have the hole, even fixed blades. It is a identifiable icon for them.
Click to expand...

Hence:

NeverMore1701 said:
... Yeah, I know, it's Spyderco's "thing"...
Click to expand...


I'm very glad my only other Spyderco is hole-less. Again, I'm not saying it's a bad design, it just doesn't agree with me from a strictly aesthetic standpoint (and my stubby little thumbs don't agree with any type of opening mechanism that relies on them, with the exception being one model with angled, serrated studs and spring assist).
 
jeffzerot said:
Ps... Most all Spydercos will have the hole, even fixed blades. It is a identifiable icon for them.
Click to expand...

PS...ALL spydercos have the hole, its their trademark ;) All benchmades have a butterfly, and not everybody likes butterflies either, but its their trademark.
 
mkjellgren said:
The hype is justified. It really is that good. The only real knock on it is that there is no option for left hand carry. It doesn't affect me, or statistically the majority of the public, but if you're a lefty its something to consider. Other than that, the knife is great, and just about the perfect edc knife for me.

As for pricing and availability, the Southard is a full regular production knife, not a sprint or limited edition. It has thus far been tremendously popular so I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. Eventually supply will catch up with demand and they'll be readily available. I don't really see the price dropping though, truthfully, it might even go up a bit just like many of spyderco's high end models. When they become more common place I'd bet they'll go for around $240 new or around $200 gently used on the secondary market. You definitely owe it to yourself to at least handle one and decide for yourself. Either way, don't feel rushed, the Southard isn't going anywhere.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the sage advice regarding projected price and availability. Good to know the steel on the Southard isn't excessively scarce and that it will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Picking one up on the exchange in several months for around $200 sounds ideal.
 
Its a new knife so its gonna get attention, and for me it is well deserved. I do not use the Spydie hole on it but it is functional. Its blade shape is similar to Brad's other flippers even with the hole, it doesnt have a hump like most other Spydies. I like Spydercos so naturally I dont feel that the hole detracts from the knife's looks at all. To me, its as silly as having studs on a flipper which isnt silly at all.

Its regular production and will be available, and judging by the reception its getting, it'll be so for some time. Wouldnt be surprised if variations come out also.
 
FCM415 said:
Its a new knife so its gonna get attention, and for me it is well deserved. I do not use the Spydie hole on it but it is functional. Its blade shape is similar to Brad's other flippers even with the hole, it doesnt have a hump like most other Spydies. I like Spydercos so naturally I dont feel that the hole detracts from the knife's looks at all. To me, its as silly as having studs on a flipper which isnt silly at all.

Its regular production and will be available, and judging by the reception its getting, it'll be so for some time. Wouldnt be surprised if variations come out also.
Click to expand...

Ha, I'd jump all over a sprint in Taichung carbon fiber. -Whistles-
 
The Southard is a great buy. I'm carrying mine. Get one. It's Spyderco's first flipper, and it is a winner. Great blade-steel; smooth operation.
 
My only complaint is the clip..

It's fit and finish is as good as any I have held. I swear the clip was an after thought.

It needs to be Ti and deeper.. I think I am going to carry it in my pocket.

I compared it side by side to my para , GB, Zt0550, military..

It's slimmer than all 4, and has almost the same cutting edge of the Military. Smooth as silk, and I love the blade.
The Southard is a ton of knife for the money. But that damn clip... It's probably fine,for most knife nuts, it's probably just me.

I wouldn't worry about finding one.. My guess is they will produce plenty..
 
Oakengroves said:
Ha, I'd jump all over a sprint in Taichung carbon fiber. -Whistles-
Click to expand...

I've already seen some pretty nice pimp jobs already so far. Full Ti, Black G10, modded lock stop to name a few. Im sure you can make a CF scale happen if you want.
 
harleyguy02 said:
My only complaint is the clip..

It's fit and finish is as good as any I have held. I swear the clip was an after thought.

It needs to be Ti and deeper.. I think I am going to carry it in my pocket.

I compared it side by side to my para , GB, Zt0550, military..

It's slimmer than all 4, and has almost the same cutting edge of the Military. Smooth as silk, and I love the blade.
The Southard is a ton of knife for the money. But that damn clip... It's probably fine,for most knife nuts, it's probably just me.

I wouldn't worry about finding one.. My guess is they will produce plenty..
Click to expand...

The clip is a good point! I for one am glad it's not a deep carry clip, but good lord it's pointy! If I keep mine (and at this point I'm pretty sure I will), I'll have to round out the end of the clip, as I can see it poking a hole right through my pocket!
 
I'm a lefty, and I have no problems using frame locks. If anything, it feels better in the left hand, because the g10 is on that side. In regards to the pocket clip, I carry my tactical folders in the right pocket anyway, because my handgun is always on my left side. My EDC knife does reside in my left pocket, however.

I'm sure the Southard is going to be around for some time.
 
For what its worth I found this quote on the web RE CTS204P steel:

"I have not used it but from it's elemental make up it would hold and edge longer than S35VN and not be as tough.

Seems like it would be good for smaller knives that would not be used hard or for kitchen knives that would also not be side stressed.

It is an exact Copy of Crucible 20CV.

It's edge holding should equal that of M-4 but it is also less tough than M-4.

It would have limited application in Sporting knives and no application in fighting or military knives and no real application in Bushcraft knives due to it's lack of toughness.


It also seems to make little sense for Carpenter to copy a steel that was designed and engineered by another American Company (Crucible)

Just my humble opinion."
 
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