Spyderco

Spyderco Nilakka

Published: April 18th, 2013 by The Edge Observer 6

The Spyderco Nilakka is one of the more interesting regional knife interpretations to come to Spyderco’s ethnic series. As a collaboration with decorated blade-smith Pekka Tuominen it has a distinctly Finnish aesthetic deriving its lines from the traditional Puukko.

The Puukko has permeated Nordic culture due to its time tested utility and local production. These fixed blade knives are well respected for their versatility, being at one time found in every facet of life from professional to domestic. Because of their excellent ergonomic design and versatile “Scandi” or “zero-sabre” grind, they have also been adopted by many bush-crafters as their go to cutting tool the world over. Although the Spyderco Nilakka references the pattern of the traditional knife it still differs significantly in function, making it fundamentally different.

As with the original Puukko, the blade has a standard or straight back profile matched with a gentle curving cutting edge that terminates at a fine point. Rarely seen on your standard variety, The Nilakka adds a long swedge that thins the tip to a needle-like point for easy penetrating cuts.

Although seemingly alike, the Nilakka’s full-flat zero grind is very different. This isn’t the same thing as a Scandi or zero-sabre grind which usually terminates at half the width of the blade producing a larger inclusive angle. The Nilakka’s much finer geometry makes for an abnormally weak edge. Spyderco later patched this with a micro bevel in order to stem chipping problems that people were reporting.

Another contributor to the issue is the steel used. S30V, while a super steel, isn’t heralded as much for its toughness as it is its combination of corrosion resistance and ability to take a keen edge. Some find that while easy to get very sharp it is also fragile, something I personally believe to be true. It is important for the average user to note that the high hardness required to fully leverage S30V’s properties combined with this delicate grind is a recipe for an easily damaged edge.

There is also the issue of sharpening this knife. Typically when you sharpen a zero grind, the bevel is laid flat against a stone, or like abrasive. As you sharpen, the entire bevel is worked to maintain the zero-grind. On the Nilakka this will be an issue. If you were to attempt to maintain the knife in this way, you would eventually wear away the blade markings and undoubtedly make a hideous mess of the cleanly machined bevel, no matter your level of sharpening. If you add a secondary bevel to preserve the knife’s perfect satin finish you won’t have a zero grind any more; a feature that is used as a selling point.

The delicate edge combined with the inability to maintain both the blade and looks could easily be considered a glaring error in design judgement. On the other hand, it could be looked at as an achievement in aesthetics as well as manufacturing since the blade looks incredible. The bevel and swedge are accurately ground terminating at a keen cutting edge. The corners where the sides meet the spine are crisp and even.

For deployment the knife utilizes Spyderco’s trademark thumb hole. Although much smaller than many of their other models, the knife can still be flicked open if preferred, thanks to an ample access cut-away and excellent pivot. The smooth action is due to tight tolerances, phosphor bronze washers and a strong detent. The detent also allows for safe tip-up carry. On opening the tang meets a sturdy stainless liner lock. The spring is rigid, but can be disengaged comfortably due to the cut-away combined with three subtle notches added for traction.

The handle is a partially closed back construction clad in brown G10 scales. These have been shaped with a distinctive ridge line that adds some traction along with an attractive detail. It also creates a good amount of palm swell that fills the hand nicely. In order to maintain the clean, symmetrical look of the handle the pivot is hidden beneath the scales leaving only three evenly distributed torx fasteners visible per side. The minimal aesthetic of the handle is deceptive and the inside of the Nilakka is as interesting as the out. When the scales are removed a series of weight saving cut-outs in the liners, hidden hardware and the tang’s internal stop pin are exposed showing an involved yet elegant assembly.

The ergonomics are straight forward. The slightly bowing shape sits comfortably in hand while the cut-out for the thumb-hole acts as a partial finger groove. There isn’t need for other features such as jimping because the knife hasn’t been designed for aggressive cutting. Additionally, these would detract from the handle’s lines. For carry the knife has a deep riding, right handed pocket clip. To avoid disrupting the profile, it would have been nice if the attachment point of the clip was recessed into a slot in the pommel. It looks a bit stuck on to the cleanly drawn, rectangular shape. This and Pekka Tuonimen’s signature on the blade are my only criticisms of the aesthetic choices on this knife.

