I would like to see another folder with the same principles as the Civilian and Matriarch in the Spyderco line-up. Correct me if i'm wrong, but the Civilian and Matriarch are knives designed to afford those with little or no self-defense training a very 
effective method of getting themselves out of a nasty situation, and in this role, both knives excel, however, i would like to see a knife in this category which also excels as an EDC utility knife. For the most part people are unwilling to carry about one knife for utility and another for defense, so it seems like a good idea to combine the two.
I think when most of us look for a folder for self defense, or for utility, a few factors cross our minds,
(1) Probability of fingers sliding onto the cutting edge of the blade, easily eliminated by adding a good index finger cut-out, which also makes the handle more comfortable and easy to control during utility tasks.
(2) Strength of lock, i think most of Spyderco's locks hold up just fine for both SD and utility, though a compression lock or lock-back with the David Boye dent might be best.
(3) Grippability of handle, makes micarta or stainless steel a poorer choice than G10 or textured FRN.
(4) Blade profile, a Native-like blade in VG10 (personal preference and i think more cost-effective than CPM-440V(?)) with an easy-to sharpen back swedge which is fully covered by the handle would, IMO be suitable.
(5) Deployment, not so important for utility, but for SD the knife should ride high in the pocket and should have a largish opening hole (perhaps with the Cobra Hood for reduced likelihood of fumbling in a high-stress situation).
So basically a Native with enhanced finger cut-out, VG10 steel, a larger handle, a sharpenable back-swedge, larger opening hole (maybe with Cobra Hood), a clip positioned lower on the handle (preferabley the three-screw style clip, because they are less likely to loosen) and if the blade would be over 3', it might as well be closer to 3.5 or 4' for enhanced reach.
Ok, maybe i got a bit carried away, but what does everyone think?
effective method of getting themselves out of a nasty situation, and in this role, both knives excel, however, i would like to see a knife in this category which also excels as an EDC utility knife. For the most part people are unwilling to carry about one knife for utility and another for defense, so it seems like a good idea to combine the two.I think when most of us look for a folder for self defense, or for utility, a few factors cross our minds,
(1) Probability of fingers sliding onto the cutting edge of the blade, easily eliminated by adding a good index finger cut-out, which also makes the handle more comfortable and easy to control during utility tasks.
(2) Strength of lock, i think most of Spyderco's locks hold up just fine for both SD and utility, though a compression lock or lock-back with the David Boye dent might be best.
(3) Grippability of handle, makes micarta or stainless steel a poorer choice than G10 or textured FRN.
(4) Blade profile, a Native-like blade in VG10 (personal preference and i think more cost-effective than CPM-440V(?)) with an easy-to sharpen back swedge which is fully covered by the handle would, IMO be suitable.
(5) Deployment, not so important for utility, but for SD the knife should ride high in the pocket and should have a largish opening hole (perhaps with the Cobra Hood for reduced likelihood of fumbling in a high-stress situation).
So basically a Native with enhanced finger cut-out, VG10 steel, a larger handle, a sharpenable back-swedge, larger opening hole (maybe with Cobra Hood), a clip positioned lower on the handle (preferabley the three-screw style clip, because they are less likely to loosen) and if the blade would be over 3', it might as well be closer to 3.5 or 4' for enhanced reach.
Ok, maybe i got a bit carried away, but what does everyone think?
