Tasman VS Harpy?

Hi Tyr, actually the Harpy has FRN handles not G10. FRN is fiberglass reinforced nylon, not plastic. It is a time proven material used in many many Spyderco models. Although it is certainly logical to compare all points of the harpy vs the tasman, the cost difference consideration needs to bear in mind a couple of points. The CF harpy is a limited edition, collector piece with Carbon Fiber, which is a more expensive ingredient, while the Tasman is a full production piece with the less expensive FRN. As far as quality, Spyderco is very reputable in for many reasons, and one being they don't "skimp" on the less expensive models for quality and especially safety. Many many folks can sing the praises of Spydercos FRN knifes for quality and durability. I believe two of their best selling models are their FRN Delica and FRN Endura. Hope that helps.
 
zenheretic said:
Hi Tyr, actually the Harpy has FRN handles not G10. FRN is fiberglass reinforced nylon, not plastic. It is a time proven material used in many many Spyderco models. Although it is certainly logical to compare all points of the harpy vs the tasman, the cost difference consideration needs to bear in mind a couple of points. The CF harpy is a limited edition, collector piece with Carbon Fiber, which is a more expensive ingredient, while the Tasman is a full production piece with the less expensive FRN. As far as quality, Spyderco is very reputable in for many reasons, and one being they don't "skimp" on the less expensive models for quality and especially safety. Many many folks can sing the praises of Spydercos FRN knifes for quality and durability. I believe two of their best selling models are their FRN Delica and FRN Endura. Hope that helps.
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I'll second what zenheretic said. However, I'll also add that other differences between the two knives are that the Tasman has a thinner blade, and a larger thumb opening hole (this according to specs). The H1 steel has been getting good, albeit mixed reports, althouth I think the "mixed" derives more from lack of knowledge or experience than any other factor. It's my experience that people often times like to spout off thier knowledge without actually putting it to the test.
 
Another interesting point regarding the H1 steel other than its rust proof nature is how it work hardens into the mid 60 range.

No you aren't missing anything. The tasman is a great deal for a great knife.
 
The Harpy blade "might" be slightly sturdier, since it is .5mm thicker than the Tasman's. For most applications, don't think it would make a difference. Other than that, I agree with zenheretic and ghostrider that the Tasman does have some significant pluses.
 
Dear Friends,

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16897

These were my initial thoughts on the Tasman Salt. I still maintain that it is by far the best deal on the market right now for a hawkbilled blade.

I love my Harpy and have carried one religiously for years, but the Tasman Salt is the BEST all-around hawkbill, period. Maintenance-free, rust-free, lightweight and cuts like a lightsabre.

What's not to like? :D

--------
Hannibal
 
zenheretic said:
Hi Tyr, actually the Harpy has FRN handles not G10. FRN is fiberglass reinforced nylon, not plastic. It is a time proven material used in many many Spyderco models. Although it is certainly logical to compare all points of the harpy vs the tasman, the cost difference consideration needs to bear in mind a couple of points. The CF harpy is a limited edition, collector piece with Carbon Fiber, which is a more expensive ingredient, while the Tasman is a full production piece with the less expensive FRN. As far as quality, Spyderco is very reputable in for many reasons, and one being they don't "skimp" on the less expensive models for quality and especially safety. Many many folks can sing the praises of Spydercos FRN knifes for quality and durability. I believe two of their best selling models are their FRN Delica and FRN Endura. Hope that helps.
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Two things I disagree with you on here. Which is strange because it is very unusual for you and I to disagree :D . First of all in your first sentence you said that the Harpy had FRN handles>> That's not right because the Harpy never had FRN handles; it was the Merlin which had the FRN handles. Also there is a G-10 handled version of the Harpy because I have 2 of them. There are 2 dealer catalogs and 2 small Spyderco "hand out" catalogs which have them listed. And you can still get the G-10 handled Harpy from G-Sakai in Japan from what reliable sources have told me. Deacon is right about the Harpy having a sturdier blade than the Merlin or Tasman. Most of the time the Harpy blades mike out at a half a mm to a full mm thicker. :)
 
I've had good results cutting with my PE Tasman. It needed minimal sharpening and took a fine edge (again) afterward.
 
Actually I think this thread should have been entitle the " TASMAN vs Merlin". All the TASMAN is in reality is a Merlin with an H-1 blade when you really get right down to it. Although an argument could be made that Merlin is a Harpy with an FRN handle. But like Deacon and others have pointed out the Merlin does have a bit thinner blade.

Another take on it would be that the HARPY absolutey refuses to die. Even if it has to carry on under another name ;) .

With this upsurge in HAWKBILL popularity I think the TASMAN was a most excellent "Chess move" by the Great Spyder Factory. H-1 steel has filled so many voids in the spectrum of cutting chores that I am certain we will see a drove of H-1 bladed knives hitting the Market before too long.

Now I think with that chess move then the next logical step would be to come out with a ZDP-189 Harpy :cool:
 
If scratch resistance and edge holding are of more importance go with the harpy. If corossion restance or tactile sureness is of more importance go with the Tasman. I love the way the tasman feels but don't care for how easily it scratches and dulls. Guess I've become too used to s30v and vg-10. :o
 
slight said:
Resurected bc of zdp-189 harpy. Might as well be a chainsaw
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Well Brother? What's wrong with that??? :D I like my Spyder Hawkbills to have a chainsaw like action when I'm using them. Especially Hawkbills in Spyderedge. Most particularly the Spyderhawk SE because the size and cutting angle/radii of that Hawkbill can virtually cut through anything if you keep sawing on it :cool:

Even if it's just a sprint run I would love to see a gift set of the Harpy and Spyderhawk both with G-10 handles and ZDP-189 blades ( available in PE & SE both for collectible purposes). Any objections? :)
 
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