new to this
new to this
I just purchased a Harpy knife ( okay, I was sort of fascinated by the knife because (don't laugh!) Hannibal Lecter uses a Harpy in the book, "Hannibal". Now, I am not about to kill anyone lol, but when I first saw this knife, I fell in love with the beauty of it. Now, be kind, I am a neophyte to this-I am primarily planning to use my Harpy for self defense. But is it literally for fishing? What is the Harpy's main use? Excuse my innocence here, I just wanted to know if anyone else owned Harpy's and if they were satisfied with them. Thank you. Kali
I strongly recommend that you read the Spyderco Story by K.T. Delavigne. This book gives the straight scoop on the original Harpy design goals. Beginning on page 82 Sal Glesser (the Harpy's designer) describes in his own words what the knife was designed for. Here's a brief quote:
"...a lot of people think that the Harpy was developed as a weapon, but it really doesn't make a very good weapon..."
I use my Merlin (which is the lightweight version of the Harpy) as a work EDC for cutting nylon zip ties and all other manner of tough stuff. The tip gets a ridiculous amount of abuse and it does "erode" over time. One of these days I'll have to take the time to re-profile it properly. In the meantime, a few strokes on the Sharpmaker is all it takes to whip the little folder back into shape for another week of brutal abuse in my line of work.
Hope you enjoy your Harpy. Sal may not have designed it to be a weapon, but he sure designed it to be a workhorse. Cheers.
"...a lot of people think that the Harpy was developed as a weapon, but it really doesn't make a very good weapon..."
I use my Merlin (which is the lightweight version of the Harpy) as a work EDC for cutting nylon zip ties and all other manner of tough stuff. The tip gets a ridiculous amount of abuse and it does "erode" over time. One of these days I'll have to take the time to re-profile it properly. In the meantime, a few strokes on the Sharpmaker is all it takes to whip the little folder back into shape for another week of brutal abuse in my line of work.
Hope you enjoy your Harpy. Sal may not have designed it to be a weapon, but he sure designed it to be a workhorse. Cheers.
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dialex
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Congratulations on your new knife. If you remember, Lecter also buys a Civilian - though I don't recall he ever uses it <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Hawkbills make for great utility knives. Rope, garden hose, fishing web - everything can be easier cut by those curved blades - especially if there are serrated <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
Hawkbills make for great utility knives. Rope, garden hose, fishing web - everything can be easier cut by those curved blades - especially if there are serrated <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>
Dialex- no, I had forgotten he had also used a Civilian! I've always wondered why Thomas Harris had Lecter use these knives- well, they do the job! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
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samosaurus
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- Location: Malaysia
Harpy = C<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>L! Them pulling cuts are meant for untangling nets and fishing lines.. Noticed that the Movie prop SS Harpy is Mirror-polished.. Kinda gave it an intimidating appearance.. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
"have scars will travel.."
Sam
"have scars will travel.."
Kali,
Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your stay here.
I have a fascination for these curved blades with the *Spyderco* serrations. The Spyderco serrations are like no other. (You can follow the "edge-u-cation" link from the start page and see how these serrations in particular are better than the others, if you already haven't).
You should also check the other members of the "Curved-blade-with-serrations" family... The Matriarch, the Spyderhawk, Merlin, (Harpy) and of course, the Civilian. *That* is one mother of a knife made specially for self defence to be used by a special division of the armed forces. You can see the details if you follow the "Products" link from the start page.
Dunno if you can purchase it though. I am assumming you need to be a member of some special division of the armed forces to buy it. Am i right or wrong, crowd? (I hope i'm wrong!).
EDIT: "serrations" typo and link to image of Civilian added below this line.
http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/yamahide ... 14131.jpeg
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
Edited by - Kaizer on 5/3/2004 1:16:00 AM
Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your stay here.
I have a fascination for these curved blades with the *Spyderco* serrations. The Spyderco serrations are like no other. (You can follow the "edge-u-cation" link from the start page and see how these serrations in particular are better than the others, if you already haven't).
