The Bump replacement finally arrives

[Artfully Martial]

And it's a Gravitator. Plain edge, non coated.

This knife, I think, is getting overlooked for the also great but much flashier and more attention grabbing competitors that have been released fairly recently.

Upon my long and thoughtful evaluation of the other potentials, the Gravitator simply won out.

I put it up against the ZT0200, ZT0300, RCC and Spyker for the replacement. I wanted a large liner or framelock to replace the Bump. It had to be something a little flashy, and had to be reasonably big.

People are loving to talk about these overbuilt new folders, but seem to be leaving this top notch 100 dollar knife out of the list.

More photos at bottom

 

[Daniel Dorn]

Don't tell me it has replaced your Blue Bump! I guess I'll have to look into it as well. My Blue Bump is still one of my favorite lookers. My favorite user still continues to be the Microtech LCC D/A, though. You might want to look into a customized version with pearl. If you're looking for a flashy work-horse of a knife, an LCC would definitely fit the bill. Of course it will cost you an arm and a leg, nowadays...

Daniel

 

[Artfully Martial]

I really like Lightfoot's work...I have small urban shark from him from years back that I still cherish.

I do miss the blue bump, but I'm sure the gravitator will be a competent replacement. It's doing well so far. I should have a ton of pics up later today.

 

[huugh]

Congrats to great buy. :thumbup:

 

[Zombie Zeke]

I agree with you the Gravitator is going to be my next purchase, it is very underrated. I like the plain wharnecliff with serrations. I bought a Spyderco military instead of it but it was only because of need and availability at the time. I still love the spyderco but it to has recently been replaced by an also neglected very well put together knife the Kershaw Ti-34.

 

[darkestthicket]

Gratz on the purchase, I too think the GRAV is a great looking knife and plan to get one...eventually

 

[Artfully Martial]

Updated with (bad) photos. I'll be taking more tonight that don't suck (hopefully) and plenty of size comparison shots.

 

[Kohai999]

horrid blade-to-handle ratio, YMMV.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Artfully Martial]

It certainly isn't a very efficient ratio, but I think even massive hands will find a home on the gravitator. I tend to like longer handles than blades, but in this case, the knife is big enough where it was probably unecessary. If I recall correctly, you're not a fan of Spyderco's "little big knives," correct?

Ultimately, the ratios don't really bother me one way or the other...it's just an extra CM to carry for me. Worth it if it makes the knife more attractive.

Out of curiosity, why not knives with longer handles than blades?

 

[Kohai999]

Out of curiosity, why not knives with longer handles than blades?

Folding knives are a handle that covers the blade, right? Now, with Spyderco's smaller knives, I can understand the need for an ergonomic handle for the average hand, but with big knives, I want as much blade as can safely fit in the handle, otherwise, I might prefer a small/medium fixed blade with a 4 1/2" blade and a 4-4 1/4" handle.

It is something that William McHenry of the Axis lock instilled in me about 15 years ago, and makes perfect sense.

That said, it is also a matter of personal preference, and that is why I added "YMMV". It is the only thing that has kept ME from purchasing this knife. I just can't figure out why they did not see fit to shave a 1/4" from the handle.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[hardheart]

to toss my .02 in, since it is also a pet peeve of mine-I hate to carry more in the pocket than what I get in the hand. Knives that are very wide when folded, or have more than 1.25" difference between the handle and blade really don't work for me. I got myself a paramilitary to see, and it still holds true for me even with such a well constructed model. I wish a half inch of handle in front of the pivot would disappear, the last bit for the lanyard hole cut away, and the finger choil would get replaced with a little more cutting edge. I'm a bit happier with my Cara cara, but the choil could still be placed fully in the handle and sharpen a bit more blade. Could actually have a longer edge and shorter overall knife without losing a four finger grip.

 

[dpimpc]

For some reason, the looks remind me of a teradactyle (SP?). Anyways, glad you enjoy it.

 

[huugh]

Folding knives are a handle that covers the blade, right? Now, with Spyderco's smaller knives, I can understand the need for an ergonomic handle for the average hand, but with big knives, I want as much blade as can safely fit in the handle, otherwise, I might prefer a small/medium fixed blade with a 4 1/2" blade and a 4-4 1/4" handle.

It is something that William McHenry of the Axis lock instilled in me about 15 years ago, and makes perfect sense.

That said, it is also a matter of personal preference, and that is why I added "YMMV". It is the only thing that has kept ME from purchasing this knife. I just can't figure out why they did not see fit to shave a 1/4" from the handle.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Well, it's like sports cars, they aren't practical, could have big boot and reasonable fuel consumption... - so no one would buy such a car

Aren't those little foibles what keep us interested?

:thumbup:

I like very much the shape of Gravitator's handle, yes, blade isn't exactly big, that's the tax of being wharncliff.


If you want good blade to handle ratio, let me suggest you Camillus CUDA EDC:

 

[Artfully Martial]

In my opinion, the most blade per handle you can get is the mini skirmish. That thing conceals a massive blade. Oh, added a ton new pics. Will write an overview in reviews section shortly.

 

[JSR]

I'm also a big blade-to-handle ratio person. I prefer smaller folders (3.7"-4.2" closed) as I have medium-sized hands and prefer smaller things in my pockets (way too many things in my pockets already)...and I don't really need larger folders when I'm out (and I have fixed blades at home if I need a bit larger). At the same time, I want the most blade/edge I can get from my 3.7-4.2" closed folder. I have a Delica4 but found I rarely used it (looking to sell it actually). The cutting edge is just over 2.5", yet the handle is 4.25". Relative to my other folders, I just found it larger than necessary without providing me all the cutting edge and blade I could have (and sometimes want/need). I find that to be true of most Spydies, so the blade-to-handle ratio along with my preference in aesthetics (I don't find most spydies very attractive) has taken me away from spydercos.
I'm glad you like the knife, and that's what's most important. I like most of Snody's designs...I find them unique and interesting.