Spyderco Vallotton Review

[Bishop2Queen's6]

I've had one for about a year, I think, and it is heavy. It has a much larger presence in my pocket than my Adamas.

Don't like the hole either. Will be getting rid of it when the opportunity arises.

I got rid of my adamas and stopped carrying my ZT500 MUDD because of the heavy pocket presence. Although the Vallotton is an absolutely beautiful knife, I'm not going to be spending my money on this one.

I'm favoring slimmer profile knives right now because they carry a lot easier. ZT561, Zt303, Manix XL, Military, etc...

 

[Mark_42]

While I wouldn't put it quite like that, I agree in part with what you say. There are too many similar knives in the Spyderco lineup. There are quite a few unique ones, though. Click on my reviews link and check out some of the Spyderco knives. They DO make more than leaf shaped blades, though again, I agree that they make too many of those.

Funny you should suggest I look more carefully at their lineup. I just received an order that contained the Bug three pack. Cute little knives. Anyway they also included a catalog that i've been perusing for a few hours and I did come across three knives that have made it onto my watch list. First is the Nilakka. I really love the looks of that one and will be buying it this year without a doubt.

I've been looking at the Centofante3 for a few months now and it would be a slam dunk except for the fact that it's a lock back. I tend to avoid knives that require two handed operation, but I like everything else about this knife and might break my own rule. Time will tell.

The third knife is the Civilian. What an incongruous name! This knife breaks all my main knife buying rules: No serrations, No recurves, No lock backs. Still, I've never seen a serious knife (meaning non-fantasy type) drip with such blatant malevolence. Satan's own EDC! I'm surprised that there's no pentagram on the handle. I doubt it would get much use, but what fun it would be to own such a thoroughly fiendish looking blade!

Mark

 

[bearcut]

I have one of these coming in a few days.

I handled one at the Spyderco factory last year and was blown away with the build quality and overall design. The hole was the only reason I didn’t buy it right then and there.

Well, I never forgot that knife so I finally pulled the trigger.

I agree with the poster who said that Spyderco would benefit from Benchmades example of using both holes and thumbstuds.

Yeah Spyderco, you believe in the Hole, we get it. A lot of people don’t like the look and don’t buy the knives because of it.

Its too bad, because I used to be a huge Benchmade fan. Now, I rarely buy one because their designs and build quality isn’t what it used to be. I also used to not be a Spyderco fan. Now, I think the build quality is much better overall than BM. However, I still pass on a lot of Spydies due to the ridiculous look of some of the thumbhole designs. Its really frustrating passing on a great knife due to an asthetic design flaw like the thumbhole.

I have some spydies, including a Caly 3, which looks OK because its whole design works. I also have a PM, Leafstorm and a Balance. They look different, and I think they look good because they aren't trying to use a traditional design. The hole doesn't detract from them.

I still haven’t forgotten the wart on the nose of the Vallotton. The rest of the knife is so awesome though…..

 

[bearcut]

Just got this knife in the mail.

You know, it's not as bad looking as I remember....

 

[bladeboss]

I really like the looks of it, but Im not a huge fan of hollow-ground blades, and it seems a bit pricey

 

[Charr]

I definitely agree with what a lot of people said here about the hole detracting from the design, but I tolerated it because I saw a local friend of mine mill down the front of the hole to make it into a wave function, and I have to say, it makes the knife SO much better looking, and makes it even more functional, by a mile! The wave is still a viable method of opening with your thumb, and it only adds to the knife. It wasn't easy to get the wave in the right shape and smooth it out without it looking weird, but if it's done right, its amazing! Unfortunately, that knife was his, and I haven't been able to afford one for myself, but it's on my wishlist!