Spyderco Sharp vs. Chris Reeve, a question

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
WorkForALiving
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Spyderco Sharp vs. Chris Reeve, a question

#1

Post by WorkForALiving »

I own two (very expensive) Sebenza folders made by Chris Reeve. I also own a bunch of different Spydercos (Delica, Police, Native, Ladybug).



I have noticed that out of the box the Spydies are MUCH sharper than the Sebenzas. This is not what I would expect because even the most expensive Spydie (CF Police) was only half the cost of a Sebenza. So here's the question: Why? Is it the hollow grind? Is it that the Spydies are sharped to a lower angle and they will wear down faster?



Why can a Native open an envelope in one smooth stroke and a Sebenza can't?



Both of the knives shave hair on my arm.
Roshi
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#2

Post by Roshi »

Some one whom has both should do a comparison. Based on the two Sebenzas I used to have I agree with your comments.
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Zrexxer
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#3

Post by Zrexxer »

Personally I think Sebenzas are overrated (and overpriced.) Spyderco is the only serrated edge I've ever seen that would shave hair right out of the box! I never tended to think of serrations as even being capable of being that sharp until I got into Spydies.

Dan

"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail." Oh well, I guess zero out of three isn't bad for Bush.
Alan2112
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#4

Post by Alan2112 »

Welcome aboard, WorkForALiving! RKBA!
Ted
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#5

Post by Ted »

I too own a Sebenza (large regular, flat-ground, 1 out of 130, hand-signed)
I guess the Spydies are sharper out of the box because the edge is flat, while the edge on the Sebenza is convex.
I however find it very very easy to sharpen my Sebenza (on a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> 303 MF stone). Much easier then for example my <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Standard or Cricket. (either on the sharpmaker or the stone)

I don't think you can compare the serrations on a Spyderco compared to a CRK. The CRK serrations are just cut-outs of the blade, while the Spyderco's have real serration (the best I've seen...)

Oh, and to stir up the discussion <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>, I don't think my Sebenza is overrated or overpriced. It's worth every cent.
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sal
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#6

Post by sal »

Hi WorkFforALiving. Welcome to the
Spyderco forum.

Since 1981, Spyderco has been making very sharp knives. That is our forte.

Chris Reeve makes an excellent knife. Very exacting cutom quality fit and finish. That is their forte.

I doubt seriously if you will find many that have the skill or extend the time and effort to make their knives as sharp as Spyderco, anywhere. It is not just a matter of total cost of the knife.

sal
JamesA
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#7

Post by JamesA »

Work, I had the opposite experience -- I've had a bunch of new Spydies and I had one Sebenza. The Sebenza is the only knife that was sharper than my Spydercos, although my Calypsos came awful close.

With that said -- I have a Spyderco in my pocket, and I don't own any CR knives.

James
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dialex
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#8

Post by dialex »

There's no acconting for taste. I don't have any Sebenza and I don't need one. I know it's a very well made knife but it does not match my style <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
Sword and Shield
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#9

Post by Sword and Shield »

Howdy WFAL! Welcome to <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>Land! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

I'm not a real CR fan. While I agree they're well-made, I just don't care for their style.

Never underestimate the impossible.
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#10

Post by fredswartz »

I only own one Sebenza (Small 2000 Classic which I have never carried). My perception is that any of my Spydercos are sharper out of the box. I like the idea of CRK supplying an allen wrench with it and the fact that it has copper pivot washers. I just had to own a Sebenza. In the scheme of things, I don't think that I can wear a knife out. I have used a Buck Stockman to cut sheet rock until the blade/blade spring surface was ruined. Buck repaired the knife. I probably won't be doing stupid stuff like this in the future but I feel secure in Spydercos warranty and know first hand about their excellent service department.
WorkForALiving
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#11

Post by WorkForALiving »

Sal---That was VERY diplomatic of you. Yes, Chris Reeve knives have an excellent fit and finish and that's why I have bought them.

But after some serious thought I have come to the obvious conclusion: I use my knives to cut stuff.

So at the end of the day the thing that matters the most to me is the sharpness of the blade. If a less expensive Spydie is sharper (and easier to sharpen) then I guess I'll have to buy another Spydie!

Are the WTC knives still available?
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sal
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#12

Post by sal »

Thanx WFAL. Yes, we do have WTC's available.

sal
wire edge
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#13

Post by wire edge »

Like I've said before, I own knives from several manufactures and In my opinion spyderco has always had the sharpest and easiest to sharpen blades out of all of them, I think spy cares more about the edge geometry and quality of heat treat and tempering on their blades. Knives should be designed to cut well above all other properties and this is what SPY does.
Also, I've noticed that steels that spy uses like G-2,AUS8A ect sometimes do better in edge retention than other brands in a supposedly better steel like ATS-34,154CM ect.
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#14

Post by James Y »

I own 20-plus Spydies and one CRK large regular Sebenza in S30V. IMO, the Sebenza is worth every penny I paid for it. However, out of the box the blade was not as sharp as I like, and even less so closer to the tip of the blade. The edge was a bit thick, so I spent some time on and off over several days and finally thinned the edge enough and gave it some "bite" to my satisfaction. The edge is now thinner than it was but is convex due to the reprofiling.

I too find that most Spydercos are sharpest out of the box. I have had a couple that were not as sharp out of box, but that was sometime ago and only twice. And Spyderco's serrations IMO are unmatched. That is why some other companies who also manufacture knives in Seki City use the Spyderedge too.

I love both Chris Reeve and Spyderco knives (and others too!).
Jim
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#15

Post by Jazzman »

I kind of agree with Ted on this one as the convex grind may not feel as sharp as a flat grind but is just as sharp. It reminds me of the Emerson flat grind which feels dull to my hands but will cut/shave all day long without any problems.
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#16

Post by Tom S »

I've gone though four Sebenzas (Lg/sm regular and lg/sm Classics). Ended up selling all four since I found that I used my Delica 99% of the time. It's a good feeling to have no fear about using/abusing a knife and knowing it is easy to replace. The catch is the Delica that's in my pocket right now simply refuses to wear out!
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#17

Post by Alan2112 »

I got our 8A Endura to take a 15 degree edge the other day, the only other 8A I've seen that will hold it is our PE large Voyager! Wire Edge your absalutely right about <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>co heat treat!
Kentucky Rifle
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#18

Post by Kentucky Rifle »

I own one Sebenza and a lot of Spydercos. My Sebenza came VERY sharp. However, with each new Spyderco, it's always the same thing. I open the little magnifying glass on my SAK and examine the edge~~then think, "How DO they get these things SO sharp"! My two latest Spydies, a SS Cricket and Howard Viele were no different. I can't help myself. I took out the magnifying glass and thought, "How DO they get these things SO sharp"! Talk about being a creature of habit!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>


KR
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