-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Vesuvius
- Thread starter kapncake
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2001
- Messages
- 2,726
My wife owned and carried a Vesuvius for several months. She was very pleased with it. (The only reason she stopped carrying it is that I bought her one of the Ocelot prototypes for Chrismas.) I like the overall design too! It offers a good grip and a blade shape that is adaptible to a wide range of uses. The inlaid version is also a classy looking knife, despite the FRN.
--Bob Q
--Bob Q
Hi Dave,
I just bought one today so I'll give you my initial impressions:
Because of the dual steel liners it feels heavier than other FRN knives...maybe solid is a better word.
I've been carrying a CRKT Bladelock since Christmas so the Vesuvius feels light to me.
The appearance is very classy and tasteful and does'nt look like the other Spyderco FRNs. I've even had a few friends think it was micarta until they got a up-close look at it.
On the down-side, it is a little slick and slippery in the grip. At least more so than the volcano pattern knives.
The handle shape itself is very comfortable to me (except in reverse grip-- but I don't really use that grip anyway).
The blade: The blade-shape is the main feature that attracted me to this knife and so far I like it. The tip seems plenty strong and the cutting-edge of the blade extends almost to the handle itself (very little exposed tang).
The hole is rather large and easy to thumb open (I hate tiny little Spyder-holes).
The thumb-ramp is okay but the peak is very sharp, too sharp in fact.
The clip is changable to tip-up or tip-down but I would recommend tip-down because this knife opens EXTREMELY easy.
I will not simply fall open, but it takes very little pressure to open the blade. I understand the compression-lock so much better now and I can see the strength and cleverness of the design, but I can't get over how easy it opens.
I was surprised to discover that there is no ball-detent. The tang actually has a small cut-out that the lock-bar slips into when the blade is closed.
So I guess my only dislikes are: slick handle, sharp thumb-ramp peak, and my (perhaps unjustified) fear of it opening in my pocket.
I'll carry it everyday for awhile and see if it's the one true "EDC" that I've been searching for (though the CRKT Bladelock will be hard to beat. I love that knife but it's just alittle heavy).
Good luck,
Allen.
I just bought one today so I'll give you my initial impressions:
Because of the dual steel liners it feels heavier than other FRN knives...maybe solid is a better word.
I've been carrying a CRKT Bladelock since Christmas so the Vesuvius feels light to me.
The appearance is very classy and tasteful and does'nt look like the other Spyderco FRNs. I've even had a few friends think it was micarta until they got a up-close look at it.
On the down-side, it is a little slick and slippery in the grip. At least more so than the volcano pattern knives.
The handle shape itself is very comfortable to me (except in reverse grip-- but I don't really use that grip anyway).
The blade: The blade-shape is the main feature that attracted me to this knife and so far I like it. The tip seems plenty strong and the cutting-edge of the blade extends almost to the handle itself (very little exposed tang).
The hole is rather large and easy to thumb open (I hate tiny little Spyder-holes).
The thumb-ramp is okay but the peak is very sharp, too sharp in fact.
The clip is changable to tip-up or tip-down but I would recommend tip-down because this knife opens EXTREMELY easy.
I will not simply fall open, but it takes very little pressure to open the blade. I understand the compression-lock so much better now and I can see the strength and cleverness of the design, but I can't get over how easy it opens.
I was surprised to discover that there is no ball-detent. The tang actually has a small cut-out that the lock-bar slips into when the blade is closed.
So I guess my only dislikes are: slick handle, sharp thumb-ramp peak, and my (perhaps unjustified) fear of it opening in my pocket.
I'll carry it everyday for awhile and see if it's the one true "EDC" that I've been searching for (though the CRKT Bladelock will be hard to beat. I love that knife but it's just alittle heavy).
Good luck,
Allen.
Hey Dave, I live about an hour from you. Where are you getting the Vesuvius? Becks Cutlery? I love going in there and talking with Patsy and Ronnie. I had a Vesuvius and I liked it ok but I would rather have one with G-10 Scales than the one with the inlay, thats just my opinion. Other than the inlay, I love the handle design, lock, and blade shape.
michael
michael
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2001
- Messages
- 30
Thank you for all your prompt replies. I just recieved the knife from (you guessed it Becks) they're running a sale on this 1 for $72.00 (retail $90.00). In my opinion, this blade is the nicest looking of the Spyderco line (and I just had to have one). I don't find the wieght too much at all, but I like thatb "solid" feel. Some of the newer (assorted product lines)that I handle, I cant believe how cheap they feel. Again, thanks, Dave Halliday
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2001
- Messages
- 2,750
I just got mine and I am pretty impressed. I really enjoy the blade shape and the way that the handle rests in my hand. Mine came super sharp as most of my Spydies do (hard feat for ATS-34) and seems to hold an edge pretty well. I was surprised that no where on the knife does it mention Centofante's name. Odd...
