Tatanka: One Beast of a Blade

[Bushido185]

My impression when I opened the Tatanka for the first time was simply "Wow!" It being my first large folder just left me in awe for about 30 minutes. The only knife I have close to it is the CS Recon 1 with a 4" blade and there is no comparison, the Tatanka is hands down the better knife. Fit and finish, ergos, lock up, and the G10 scales are all flawlessly executed. What a slab of VG-10 this thing has and a beautiful saber grind too. Jimping on the thumb ramp is also well done. Naturally, being a Spyderco it came razor sharp from the factory in Seki City, Japan.

Due to the size of the handle I moved the factory position of the 4 way adjustable pocket clip to tip down carry. It's just too large to fumble into position for opening from tip up carry. If I choke up on the choil I can get both hands on the handle. The stainless steel liners are milled out to perfection. The finish on the pocket clip appears to be less shiny than other Spyderco knives I own, and perhaps more durable. A card came with the Tatanka stating due to it's size to use extra caution when closing the knife and chopping is not recommended. The Power Lock is nice and smooth. When you depress the lock bar the blade drops so be careful not to chop off a finger with the heavy blade. One thing that surprised me is how easy it is to open the 5.05" blade, almost effortless.

I'll admit the Tatanka weighs a lot (9.2 ozs) but I won't be carrying it everyday and it's expected from an 11.55" knife. Overall the Tatanka instills lots of confidence in hand and should hold up to just about any task you throw at it.

Thanks Sal for producing such a quality large bladed folder.

https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=901

 

[Rum. Monkey.]

Cool knife. What is your main use for a large one like this? And anyone else who carries a >5" blade, what are you using them for? Just curious because I think it's really cool

 

[fishface5]

"beast" is the perfect word for that knife! I was very impressed with the fit, finish and smooth action.

 

[Bushido185]

Cool knife. What is your main use for a large one like this? And anyone else who carries a >5" blade, what are you using them for? Just curious because I think it's really cool

On the occasions I do carry it my main purpose will be as backup self-defense. Beyond that it will either be in my go bag or with me camping.

 

[Dave Hunnicutt]

The Tatanka is the nicest knife I have ever owned. I immediately sold all my large CS folders when it arrived. The Tatanka is so easy to carry, I don't know it is in my pocket. It is the perfect backup for my S&W 642.

I carry it every day.

 

[John_0917]

Saw one of these at House of Blades recently, it really is massive. It even comes with a special tag on it reminding the user to be careful closing it. I could never find a use for one of these outside of the kitchen but you obviously can...now just fix your clip and you'll be all set.

 

[Bushido185]

Saw one of these at House of Blades recently, it really is massive. It even comes with a special tag on it reminding the user to be careful closing it. I could never find a use for one of these outside of the kitchen but you obviously can...now just fix your clip and you'll be all set.

Fix it in what way, or do you mean move it to tip up carry? It's where it needs to be on a knife this size.

 

[stabman]

Still need to get one of those.

 

[Bushido185]

Still need to get one of those.

Very well worth the investment. I still can't put the thing down lol.

 

[ShishouMatt]

Fix it in what way, or do you mean move it to tip up carry? It's where it needs to be on a knife this size.

I agree. I think people are just anal about tip up carry to the point where they aren't even thinking about when tip-up is an inconvenience. On a knife this size, tip down is easier access to opening the knife.

 

[Barman1]

I agree. I think people are just anal about tip up carry to the point where they aren't even thinking about when tip-up is an inconvenience. On a knife this size, tip down is easier access to opening the knife.

I tried the Tatanka both ways but tip up still works better for my orangutan hands.
Also for those that carry a different knife every day consistency is important. On more than one occasion I've found myself fumbling with my tip down Millies trying to orient it properly. It doesn't matter how much I practice with it, after a few weeks of not carrying it I'm right back to fumbling again.

 

[Bushido185]

I tried the Tatanka both ways but tip up still works better for my orangutan hands.
Also for those that carry a different knife every day consistency is important. On more than one occasion I've found myself fumbling with my tip down Millies trying to orient it properly. It doesn't matter how much I practice with it, after a few weeks of not carrying it I'm right back to fumbling again.

Tip up works most of the time for me too. On the Military and the Tatanka however, I find tip down works best. With these larger knives I don't have to reposition the knife to open it. Tip down on any knife with less than a 4" blade length just feels awkward to me.

 

[John_0917]

Fix it in what way, or do you mean move it to tip up carry? It's where it needs to be on a knife this size.

Opening that thing from tip down would make me nervous that I would end up with a bloody nose!

 

[Bushido185]

Opening that thing from tip down would make me nervous that I would end up with a bloody nose!

You do have to be careful not to put your eye out. The Tatanka is the Red Ryder of knives.

 

[Rum. Monkey.]

Any way you can post a pic of the Tatanka in your hand without a glove? That would be very helpful

 

[John_0917]

Any way you can post a pic of the Tatanka in your hand without a glove? That would be very helpful

And a pic of the tag it came with...I mentioned it in another thread, but it essentially says something along the lines of "this is knife is really big so be careful closing it"...

 

[Bushido185]