Okay, I'm not trying to start a fight here, but I'd like some thoughts on the "Wave" feature being used on the Enduras and Delicas. A lot of my knife buddies think it's a great idea, but some of the more traditional guys just say "It's a gimmick knife, and I don't like gimmick knives" or give me the "mall ninja" comment. I'm getting an Endura 4 with the wave regardless, I'm just curious as to what others think.
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Thoughts On the Wave?
- Thread starter JNieporte
- Start date
Owning an Endura 4 Wave myself, I'd say it's hardly gimmicky. Spyderco has actually improved on Emerson's original desing, making the feature more reliable and useable. Subtract the wave feature, and you still have the very-reliable spyderhole to open the knife. Combine this with the newly-revised rendition of one of Spyderco's most trustworthy and endur-ing
designs, and you have a clear winner.
You can also use the wave on the Endura and Delica as a bottle opener. I guess you could call that a gimmick. I just call it awesome.
designs, and you have a clear winner.You can also use the wave on the Endura and Delica as a bottle opener. I guess you could call that a gimmick. I just call it awesome.
I prefer the wave. Faster and easier opening (at least for me) than just a regular hole/stud/disk.
Problem with mall ninja stuff is that some of the stuff is actually useful. It can easily be seen as mall ninja-ish, but the wave is also useful for SD. Glass breakers, again, can be seen as mall ninja-ish, but if you need to break open a car window to get someone (or yourself) out, it's better to have it. Ditto with karambits, note that they were not originally designed for fighting.
Problem with mall ninja stuff is that some of the stuff is actually useful. It can easily be seen as mall ninja-ish, but the wave is also useful for SD. Glass breakers, again, can be seen as mall ninja-ish, but if you need to break open a car window to get someone (or yourself) out, it's better to have it. Ditto with karambits, note that they were not originally designed for fighting.
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It's not a feature I personally desire, and does not work well with my style of carry - loose in the rear pocket. However, I think those who write it off as only suitable for mall ninjas are being myopic. The next knife that will become available with it is the C14 Rescue, hardly mall ninja material. Am guessing the reason is that it allows reliable opening under stress and while wearing heavy gloves.
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I have made probably 100 or more conversions at this point for forum members. (With Ernest Emerson's written permission to do them I might add and I'm the only one he has done that with). I have also bought several of the factory Emerson knives and seen enough of the Spyderco factory Waved ones to be able to compare. Certain designs in the Emerson line seem to fair better for use and just flat out work better in my opinion. I feel if I had to bet my life on it I would have more trust getting the Spyderco Enudura opened more reliably than most of the Emersons I've used. The CQC13 and CQC12 both opened extremely reliably for me though and I must say they were on par with the best I've used. They seem much easier on pockets also than the other Emerson knives.
Other than the general shape and gemometry of where the Wave connects to the pocket and the leverage of the longer handle I can't say why some work better than others. Its just the way I feel. The Emerson CQC8 was quite good for reliability also. The 14 on the other hand is one that I feel may as well have been made without the Wave mod on it at all. It doesn't even work half the time for me and will tear a hole in a pocket almost after the first successful deployment of the blade using the Wave. At least that is my experience with it. I am carrying one right now and never use the Wave on it. Actually I've considered taking the Wave off it altogether.
I don't think at this point you can call the Wave a gimmick. I can see where it would have been considered such after first coming out though but one needs to consider that people have been sticking zip ties in Spyderco opening holes almost since the first Spyderco rolled off of the production line. The idea is not new at all. Its been around a while with no signs of it being discontinued. In fact Cold Steel is offering something very similar on some of their select folders under the patent held by Andrew Demko.
I have found that many LEO, Emergency workers, and military do in fact appreciate the benefit of the Wave feature. I do feel however that there are just as many that would just as soon have an option to buy the same model with or without the feature. The draw back of course to this type opening is the pocket wear. For uniformed service members that can technically be out of uniform if they tear up a pocket it can be more expensive than just the purchase of the knife itself at times. I might add that the pocket wear is not just because of the Wave itself but many times the pocket clip does as much damage because people that have the Wave literally stand around taking the knife on and off the pocket opening and closing it repeatedly. This increases the wear on the pocket many times over so you do in fact see the evidence of it on your pants. Being one that makes them, tests them and does so repeatedly I can testify to just how fast you can ruin a mint pair of pants with this new toy in your hands.
