Spyderco Yojimbo, Paramilitary or Boker Kwaiken o

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lambman5

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Nov 25, 2014
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Hi everyone,

I'm debating between either picking up a Spyderco Yojimbo, Paramilitary, or Boker Kwaiken as my new EDC knife. I was wondering, if anyone has experience with any of these knives. If you've owned or currently own one of them. Please share your thoughts.

Thank you,
Thomas.
 
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I prefer the kwaiken. I think it has a more edc friendly blade profile and from what the designer said about the yojimbo it was primarily designed as a self defense weapon. They are comfortable to hold but the blade shape for me leaves a lot to be desired for those not using it as such.
 
I don't like the yo for edc because of its delicate tip. That said is you ever had to use the yo to defend your self it's design is such the you can apply tremendous cutting force to the tip resulting in deep cutting performance. Basically the yojimbo 2 is a one trick pony; but it's one hell of a trick!
 
Thanks for the replies so far! If anything, i'm looking for a knife that is more versatile than anything, really. I've only heard good things about both and I recently watched a review that stated that even thought the design of the Yojimbo is mainly meant for self-defence, it's straight bladed design also helps with making cutting different materials easier than something with a belly to it. I don't know if this is true but I would still like to hear your opinions.
 
lambman5 said:
Thanks for the replies so far! If anything, i'm looking for a knife that is more versatile than anything, really. I've only heard good things about both and I recently watched a review that stated that even thought the design of the Yojimbo is mainly meant for self-defence, it's straight bladed design also helps with making cutting different materials easier than something with a belly to it. I don't know if this is true but I would still like to hear your opinions.
Click to expand...

There's some truth to that because the Yojimbo is basically a boxcutter on steroids. So that tip can be used for precision cuts the same way you use a boxcutter or utility blade. IMO, both knives have a tactical/fighter look to them, but the Yojimbo has better steel, probably a better/stronger lock, better grip retention. The kwaiken has its own appeal (again my opinion), sleeker, probably faster opening, stronger tip. I like its aesthetics.
 
Yojimbo, it's US made, has far superior blade steel, and it's Spyderco. In my opinion there isn't even a comparison here.
 
The Yojimbo is a great EDC blade....... I have EDC'd many, many blades from production to high end customs, and the Yojimbo finds its way into my pocket more often than anything else. Like mentioned above it is a razor sharp, steroid induced box cutter that out preforms the majority of blades. The design eventually becomes an extension of your hand, and with practice the deployment becomes lightning fast. It has good blade steel and an easy straight profile to sharpen. Yojimbo over Kwaiken all the way.
 
While the Kwaiken is a usable blade shape I don't thing the handle lends itself it EDC very well. It would work though. I find the thumb stud hard to catch so the flipper version is probably better. Hard get out of my pocket in a hurry.

The Yojimbo... I dunno, these were all the rage for a bit but honestly Spyderco makes more versatile knives than this.
 
zhyla said:
While the Kwaiken is a usable blade shape I don't thing the handle lends itself it EDC very well. It would work though. I find the thumb stud hard to catch so the flipper version is probably better. Hard get out of my pocket in a hurry.

The Yojimbo... I dunno, these were all the rage for a bit but honestly Spyderco makes more versatile knives than this.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the input. With all this being said, what would you recommend as a good EDC knife?
 
I don't have either, but I just ordered the orange BladeHQ Kwaiken after seeing it mentioned here and in another thread today. Love the blade shape and general aesthetic. I will probably do the flipper mod to it and maybe drill the liners to lighten it up a bit.

I have a lot of Spydercos, but the Yo2 hasn't made it to the top of the list for me.
 
I own both and to me the Yojimbo wins hands down. I also love the blade shape for EDC. You will have to watch the tip though. Also take a look at the Black Hawk BeWharned they can be had for a cheaper price than the Yojimbo if price is a consideration.
 
Either knives fits the purpose of being an edc knife.
I wouldn't be too concerned about how each knife is being labeled by its makers
As it's primary designed purpose.
Both are after all still just pocket knives with a point an an edge.
Even though both designs would automatically be seen as martial blades.
The real problem which lies in making a tough first choice
Actually boils down to picking which knife ought to be bought and carried first.
So that If the first one fails to meet your expectation,
It becomes a great excuse to pick the other as well.
This is perfectly natural and happens all the time.
As no two knives would feel quite the same in hand during carry and use.
You can be sure that you alone would make the best judgement
Based upon your own actual hands on experience.
There really is No need to suffer wondering if we had made the right first choice
When making a close call.
Especially when all it takes to find out the truth is but a little bit of money.
Which an able bodied person should be able to earn, spend and enjoy.
What I m saying is, don't limit your self
If your heart actually wants them both.
They're not super pricy fancy custom hand made knives.
But rather affordable factory made knives
readily available to most folks in time
through some hard work and opportunity.
I would buy the kwaiken for edc
Only because the handle does lend it self to multiple grip stances.
Whilst the yojimbo's blade does make it a top notch box cutter.
But i have a gut feeling that the yojimbo
might turn out pretty handy
Not only as an edc but in exchange for some cold hard cash
On some unforeseen rainy day.
 
I would go with the vg-10 ti flipper version of the kwaiken . i think that it is a more edc friendly design while still having good materials.
 
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Yojimbo 2.
Good blade shape for utility.
Most people who've seen mine think of utility rather than "tactical" use...because it looks like an overgrown utility blade.
The tip is fine as long as you aren't prying.

Good ergonomics, strong lock, good steel and it cuts efficiently; what's not to like? :)
 
Thank you to everyone so far for answering! You all bring up good arguments with each knife. My friend whose been a knife enthusiast for most of his life told me to take a look at the Spyderco Paramilitary as well. From what I understand it's pretty similar to the Yojimbo, as well. what are your preferences out of the three knives: Yojimbo, Paramilitary, and Kwaiken.
 
It really doesn't matter what are preferences are...buy all 3 on the exchange and sell the 2 you like the least. Having said all that, there's a reason the pm2 is Spydercos best seller.
 
Depends on what you're doing with it. For cutting cardboard, opening boxes, cutting cordage and such a nice wharncliffe like the Yojimbo is hard to beat. For slicing protein, vegetables, cutting wood or skinning I'd take the Para 2. For aesthetics and cool factor, I think the Kwaiken comes out on top.
 
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