I'm resurrecting this thread because I meant to add to it a time and forgot to get around to it, and I wanted to contribute something to the Arena. I have a spyderco Spyker I traded quite heavily to get it. probably too much but you really wanted it. I mostly collect spyderco's am most comfortable with non-assisted opening with the spider hole. However I really like the deeply recurve blade design that Kershaw brought to the table on this design. I'm sure sharpening this blade be challenging beyond my abilities except for touchup sharpening which given the number of blades I use in sequence, and the amount of use they see should hold an offer quite some time. ergonomically this knife is very well designed I normally do not like the contours, but this one fits very well in both normal and choked up hand positions.. And pretty well in reverse although I would never really use reverse for anything. There been many complaints about the liner lock with this model not having a firm lockup mine originally was somewhat questionable but I sent it back to spyderco and they somehow recondition the original knife to a very satisfactory lockout, him I am aware that sometimes there is an issue with liner lock's feeling like they may become unattached in extreme grip positions this knife is sufficiently well-designed that this does not concern me with this model at all. I can't say enough about the ergonomics of this knife it is extremely complex and very well-designed very comfortable, I don't carry it that often because it is one of my more expensive pieces but it along with my ti spyderco Bob Lum folder. hold a special place in my collection. This model has a fairly high-rise clip not a problem for me because I usually carry with my shirttails out, and I more likely at the bottom and the top of my clip showing. I don't know how this could been redesigned and am happy with it, personally in some cases with larger knives a higher rise clip makes for less bulky carry. this blade is thicker than most spyderco is of the same size I own but again it is well ground and well thought out so the thickness works well as it is designed for me. they don't all need to be the perfect tomato slicer.
My gripes be carbon fiber inserts were not set exactly perfect there is a small gap at the end of one piece it is not loose but they epoxied is not fully fill the gap between me frame and the inset. given the complex nature of the inset, but it is a small thing and it is a production piece. Also three holes bored of the blade were not finished perfectly. but a couple minutes work with a small pocket diamond rods fixed that easily.
This piece was manufactured by spyderco in their Golden Colorado plant comes extremely sharp with a nice it pouch, and is covered by one of the best knife guarantees on the planet.
one last note although it is not speed safe spyderco spend a lot of time more than most I believe on the dynamics of opening. The path to opening is very clear in the angles and physics are very well thought out. It opens smoothly and easily with a large opening aperture.
I can recommend this to Kershaw fans and spyderco fans alike.
those ribbed/grooved handles are sweet ... :thumbup: