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Thoughts on Spyderco...

Megalobyte

Megalobyte

Joined
Jun 5, 2002
Messages
2,761
Ive never been much for buying production knives to collect, with the notable exceptions of Chris Reeve and Microtech, and theyre really worlds ahead of most production knives in quality, but recently ive been looking at some Spydercos as a relatively cheap, yet well made knife.

I actually handled a few tonight at a gunshop. I played with a Police and a Military, both had solid lockup, the Police's wasnt perfect, but the up and down blade play was very small, the Military though surprised me in that the liner is awfully thin, i expected it to be thicker, though i do realize thickness isnt everything. Neither did have any side to side blade play and both felt solid, and well made.

Im thinking of getting a carbon fiber Police, im hoping ill get one with no blade play and perfect lockup. I have heard that Sypderco is going to be using S30V on their knives soon, question is, should i wait to see if a CF Police is released in S30V, or get the existing CF Police, how is the steel on current Police models?

I was wondering though, if anybody knows, are lockback locks generally stronger or weaker than a well designed liner lock? All things being equal, what is the stronger lock?
 
Spydercos are generally great values for the money and the Military does lock up great with a thin liner. I don't believe that the Police will come in S30V. I think only USA made models will come in that steel.
 
Both the Police and the Military are great knives. The lockup on either one is solid.

The run of CF Police was limited to 1500, all VG-10. Although sales apparently have been good, I wouldn't look for another run of CF Police any time soon. Next up is a CF Delica in a couple of months.
 
Spyderco's lock strengths are pretty impressive. They don't publicize the actual numbers, but what little I've seen mentioned on the Spyderco forum far exceeds the strength ratings of other companies that brag endlessly about how strong their folders are. I wouldn't hesitate to trust their lockbacks or linerlocks.
 
There's only one other lock that I'd trust more than a good ol fashioned lock back that's put together the way Spyderco does.
 
I have a couple of the stainless Police models (fully serrated and plain-edge), and they are my favorite folders. They are thin, but feel solid.
 
I am more comfortable with a lockback than a liner lock, although I've never passed up a good knife because it had a liner lock. I think the lockback is stronger. It is also ambidextrous. And the lock is out of the way, as I hold them, whereas some linerlocks can be closed accidentally in my grip.
 
Looks like your questions have been answered by others already. I just wanted to add that my CF Police has no play at all in any direction. It's also a real beauty of a knife.
 
spydercos are good qaulity.
as far as linerlocks vs lockbacks, it all depends on the knife, way it is made, who made it, ect. Ive seen linerlocks fail, but more lockbacks fail.
When it comes to spydercos though, you can trust, for the most part, both the lockbacks and linerlocks.

hope this helps!!! :)
 
The Military will be coming out in S30V shortly - I believe I heard February.

I thought I'd also mention that Spyderco does a lot of testing, especially in the field of lock strength. From what I've heard, they regularly test knives sent in under warranty to make sure the lock is up to spec.

The CF handled Spydies are really nice. Try one, and I doubt you'll be dissapointed.

-- Rob
 
I have several Spyderco lockbacks (Endura, Delica, Rescue, G-10 Police) and only the FRN ones have a very slight up-and-down blade movement. However, this small amount of play has never affected their performance.
The G-10 Police is rock solid up-and-down and side-to-side.

Spyderco is one of those companies that offers something for everyone. They have very affordable knives and they have some rather expensive ones too. Often the price difference is 100% justified (IMHO).
You can't go wrong with the Military or the Police model--just check the one you're considering very carefully, and if you're not happy with it, ask to see another one.
They will serve you well.

As for the lockback vs liner-lock debate: the both have their champions and I own knives with both types of locks, but I prefer a lockback over a liner-lock almost every time.
I have seen liner-locks wear enough, in a short amount of time, that the blade traveled all the way across the tang. And I have seen cases where the ball-detent did'nt hold the blade closed very well.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I personally have yet to find up and down blade play on my Spyderco lockbacks. My Chinook have a little wobble but it isn't really up and down.
As to lock strength. If you ever send it back for sharpening, they'll test your knife first before they do anything. Often, their expectation of their own knives are so high that the knife will break, and you'll get a replacement. And that's knives that I've deemed safe enough for my purposes too!
 
Let's put it this way, meglobyte,
if you're basically a collector, then, $500-$3,000 isn't too VERY steep for a "locker queen" ( I sure as HELL would have a "heavy" insurance rider though!;)) But if you want the BEST "production" has to offer, you can do no better than a Spydie!!! BTW : In your "Damascus
Spydie" thread ( which turns out to be the 25th Anniversary Delica :))
we see NOT a per se "production" knife, but "hand crafted" (with a PRICE to match!) But, in my sight, my "EnduraHawk" is just as well made
as that "hand made" Delica! It's ALL asthetics, my esteemed collegue!
Just my two cents.( Luke 21:1-2 )

AET ;)
 
keep in mind that spyderco assembles thier models by hand, and then has QC *gasp* humans handle again before it even leaves the factory(haven't watched my vid in a while, but I remember that part).

Spyderco is a pricepoint company. You get great quality out of the Military, yet the same care is put into the Delica... both ends of the same spectrum. They give you options in all size ranges, and all budgets.

I have bought 20 so far, in about 3.5yrs, and have given some as gifts. I have #14 and #15 on order(#14 will be mine after month end, #15 will be a bday gift in march #52 of the 25th). Not a problem yet, though I'm shipping 2 for pivot work as they are starting to get movement.
 
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