Spyderco Forums

I feel the need to purchase something different from my usual and ever faithful Delicas .
After much contemplation and research the Yojimbo seems to be leading the race , but my question to all the knowledgeable members here is .
In my circumstance it would not be purchased for its intended role of Self Defense but would be utilized as a daily EDC work knife .
How does the the knife / size /ergonomics / blade grind /shape perform in these roles ?

Ken

I got to handle one, and was surprised at it's heft. Also, it has a thick blade. Probably great for it's SD role, but unless you have big *** hands, maybe not the best for EDC stuff. Just my opinion, but I really thought it would be lighter.

I actually prefer mine as an EDC to the PM2 (Hush that booing, class or you'll all be in detention! :) )

Why?
-Folks make a big thing about it's 'SD focus'- but that wharncliffe blade really works for all kinds of utility and 'donkey' work...in fact, I'm one of those weirdoes that loves the straight-edge of the wharnie as an EDC....Piece of cake to sharpen too as it's straight the whole way.

-The blade is thick and hefty, so you can get a nice chopping action going for long work sessions.

-Despite being quite big, it's got that 'box-cutter/Stanley blade' look which doesn't immediately scream "Tactical nutter". Handy around the 'gunshy'

- It's hollow ground which makes for a very fine tip, which could be good or bad depending on your usage needs- I've not broken mine but then again I don't dig up pebbles at the beach with it either

- This one is definitely "Your mileage may vary" but I find the shape of the grip, with it's taper to a point at the butt-end, generally more pleasing in the hand than the PM2's more 'typical' shape.

- Apart from that it's got all the 'popular' bits of the PM2 range- the comp lock, the 4 way clip, the full nested liners, the G10....there are even some custom scales out there for it (I've got the Cuscadi ones in Aero CF and they are to die for)

Do you like bad@ss knives?

I had exactly the same problem last week, minus the collection of Delicas. I wanted to go with the Yo2 but the popularity/aftermarket/lanyard hole of the PM2 ended up winning out.

Now, if I already had a "typical" Spyderco to fall back on if the Yo wasnt my thing? Wouldnt have thought twice about buying it. It's next on my list

I love the Yojimbo 2. It is possibly my absolute favorite Spyderco.

The handle ergonomics are brilliant, and I love the straight cutting edge.

Size comparison to Delica 4:


For EDC roles the knife performs well. It cuts like a box cutter on steroids. The only downside I find is the relatively delicate tip. Fear of damaging the tip keeps me from using the knife as "hard" as other knives.

My approach to self defense is to run away as fast as possible, but I love my Yo2 as a weekend carry utility knife. Except for maybe the Dodo, it's the best box cutter ever, just a little too scary for the daily carry in the office, at least in my office...

If Spyderco ever gets around to making a Blurple one in 110v, it would be an insta-buy for me, though. Always been a fan of the design and Mr. Janich.

The Yo2 is my absolute favorite pocket knife. Surprisingly very practical as an EDC. I love the looks and feel of it too...such a nice feeling knife with the heft of the blade it flicks out like no other.

I carry mine at work; and if I use it it's cutting open boxes, envelopes, and the like. The wharncliff blade is nice and accomplishes these tasks with ease - even opened a few of the kiddos Christmas boxes/toys - made quick work of the zip-ties and the like (off topic - but for the love of Pete they really lock those "indestructible" thick plastic toys in cardboard good), I'm with demoncase, I prefer the Yojimbo over the PM2 for these tasks as personal preference.

it's a badass utility knife that also happens to be really effective at hurting bad people if necessary. Not much else to say really. I'd like it better with a FFG grind but it slices pretty decent at the tip.

Another huge Yo2 fan right here! It's definitely one of my favorites. I could repeat what our friends above have already mentioned as to what makes it so great, but that would be a bit redundant. :)

Get one you will not be disappointed!

It's a fantastic knife, one of Spyderco's finest and in my top 10 favorites. Design, build and fit & finish are excellent. It can cut and slice anything. However, IMHO it's not the best "EDC" knife due to the lack of belly, hollow grind, and delicate tip. The term EDC is quite broad. To some it just means "pocketable"; to others it might mean the ability to cut rope, tarp, boxes, strip wire, etc.; and to some it means SD capabilities as well. To me, EDC means all that (well I don't really have SD needs) but most importantly food prep in the office lunchroom, on the trail, in the boat, or at a campsite. It means slicing and peeling fruit, slicing cheese and sausages, slicing bread, cutting a sub sandwich in half, spreading PB&J on bread, maybe even gutting and cleaning an occasional trout, etc. So for me something like the PM2 would be more in line with a well rounded, do-it-all EDC knife.

On the other hand, if you want to experience an outstanding Wharncliff style knife blade, compression lock, and beautiful handle design, then the Yojimbo would be an excellent choice.

harronek wrote:I feel the need to purchase something different from my usual and ever faithful Delicas .
After much contemplation and research the Yojimbo seems to be leading the race , but my question to all the knowledgeable members here is .
In my circumstance it would not be purchased for its intended role of Self Defense but would be utilized as a daily EDC work knife .
How does the the knife / size /ergonomics / blade grind /shape perform in these roles ?

Ken

I bought mine primarily for self defense... How ever, i couldn't help trying it out on some card board and a few rolls of paper towels. This is an amazing utility knife. It's the ergo's and the blade shape. The wharnclife shape almost does the cutting for you, and the thumb forward grip gives you serious power and leverage. A lot of knives claim to be a natural extension of the hand, this knife delivers. I highly recomend the Yo2, Janich and Spyderco did this one right.
Thumbs Up! :spyder:

Action shot Looking straight at edge.

My Yo2 with some micarta scales

The Yo2 is dog approved!

Get a Yojimbo

Spydergirl88 wrote:The Yo2 is dog approved!

lulz, great pic.

Hi Ken,

The Yo2 is a very special design with much time and evolution behind it, as well as many hours of thought. Mike did a great job on the design. It's the kind of design that knife afi's appreciate more and more as they use it. I have a CF version that I carry quite a bit. Good EDC.

I'm pushing for a trainer for those interested.

sal