Spyderco SuperLeaf Short review/overview

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WhitefeatherTX

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The SuperLeaf is a subtle looking design yet there are a few things that make it unique. The blade is the first thing that stood out to me due to its relative thickness compared to most Spyderco folders of similar size. At 4 mm the SuperLeaf is a half millimeter thicker than the Paramilitary and a full millimeter thicker than the Tenacious. As with many of the Japanese produced Spyderco knives, the Superleaf is made with VG10 steel, which in my opinion is a very good EDC steel, and, not to mention a very good looking steel. The handle shape may be the most touted feature of the SuperLeaf, not surprisingly so since the origin of the SuperLeaf's handle actually lies with its sibling knife, the SuperHawk. Sources say that the SuperHawk's handle was so popular that the consumer base called for a knife using the same handle but sporting a more utilitarian blade shape.
For a blade locking system, Spyderco selected the compression lock of Paramilitary fame and it seems to meld well with the overall design. All things considered the Superleaf is a very fine blade that hopefully will enjoy more coverage and attention this year.
 
I did not expect the Superleaf to be the same size, or slightly smaller than the Manix 2. It just looks bigger. I would like to give it a try some day.
 
The SuperLeaf has become on of my favorite Spyderco EDC's. I'd sure like to see an S90V, CF Superleaf miracle happen but it's a Seki knife, Damnit. And ZDP is not one of my favorite steels.
 
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Thank Kreol, I'm embarrassed. I though I could use the embedded code that YT supplied but I guess I just don't know enough about computers.
 
Reeek said:
The SuperLeaf has become on of my favorit Spyderco EDC's. I'd sure like to see an S90V, CF Superleaf miracle happen but it's a Seki knife, Damnit. And ZDP is not one of my favorite steels.
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Yeah I would be very surprized if the made a sprint like that but you never know. :thumbup:
 
powernoodle said:
I did not expect the Superleaf to be the same size, or slightly smaller than the Manix 2. It just looks bigger. I would like to give it a try some day.
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I'm thinking you would appreciate that knife a great deal. It's a nice fat piece of VG10, solid lock up, and opens way too smooth. Fills the hand comfortably, with or without the choil, unless you have freakishly wide/large hands.:thumbup:

Reeek said:
The SuperLeaf has become on of my favorit Spyderco EDC's. I'd sure like to see an S90V, CF Superleaf miracle happen but it's a Seki knife, Damnit. And ZDP is not one of my favorite steels.
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Seki City made knives usually don't feature American steels. The Native was the only design I can think of at the moment that went from USA to Japan, however, the steel changed as a result (S30V to VG10).
 
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JeremiahWeaver09 said:
the superleaf looks fantastic. how is the blade retention on the knife though?
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2 things about this knife. The first is that it is tip up carry, meaning that the blade presses against the seam of the pocket. The second, the pivot is not a Manix2 style bushing. If you tighten the picot it creates more tension. I would hav a very hard time imagining this knife just opening on it's own, detent is a non issue with this piece.
 
RevDevil said:
2 things about this knife. The first is that it is tip up carry, meaning that the blade presses against the seam of the pocket. The second, the pivot is not a Manix2 style bushing. If you tighten the picot it creates more tension. I would hav a very hard time imagining this knife just opening on it's own, detent is a non issue with this piece.
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Agreed, the Manix was probably not a good example. I don't have any other compression locks but I imagine the compression lock would have the same retention as any other liner lock design that Spyderco has right now.
 
I am sadly aware of that :(

:)

RevDevil said:
Seki City made knives usually don't feature American steels. The Native was the only design I can think of at the moment that went from USA to Japan, however, the steel changed as a result (S30V to VG10).
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I like this knife a lot but know nothing about the compression lock. Is it like a liner lock?
 
Looks really comfortable and about the perfect size. I'll have to pick one up. Thanks for the review.
 
singularity35 said:
Here's a link with some explanations and a pic. I beg to disagree about the compression lock being essentially the same as a liner lock.

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29211
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I'm with you. :) There's a major difference in theory and in practical strength. They are similar only in that there is a portion of a liner that activates the lock. All the mechanics are different, and the result is a big difference in strength.
 
i got a superleaf a few weeks ago and wow i love it.
to me the compresion lock is kinda like an upside down liner lock. i think its not as strong as say a cold steel tri-ad that you can hang from, but i never once thought of it as weak.

the pics are kinda crappy but hopefully you get the idea

these are the top of the knife
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open

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closed

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