Caribbean Scales: Love, or Hate?

[mayong]

Cilantro. Crocs. The Dallas Cowboys. French fries and mayo. Boondock Saints. The Caribbean's scales.

Either you love them, or you hate them -- there is no middle ground. Which is it?!

[steelcity16]

Hate. I'd own at least one Carribean if it was your standard peel ply ungrooved G10. There is a fantastic semi-translucent day-glow yellow G10 that would have been amazing!

[wrdwrght]

I like ‘em.

[VooDooChild]

I like how they look.
I dont mind how they feel.
I think they are very flawed in one particular aspect, specifically left/right traction. Which I think makes them pair terribly with a compression lock and I think is the biggest flaw of the knife.

[Sumdumguy]

I like how they look.
I dont mind how they feel.
I think they are very flawed in one particular aspect, specifically left/right traction. Which I think makes them pair terribly with a compression lock and I think is the biggest flaw of the knife.

Doesn't sound like you've used one. The Caribbean has some of the grippiest scales Spyderco makes, In all directions. Truly the best pattern Spyderco makes.

I love them. I'm trying to get a set made in CF that retains the same grip pattern, but I can't find anyone that is man enough to....

[VooDooChild]

I like how they look.
I dont mind how they feel.
I think they are very flawed in one particular aspect, specifically left/right traction. Which I think makes them pair terribly with a compression lock and I think is the biggest flaw of the knife.

Doesn't sound like you've used one. The Caribbean has some of the grippiest scales Spyderco makes, In all directions. Truly the best pattern Spyderco makes.

I love them. I'm trying to get a set made in CF that retains the same grip pattern, but I can't find anyone that is man enough to....

Ive got one. Ive used it plenty. We might just have to agree to disagree on this one.

[Pancake]

Love the scales, love the steel and construction, don't like the lock. Sadly, no more detent lock for me......but maybe I could make a exception with it.

[Wartstein]

Love the scales, love the steel and construction, don't like the lock. Sadly, no more detent lock for me......but maybe I could make a exception with it.

Maybe this poll I started once is for you... (link below)

viewtopic.php?t=84657

[ladybug93]

i’ve never handled one, but none of my issues with the scales require hands on.

i’m not a fan of the bumble bee look, but i can get past that.

i don’t like the shape of the pattern. i wish spyderco had gone with concentric circles like their frn texturing instead of the awkward looking pads in the middle with arcs moving out from the center. i think you lose some of the directional texturing by using this pattern.

finally, i don’t like the pronounced hook at the end of the grip. i prefer the way the manix 2 tapers at the end to give more access to the pocket in tip up carry. the wide end of the handle is unnecessary and the hooks never sit nicely against the back of a pocket.

all that said, i don’t hate them. i wish spyderco would change the things i listed, but they aren’t really dealbreakers for me. the handle shape is close though.

[vivi]

Love the scales, love the steel and construction, don't like the lock. Sadly, no more detent lock for me......but maybe I could make a exception with it.

That's the one and only reason I don't own, and likely EDC a Caribbean. Fantastic design.

As for the scales, I love everything about them except the color. Very ergonomic and grippy.

Hasn't been a day in my life I've ever desired a yellow knife, whether its a Case Trapper or a Spyderco Salt. But on a Spyderco it's an easy fix with $5 of dye and a spare half hour of time.

[TkoK83Spy]

Probably the only reason I don't own one. I see anyone that has one, raves about the knife. But I honestly just can't get past those scales.

[vivi]

Probably the only reason I don't own one. I see anyone that has one, raves about the knife. But I honestly just can't get past those scales.

Have you ever tried RIT dye? It's pretty simple to use. I've done fixed blade scales, folder scales, and even a sheath.

[dsvirsky]

I like the Caribbean's scales. They feel good in my hand and I even like the bumblebee look.

[Dazen]

I actually agree with leaving the pattern of the scales the same. Having the beautiful weave of the carbon fiber exposed with the same cuts as before and still leaving the peel-ply texture on top for grip. I can’t think of a better way to showcase the carbon fiber and it will sort of look fluted as well. IMO, this with the sheepsfoots blade may just be The One for me that knocks every other knife out of my pocket!

I’ve been advocating for a peel-ply CF sprint for some time now. I can’t say that love or hate them, I love the design just hate the color. My wife on the other hand thinks it’s the best looking Spyderco.

[Evil D]

Love the machine work, don't love the color. I dyed both of mine and they look much better.

[ChrisinHove]

I have been tempted, but was put off not by the scales, but by the reports of a weak detent.

[Sumdumguy]

Love the machine work, don't love the color. I dyed both of mine and they look much better.

This is the best blade shape of all the Caribbeans! I'm going to have to get a sheepsfoot and grind it down too...

[Jazz]

This is the best blade shape of all the Caribbeans! I'm going to have to get a sheepsfoot and grind it down too...

I know, right? The way Dave did that makes that knife so freakin’ cool. Love the blade shape. If it was a back lock, I’d copy.

[vivi]

This is the best blade shape of all the Caribbeans! I'm going to have to get a sheepsfoot and grind it down too...

I know, right? The way Dave did that makes that knife so freakin’ cool. Love the blade shape. If it was a back lock, I’d copy.

If that was a backlock it'd be one of my main EDC's. The ergos are great and I love the FFG LC200N blade.

[Jazz]

If that was a backlock it'd be one of my main EDC's. The ergos are great and I love the FFG LC200N blade.

We can dream, bro. Sal, please make us a back lock. :o