Owning a knife with a Wave feature is a dicipline. Once the novelty is over and the wardrobe renewed you beginto adjust to it and only use it enough to stay sharp with the technique so its going to work when you want it to, and most of the time its a regular clipped pocket knife. Its the newness phase where all the damage occurs.
Thats my take on the Wave as of this date in 2007
STR
Other than the general shape and gemometry of where the Wave connects to the pocket and the leverage of the longer handle I can't say why some work better than others. Its just the way I feel. The Emerson CQC8 was quite good for reliability also. The 14 on the other hand is one that I feel may as well have been made without the Wave mod on it at all. It doesn't even work half the time for me and will tear a hole in a pocket almost after the first successful deployment of the blade using the Wave. At least that is my experience with it. I am carrying one right now and never use the Wave on it. Actually I've considered taking the Wave off it altogether.
I don't think at this point you can call the Wave a gimmick. I can see where it would have been considered such after first coming out though but one needs to consider that people have been sticking zip ties in Spyderco opening holes almost since the first Spyderco rolled off of the production line. The idea is not new at all. Its been around a while with no signs of it being discontinued. In fact Cold Steel is offering something very similar on some of their select folders under the patent held by Andrew Demko.
I have found that many LEO, Emergency workers, and military do in fact appreciate the benefit of the Wave feature. I do feel however that there are just as many that would just as soon have an option to buy the same model with or without the feature. The draw back of course to this type opening is the pocket wear. For uniformed service members that can technically be out of uniform if they tear up a pocket it can be more expensive than just the purchase of the knife itself at times. I might add that the pocket wear is not just because of the Wave itself but many times the pocket clip does as much damage because people that have the Wave literally stand around taking the knife on and off the pocket opening and closing it repeatedly. This increases the wear on the pocket many times over so you do in fact see the evidence of it on your pants. Being one that makes them, tests them and does so repeatedly I can testify to just how fast you can ruin a mint pair of pants with this new toy in your hands.
Owning a knife with a Wave feature is a dicipline. Once the novelty is over and the wardrobe renewed you beginto adjust to it and only use it enough to stay sharp with the technique so its going to work when you want it to, and most of the time its a regular clipped pocket knife. Its the newness phase where all the damage occurs.
Thats my take on the Wave as of this date in 2007
STR
Its definitely not a gimmick. I've seen it in action, tried one, and have even replicated it by dragginf the very large dual-thumbstuds of a certain folder on the corner of my jeans. It works. My only complaint is that they haven't "waved" the knife that would benefit the most from this modification...the Civilian. Most people would think that a knife designe specifically for SD would be one of, if not the first knife to have its opening time cut down with a modification.
. Frankly, it is the fastest, most convenient way to open a folder. What's gimmicky about it? Bet that one-hand onening folders were called a gimmick when they first came out.
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
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I find the Wave is easier to use than any opening hole or stud or disc. The Spyderco Wave is generally easier than the Emerson. for anyone thinking about a Waved Endura or Delica, remember you are also getting a spearpoint blade, which is different from the standard Endura/Delica. I like that spearpoint.
There are two types of people. Those that have used a Wave and those that have not. People that have never owned or used a knife with the Wave feature should never be listened to about the Wave.
I was pretty stand offish about the Wave until I got bored enough to try one. It helped that it was a deal on a slightly used Endura 4 Wave as well. I was impressed and I don't think it is a gimmich anymore. I ended up not caring for the Endura 4 but it sold me on the whole Wave idea. I then bought a Waved Delica and I liked that much better. Now I am at the pint of just putting the Zip tie on my favorite Spydercos and I am happy because I can Wave every Spyderco that can be carried tip up!
