Given the blade shape and comments from the designer as well as users of the original Yojimbo, I'm surprised at those who would use this for any utility purposes.
There must be a lot better choices out there for such use.
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Yojimbo 2 - Won't Be Long Now!
- Thread starter Moving Target
- Start date
Given the blade shape and comments from the designer as well as users of the original Yojimbo, I'm surprised at those who would use this for any utility purposes.
There must be a lot better choices out there for such use.
Kaizen1
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While it can be the case that a combat-based design may not work well for everyday utility like in say, the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger, it doesn't follow in all cases. The Yojimbo is one such case. Some of the key features that make it an ideal combat folder according to Janich's background are precisely why it makes a great utility blade- comfortable ergonomics, reliable lock, wharncliffe blade is great for certain type of cutting that work well in utility/edc scenarios, etc.
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This was my very first post on bladeforums (it was in a thread about the yojimbo 2). I can't wait for mine to come.
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Personally, I quite like wharncliffe blades for utility use and there aren't many broad, sturdy ones out there. And, while Mr. Janich certainly designed this as an SD blade I think he understands that when my hand speeds towards my pocket in desperate need of a knife it is more likely on account of cardboard than criminals.
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^ I was about to post something similar. Wharnie blades are great for utility. Every standard boxcutter has one. And while the tapered handle on the Yojimbo 2 looks perfect for the reverse-grip SD mode it was designed for, it looks like it'd be very comfortable for general purpose tasks, more comfortable than the original Yojimbo handle.
The thumb-dip on top of the Y2's blade should also be very ergonomically friendly for push-cutting. Actually, I know it will be: after all, it's a Spyderco.
The thumb-dip on top of the Y2's blade should also be very ergonomically friendly for push-cutting. Actually, I know it will be: after all, it's a Spyderco.
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The blade shape is exactly the same as many utility knives.
Why would it be surprising that a knife with a utility style blade would get used for utility purposes?
What utility knives would those be, with such sharp needle-like tips?
I'm familiar with the original Yojimbo, the similarly shaped Mike Janich-designed Black Hawk Bewarned version, and I just refreshed my memory by viewing a bunch of reviews of same, several of which explicitly refer to these knives as strictly for SD use.
In fairness, my research did turn up a vid of Mr. Janich saying that his new knife also will be useful for utility work. Maybe he's right. In fact, I defer to his obvious expertise. Glad to hear it.
I would love to get one of these wicked new beauties -- and that's the real thrust of my question above about utility use: the need to convince myself about carrying something that looks like it's designed for just one use.
I do have a hard time imagining my need for it. Or having to explain to nervous co-workers or LEO in the city where I live that, honestly, I just use it to open envelopes and cut boxes.
But, hey, I'm open to all persuasion! And I bet I'm not the only one who's looking for a good answer -- and a good reason to buy this lovely knife.
Kaizen1
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Box cutters for one. They're thinner than the Yojimbo tips.
Don't underestimate the experience of the many users on this forum. Many here use knives for work and everyday cutting chores much more frequently than many knife designers and makers.
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Most knives touted for self-defense--other than daggers that is--also make great utility knives.
For either, you generally want:
-stoutness
-good, ergonomic grip
-steel that holds a decent edge
-blade geometry which facilitates cutting
...and some other factors too.
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Well, for utility use a wharncliffe is shockingly easy to sharpen, keeps the edge in contact with the media being cut and the tip tends to 'grab' material much more aggressively than a trailing/drop/clip point. I like wharncliffe blades when I'm dealing with largely manmade material like cardboard, tape, or cordage. I like a hawkbill for the same reasons, but find it significantly more difficult to sharpen. Hope that helps.
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mine shipped today, should be here Monday
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Honestly, the original Yojimbo design and the general "self-defense" buzz around the Yo2 made me initially think that this model was ... rather like the Massad Ayoob .... an interesting design that was NOT for me. But I've ordered one this morning after seeing some more pics and seeing MJ review it on YouTube. I'm sure the self-defense design features would work as described. However, the knife design overall seems quite functional to me as well. It's a bit aggressive for whipping out at the officer, perhaps, but it's not as seriously "Mall Ninja" as I initially feared. I'll be really excited to get mine. It just looks like a really unique, yet useful knife.
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Thanks for the pics, Eloreno! The knife looks so cool closed, yet so aggressive opened. I will definitely have to be selective about pulling it out in front of non-knife people. Is the bottom pic an original Yojimbo 1 next to the Yojimbo 2?
Yea I feel your pain bro. I pre-ordered a yo 2 and a zt 0560 from gp knives and they moved the dates on both! I've been tempted to cancel but I guess I'll wait too. Better late than never...