Matt
Matt
Well, after using the Vesuvius for awhile I decided to go back to carrying my CRKT Bladelock or my Spyderco Rescue.
Why?
Well, although I really love the compression-lock, and I love the Vesuvius design, I feel that the knife is just a little too weak for my EDC.
When locked open there is a slight side-to-side movement. It does'nt effect the lock-up but it still bothers me. My Rescue does'nt have this side-to-side movement and it does'nt even have the dual steel liners.
I tightened the pivot to the point that it was difficult to open and close and the side-to-side movement was still there.
I still think the Vesuvius is great for a light-duty knife and it has stunning looks for an FRN knife, but I just prefer something alittle stronger for an EDC.
Now if it had thicker steel liners or almite aluminum scales then it could very well be the perfect EDC.
Good luck,
Allen.
Why?
Well, although I really love the compression-lock, and I love the Vesuvius design, I feel that the knife is just a little too weak for my EDC.
When locked open there is a slight side-to-side movement. It does'nt effect the lock-up but it still bothers me. My Rescue does'nt have this side-to-side movement and it does'nt even have the dual steel liners.
I tightened the pivot to the point that it was difficult to open and close and the side-to-side movement was still there.
I still think the Vesuvius is great for a light-duty knife and it has stunning looks for an FRN knife, but I just prefer something alittle stronger for an EDC.
Now if it had thicker steel liners or almite aluminum scales then it could very well be the perfect EDC.
Good luck,
Allen.
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2001
- Messages
- 2,233
Mine is plain old sweet. Beautiful design, great blade steel, nifty spyderbug on the handle, strong lock-up, and great blade shape are all the things I think make it a solid buy. I am so glad I got mine dude. I rotate it for EDC with my Calypso Jr. My appreciation of the unique blade shape only grows with time.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 1999
- Messages
- 1,499
My impressions on Vesuvius are very close to Allens very thorough and particular review. I just would like to add that elegant shape somewhat quarrels with FRN handle and shell inlay. In my opinion the knife would have much better appearance with somewhat nobler handle, for ex:
Any chances, Sal?
- Finely bead blasted and Almite coated aluminum, probably in different colors
- Finely bead blasted titanium in its natural color, maybe with integral Compression Lock like Ti-Salsa
- Polished G-10, probably in different colors also
Any chances, Sal?
Allen,
I love my Vesuvius for EDC, but I don't have any blade play on mine. Have you tightened the small torx screws holding the knife together?? I carried a Delica/Endura combo for EDC for a long time, and they never let me down. The FRN was strong enough. Now the Vesuvius with steel liners just gives the FRN more strength. But of course, thats my opinion.
Maybe you should send yours in for a check-up.
Blades
I love my Vesuvius for EDC, but I don't have any blade play on mine. Have you tightened the small torx screws holding the knife together?? I carried a Delica/Endura combo for EDC for a long time, and they never let me down. The FRN was strong enough. Now the Vesuvius with steel liners just gives the FRN more strength. But of course, thats my opinion.
Maybe you should send yours in for a check-up. Blades
Serg, I agree with you 100%.
Blades, yeah I tightened the torx screws that hold the slabs together as well as the pivot screw. But the slight blade-play is still there.
I don't know if it's really enough to warrant sending the knife back to Spyderco? I mean it does function okay...
It just seems weaker than my Rescue model but I don't think Sal can do much about that...except maybe almite handles?
Thanks,
Allen.
Blades, yeah I tightened the torx screws that hold the slabs together as well as the pivot screw. But the slight blade-play is still there.
I don't know if it's really enough to warrant sending the knife back to Spyderco? I mean it does function okay...
It just seems weaker than my Rescue model but I don't think Sal can do much about that...except maybe almite handles?
Thanks,
Allen.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 1999
- Messages
- 1,499
Allen,
Your Vesuvius is certainly stronger than your Rescue. These are very different knives, the same used material no means does them similar.
The Vesuvius is full-program folder built on the steel frame. FRN scales can be replaced with any other ones stronger or weaker the steel frame built of two pretty thick liners takes the main part of the load and provide the main part of the strength.
The Rescue is lightweight folder with injection molded glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic with no steel frame at all. It is strong enough for very most of cutting tasks but initially it is weaker than any folder built on steel frame.
Probably slight blade play might cause the missappearance that Vesuvius could be weaker than lightweight folder.
BTW, mine also has slight lateral play but I didnt try to tighten the screws to get rid of it yet.
Your Vesuvius is certainly stronger than your Rescue. These are very different knives, the same used material no means does them similar.
The Vesuvius is full-program folder built on the steel frame. FRN scales can be replaced with any other ones stronger or weaker the steel frame built of two pretty thick liners takes the main part of the load and provide the main part of the strength.
The Rescue is lightweight folder with injection molded glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic with no steel frame at all. It is strong enough for very most of cutting tasks but initially it is weaker than any folder built on steel frame.