Over-all the Nilakka is an interesting offering. It has an immaculate fit and finish and while extremely modern in appearance it still has all the key visual features of its ancestor. While the pivot and locking mechanism are precisely made and robust in build, its blade is unusually delicate out of box and herein lies the fundamental difference: the puukko evolved to be a tough multitasking, easy to maintain cutting tool capable of weathering everyday life all the way from the kitchen to the shop, in or outside. The Nilakka unarguably does not fit this role and Spyderco is self admitted about it’s limited application by a rather lengthy, preemptive disclaimer that comes with the knife.

The sharpening issue will also be key in deciding if this knife is for you. As mentioned, maintaining a zero grind on the Nilakka is impractical. If you plan on actually using it rather than having it as a collectible design object, be prepared to introduce another bevel. That isn’t to say that it will no longer perform well. The blade is plenty fine enough to cut well with the added geometry, assuming you have some sharpening chops. That said, if you bought the Nilakka for its zero grind, you’ll be out of luck at this point. Lastly, the fit, finish and ambitious machining will definitely be enough to please the collector. At just under two hundred dollars you are getting a truly stand out knife when it comes to good looks.

For a great price on the Nilakka visit National Knives. It is also available through our affiliate BladeHQ.

length overall 8.13″ (207 mm)
blade length 3.51″ (89 mm)
blade steel CPM-S30V
length closed 4.62″ (117 mm)
cutting edge 3.34″ (85 mm)
weight 5 oz (142 g)
blade thickness 0.177″ (4.5 mm)
handle material G-10

Made in Taichung, Taiwan

Spyderco Techno

Published: April 5th, 2013 by The Edge Observer 4

The Spyderco Techno is a collaboration with Polish knife designer and maker Marcin Slycz. It is a production version of Slycz’s custom Mouse folder. Outside of very slight differences in the back-spacer color, profile and jimping intervals, it is nearly identical. Spyderco classifies this as a “little big knife”, a term that references the model’s small footprint coupled with the capabilities of a much larger blade. In this case It also applies to the weight and price.

The Techno’s blade is made from Carpenter Steel’s CTS-XHP. This is a high carbon, chromium “super steel” that is produced using a powder metallurgy process. Carpenter compares it to a corrosion resistant D2 or high hardness 440C reaching up to 64 Rockwell. The exact hardness of the Techno isn’t listed on Spyderco’s site but I’m guessing it’s around 60-62 HRC.

The blade profile is a stout modified drop point that measures 2.55″ in length. Although the blade stock is thick at .177″ a full flat grind produces a very usable edge. The sloping nose meets the belly at a similar radius that creates a great point. For control the spine’s slightly jimped thumb-rise and a dip after the thumb-hole allows for two effective places for your thumb to achieve extra leverage. Thankfully there is a choil. In my opinion an absolutely necessary feature, allowing this small blade to be fully and evenly sharpened.

Taichung, Taiwan and Marcin Slycz’s logo is laser etched on one side of the blade while Spyderco’s logo and word-mark appears on the other. A moderate stone-wash or “tumbled” finish softens the spine and thumb hole edges as well as giving the knife a current look.

The handle of the Techno is a partially closed back construction. The execution is elegant in its minimal part count and integral lock. The back-spacer has jimping down the spine that adds extra grip and matches the thumb rise. Made from blue G-10, it is a welcome hit of color to the monochromatic steel and titanium combination.

The shape supplies a three to tight four finger grip depending on your hand size. Because of the thick 6AL4V titanium scales, it has a good full feel in the hand. All of the edges have been chamfered and like the blade, softened with a stone-wash finish. The combination of a concave inside edge, sloping spine and slightly flared pommel feels secure when making heavier cuts. This combined with blade’s spine should give most people an option that feels very natural in use. This comfort excludes the clip that stretches about half the length of the handle and is definitely present with a firm purchase. On the plus side, the clip is ambidextrous, functional and low riding. If the clip proves too annoying, there is also a lanyard hole to help pull the knife from your pocket. A lanyard consequently extends the grip.