You should also check the other members of the "Curved-blade-with-serrations" family... The Matriarch, the Spyderhawk, Merlin, (Harpy) and of course, the Civilian. *That* is one mother of a knife made specially for self defence to be used by a special division of the armed forces. You can see the details if you follow the "Products" link from the start page.
Dunno if you can purchase it though. I am assumming you need to be a member of some special division of the armed forces to buy it. Am i right or wrong, crowd? (I hope i'm wrong!).
EDIT: "serrations" typo and link to image of Civilian added below this line.
http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/yamahide ... 14131.jpeg
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
Edited by - Kaizer on 5/3/2004 1:16:00 AM
Aloha and welcome kali!
By the sound of your Forum name, I bet you'd use it for SD!!!
I trained w/ the Harpy's FRN counterpart, the Merlin. (Scared ya for a moment eh Paul?)
It is EXCELLENT as an SD folder. I do believe its primary role is for ANY kind of pulling cut, and the blade's shape prevents whatever it is being cut from sliding away.
Great choice and train safely!
BTW-KAIZER, You CAN buy the Civi...but for USE, I'd go Matri.
God will put you over...if you let Him! Mark 11:23!
Edited by - daywalker on 5/3/2004 4:38:08 AM
By the sound of your Forum name, I bet you'd use it for SD!!!
I trained w/ the Harpy's FRN counterpart, the Merlin. (Scared ya for a moment eh Paul?)
It is EXCELLENT as an SD folder. I do believe its primary role is for ANY kind of pulling cut, and the blade's shape prevents whatever it is being cut from sliding away.
Great choice and train safely!
BTW-KAIZER, You CAN buy the Civi...but for USE, I'd go Matri.
God will put you over...if you let Him! Mark 11:23!
Edited by - daywalker on 5/3/2004 4:38:08 AM
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The Deacon
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- Location: Upstate SC, USA
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Welcome to the forum Kali. I too first became acquainted with the Spyderco name through Thomas Harris' book. In my case it took over a year before I bought my first one, and almost another year and sixty other Spydies before, through the kindness of a good friend and fellow forumites here, I became the owner of a plain edge Harpy last week. While I will probably never explore the self defense potential of mine, am sure that it would make a formidable weapon in trained hands, and probably be a good choice for someone like myself who's have to rely on the "flail and pray" technique.
Funny as it sounds, that's pretty much what the Civilian and Matriarch were designed for, but their paper thin tips rule out using them for much else. The Harpy, because of it's thicker tip, is a much more practical design. Hawkbills in general are optimized for a "gathering" type cut, and thus are great for cutting things like rope, netting, vines and stems, which all have a tendency to slide off the tip of most knives. In the few days I've had mine I've tested it out on some of last years wild grape vines and harvested some chives with it (though I must admit that every time I open her up, the line "bowels in or out?" pops into my head).
While my preference in DECs runs more to straight or drop point styles, both for ease of sharpening and because they are more acceptable in the sheeple filled environment where I work, a friend from work who does hardware installation, bought a SE Merlin after seeing my plain edge SpyderHawk. He's been using it almost daily since for opening boxes, cutting heavy plastic wrap, cutting zip ties, and has used it at home for trimming carpet as well. He's totally pleased with it.
Paul
Funny as it sounds, that's pretty much what the Civilian and Matriarch were designed for, but their paper thin tips rule out using them for much else. The Harpy, because of it's thicker tip, is a much more practical design. Hawkbills in general are optimized for a "gathering" type cut, and thus are great for cutting things like rope, netting, vines and stems, which all have a tendency to slide off the tip of most knives. In the few days I've had mine I've tested it out on some of last years wild grape vines and harvested some chives with it (though I must admit that every time I open her up, the line "bowels in or out?" pops into my head).
While my preference in DECs runs more to straight or drop point styles, both for ease of sharpening and because they are more acceptable in the sheeple filled environment where I work, a friend from work who does hardware installation, bought a SE Merlin after seeing my plain edge SpyderHawk. He's been using it almost daily since for opening boxes, cutting heavy plastic wrap, cutting zip ties, and has used it at home for trimming carpet as well. He's totally pleased with it.
