What is with the hole in at the base of the Jerry Hossam blades?

B

boredoftherings

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Jan 23, 2008
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Hi. I really like the look of the Jerry Hossom blades, especially the forester, except for the hole at the base of the blade. What is it for? I know that the Spyderco folders use the hole to assist in opening, but what is it for on a fixed-blade? I really love those knives, except for that damn hole! If there is a purpose for it, I won't care, but if it is purely arbitrary, then it will be a no-go on my purchasing one. Any/all opinions are appreciated.

P.S. If I don't get the JH, is the Manix a tough folder? I really want something I can use in the bush. The reason I am getting a Spyderco is that I need to exchange an Emerson UTCOM 11SF for another knife. The Emerson dented after I cut the package of a Spyderco triangle sharpener! Spyderco's packaging effectively dented the blade of an Emerson...maybe I should take the plastic into the bush, since it is tougher, lol. At least one company seems good. (Not trying to Emerson-slam, but I was really disappointed after I dropped $195 and got an edge softer than a butter-knife.
 
Can be used as a forward lanyard hole. Much more useful than the one in the pommel IMHO. A lot of competitive choppers using a forward lanyard hole.

But to disappoint you, I think the reason is also to strengthen Spyderco's trademark. Spyderco's trademark is the circular hole in the blade, coming from the folders. In order for a trademark to retain its strength, it must be used consequently, like the three pointed star that you will find on all Mercedes (more than once I might add). I believe this is the reason why all Spyderco fixed blades sport a hole as well.

And, yes, the Manix is a very strong knife. The tip is a trade off as many have pointed out. It is fine enough to perform detail work, but not thin enough to be fragile. However, compared to a tanto tip for example it is of course weaker. The rest of the knife rates right up there with the strongest knives on the market. In particular the excellent back lock of the Manix is among the strongest locks period.
 
Okay...I am not familiar with blade-lanyards. Good to know. Since you seem to be the right person to ask, what is your opinion on the Jerry Hossom models? Are they tough? I need a tough bush knife that can cut wood, clear brush and field dress a dear if the need arose. Basically, looking for a TAN (tough as nails) knife that I can trust out in the bush if I find myself in a survival situation.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

Fox in Italy makes Hossom knives in N690 cobalt steel with green/black micarta handles. They make fixed blades for Spyderco and folders for Ontario. The design and manufacturing similarities are obvious.

All of them are reliably tough and sharp, and the ergonomics are outstanding. For the outdoors, the fixed blades are probably more appropriate.
 
It is because of Spyderco trademark - round hole in the blade. You can find it also on all new fixed blades (Aqua + Rock Salt, Street Beat, FB01/FB02 Bill Moran and Hossom fixed blades)
 
So are the Spyderco Jerry Hossom blades as tough as the knives made by Fox? If the Forester can take a lot of abuse, than I will buy it. (It better be markedly tougher than that Emerson I am exchanging.) How are Spyderco in terms of their warranties btw?
 
The Spyderco Hossom knives are made by Fox. The warranty is Spyderco's, though, since they sell them with the Spyderco name. If there's anything wrong with the knife, they are very good about taking care of it.

Fixed blades are inherently stronger than folders, all else being equal, and Jerry Hossom does not design fragile knives. I guess he could if he wanted to. :)
 
Great! So, if you had to pick a blade for overall toughness and edge-stability, (wood-chopping is a requisite task) which would you pick of the ones listed below?:

Fallkniven a2
Spyderco Forester

(I'm just phobic about getting another blade that dents or chips easily. I want the toughest knife I can get for the money). The store I am ordering from doesn't carry Fallkniven, so I don't have the option of exchanging the Emerson for one, but I thought I would compare the two, since they are roughly similar in purpose, if not design.
 
boredoftherings said:
Great! So, if you had to pick a blade for overall toughness and edge-stability, (wood-chopping is a requisite task) which would you pick of the ones listed below?:

Fallkniven a2
Spyderco Forester
.
Click to expand...

First of all I like your user name. I loved that book.

I had a Forester briefly and it is a very stout blade. For chopping and such I'd go with the Forester. The handle is much more suited to chopping than an A2. The Forester also has a longer blade.

I very much like the A2 as well. I prefer the convex edge of the Fallkniven over the flat ground Spyderco. I'm sure you could convex the Forester if that was your preference. Also the handles on the Fallknivens are a bit thin IMHO. Not sure what the handle is like on the A2, but if it is similar to the F1 or S1 it tapers near the pommel which makes it ill suited for chopping.

I'd give the Fallkniven the edge for out of the box sharpness.
 
Hi "Bored",

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I think you will find that Jerry Hossum's designs excel at "tough". The Spyderco fixed blade series are made to Jerry's exacting specs.

sal
 
Glad you like the name! Most people don't get it. Haha. So, from what I gather, both are good blades. Do you think one is "tougher" than the other though? Strength of steel, edge-retention...does the forester measure-up? Again, I am just trying to avoid another disappointment like the aforementioned Emerson.
 
I'd think the Forester would hold up well. I didn't have mine for long so I can't give a long term report. Some people claim VG10 isn't the best choice for chopping and hard use. I guess that would also depend on the edge grind of the blade. A convex edge would be stronger than a flat ground edge.

If you did ever have any issues with the Spyderco the warranty service is excellent. And you wouldn't have to ship your knife to Sweden.
 
The only knife I've really used a lot in that N690 steel is my Extrema Ratio Nemesis. That's a folder with a stiletto blade (long and narrow, but thick). The edge has held up under fairly heavy use in the woods, hacking away at thorns and dry branches, even though a folder isn't ideal for the work. It also sharpens up nicely.

No one can guarantee that even the best of knives won't disappoint you, since we don't know what situations you will eventually find yourself in.

Are you familiar with the Peter Principle? People in a hierarchy will rise to their level of incompetence. That is, the better they are at what they do, the more promotions they get. Until one day they get promoted to a job they aren't really good enough to do, and there they stay, since they no longer shine, to be moved upwards any longer.

If you get a great knife and it takes on every job you need it for, you may unconsciously begin to stress it beyond that until you hit it with a job it can't handle, and ... :eek:

:)
 
boredoftherings said:
(I'm just phobic about getting another blade that dents or chips easily. I want the toughest knife I can get for the money). The store I am ordering from doesn't carry Fallkniven, so I don't have the option of exchanging the Emerson for one, but I thought I would compare the two, since they are roughly similar in purpose, if not design.
Click to expand...

While it depends a lot on edge's geometry, you might want to consider a knife with carbon steel rather than stainless.
 
I am familiar with the Peter principle, however, I don't push the limits of my knives...I work within them. However, knowing the limits of a product I have never owned before can be difficult...that is why I am asking the advice of those in the know. This forum is proving very informative by the way, and you guys are most helpful.
 
I ordered the Forester today! That is going to be my first "CDK". (Crocodile Dundee Knife). The sheath is ugly, but maybe I can get one custom made in leather or a kydex/cordura combo. Can't wait to show THIS one to my buddies!
 
If the Spyderco Hossoms are really built to Jerry's specs I'd believe they're tough. I handled Jerry's customs and they felt like they could tackle anything. A Spyderco Hossom is very high on my "must have" list.
 
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