One handed operation is effortless for right handed users and largely a two handed ordeal for lefties. The pivot is smooth and solid riding on phosphor bronze washers. A large thumb hole and matching access cutout in the show scale allows the blade to be opened easily. The strong detent also allows for the blade to be quickly and reliably flicked open if that’s your preference. More importantly the detent allows for safe, tip up carry.

Once again Spyderco has collaborated with a talented maker to bring some life to their product line. The Techno has a great usable size in a well rendered package. The inclusive shape of the knife when open and closed is both flowing and natural feeling in the hand and pocket alike. This model is very much in the flavor of the day, with a material and finish formula proven to sell. The knife is also priced as such and the pound for pound value will surely be debated. From my perspective it’s a touch on the steep side. Regardless, while you don’t get a ton of knife real-estate, the fit, finish and function is excellent and without debate.

For a great price on the Techno visit National Knives. It is also available through our affiliate sponsor, Blade HQ.

Specs

Overall length : 5.98″ (152 mm)
Weight : 3.6 oz (102 g)

Blade

Length : 2.55″ (65 mm)
Thickness : .177″ (4.5 mm)
Cutting Edge : 2.33″ (59 mm)
Flat Grind
Steel : CTS XHP (Stainless)
Harness, not disclosed (probably 60-62 HRC)

Handle

Length 3.43″ (87 mm)
Titanium with G10 Backspacer

Made In Taichung, Taiwan

Spyderco Brad Southard Flipper

Published: January 4th, 2013 by The Edge Observer 18

The C156GPBN or “Southard Flipper” is a long-anticipated collaboration between Brad Southard and Spyderco. Brad Southard is a popular custom designer/maker and industrial designer by trade.

The 3.46″ long x 0.157″ thick blade on the Southard is CTS 204P. This steel comes from Carpenter’s, Micro-Melt® line. It boasts high amounts of carbon, chromium and vanadium with the addition of tungsten. The alloyed components and powder metallurgy process creates a fine, even grained carbide-rich steel that is tough and corrosion resistant.

The profile is a modified drop point. A high primary hollow grind finished with a narrow secondary bevel produces a keen edge well leveraged by the bellied shape. The point of the knife is effective with its quick sweep downward for easy penetrating cuts. Scalloping on the spine, along with a run of smooth jimping allows for multiple thumb placements and tactile feedback.

The combination of the convex edge profile and choil will help with maintenance. While many Spyderco’s do not have a proper choil for sharpening, it is great to see it on this knife. With the specifications of CTS 204P this will help considerably when touching up this hard-wearing steel.

On one flat, the blade is etched with the Spyderco logo and steel type. The other side is marked with Southard’s logo and the place of manufacture : Taichung, Taiwan. Surfaced with a tumbled (stone-washed) finish, the knife has a modern, low glare appearance. The tumbling process also helps to smooth out edges providing additional comfort.

As with all Spyderco’s, the blade has their trademark thumb-hole. Unique to this model, it is a secondary means of deployment however, taking a back seat to the flipper. The thumb hole is a small so people with larger hands may find it hard to get at. Unlike the flipper, it isn’t ambidextrous either.

The flipper on this knife is nicely executed. It works equally well pressed down or pulled. Once the detent is overcome, the blade quickly assumes the open position. The smooth action is due to the combination of tight tolerances and a thrust-bearing assembly. The thrust-bearings in this knife are steel balls caged in a plastic washer. On one side, the bearings directly contact the blade. The scale facing side is buffered by a steel washer that prevents the uneven wear and friction that would occur between the hard bearings and softer titanium.

On opening the blade stops against an in-tang pin and the titanium, integral frame-lock. Lock-up is without play in any direction and the arm is without rock. At about 50% there is a good amount of security along with room to wear. Disengagement is smooth and without the stickiness that many titanium frame-locks suffer from. To preserve lock integrity there is a drop shaped G-10 inlay in the scale that works as an over-travel stop. Matching the earth-brown scale, it adds a unique detail.

In the open position the flipper also acts as a guard. A shallow finger groove follows, accentuated by the cut-out that allows the thumb hole to be accessed. Outside of the groove and radius-edged cutout, the handle has minimal lines. These flow with the blade shape when open and give the closed position a slick, nested appearance.