I Waved my Centofante 4 after I switched the clip to tip up from the factory setting of tip down. Now I think the zip tie Cent 4 is one of the best Waved Spyderco you can get. I think it should be a factory item. Not with a factory zip tie but with a real Wave. LOL!
I have Waved a CE Delica 4 for work and a older all black Delica 3 PE. It is quickly getting to the point that unless the knife has a Wave or can be zip tie Waved, I am less likey to carry it. Now I am looking for a larger knife that I can Wave and carry for SD.
I was pretty stand offish about the Wave until I got bored enough to try one. It helped that it was a deal on a slightly used Endura 4 Wave as well. I was impressed and I don't think it is a gimmich anymore. I ended up not caring for the Endura 4 but it sold me on the whole Wave idea. I then bought a Waved Delica and I liked that much better. Now I am at the pint of just putting the Zip tie on my favorite Spydercos and I am happy because I can Wave every Spyderco that can be carried tip up!
I Waved my Centofante 4 after I switched the clip to tip up from the factory setting of tip down. Now I think the zip tie Cent 4 is one of the best Waved Spyderco you can get. I think it should be a factory item. Not with a factory zip tie but with a real Wave. LOL!
I have Waved a CE Delica 4 for work and a older all black Delica 3 PE. It is quickly getting to the point that unless the knife has a Wave or can be zip tie Waved, I am less likey to carry it. Now I am looking for a larger knife that I can Wave and carry for SD.
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Best thing since sliced bread (sorry couldn't resist) 
A properly waved folder is a wonder to behold and even better in use. Nothing like drawing a pocket knife and it open when it clears the pocket, simply put Awesome ! ! !
A properly waved folder is a wonder to behold and even better in use. Nothing like drawing a pocket knife and it open when it clears the pocket, simply put Awesome ! ! !
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I have endura 3,4 and a delica with a wave. They work very well for me and the pocket wear got old so I had my sheath man make up kydex rigs for all 3
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The Wave is not for everybody. Here in Massachusetts they are illegal. I'd like nothing more than to try one and see what all the fuss is about, but rules is rules. Someday I am getting the heck out of this state, I promise. I would check your local knife laws before running out and buying one. Hopefully they are not as draconian as here.
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I have read that guys have used them to pop open their beers. I modify Spyderco Blue 93mm Rescue knives every now and then for LEO here in my area. Got to be so common for a while there I told Sal about it and understand now he has some coming out. I think those should do fairly well.
Most of the guys having me do that also ask for the Wharncliff mod so the blade has more of a point also and that looks pretty good when its done. I'd post a pic but my main computer crashed today. Still waiting to see the $ effect that is going to have. Looks like I'll be chumming up to the lap top for a few days until I know more.
STR
Most of the guys having me do that also ask for the Wharncliff mod so the blade has more of a point also and that looks pretty good when its done. I'd post a pic but my main computer crashed today. Still waiting to see the $ effect that is going to have. Looks like I'll be chumming up to the lap top for a few days until I know more.
STR
Kaizen1
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I've never heard of the wave feature being illegal anywhere. Where did you get this information?
JNieporte:
I agree with everyone here. The wave isn't gimmicky at all. It provides a practical feature. Now it may not be for everyone, but it's certainly not mall ninja-ish. I love my Endura Wave, it sees the most pocket time. I don't wave the knife open every time or even half the time. As a matter of fact, I use it maybe 15-20% of the time or so. It's comfortable to use with or without waving it open and you have that option to wave it open if you choose.
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The wave is a great feature. But as STR said, when the feature is new to you, you are going to ruin a few pairs of pants.
Once it becomes a utility feature to you, it really is quite useful. There isn't anything "mall ninja" about it. I have an Emerson Commander that I carry and use on a daily basis. Great knife. The wave just makes it even more useful. I had no idea that Spyderco had made their own version. I bet it's quite nice.
Once it becomes a utility feature to you, it really is quite useful. There isn't anything "mall ninja" about it. I have an Emerson Commander that I carry and use on a daily basis. Great knife. The wave just makes it even more useful. I had no idea that Spyderco had made their own version. I bet it's quite nice.