Spyderco's Hawkbills: Their many uses?

J

JD Spydo

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Nov 20, 2004
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This is not the first thread I've ever done on Spyderco's great Hawkbill blades and it won't be my last either :D GOD Willing

I'm constantly finding more and more great uses for my Spyderco Hawkbills. Just yesterday I was using my Harpy severing polyethylene layers off of a pallet of material. It worked so fast and efficiently that I won't even reach for a conventional blade next time.

Now I love all of Spyderco's serrated blade but a full SE Spyderedged Hawkbill is truly a worker's dream. There are very few non-metallic materials that an SE Hawkbill won't immediately cut. And I find that a Hawkbill's geometry gives them a constant aggressive cutting action.

I was recently blessed with an H-1 Spyderhawk. It goes with me on all outdoor adventures. Not many knife companies would have the visionary or foresight or courage to produce such a great blade. The Spyderhawk truly is a worker's dream. The Harpy has been around just about longer than any current model>> and there is a reason for that.

I want to have a current roll call for all Spyderco Hawkbill fans at this time and I also want for you all to let us know what cutting chores you've been doing with your's. And let us know if you've discovered any new uses you have discovered. And tell us which Spyderco Hawkbill you use the most.
 
Is that a serious question? I think a little bit of researching can answer all questions. Anyhow, you asked, so:

The Spyderhawk is made from H1 and is available in both Serrated and Plain edge configurations

The Superhawk is a Carbon Fiber handled,VG10 steel blade only available in Plain edged blade.
 
xtestifyx said:
Is that a serious question? I think a little bit of researching can answer all questions. Anyhow, you asked, so:

The Spyderhawk is made from H1 and is available in both Serrated and Plain edge configurations

The Superhawk is a Carbon Fiber handled,VG10 steel blade only available in Plain edged blade.
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You are completely right on with your answer "xtest" :) But don't forget the first generation of the Spyderhawks. The first ones were produced back in 2003-2004. They were both made with VG-10 blade steel. One was a plain edged version with a blue handle and the other was a serrated version with a black handle.

Both versions of the first generation of the Spyderhawk are very much collector's pieces now and if you can find a used one of either variant I would truly consider that a great find.

Also don't forget that the Superhawk has a very low curvature on it's blade whereas the Spyderhawk has almost a radical bend to it's blade. They truly are two totally different blades in many ways. Both are premium tools to be sure but both have 2 different objectives in their designs. It really greaves me that Spyderco never made the Superhawk or the C-111 Captain in Spyderedge :(

To me the Superhawk is almost like a Gentleman's Hawkbill. Whereas the Spyderhawk is a very aggressive tool in every aspect.
 
I'm hoping that some of you on fishing vessels who I know use Hawkbill blades and also those of you who have very rough and demanding jobs that use Hawkbills will chime in. The Harpy was primarily designed for the fishing industry as well as for first responders. But we all now know that the Hawkbill is in no way limited in it's uses as once thought.

The newer version of the Spyderhawk in H-1 blade steel is truly blade evolution at it's finest. I"m hoping that some of you who work in very corrosive environments will give us a testimony as to the ruggedness of the new H-1 Spyderhawk. I again thank Spyderco for re-introducing that great blade to the line up.

Also I would like to hear some comparisons like "Tasman versus Harpy" and why you would prefer one over the other.

But most of all tell us what you are currently using your Spyderco Hawkbills for. I'm finding new uses almost daily and I'm hoping some of you will share your new found knowledge of the Hawkbill's tool value.
 
I only have the Superhawk at the moment. I find it very useful for opening packages, cutting zip ties, and even for peeling fruit/vegetables. The only problem I have with the knife is that it is a little too thick in the handle, but, to me, that is a very, very small problem.

JD: I completely agree that the Superhawk is more of a gentlemans hawkbill, one that can be worn with a suit.

Canis
 
I have a Byrd g-10 crossbill, no spydie hawks yet, but it was designed by the right people. I use it to open boxes at work, especially coffee as the pointy, down-turned tip lets me slit the tape, but not the air-sealed coffee bags. :D
 
JD Spydo said:
don't forget the first generation of the Spyderhawks. The first ones were produced back in 2003-2004. They were both made with VG-10 blade steel. One was a plain edged version with a blue handle and the other was a serrated version with a black handle.