Beside looking good, the 4.50″ handle is also quite comfortable, filling the hand with a solid amount of material. The dark earth-brown scale has a fine but aggressive texture for grip while the opposite lock side has a smooth, dark stone-wash finish. The smooth side includes a tip up right handed clip allowing it to slide in and out of the pocket easily. With a light tumbled finish it balances the blade in composition. A large lanyard ‘tube’ provides an additional carry option. Assembled using a flow-through pillar construction, cleaning will be easy while the lack of a back-spacer helps to save weight. Milling on the liner side also reduces stock holding the knife at just over 4 oz.

In conclusion, the Spyderco Brad Southard flipper is a very current and attractive offering. It embodies all of the popular features found in advanced folder design. A durable build quality, pocket-able every day carry size and quick deployment will make this a go-to for many owners. Outside of the price, there is little to dislike about the knife, especially if you are attracted to the latest and greatest, talent and materials. This slick, well engineered package will surely find its way into many collections but will also make a very capable, long lasting utility blade.

For a great price on the Spyderco Brad Southard Flipper visit www.nationalknives.com. You can also find it through our affiliate, BladeHQ.

Specs

Overall Length : 7.96″ (202 mm)
Closed Length : 4.50″ (114 mm)
Weight : 4.1 oz (116 g)

Blade

Blade Length : 3.46″ (88 mm)
Blade Thickness : 0.157″ (4 mm)
Cutting Edge : 3.46″ (88 mm)
Steel : Carpenter CTS 204P (HRc unlisted likely 62 +/- 1)
Grind : Hollow
Finish : Stone Wash

Handle

Material : G-10 / Titanium
Lock : Reeve Integral Frame Lock
G10 Over-Travel Stop

Made in Taichung, Taiwan

Spyderco Navaja C147CF by Ed Schempp

Published: October 17th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 10

The Navaja is an effort between Spyderco and long time collaborator Ed Schempp. Schempp manages Spyderco’s ethnic series to which this knife belongs.

The C147CF is a modernized version of a classic Spanish knife pattern from the Andalusian region, dating back to the late 1600′s. The name refers to a similarity in appearance to shaving razors, Navaja being derived from “novacula” meaning “razor” in latin. Originally these were used as utility tools, but with the development of ratcheting locks in the 1800′s the Navaja found wide use as a fighting knife. The ratcheting mechanism made a clicking noise on opening leading to the nickname Carraca, after the percussion instrument. The sound of the locking Navaja was often associated with an impending attack. Schempp’s design is modelled after this iteration of the original.

The Blade is made from CPM S30V. The unique shape allows for a grind that travels to the spine up until the mid-point, at which a steep radius produces the blade flat. The flat is also extended by an elongated, jimped choil that allows for more control. The ability to choke up on the blade is further improved by the jimped thumb ramp. As with all Spyderco folders, there is a hole in the blade for easy one handed opening. The wide profile and flat grind makes for a pretty good slicer while the narrowed modified trailing point allows for penetrating cuts. The steep belly also keeps the tip strong while increasing the cutting edge.

The tang travels against a pair of phosphor bronze washers that enable an extremely smooth action. On one side, the washer is fitted with a finely toothed, gear like disk. A very small piece of steel protrudes from the liner making contact with the teeth that causes the clicking or “Carraca” like sound when the blade is opened or closed. While this feature is well implemented, it is without function outside of paying homage to the original design. No doubt some people will find this a bit gimmicky as it doesn’t have anything to do with locking, as did the original. While impressively compact, the Carraca mechanism has been known to be fragile. Something that should be considered if you intend to use the knife often. It should be noted that since the Carraca doesn’t effect function, if it breaks the utility will be unaffected.

On opening the tang meets a liner lock. The lock up is solid and without play in any direction. Jimping on the locking leaf allows for easy, one handed disengagement. The lockup on this particular knife is around 50%. A ball detent holds the blade in the closed position. It is a bit on the light side and allows the blade to be shaken out fairly easily.

