Astute: The Little Big Knife

[rybu0305]

I bought an Astute on a whim because I liked the design. It looked like it had a lot of cutting edge and looked much bigger in the pictures than it actually is. After receiving this knife and using it for various tasks in the kitchen and in the field, I am impressed! Spyderco hit a home run with this knife I just hope we will someday see it in other steels and handle materials.

The cutting edge is longer than a Manix, Stretch, and I'm sure many other knifes that have larger profiles. I only had those two to compare. For such a small package you get great ergonomics and cutting edge. There is no makers mark, do we know who designed it?

I have coined this knife my "Little Big Knife" because of the attributes outlines above. I don't normally go for the Spyderco budget knives but the Astute is worth every penny.

[SG89]

I believe it was designed by Gabor Szakonyi, he also designed the Hungarian. The Astute is a great example of how well that particular Chinese factory can perform and I hope for more offerings from them.

[JuPaul]

Yes, it's an excellent knife! Check out this thread on other first impressions:

viewtopic.php?t=87297

[gull wing]

Looking forward to mine, on the way. I really like the blade shape. The overall shape of the knife, is great looking. Love the low profile.

[NYLife]

I am thinking of picking one up for black Friday or maybe get it on seconds sale

[olywa]

Love the lines, the blade profile and the liner lock. Maybe it will get the S35VN upgrade like the Tenacious at some point.

[JuPaul]

Love the lines, the blade profile and the liner lock. Maybe it will get the S35VN upgrade like the Tenacious at some point.

Sal said if the s35vn Tenacious does well then they'd consider giving the Astute the same upgrade. Fingers crossed!

[toocool006]

Love the lines, the blade profile and the liner lock. Maybe it will get the S35VN upgrade like the Tenacious at some point.

Sal said if the s35vn Tenacious does well then they'd consider giving the Astute the same upgrade. Fingers crossed!

I've got my toes crossed too :D :D

[JuPaul]

Love the lines, the blade profile and the liner lock. Maybe it will get the S35VN upgrade like the Tenacious at some point.

Sal said if the s35vn Tenacious does well then they'd consider giving the Astute the same upgrade. Fingers crossed!

I've got my toes crossed too :D :D

Me, too! I am looking forward to an upgraded Tenacious, but I'm planning to buy one largely to support the upgrade experiment, in hopes that the Astute comes next. I also really want an upgraded Bow River!

[gull wing]

Got mine in Wednesday, haven't checked it out much, Thanksgiving and home is still being repaired (Laura).
Put some time in it today and find I like it a lot, mostly because of the slim width, thin handle, low profile when closed, and nicely shaped drop point blade. With the firm detent, I can snap the blade out sharply.
Although, a "slow open" can be hard sometimes.
I can't test the cutting yet, the blade came in less than "Spyderco sharp" (first time). This is not a big issue, as I know 8Cr is easy to sharpen.
Looking for tomorrow. :)