Both versions of the first generation of the Spyderhawk are very much collector's pieces now and if you can find a used one of either variant I would truly consider that a great find.
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Hmm, actually there are 5 variants of the first generation of Spyderhawks! I'm still hunting for three of them! :D

Black Spyderhawk SE - Standard version
Black Spyderhawk SE - "Endurahawk" (A Spyderhawk made using the Endura-marked handle)
Black Spyderhawk SE - "Upside-Down Spyderhawk" (A Spyderhawk made with the markings on the handle stamped upside down)
Blue Spyderhawk PE - Bladeforums forum knife - 300 made
Blue Spyderhawk PE - same as above, but with no markings on the blade

And then of course, the latest renditions:

H1 Spyderhawk PE
H1 Spyderhawk SE

So far, I have both H1 versions, a BF version of the blue PE (#005 of 300), and an Upside-Down Spyderhawk. :D
 
Bohica1998 said:
Hmm, actually there are 5 variants of the first generation of Spyderhawks! I'm still hunting for three of them! :D

Black Spyderhawk SE - Standard version
Black Spyderhawk SE - "Endurahawk" (A Spyderhawk made using the Endura-marked handle)
Black Spyderhawk SE - "Upside-Down Spyderhawk" (A Spyderhawk made with the markings on the handle stamped upside down)
Blue Spyderhawk PE - Bladeforums forum knife - 300 made
Blue Spyderhawk PE - same as above, but with no markings on the blade

And then of course, the latest renditions:

H1 Spyderhawk PE
H1 Spyderhawk SE

So far, I have both H1 versions, a BF version of the blue PE (#005 of 300), and an Upside-Down Spyderhawk. :D
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Well with all due respect "Bohica" I don't think that the "endurahawk" or the upsidedown Spyderhawk were never meant to be bonafide variants :D I believe those 2 really fall into the mistake category. I seriously doubt if Spyderco did those 2 intentionally. I've had both of those and trust me there really isn't enough difference in them to fall into the definition of a "variant". Now from a collector's standpoint there might be some argument to be made. Albeit I was never able to capitilize on either one I had :o

But I do predict that the H-1 Spyderhawk will enjoy far more success than did it's VG-10 brother. And I look for those 2 H-1 models to be around for some time to come. Aside from the Martial ARts appeal that the Spyderhawk enjoys I really think it's the ultimate working man's Hawkbill for so many reasons I won't even try to make a list.
 
JD Spydo said:
I don't think that the "endurahawk" or the upsidedown Spyderhawk were never meant to be bonafide variants :D I believe those 2 really fall into the mistake category. I seriously doubt if Spyderco did those 2 intentionally.

Now from a collector's standpoint there might be some argument to be made.

But I do predict that the H-1 Spyderhawk will enjoy far more success than did it's VG-10 brother. And I look for those 2 H-1 models to be around for some time to come.
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Oh, I agree completely that they were never intentional or meant to be "official" variants. Just pointing out what's actually out there. :D

As I am trying to "collect the whole set", this is information that is handy to have. That list was just a FYI for any others who might be doing the same.

When asked about whether the H1 Spyderhawk would just be a Sprint run or what, Sal said something to the effect of "as long as they keep selling, we'll keep making them". :thumbup:
 
I discovered the perfect use for a good hawkbill today....try untying a Barbie doll from it's coffin of a box. The doll is tied down with teeny strands of monofilament at so many points. I tried my trusty canoe without luck, then whipped out a large Sebbie, but again it was difficult. Then with the teeny ladybug hawkbill I was able to release Barbie from her bonds with surgical precision.
 
If you really want to know the awesome versatility of the Hawkbill blades of the Great Spyder Factory I just dare any of you to carry one for at least 2 to 3 days. That's the best way to discover the multi-faceted uses of the Hawkbill blades.

My Harpy and Tasman are like eagle talons they are so precise cutting. One day I just carried nothing but my G-10 Harpy and I was amazed at how many regular cutting chores I could get done with it.

But I find new cutting jobs at least once or twice a week that do work extremely well with one of Spyderco's Hawkbills.

I am so excited about this newer H-1 Spyderhawk that I purposely look for reasons to carry it. Even though there are other Hawkbill blades out there on the open market other than Spyderco's I have little or no desire to even check them out. Because to me Spyderco's Hawkbills are at least 5 years ahead of their closest competitor.

I still say that the Harpy or Tasman ( or Merlin if you can find one) is the best overall sized Hawkbill to cut your teeth on. I'll say it again>> there is a reason that the Harpy has been in the main line up as long as it has>> case closed>> get a Spyderco Hawkbill and discover for yourself :cool:
 
I can't praise the hawkbills enough either. I scored a CF SE Harpy a few months back and carry it everyday along with my Sebbie. I find it to be a great tool to pop off little wire ties. Not only does the knife cut well, it just looks awesome.
 
distorted said:
I can't praise the hawkbills enough either. I scored a CF SE Harpy a few months back and carry it everyday along with my Sebbie. I find it to be a great tool to pop off little wire ties. Not only does the knife cut well, it just looks awesome.
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Hey "distorted" I think you are going through the same "rite of passage" I went through about 4 years ago. It's not so much as the big things that Hawkbills do well it's the thousands of little things you find them good for :cool:.

