Ok, here are a few pictures of my PITS (which, I'm fully aware of why it's called that, but, come on, couldn't they think of something a little better?).
My impressions while I've had it:
- Perfect weight for the size of the knife. Light, but not so light that it feels cheap
- Typical top range Spyderco quality - very good fit and finish, although some of the edges are a bit on the sharp side (inside top edges of the scales, for example), and don't necessarily create hot spots, but do make you wish they would have polished the edges a bit
- Great blade shape, doesn't look like the Spyder hole is an afterthought, but an integrated part of the blade, which I like. The hole sits a bit under the top edge of the scale when closed, but it's large enough to grab and deploy. Sort of wish they would have designed it so that the hole was completely exposed when closed, but not a big deal. I know blade sharpness from the factory doesn't mean anything, but my word is this thing sharp! My arm hair falls off just when I pull the knife out of it's drawer.
- Deployment is a bit stiff due to the knife being a slip joint, however not more so than any Spyderco lock back
- Slip joint detent engagement is very strong and deliberate, giving it about the best possible "lock up" without it being a locked blade. The integrated spring on the back of the knife is very elegant, and it's placement is specifically to enable a strong "lock," as when you grasp the handle, it presses down on the spring, making it very difficult to unseat
- The integrated finger guard on the blade, although seeming a bit out of place when closed as it sticks out the back, making the knife look like a poorly designed flipper, also prevents the blade from closing inadvertently. Really a nice design, in that aspect
- The handle is brushed titanium, which scratches extremely easily, so I would also be interested in stone washing the scales at some point. However, the chamfered holes are done very well, and allow you to get great purchase, so it never feels too slick
- The clip is a deep carry wire clip (which I am a fan of), but as was stated previously, with such a bare handle, the ends of the clip tend to wander in the hand and mar the finish a bit
So there are my impressions, including the good and the bad. Overall, I LOVE the knife. It is extremely good looking, feels great in the hand, and gives away nothing by not being a lock blade. I love looking at it, handling it, opening and closing it, and using it. Very high recommendation overall.
On to the pics. I'm not the photographer many of you are, but hopefully these give some of you a view or two you may not have seen before. Otherwise, please feel free to ogle my poorly stained deck.