Paul
Kali,
If you want to learn how to use the Harpy for SD you must order the CIVILIAN video by Master-At-Arms James A. Keating. He wrote the book on the proper use of the hawkbill type knife(Civilian, SS Harpy, Merlin, Spyderhawk, Matriarch).
He is also the designer of the Spyderco Chinook I and II. Check his website out at the following address:
http://www.jamesakeating.com/catalog2.html
Then go down the menu to Comtech Blade Specificity(Civilian Tape). Also check his web site out for other things, such as "The Riddle Of Steele".
BigCat
If you want to learn how to use the Harpy for SD you must order the CIVILIAN video by Master-At-Arms James A. Keating. He wrote the book on the proper use of the hawkbill type knife(Civilian, SS Harpy, Merlin, Spyderhawk, Matriarch).
He is also the designer of the Spyderco Chinook I and II. Check his website out at the following address:
http://www.jamesakeating.com/catalog2.html
Then go down the menu to Comtech Blade Specificity(Civilian Tape). Also check his web site out for other things, such as "The Riddle Of Steele".
BigCat
Daywalker- LOl no, the name *KALI* is but just one of many goddesses represented in India. I have a strange fascination for her,because she is alarming looking and formidable. My name is Colleen. I don't have a Bible, and I was wondering what that Scripture you added meant. I am not an extremely religious person. I am spiritual- I believe in God, but as for Heaven & ****, I just don't know. You know, there is not a picture of the Civilian on the site- why is that? Have a good evening everyone <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
Paul (The Deacon- the name reminds me of a character in a Cormac Maccarthy book, called Blood Meridian. His name is The Judge. It's an awesome book! But The Judge is a bit of a nasty character- think of Blue Velet in the Wild West and you will get the general idea. He's sort of like Frank Booth except he collects scalps. Okay, enough about literature (I'm always recommending books so watch out- it's a reflex action after being in the book trade for so long). LOL, I agree, my reaction would be the flail and pray technique as well. Excuse my ignorance but what is a "sheeple"filled environment? A cross between the plebian's and sheep? Like Lemmings who walk off the edge of a cliff to their death? Anyway, thank you for your comments! Take care- Kali
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
BigCat- That's a very good idea- I will check in to obtaining that video. It's all well and good to have something sharp and nasty in your hands, but if you don't know what you're doing with it, YOU could become the prey, so to speak. Thanks for the link! Take care- Kali
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
Uh oh....I've just found ANOTHER knife to admire- the Karambit! What an awesome looking device- when I can afford it I am going to purchase it. It looks a tad smaller than the Harpy and maybe easier to use if I *had* to. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
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Shards of Narsil
- Member
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Singapore
Hi and welcome to the Forum Kali,
From the way you are going in terms of SD and aesthetics, I'd say try the S.P.O.T, the Perrin La Griffe or a Hideaway knife.
All are more SD friendly versions of the hawkbill concept/shape, taking the talon to it's logical conclusion and making it an extension of your hand.
The S.P.O.T Black is on sale on the Spyderco website, and is well worth a look. It's inspired by the La Griffe and comes in a nice steel.
All the same, also consider a use of force continium. A lady should always consider having a Keating Stinger on her, best value-for-money defensive keychain you can buy <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Shards
Edited by - Shards of Narsil on 5/3/2004 9:05:26 PM
From the way you are going in terms of SD and aesthetics, I'd say try the S.P.O.T, the Perrin La Griffe or a Hideaway knife.
All are more SD friendly versions of the hawkbill concept/shape, taking the talon to it's logical conclusion and making it an extension of your hand.
The S.P.O.T Black is on sale on the Spyderco website, and is well worth a look. It's inspired by the La Griffe and comes in a nice steel.
All the same, also consider a use of force continium. A lady should always consider having a Keating Stinger on her, best value-for-money defensive keychain you can buy <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Shards
Edited by - Shards of Narsil on 5/3/2004 9:05:26 PM
Kali,
Responding to your question about what "Sheeple filled" environment is...it is this... Since we here at the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> forum like the spyderco knives and have much traffic with them either as EDC (which means Every Day Carry) we're pretty used to mean looking blades like the curved blades of the civilian and the Merlin.
