Talk me into or out of a Spec bump.

shotgunner11

shotgunner11

Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
7,809
Hey guys. So it's time for a new EDC for me and I decided on a Kershaw. I wanted something a little cheaper and was eying up a JYD II in black G-10 but I wanted a black blade, non-serrated.

Not happening, which I just wanted to point out is silly, I still don't understand what links black coated blades and serrations so permanently in knife companies heads, but I digress.....

After looking over the offerings I pretty much decided on the Spec-bump. I'm not sold on the blade shape but I can see it's merits and think I'll get used to it.

My problem is the speedsafe. I like the speedsafe, great design but I hate the lock that keeps the blade closed on my other kershaws. I have a scallion and a chive I think, and the little lock drives me nuts. The speedsafe is just sensitive enough to need the lock but then I need two hands to deploy the knife or alot of fumbling with one hand.

So I guess my question is, is the speedsafe lock different or better than that of the cheaper models?

Also, is the knife compatable with a Manix (my current EDC) as far as pocket carry is concerned? Weight, heft, thickness and all that.

Thanks Guys.
 
Hey gunner, I'm not going to be much help...I don't own a Spec, but I played with one before at NGK. But I can tell you that its a beefy knife. One thing I can say from experience is the stud lock is great. I have a few of these locks, and they are solid. Very easy to close one-handed, too. I'll carry my 1595ALBLK Speed Bump for a few days, and after that I keep reaching for the stud lock on other knives.
 
SPXTrader said:
Hey gunner, I'm not going to be much help...I don't own a Spec, but I played with one before at NGK. But I can tell you that its a beefy knife. One thing I can say from experience is the stud lock is great. I have a few of these locks, and they are solid. Very easy to close one-handed, too. I'll carry my 1595ALBLK Speed Bump for a few days, and after that I keep reaching for the stud lock on other knives.
Click to expand...

That's one of the things that drew me to the more expensive Spec bump. I've heard nothing but good things about the stud lock.

That and I like the black on black. Gotta keep up the ninja persona ya know.
 
The little blade lock you are talking about can be easily defeated. Just move the lock to full open and take a screw driver and tighten it until it won't move anymore.... problem solved. That being said, I never tightened down the locks on any of my Spec's and and never had them slide closed on me.

Like SPX said, the Stud lock is probably the best feature of the Spec it is such a natural lock placement.
 
Not to "unconvince you" but the spec bump is tip-down carry only. I carry this in my left pocket (cross-draw, right hand).

Now let me convince you: :D
I have to say, the studlock is by far my favorite lock. The lock is totally ambidextrous, and I can manipulate the blade with my left hand with ease! You cannot go wrong with the S30V steel, but what also sold me is how the knife feels in hand--it just makes you want to cut something. The G-10 is 3-d machined to perfect grippiness.

So go grab yourself one. Now. ;)
 
I pretty much echo what was said above. The Spec Bump is one of the best knives I own. It cuts really well and looks good doing it.

If you have an opportunity to pick one up, you won't be sorry.
 
The Speed/Spec Bumps are excellent knives.The blade shape makes them great slicers and the stud lock is strong and easy to operate.I don't use the lock on mine so I just tighten it down.Ironically my Spec bump stays NIB because I prefer the Speed Bumps bead blasted blade.
 
I have a Speed Bump and use it as my EDC. It fits my hand just right, and the stud lock works like a champ.For the money you cant go wrong.
 
Well, I was waiting to see if I got any of the:

"It opened in my pocket because of the speedsafe and cut my femoral artery and I died..... twice."

I didn't see any of that so I guess I'm on the lookout for a good price.

The tip up doesn't bother me at all and with the speedsafe, I would rather have the blade burried in the crease of my pocket (I'm a lefty), so the clip is set up just right for me.

Thanks for the input guys.
 
The position of the lock is such that when clipping to your pants, the lock can be activated when you do not what it to, and you will withdraw a knife that surprisingly wont open. I love the knife, and I tightened the lock to where it wont move. Also, I prefer tip up, so mine is going to STR to be converted.

You wont be unhappy with the knife, its a sweet blade.

Brad, I honestly cant believe you dont own one yet. What the heck are you spending money on? Moonshine and more horsepower?
 
The only 'issue' I have with the Spec, or Speed Bumbs is when I opened mine before my wife (waiting for her to say Wow that's nice, you know, me being all proud etc.) all I heard was, "Eep". Being that she says the Crowell Barker Knife is 'very ncie looking' this was a bit of a surprise. So I guess the blade shape and size isn't exactly 'whip it out in public' friendly.

On the other hand, if I could not carry a fixed blade, for some reason, going into harms way, it would definetly be the folder I would take.

The blade lock is actually in a very good place. it is located at the pivot end right next to the flipper. It is very fast to engage or disengage and as others have said, it can be tightened down to be locked out. The Stud Lock is by far my favorite lock type. After a little bit of playing with it, the spring loosens up enough that it can be used with only one finger and is very fast.

Oh yeah, one other thing. The pocket clip is ridiculously large. It is literally larger then the blade on a Leek.
 
J_Curd said:
Brad, I honestly cant believe you dont own one yet. What the heck are you spending money on? Moonshine and more horsepower?
Click to expand...

Yes and Yes! :D

I'm perfectly content with my Speed Bump, and when it comes to carrying a stud lock, the Mini Mojo/Mojito is the best "little big knife" I own!


Oh, and two more MC TI/ZDP's are in the barn, too! :p
 
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