What is the attraction to metal handles/scales?

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peshkabz

Joined
May 6, 2003
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I don't get it folks - why is there such an attraction to metal handled knives that scratch (so easily); taking a beating from everything in the pockets and looking beat up so quickly. Then, if you are sweaty or wet, its likes hangining onto a slippery fish. Yes this is an exaggeration made to make a point more colorful.

An example would be much of the talk about the Cricket. It was in the mid to high 90's here when I looked and on - I would loose or drop that baby just from the hand sweat.....

Other materials tend to hide scratches, nicks, etc. So...
Why do you like metal handles?:p
 
The stainless scales make the knife feel more solid than ones with the FRN handles...Also, they look "sexier"...At least they do to me.
 
Well, I don't really *like* them, but customizing them sure it fun... :)

But seriously, I've handled/owned most knives in stainless and FRN configurations, and the stainless version is a lot more solid. It just has that extra heft that makes it feel virtually indestructible.

And scratches can be easily fixed as needed. A sheet of 220 or 320 grit sandpaper, 3 minutes of work, and the knife's will look almost like new. I actually restored a 10-year-old stainless Harpy that had huge deep dings, like from a hammer and chisel, but even that can be sanded away.

And finally, stainless ones are typically a lot more slim than FRN or G-10 ones, even if heavier. Stainless Police is huge, but very slim.

But I do see your point. I much prefer handles like on the Chinook and Gunting, with solid metal liners and non-slippery G-10 scales... :)
 
I never liked the look/feel of steel handles, but I do like the ti
slabs on the sebenza. g10 is the best all the way!
 
I'd love to see a military in ss handles and a frame lock...

I love SS for strength, been abusing my ss 'fly for 2yrs, still rock solid.
 
I like stainless handles for the solid feel, extra heft, and durability. I've never cared about them getting scrathed or dinged, as I feel that just adds character to the knife. I don't trust them when it comes to use around slippery substances such as blood, grease, sweat, water, etc. I've had my stainless endura slip from my hand a couple of times during use after blood or water got on it. The exception to this would have to be my black ti coated police. For some reason, the coating seems to improve the grip tremendously. I've thought about experiementing with checkering the handles but haven't had the chance yet.

Chris
 
1) Tradition - the original spydies were SS.
2) Aftermarket mods - engraving, inlay, overlay etc. Checkering would be really cool, but probably expensive.
3) They feel solid, and all the SS blades I've played with have great action and lock-up.

One thing about metal spydies - the ergonomics aren't shabby. If you'll look, you can probably find knives with much better handle ergos, but they get the job done, whereas a POS design would be about like a wet bar of soap.

YMMV
 
The one example you mention, the SS Cricket, proves the point. It could not be made with anything else. Its slim profile would be less rigid in any other material and its framelock less secure. I find it my best watchpocket knife.(try it without the clip)
 
Tohatchi NM, hit the nail on the head. I really like the feel of the steel. I have had plenty of G-10 handles that flex like crazy, even to the point of almost disengaging the lock...even with double liners. The other thing is that Spyderco makes a number of different handle scales for a reason. People complain about zytel so they buy SS. Some don't like G-10 or zytel so they buy SS. Making one material would be pretty boring IMO.
Matt
 
Like others have said, I think the steel provides a more durable and substantial element to the make up of the handle. You know it will hold up to pretty much any task, which is a comfort when your in the middle of a difficult situation. Also, some consider them to be more esthetically pleasing. I think the bottom line is that they fill a niche just like G-10, Ti and many other materials.
 
I've got to say that the steel handles feel more substancial. Had several Co-pilots over the last 10+ years only lost one to use. Had a hunter that i carried daily for nearly as long till I couldn't get an edge back on it. They feel better to me, they also dont abraid my pocket hem as much as the FRN etc... handles tend to do. I just wish there were more of them like there used to be. (Hunter, Executive, Co-pilot). When the scales get scuffed up I've found that a green "Scotch" pad will usually take care of them with a few passes, makeing the scales look new again.
 
It looks very nice if it would just not collect any scratches.
 
Eh, different strokes... :) The smoothness of steel handles is a plus for me.

On the two G10 knives that I carry frequently (Military and Chinook), I've sanded down the handles so they're not as rough. I also coated the textured FRN handle on the Calypso Jr. Ltwt. that I carry with polyurethane to make it slicker.
 
The heft and smoothness are wonderful attributes of the s/s Spydies. The thing I love the most of all though is the relative thin-ness of their design. My good friend says of his s/s Rookie regarding the way it enters and draws from his waistband "I just love the glide..."

Jeff/1911.
 
SS handles are simply awesome!
Why?
Strength, pure and simple.
They don't flex and bow the way FRN does.
And they look great too--even with scratches. FRN just looks like cheap plastic.
My FRN Endura almost seems like a toy when compared to my SS Endura.

I think the "slippery" issue is greatly exaggerated. I've used tools and worked on cars while sweating considerably, and I've handled plenty of SS knives with wet hands and I've never had a problem before.
But a little grip-tape would solve any slippery problem.

BTW, a SS lock-back Vesuvius would be awesome!

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I have succumbed - well ok...I am pretty pumped, to pick up my new SS Cricket at my favorite and only store. I bought the FRN model that sits in my wallet everyday (except when flying)several weeks ago. I saw the SS version and passed it by because of the scratching issue. But since I can take high-grit paper to smooth it out - no problem. :p
Thanks for all the feedback folks.
 
The fit and finish is fantastic - I love the handles thin feel and the see-through design.

You folks input has been fantastic - thanks.

This is the opposite of my first comment"


"Now I do get it!!":p ;)
 
peshkabz,

Pretty rich feeling, aren't they? Glad to hear you're enjoying your first s/s Spydie. I suspect it may not be your last.

Jeff/1911.
 
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