Yojimbo as utility knife?

S

spinynorman

Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Messages
169
I'm really taken by the Yojimbo, especially in blue. My question: how does it work as an EDC for non-MBC use? It looks like it might work very well indeed. Whaddya think? How does it stack up against the para, mini-manix, etc.? FWIW, money is an issue, l probably can't justify both a para and a Yojimbo (and I'm not trying to do so).
 
On Knifecenter's website, the description of the Yojimbo goes as follows:
Description
SP85GPBL Yojimbo Plain Edge Blue Compression Locking Folder
Michael Janich Design folder with blue G-10 handles and the "easy to use" compression lock system. For specialized uses such as box opening or tape cutting, Spyderco has produced this folder in Golden, Colorado. It's lightweight and easy to carry with a steel pocket clip.

Note that they say that it is "for specialized uses such as box opening or tape cutting"!

Can you imagine?! $109.95 for a fancy box-cutter?! I have not availed myself of other reviews of the Yojimbo, so I don't know what it is intended or designed for. Is it an MBC knife? Who determines that? What did Spyderco actually intend it for when they designed it?


Edit: Wow, I just noticed your username is "Spiny Norman" -- wasn't that the giant hedgehog that terrorized Dinsdale Piranha? :D

-Jeffrey
 
Along with the discontinued Ronin, the Yojimbo's initial design was a designated MBC knife, designed by Michael Janich (a MBC trainer). The entire design from grind to grip covers his theories on what works for MBC. It is a sharp bladed tool...it would function as well as most any knife for any cutting purpose.
 
Of course it was made espcially for MBC use, but because it is a wharncliffe it makes an excellent EDC knife as well. Michael Janich also designed this knife to be under 3 inches long so that it will be an acceptable length in most jurisdictions.
 
If, as I imagine, Spyderco's release info about the Yojimbo spoke of its application to martial bladecraft, what would explain the statement on Knifecenter's listing that it is a chore-knife, for box- and tape-cutting? They sell knives with descriptions about "combat" this or that, so it's not like they're afraid to admit when combat is a knife's intended application.

-Jeffrey
 
peacefuljeffrey said:
If, as I imagine, Spyderco's release info about the Yojimbo spoke of its application to martial bladecraft, what would explain the statement on Knifecenter's listing that it is a chore-knife, for box- and tape-cutting? They sell knives with descriptions about "combat" this or that, so it's not like they're afraid to admit when combat is a knife's intended application.

-Jeffrey
Click to expand...
Maybe they mixed it up with the Dodo.
Here is the exact copy from Spyderco.com:
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=126
The Yojimbo is Spyderco's second collaboration with famed martial artist and Master MBC Instructor Michael Janich. Our first was the fixed-blade called the Ronin. It was avidly received by the public and generated ongoing requests for a folding version. We call the folding version the Yojimbo and feel it defines the term ergonomic. Since Mr. Janich's area of expertise is MBC and Filipino martial arts, the folder was designed around that art form.

The blade is categorized as a modified Wharncliffe profile. Purposely designed to be triangular, this shape holds the cutting edge in contact with what is being cut, and its fine sharp tip generates little resistance initiating and making piercing cuts. From a tactical standpoint the blade's steel needed to be tough and resistant to wear so we chose CPM-S30V. We then ground the cutting edge fully flat from the tip to where it meets the handle. Lined up running along the blade's spine are a sequence of thumb positioning serrations/grooves that continue into the spine of the handle. The Yojimbo's G-10 handle fills in the palm like a handshake affording heightened dexterity and control over the blade. Its tapered tail is for grip retention and doubles as a pressure point or striking tool. To be used for the rigors of MBC a strong lock was a requirement so nested into the handle scale is a Compression Lock that releases on top of the handle. All-steel pocket clip attaches for right-hand, tip-up mobility. The circles, cut out of the clip and on the opposite side of the handle, are for indexing. Available with a black or blue handle.
 
Hey, I like that they call it an expensive box-cutter. If I were to find myself in front of an LEO (or even a judge) trying to justify what I have in my pocket, I'd rather not have something that's publicly declared a "combat weapon."
 
After 9/11, I wouldn't want to stand in front of an LEO or a judge and say "Hey, it's just a box cutter!"

Anyways, I think the Civilian and Matriarch are really the only Spydie knives that you couldn't use for just about whatever you wanted. As long as you stay away from screwdriving and prying, the Yojimbo should be great for utility use.
 
CombatGrappler said:
After 9/11, I wouldn't want to stand in front of an LEO or a judge and say "Hey, it's just a box cutter!"
Click to expand...

I've done this with an LEO and it worked out fine for me.
 