Probably slight blade play might cause the missappearance that Vesuvius could be weaker than lightweight folder.
BTW, mine also has slight lateral play but I didnt try to tighten the screws to get rid of it yet.
I'm not so convinced on the strength issue.
Comparing them side by side, there are a few indications that lead me to this conclusion:
With the blades open I sqeezed the sides of the handles and the Vesuvius (even with the steel liners) actually flexes inward more than the Rescue. Maybe it's the Rescue's backspring that gives it the extra rigidity?
And while holding the handle and pushing against the side of the blade (simulating a prying action-- and I know this is'nt what knives were designed for, so no lectures please) I notice a larger gap between the tang and scale on the vesuvius than the Rescue.
However, let me make it clear that I think both knives are well made and plenty strong for most everyday task, I just wish the Vesuvius was stronger. Thicker steel liners would probably make it much stronger (the current liners are only about 1/32" thick).
Cheers,
Allen.
Comparing them side by side, there are a few indications that lead me to this conclusion:
With the blades open I sqeezed the sides of the handles and the Vesuvius (even with the steel liners) actually flexes inward more than the Rescue. Maybe it's the Rescue's backspring that gives it the extra rigidity?
And while holding the handle and pushing against the side of the blade (simulating a prying action-- and I know this is'nt what knives were designed for, so no lectures please) I notice a larger gap between the tang and scale on the vesuvius than the Rescue.
However, let me make it clear that I think both knives are well made and plenty strong for most everyday task, I just wish the Vesuvius was stronger. Thicker steel liners would probably make it much stronger (the current liners are only about 1/32" thick).
Cheers,
Allen.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 1999
- Messages
- 1,499
Allen,
All you are talking about is in direct connection with the handle stiffness; its not the same as the strength. Here is no lecture, I just want to explain the difference between two kind of knives what pretty often have mixed.
When cutting you are applying the torque between pivot pin and stop pin. The distance between them is one shoulder and the blade length is another. If you are applying the force 20 kg at the tip of 100-mm long blade (say Endura) this causes about 150 kg load at pivot and stop pin embedding points. And this load is concentrated at the small surface what makes the contact between steel pin and the handle material.
This is not too big problem if the pin is embedded into steel liner (Vecuvius) because the steel is pretty resistant against load concentration. However the glass filled thermoplastics (Zytel, FRN etc) can take a lot of load in impact (like Glock pistol frame) but they are much less resistant to continuously applied force concentrated at small surface. This can stretch the holes the pins are embedded in, cause the embedding loosening and at very extreme load the pin can fall out of its embedding.
I would like to underline specially this is the theory only, just to explain how it works. In practice the strength of decently made lightweight folder like SPYDERCO is quite enough for knife normal use and sometimes even for abuse.
But the handle with metal (steel, titanium or even hard aluminum alloy) lining always will be able to take more load than the handle of similarly sized lightweight folder.
All you are talking about is in direct connection with the handle stiffness; its not the same as the strength. Here is no lecture, I just want to explain the difference between two kind of knives what pretty often have mixed.
When cutting you are applying the torque between pivot pin and stop pin. The distance between them is one shoulder and the blade length is another. If you are applying the force 20 kg at the tip of 100-mm long blade (say Endura) this causes about 150 kg load at pivot and stop pin embedding points. And this load is concentrated at the small surface what makes the contact between steel pin and the handle material.
This is not too big problem if the pin is embedded into steel liner (Vecuvius) because the steel is pretty resistant against load concentration. However the glass filled thermoplastics (Zytel, FRN etc) can take a lot of load in impact (like Glock pistol frame) but they are much less resistant to continuously applied force concentrated at small surface. This can stretch the holes the pins are embedded in, cause the embedding loosening and at very extreme load the pin can fall out of its embedding.
I would like to underline specially this is the theory only, just to explain how it works. In practice the strength of decently made lightweight folder like SPYDERCO is quite enough for knife normal use and sometimes even for abuse.
But the handle with metal (steel, titanium or even hard aluminum alloy) lining always will be able to take more load than the handle of similarly sized lightweight folder.
I ordered a Vesuvius today, it just looked too tempting in the 2002 catalogue and i couldn't get over the value for money, ATS34 steel, compression lock, liners, custom collab, genuine shell inlay and a three-screw clip, and where i bought it from it was the same price as the Delica! (probably translates into seventy-something dollars). Anyway it should be with me on Friday or Saturday and i'll post my initial impressions then.
Well, I decided to give the Vesuvius another try for an EDC. Maybe I did'nt give it a fair enough amount of carry-time to prove itself.
I'll do a long-term review sometime later.
M@thew, I look forward to reading your initial impressions.
Good luck,
Allen.
I'll do a long-term review sometime later.
M@thew, I look forward to reading your initial impressions.
Good luck,
Allen.