The handle also carries over some of the distinguishable elements of the Navaja Carraca, the most predominant being the tail like pommel. This part of the knife does double duty, firstly to fully cover the steeply bellied tip and secondly to lock the hand in place during use. Another feature typical found on historical models is the bolster. Again, the Schempp design sees an update with finely surface ground stainless steel slabs that perfectly mate with the basket-weave carbon fibre scales to form the outer handle. Built around a partially back-spaced construction, the show faces are fastened to stainless liners that have cut-outs to save weight. A first finger groove completes the ergonomics. Its position setting the blade forward, significantly extending the Navaja’s reach in a standard grip. While this placement is a bit unorthodox, the choil is extended into the bolster allowing for a more familiar hand placement.

For carry, there is a four position, hourglass clip and lanyard hole. As a knife derived from a traditional fighting knife design, the shipped tip up clip placement seems sensible. I’m not sure that the tip down configuration adds to the design in that it produces extra holes in the bolsters. The over-all design might look cleaner without. On the other hand, it could be argued that the knife will be much safer in the tip-down configuration due to the weak detent.

Everything considered, the Navaja is successful in that it is a truly modernized iteration of a classic design. Schempp has done an excellent job maintaining the distinguishable elements while marrying modern materials, lines and contemporary features. While the Carraca likely won’t sit well with utilitarians, this will certainly appeal to collectors and users interested in the historical reference – myself included. As with most Spyderco’s made in Taichung Taiwan, the fit and finish is well above average.

It is great to see diversity in a knife company’s line. Although at times the designs can be aesthetically challenging at first glance, Spyderco’s ethnic series often delivers.

If you are thinking about purchasing this knife please consider our affiliate sponsor Blade HQ or grab a great deal at National Knives.

Spyderco Rock Lobster by Jens Ansø

Published: May 6th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 2

The Rock Lobster is a collaboration between Spyderco and Danish designer Jens Ansø. This is one of two knives Ansø designed for the company, the other being the Zulu.

Characteristic of Ansø’s design, the Rock Lobster has an animated appearance that draws inspiration from natural forms. This coupled with the designer’s use of modern materials and manufacturing processes, produces unique designs that have a distinct, warm identity.

The Rock Lobster is a large knife with a total length of 8.563″ (213mm). 3.75″ of this are the Rock Lobster’s blade. A gentle bowed shape and hard radius at the tip form a modified sheep’s-foot profile. This shape is great for safely performing everyday utility and food preparation tasks due to its blunted tip. Originally developed for trimming sheep’s feet, the profile has been widely adopted for “rescue” tools, such as the Benchmade Triage.

With a full flat grind and thin, 1/8th” (3mm) blade stock, the knife will be particularly good at slicing type utility tasks. The combination of width and blunted end produce a strong blade as there is little tip to snap off. Likewise, the Rock Lobster will not perform penetrating tasks well. Due to the tip’s presentation toward the main edge, the knife will also be good for more controlled cuts, much in the same way you would use an Olfa knife.

The blade folds completely into the handle, producing a unified shape. This is another example of Ansø’s excellent aesthetic consideration. A cutout on one side of the handle allows the user to get at the thumb-hole for easy, one handed deployment. The hole is visually divided in half by the jimped liner lock, creating a symmetrical detail.

The handle has an open pillar construction. This allows for easy cleaning as there is little area for debris to collect. Two large flats of foliage green G10 are used as the handle scales. These are milled away on the inside allowing for nested, partial stainless liners. The over-all handle construction produces a very flat knife that carries well but is somewhat less pleasant in the hand due to its lack of palm swell. The cut out also feels a bit odd but isn’t completely uncomfortable. There is a tip up and down right handed pocket clip for carry.

The blade is held open by a liner lock. There isn’t any play in either direction on the knife reviewed. The locking leaf has good tension but crunches along the lock face when disengaged. This is also made from a very thin gauge and would have likely benefited from a more robust stock.

The trade off for some comfort and thinner material choices, is weight. For a knife with a large footprint, the narrow width, due to the nested liners, produces a very light weight knife at only 4.1 Oz (116 g)

With everything considered, the Rock Lobster has some quirks but is an over-all successful study in form and function that leans more toward aesthetics and away from utility. When open, the knife has a flowing recurved shape that is punctuated well with harder geometric details such as the pommel, thumb hole and scale cutaway. While closed the smooth flat shape will ride well in the pocket.

There is no doubt that the Rock Lobster was a unique offering from Spyderco. This model, now discontinued, will be a loss to the diversity of the Spyderco line.