You just have to carry one to see it for yourself first hand as I see you have for sure.

There is so much you can do by pull cutting and Hawkbills are the best at that for sure.
 
Spyderco does do the hawkbill right:thumbup:

My first one was a fully serrated Tasman. I used it for a full 3 or 4 years as my work knife. I finally decided that after several years of hard use (and absolutely no issues with edge or wear, honestly) that I would pick up another knife to fill it's role. My co-worker was going to order a replacement to his lost work knife, so the situation of paying the same shipping on one knife as two was enough of an enabler for me to start shopping myself.

I looked at various models and shapes from other manufacturers. I promised myself that variety is the spice of life and that I wasn't going to replace my perfectly good knife with something exactly like it. I was really close to going with the Superhawk.

I decided money is a little tight and went with the G10 SE Byrd Crossbill. WOW! I simply couldn't imagine more knife for under $30! Solid lock up, smooth action, very nice edge retention, beefy and utterly solid:thumbup: Fantastically well done and affordable work knife for anyone on a budget...and even for those that CAN afford something "better". I knew they were well done, but I simply can't get over the fit and finish. I've paid triple for knives not this well done. Bravo Spyderco:thumbup:
 
Steely_Gunz said:
Spyderco does do the hawkbill right:thumbup:

My first one was a fully serrated Tasman. I used it for a full 3 or 4 years as my work knife. I finally decided that after several years of hard use (and absolutely no issues with edge or wear, honestly) that I would pick up another knife to fill it's role. My co-worker was going to order a replacement to his lost work knife, so the situation of paying the same shipping
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I would highly suggest running down a G-10 Harpy ( that is if you can still find one :D) I truly hope that with the success of the reintroduced G-10 Spyderco Police model that the VG-10 Harpy should get a chance. G-10 handled Hawkbills are just made for hard work and brutal uses.

I don't have anything against FRN but I do like G-10 just a bit better. I do highly recommend the TASMAN, Harpy, Merlin or Crossbill for a starter Hawkbill. I do hope that the Great Spyder Factory someday sees fit to make a G-10 Harpy with ZDP-189.
 
JD Spydo said:
I would highly suggest running down a G-10 Harpy ( that is if you can still find one :D) I truly hope that with the success of the reintroduced G-10 Spyderco Police model that the VG-10 Harpy should get a chance. G-10 handled Hawkbills are just made for hard work and brutal uses.

I don't have anything against FRN but I do like G-10 just a bit better. I do highly recommend the TASMAN, Harpy, Merlin or Crossbill for a starter Hawkbill. I do hope that the Great Spyder Factory someday sees fit to make a G-10 Harpy with ZDP-189.
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A G-10 Harpy with ANY good blade steel would work! They are VERY hard to find right now. I think that a G-10 Harpy would be the perfect Spydie Hawkbill for me - if I could find one that is. :D
 
Bohica1998 said:
A G-10 Harpy with ANY good blade steel would work! They are VERY hard to find right now. I think that a G-10 Harpy would be the perfect Spydie Hawkbill for me - if I could find one that is. :D
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And if you score one of the older ones with the ATS-55 blade steel which is what I have in my pocket as I type this post>> You won't be sorry you did. Because ATS-55 isn't bad anyway and hopefully if enough people do learn how good a G-10 Harpy is maybe Spyderco will go ahead and bring it back too like they did the G-10 Police model.

Yeah I really treasure the one I currently use. Now I have no particular adversion to the stainless handled VG-10 version but once you've used a G-10 handled Hawkbill it just plain doesn't get any better.

I like the extra thick spine of the Harpy also. I truly believe it would be great for a flint-striking, firestarting tool as well. As I said before there's a solid reason that the Harpy has enjoyed such a long tenure. It's just high time for a new G-10 handled Hawkbill>>> and the choir said AMEN!!!!!!
 
JD Spydo said:
Now I have no particular adversion to the stainless handled VG-10 version but once you've used a G-10 handled Hawkbill it just plain doesn't get any better.


As I said before there's a solid reason that the Harpy has enjoyed such a long tenure. It's just high time for a new G-10 handled Hawkbill>>> and the choir said AMEN!!!!!!
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My only problem with the SS Harpy is that I have Arthritis which can sometimes make it hard to hold onto, especially if it gets wet or sweaty. That's why I like the idea of getting a G-10 handled version. To be honest, my FRN Merlins see more pocket time that the Harpy for just that reason. :(

I'm definitely ready for a new G-10 handled Harpy (or even second run of the first version)!! :D
 
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