Balance carbon fiber?

[CarbonFiberNut]

I've been on a bit of a "small knife" kick lately (corporate life will do that to ya!), and I'm considering a balance. I've got a nishijin cricket on the way in the mail, but just noticed that Knifeworks has the CF balance in stock. Does anyone here have experience with this model? Do you all remember what the going street price for them was when they were released? Over $100 for such a small knife is hard to justify, but I am intrigued by the uniqueness and the generally positive comments I've read regarding ergonomics. Any insight would certainly be appreciated.

[jabba359]

I've got one. It completely destroys plastic clamshell packaging. That said, I don't carry it that often. Usually a ladybug accompanies me instead (a lot more blade with a similar sized handle). It's very well built, feels nice in hand, and has great fit and finish. Street prices were around $112-128.

[The Deacon]

My records show I paid $125 for mine when they first came out. Get it, you won't regret it.

[jmh58]

I got one.. It finds its way in my pocket quite often.. I have used it to open those clam shell packages also.. It is vey useful for just about any cutting task I ask of it.. I like it way more than the Manbug I have also.. I got mine on a Sage1 trade.. John

[dbcad]

The Balance is a small, very robust beast. Capability outshines it's size

[CarbonFiberNut]

the Cricket arrived today, and after looking at side-by-side size comparisons against the Balance, I think I actually talked myself out of the Balance. The Cricket's ergonomics are excellent, and it was on sale at bladehq for half what the Balance costs, so it's hard to justify the Balance right now. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out and hope it goes on sale too

[Monocrom]

Love the look of the carbon fiber balance, but I do think it's a bit overpriced for what you get.

[LC Kid]

Hi Mr CarbonFiberNut!


I really like the Balance design.

That said, I very much like the Stainless Steel version waaay more than the Carbon Fiber one. :D

[thurin]

I don't have a Cricket to compare it to, but the CF Balance is in my watch pocket every single day. Great little knife. The design makes it a conversation piece whenever someone sees it in action.

[Pinetreebbs]

IMO, the ultimate gentleman's knife, perfect for the office atmosphere as well as anywhere else. I have gifted three Balance knives, all very well received.

[kbuzbee]

One of Spydercos most brilliant designs EVER! I own several and love them. It's a design you really have to use to appreciate.

Ken

[phillipsted]

The little SS version is only 32g, the CF version is 41g. The SS version is one of the lightest and easiest to carry "office" knife in my collection. I wasn't sold when they first came out, but I carry it a lot now...

TedP

[Monocrom]

IMO, the ultimate gentleman's knife, perfect for the office atmosphere as well as anywhere else. I have gifted three Balance knives, all very well received.

Need another friend? :D

[Monocrom]

The little SS version is only 32g, the CF version is 41g. The SS version is one of the lightest and easiest to carry "office" knife in my collection. I wasn't sold when they first came out, but I carry it a lot now...

TedP

That's surprising that the Carbon Fiber version is heavier than the Stainless Steel one.

[phillipsted]

The scales on the SS model are very very thin, almost like liners. I think that the SS model is just the CF model with the CF missing... :D

TedP

[Blerv]

I only have the SS one and it's a bit thin. I think the CF would be far more comfortable in hand.

Size and price shouldn't go hand-in-hand. Just pretend it's an Apple product on clearance sale. :)

[dbcad]

Here's a quick and "eh" picture of the CF Balance and the Cricket on their backs, 1200 wide. Minutes old.....

The Balance CF is just extremely robust for it's size :D Mine has been taken off of the flash drive ring, clip put back on and currently carrying.

Don't know what the ss version is like, but the CF exudes "tough"

[The Deacon]

The scales on the SS model are very very thin, almost like liners. I think that the SS model is just the CF model with the CF missing... :D

TedP

That's my impression as well, Ted.

[Mallus]

SS Balance does have a bit thinner blade as well, 2 mm vs. 2.5 mm of the CF version, if Spyderco catalogue has it right.

I ordered the CF version two years ago but never received it.. uninsured shipping across the Atlantic has it's risks, it seems. Have considered trying again, but may go with the ss version and try to replace the non-locking scale with a contraption of my own, to get the thinner blade.