Which one of these would you get as a backup to the Al Mar Shrike?

K

kgriggs8

BANNED
Joined
Jan 28, 2002
Messages
1,634
I think I am getting an Al Mar Shrike soon but I was thinking about getting a smaller knife for secondary carry when I am not carrying the Shrike or when I don't want to pull out a knife that large.

Here are some of my choices, I like flat ground and thin blades.

Spyderco:
Salsa, Stretch, Manix, Chinese Lum, Dragonfly, Calypso JR., Para-military.

I have not held all of these so if one is too large, let me know what you think. I think the Manix is a large knife but I have never seen one in person. I am leaning towards the Calypso Jr., is there anything wrong with that choice? I want it large enough to be a EDC when I decide not to carry the Shrike.

If there is something like the Calypso Jr. from another maker, let me know.
 
kgriggs8 said:
Salsa, Stretch, Manix, Chinese Lum, Dragonfly, Calypso JR., Para-military.
Click to expand...

The calypso jr. is a fine choice, personally, I really like the stretch,
but you can't go wrong with a spyderco backlock.
 
I think the Manix is bigger than the Shrike. :)

The Calypso (Jr.) is a great knife. The Lum is, too, and beautiful besides. The Dragonfly is the best of all the really small knives.

(You really have a great list there, and wouldn't go wrong with any of them.)
 
Don't forget the Al Mar Stout Light Backup (SLB). I have one and it's pretty cool. Nice thick blade with thumb riddges on the top and bottom of the blade for a solid grip. Micarta scales (dunno about you, but once you've had G-10 and micarta, it's hard to go back to FRN). Black metal clip lets it disappear on black bags and clothing. I keep one permanently clipped to the outside pocket of my black leather briefcase/satchel - it sits right out in the open, but no-one notices it.

The only drawback that I experienced was that it took a good 6 months of use before it was truly worked in. The action was a little stiff until it got a bit of use and a few good cleanings/lubings. Now I can flick it open with a light flick of the thumb. The liner lock is nice. The Aus8 takes a good edge and is easy to sharpen.

I also really like my plain steel Kershaw leek. very slim little knife with a not so little blade. The assisted opening is pretty cool.
 
Spyderco Kiwi--
tiny little thing, feels much bigger.
Typical Spyderco product, cuts like a razor (VG-10).
Variety of scales- in additon to the original jigged bone, you cna get in in SS, MOP, dinosaur bone.

they are somewhat pricy, but they serve very well as a gentleman's (or lady's) knife.
 
The Bladetech/Wegner Mouse would be a nice choice. The only thing is I can't remember if it was originally hollow ground and is now flat ground or vice versa.

Edit: did a little search, they're flat ground now.
 
kgriggs8 said:
I am leaning towards the Calypso Jr., is there anything wrong with that choice?
Click to expand...

Not really. The full flat grind makes this knife an excellent slicer.
 
How about a Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian?...If you don't yet own an Axis-lock folder, you owe it to yourself to have one.).
 
well I decided on a Spyderco Calypso Jr. PE with Micarta scales. I am buying it from a fellow forum member so I should be taken care of well. I also bought a Calypso (large) in the same setup from the same guy. :) I couldn't resist the look of that Micarta on the larger Calypso. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top