Which One to Buy...

T

Tok

Joined
Jul 16, 2003
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Ok.. I am bored and want to buy a new toy :p, Spyderco Harpy SS SE, or for half the price, a Kershaw SS Chive, which one do u think I should get?

I like the "toy/gadget factor" of the speed-safe opening, lightweight-ness and the price from Chive, but I do like the simplicity and the overall shape, design (especially the drain-hole on the steel handle) and quality of the Harpy. The only minus is its weight, got really spoiled by the FRN Delica and the FRN Ladybug.

Which one would u get?
 
Well, since you asked...

Honestly, they're both common mass-produced factory knives. I'd buy whichever one was on closeout sale. Otherwise I'd buy spend my money on something more unique, interesting, or special.

If you're buying a knife to actually use, go for the Spyderco if you think the Harpy blade will be suitable. I think it's more durable and better quality than the Chive.

I'm glad to read that you like your Ladybug. Years ago I asked for a Spyderco for Christmas, thinking of an Endura. Talk about disappointment when I opened a Spyderco Ladybug instead. :)

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
If it's just a bored/looking for a new toy thing, I'd go with the chive. Like you said, cheaper, more fun to play with, plus more general utility sort of knife. And it's got the little flipper to get it going, I love the little flipper. The Harpy's better quality IMO (I admit I'm partial to Spyderco), but a fairly purpose-driven knife (serrated hawkbill).
 
Think ahead. once the novelty of the new "toy" wears off, what will you be left with. A knife. Which one do you think you will use more. Personally, I would take the Harpy. I am quite fond of spyderco's product. I think though, that you will find the chive a more utilitarian design. The hawkbill blade has a specific purpose and I think you will find, for more day to day usage, the chive will fit the bill.
However, it is your money, and ultimately your knife. Get what makes you happy. :D

Pete
 
I'd say get the Leek if you want something fun yet useful. The handle on the chive is just too small for comfort when in 'use'. The Leek is bigger, still fun, but a functional comfortable knife.

On the other hand if you're looking for a knife to cut lots of rope, get the harpy.
 
The Chive is a fun little knife, but it is a small knife. It is also very sharp and very pointy, so if teamed with a larger knife it could work well. It has a good fun factor, but it is also good light duty knife. So as long as ypu already have another decent size user knife I would go for the Chive.
 
I have a chive and I couldn't be more happy with it. It is small but but that's why I bought it. I've had it about a year now and it's worked well for me.
 
Thanks guys for the push. Haha. Just what I need when it comes to this kinda self-indulging impluse buying. :p I was off to the local outdoor store today and checked out both knives.

Like the solid feel of the Harpy better. Like the Leek and the Chive too but the only thing I wish they have is a safety bar made of some harder material. Just wondering if the Baby Boa's safety pin is made of metal or plastic?

Yeah if I am gonna get the Chive then it's gonna be in my rotation between it and the Spyderco Ladybug, Harpy will be rotating with the FRN Delica. Currently I am carrying a FRN Delica and Ladybug combo for EDC.

Gotta make the decision asap to catch their sale event ended by Sunday. No tax on everything, hard to resist. :D
 
Personally, I don't care for the safety on the Baby Boa. It's in an even more awkward area then the chive, and is noticeably stiffer. I say, go for the Harpy unless you have something similar. And if you are leaning towards the chive, try looking at a SOG Twitch I. It costs less, has better materials, and the safety is actually worth a damn.
Have fun exorcising your capital.
-KC
 
The Chive is a joy to behold and to snap open and to handle as a three-finger-knife in my hand and on my key-ring (which also serves as a handle-extension if needed)
there's newer models with anodized aluminium handles, hence lighter and a better grip, the White Smoke version also keeps a bit of the monochrome quality that emphasized the beauty of the design so well...
there's a whole row of bigger brothers like the Scallion, Leek, Boa, Bump all with the flipper and growing quality of materials...
so my Kershaw Onions are more essential to me than my Spydies... but I can see that preferences can be the other way round - both choices excellent, and when in doubt, I usually buy both :-)
you can always trade or give away one or the other, they're not so much...
t.
 
I have not owned a Kershaw yet. I owned a Merlin, and would like to own a Harpy. Very tight folders with good steel. Some like them better than Kerambits.
 
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