Yojimbo II for EDC?

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
Do you think it would work well? I like traditional Wharncliffe's and I currently carry a Byrd Crow, which I am very happy with, but would like better steel and I would like to try the compression lock, haven't had one before. I know that is not its primary mission in life, but am thinking about it. It would get used for general EDC cutting tasks and cutting a variety of more challenging materials such and fiberglass (I know its tough on an edge), polyethylene and polyester non-wovens, etc. Let me know your thoughts, thanks.
 
I think so--because I do! I have no use for a knife for SD, so its use there wasn't a consideration at all when I thought about buying one.

The hollow grind bites deep. The blade lower down seems thinner than a Para's--haven't mic'd it but it's visually obvious 1/4"-1/2" of the tip of the Yo2 thinner than that of the PM2. Having a place for your thumb on the blade and on the handle with just a small hump between them makes it easy to switch grips to change between types of cuts. Having that thumb rest above the edge really gives you nice leverage to push down hard through material and make pull cuts compared to a knife like the Para with a big thumb ramp, which is better when it comes to push cutting (forwards); you can use your whole arm to press down as opposed to twisting your wrist with the latter, which should be helpful cutting through the tougher materials you mention.
 
I carried a yo2 for edc and It worked nice, I prefer the para 2 so i sold off both yo 2s i had but, Yes it will work just fine as an edc blade, If you've ever used a box cutter it's basically the same thing, just more blade
 
Great blade for EDC but don't be surprised about the reaction of people at work. There's enough sharp looking shiny steel in that blade to scare off Jack the Ripper. You may not appreciate what I mean till you handle one in person.
 
noway said:
Great blade for EDC but don't be surprised about the reaction of people at work. There's enough sharp looking shiny steel in that blade to scare off Jack the Ripper. You may not appreciate what I mean till you handle one in person.
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That my be, I haven't seen one in person. I just thought that 3 1/8" of blade wouldn't be to long.
 
I edc it. Love it. Like noway said though, be weary of non-knife people. Its an intimidating knife to them.
 
Since it isn't available from a dealer nearby, I bought it on-line last night. I'll let you know what I think in a few days when I get it. Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Here is a quote from Michael that seals the deal on buying one myself. Note near the end he said it will excell at both SD and utility use. And from what I an gather was designed to do both well.


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,
 
noway said:
There's enough sharp looking shiny steel in that blade to scare off Jack the Ripper. You may not appreciate what I mean till you handle one in person.
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Really?
It's slightly over 3 inches. If people are scared of that, they're just scared people in general.
I have one, and I consider it a nice small EDC knife.:)
 
I trade off between it and a Para 2. It's actually my favorite now but it wouldn't work very well with small game hunting otherwise it's been my go to EDC.
 
I love this knife. Took me a little while to get used to, but once I did, it's all I've been carrying. Sharpens beautifully and keeps its edge. Great for cutting tasks. I give mine little touch ups on the ultra-fine sharpmaker stones and strop it about once a week. Just be careful: I was cutting open the plastic on a big pack of sodas, and I ever so slightly pricked one of the cans with the tip. It popped the side of the soda can with no effort at all, and soda whooshed all over the place!
 
I love the blade shape a lot for a dedicated SD knife. The handle is so comfortable in both forward & reverse grips, as well as closed impact tool. It's a well thought out design for a good EDC IMO. You just have to handle one & let it grow on you. :thumbup:
 
It's ground much thinner than my CTS-XHP Para 2 and much, much thinner than my Gayle Bradley so I would say it's the best dedicated cutter of those three. I also think it's quite innocuous looking in its weirdness, so I can't exactly agree that 3" of blade is going to be scaring anyone off anytime soon. I use it as my work knife in a music/movie retail store and I haven't heard a word from anyone yet.
 
Belly is a good thing and the Yojimbo doesn't have it. But my main gripe with the Yo 2 that I bought from the first run, was the overly strong ball detent. I wonder if they weakened it because mine was very hard to deploy. The small opening hole didn't help.
 
AF said:
Belly is a good thing and the Yojimbo doesn't have it. But my main gripe with the Yo 2 that I bought from the first run, was the overly strong ball detent. I wonder if they weakened it because mine was very hard to deploy. The small opening hole didn't help.
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I have one from a later run, and the detent is definitely harder on it than my PM2 (they were made a month apart). I prefer the Yo2's stronger one, though.
 
They are the perfect Spyderco for a wave mod.
 
Charlie Mike said:
They are the perfect Spyderco for a wave mod.
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Trust him on that one. I actually may hit him up for one.(how much was it again we talked about it last year with the PM2 remember)
The Yojimbo 2 is a great utilitarian and self defense knife. With the newest generation of compression lock it is a beast.
It has now become my EDC And consider that I have a Black G10 M390 PM2 that is a massive thing. I have a tiny review of it ( http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/990863-Spyderco-Yojimbo-2-Review-(PHOTOHEAVY) ) but its now my EDC. It is a good length and is easy to explain

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