Are either the Yojimbo or the Ronin chisel-ground blades, or are they conventional? (I ask for separate answers regarding each knife, for clarity). After reading about the Yojimbo, I'd seriously consider getting one, but not if it is chisel-ground.

Oh, and also, does the compression lock on the Yojimbo use a milled tang, or a ball-bearing detent?

-Jeffrey
 
Dear Jeffrey:

The original custom Mike Snody versions of each were chisel ground. The Spyderco versions of both the Ronin and Yojimbo are full double flat grinds.

To provide the definitive answer to the utility question: Much of my research on blade shapes for short knives was based on cutting tests, primarily on meat and foam targets covered with clothing. I tried many different blade styles and used everything from high-end custom tactical knives to -- quite literally -- box cutters. The performance of a Stanley utility knife in cutting tests is amazing. When I learned more about why this is often a weapon of choice on the street, I came to consider the wharncliffe to be an ideal all-around blade shape.

The Ronin and Yojimbo designs both pre-dated 9/11, but were not comercially released until well after it. Out of respect for the victims of that tragic date and their families, I did not want any reference to box cutters in the early product descriptions. Now that some time has passed and it's easier to consider the blade function more objectively, I'll admit that the wharncliffe design of the Ronin and Yojimbo was very much inspired by utility knives and box cutters.

The other aspect of the wharncliffe design that many people fail to appreciate is its function as a thrusting weapon. The physics of the design allow it to puncture as well as any dagger, but typically prevent it from binding.

Adding these aspects of cutting and thrusting performance to the handle of the Yojimbo, you have even more advantages. The handle is designed to fit the anatomical structure of the hand and provide an ideal compromise for fans of hammer, saber, and Filipino grips. The deep finger choil is also as effective a guard as one could possibly want. The closed knife is designed to provide both focused and blunt impact surfaces and pressure-point and point-compression capabilities. The tapered design also guarantees a snag-free draw, and the radius and leverage points of the Spyderco hole support exceptionally quick openings.

If you consider a Stanley utility knife a good EDC tool, the Yojimbo is even better. And all the features that make it a good MBC tool also enhance and support its utility use. After all, cutting is cutting.

Stay safe,
 
Holy moly, so am I!

But what of the question about the milled tang v. ball bearing detent?

Please tell me that what I think I see in the pictures is actually a milled tang like on the Gunting...

-Jeffrey
 
To my knowledge, Spyderco compression locks do not employ a ball bearing detent. They all use the milled tang I believe.

Of course that's my assumption based on my handling of the Lil' Temp, Gunting, Yojimbo, and Salsa.

Not sure about the Para or ATR, haven't handled one of either.
 
The Paramilitary and Gunting, which I have, are milled tang. I was just comparing the pictures on the Knifecenter website for the black and the blue Yojimbos. The blue one is a picture that says "production prototype," and pretty clearly shows a milled section on the tang. The photo of the black one does not clearly show this kind of milled section, and that is the photo that does not say "production prototype"...

If it's not milled, I am sorry to say, I would not want one. If it is milled, I do want one.

-Jeffrey
 
smcfalls13 said:
To my knowledge, Spyderco compression locks do not employ a ball bearing detent. They all use the milled tang I believe.

Of course that's my assumption based on my handling of the Lil' Temp, Gunting, Yojimbo, and Salsa.

Not sure about the Para or ATR, haven't handled one of either.
Click to expand...

My Blue Salsa uses a ball detent while my paramilitary uses a milled tang. Hmm, I just checked my Salsa and the little ball bearing seems to be rusting...:o
 
A customer of mine was looking for an "exacto" knife so I gave her the my Yojimbo. She said thats a scary looking knife! Not quite the response I was expecting. I dont think this blade fools anybody.
It is a great utility knife though, right up there with the Dodo.
 
Thaks to all who replied, particularly Mr. Janich. I'll get a blue Yojimbo.

(And yes, Jeffrey, I'm still looking for Dinsdale!)
 
Manifest said:
My Blue Salsa uses a ball detent while my paramilitary uses a milled tang. Hmm, I just checked my Salsa and the little ball bearing seems to be rusting...:o
Click to expand...

Perhaps I just didn't look close enough at my Salsa:o
 
Initial Yojimbo impressions (i just got mine last friday, black handle):

I haven't used it much except to slice up some cardboard, but holy crap this thing can slice, well, at least the tip can slice. :) Handle shape is very ergonomic in all sorts of forward and reverse grips.

Despite the fact that the blade is under 3" long, it still feels like a much bigger knife most likely due to it being so tall in the middle and that the blade is 4mm thick. The large handle/blade ratio also contributes to the feeling.

Overall, i really like it. :) I'll be carrying it for a while as my plainedge EDC to see how it is compared to my PE Native III (my other EDC knives are a black serrated Dodo and serrated Native III).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top