Spyderco Urban Safety Orange – Wharncliffe Blade (Model # C127GPOR)

G

GenericJohn

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
85
I bought this slipit as a “no need to think” knife. It is very small so it is easy to carry, and seemed like it would be simple to use when I'm preoccupied with other things. The thumb hole allows for one-handed opening and the lack of a lock makes closing simple. I picked the Urban because it is smaller than the UK Pen Knife. The UKPK is almost the same size as a Delica, and I've already got one of those.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=382

SP127GPOR.jpg


Ergonomics – Excellent

  • The Urban is small (between a Delica and a key chain knife) but the handle feels very comfortable in my average sized hands.
  • The slipit system works as advertised and the knife is easy to open and close.
  • Benefit/Warning: The serrated thumb ramp on the back of the blade gives the impression that you could brace against it like with a Delica or Endura, but if you do so it will close the blade. This is nice for easy closing, but I've learned to leave my thumb on top of the scales rather than on the ramp.

Blade - Wonderful

The flat ground wharncliffe blade sometimes looks wicked, sometimes looks like a fang, and sometimes looks ugly, but never never looks graceful like a leaf blade. However, the straight edge does a great job making predictable cuts with detail work, the small tip gets into little places, it easily opens packages, etc. The wharncliffe shape resembles a karambit too—if one wants to fantasize about combat with such a tiny little knife.

Pocket clip – Disappointing

This knife ships for right handed users but the spring makes it hard to swap it for left handed use. I tried briefly but realized it would require a padded vise.

Fit & Finish - Fair

  • My blade is slightly off center when closed.
  • My pivot pin is slightly off center. I tried to tighten on side with a torx wrench but it did no good.
  • Both ends of the spring (behind the blade and at the read end of the grip) are not square. There is a slight angled gap at the back of the blade when the knife is open.
  • The underside of the spring is rough and scored across its entire length (inside the handle), and it looks like it was basically sawed off.

The characteristics of the large spring may be the common cause for all these problems, as the whole knife is built around it. It may be difficult to square it up for a reasonable cost.

Value – Fair

With a street price in the $90 range this is no bargain knife. While it is made of G10, has a flat ground VG-10 blade, and the same basic construction as other mid-grade Spyderco products, it doesn't seem to be worth $90 with all the fit and finish issues.


Overall – Great concept and feels quite durable, but only so-so execution
 
Thanks for the informative review. Does anyone else have comments on the fit and finish on the Urban?
 
my only comment is that if the index finger is placed into the "choil" and a solid grip is held, the blade should not be able to close. I have the UK pen knife, and really like the knife. By keeping the index finger in the choil, and pushing down with the thumb on top of the spine, the blade can be closed one-handed without a shift in grip.
 
The G-10 version was a test for the design concept. The high cost was the result of Japanese mfr (High Yen & labor costs). Sorry about the fit and finish.

We're working on a lower priced FRN version with GIN-1 steel.

We're also working on a FRN version with N690Co 2.0" blade called the "Squeek".

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
The G-10 version was a test for the design concept. The high cost was the result of We're working on a lower priced FRN version with GIN-1 steel.

We're also working on a FRN version with N690Co 2.0" blade called the "Squeek".

sal
Click to expand...

Good to hear this! I like the sound of the Squeek. Thanks for the heads up.:thumbup:
 
Now I am waiting squeek. My urban foliage had goot finish and fit except one part, the bottom left corner wasn't fully closed against the backspring leaving very minor gap. Still, its a great knife. I can't wait FRN versions and Squeek.
 
Sal Glesser said:
The G-10 version was a test for the design concept. The high cost was the result of Japanese mfr (High Yen & labor costs). Sorry about the fit and finish.

We're working on a lower priced FRN version with GIN-1 steel.

We're also working on a FRN version with N690Co 2.0" blade called the "Squeek".

sal
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, and I still love the concept. The Urban seems like a natural competitor to SAKs and traditional slipjoints. As such, it probably would sell best in the $15-$30 ballpark--if you can somehow get it that low. I'll probably try again with one of the FRN versions.

If I can make a design suggestion, I'd say to reduce the angle on the thumb ramp or move the ramp forward a bit. This would make it harder to accidentally close the blade when cutting.
 
I guess quality was uneven but the fit and finish on my pre-owned Urban are exceptional, and I'm quite happy with my latest addition to my growing Spyderco collection.
 
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