But there are other folks out there (who are generally not on this forum or any other knife forum) who raise their eyebrows, drop their jaws experience increased heart rate and BP and generally show other signs of a mild panic attack at the sight of (especially) large and / or curved blades from Spyderco.
they are not "people" they are "sheeple" (as in Sheep).
You like the Kerambit??? Aha!! The bug has bitten you, Kali! This is the normal reaction these knives have on new, unsuspecting people. It first starts off with one knife. Then you have longings for another and before you know it, these Blades will occupy most of your conscious time (and a large part of your unconscious time too, i daresay!).
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
Responding to your question about what "Sheeple filled" environment is...it is this... Since we here at the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> forum like the spyderco knives and have much traffic with them either as EDC (which means Every Day Carry) we're pretty used to mean looking blades like the curved blades of the civilian and the Merlin.
But there are other folks out there (who are generally not on this forum or any other knife forum) who raise their eyebrows, drop their jaws experience increased heart rate and BP and generally show other signs of a mild panic attack at the sight of (especially) large and / or curved blades from Spyderco.
they are not "people" they are "sheeple" (as in Sheep).
You like the Kerambit??? Aha!! The bug has bitten you, Kali! This is the normal reaction these knives have on new, unsuspecting people. It first starts off with one knife. Then you have longings for another and before you know it, these Blades will occupy most of your conscious time (and a large part of your unconscious time too, i daresay!).
Have a great day,
Kaizer.
A door half open is a door half closed. But a knife half open is a knife fully closed.
Kaizer- LMAO <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Yes, I suppose the *bug* HAS bitten me ( next thing you'll know, I'll get a little tattoo of a Spyderco bug somewhere (I didn't mention this before, but even though I am most certainly a lady, I have some tats. And three facial piercings. ( My right eyebrow, the side of my right nostril- it's a little CZ gem, and my labret, which is directly underneath my bottom lip and chin. I wanted to have my tongue pierced too, but it's apparently too short and could get ripped in two (shudder). So these knives do not bother me AT ALL and I am fascinated with these intricate devices. My father, at 79, has a huge watch fetish, so I suppose my new one now is a knife fetish. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> . I am also supposed to receive my book today too, "The Spyderco Story" ( rubbing my hands in glee ). Kaizer, I remember a few years ago I was with my ex boyfriend and we went to the Del Mar Fair. They had a knife booth, and I immediatly gravitated towards the booth and asked the seller if he had a Harpy. He did, and I held it, and was oohhing and ahhhing about it and my ex was looking at me as if I'd lost my mind. Even the seller was somewhat surprised that a woman would have an interest in these beautiful knives. But I am not like every other woman, I suppose <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I just want to mention how nice and helpful everyone has been on this site- it seems as if you have all known each other forever! I am so glad I joined this site. At last, *conversing* with intelligent human beings! ( a rare thing these days) Kali <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
Shards- thank you for your recommendations- I will definitely check the S.P.O.T. out and the others you had mentioned. The keychain one seems ideal- the neighborhood in which I unfortunately live, is right in the middle of gangland and I have to go into the alley to take out my trash- yes, there ARE nasty parts of San Diego. I am moving soon- hopefully to a better part of town. Yes, the Karambit is so gorgeous ( not a word I think any of you would use lol ) but, it's so compact, clean, and aesthetically perfect. Like listening to Bach. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Have a wonderful day <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Kali
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
Oh! I had a most important question! Does one need a license to carry one of these on their person? ( in the wake of 9-11 )? I mean, if an airline can freak out over a mere box cutter, they'd have an seizure over seeing any of these beauties! I sometimes go to Tijuana, and I don't think I'll be bringing my Harpy there since there are so many metal detectors when you come back through immigrations. Anyway, thanks <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Kali
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
AHA! As of 11:OO AM I received my precious Harpy & The Spyderco Story! Plus they gave me a tiny knife as a gift! This knife is so beautiful! (my Harpy) and I cannot wait to read this book!!!! HURRAH!!! Chris, thanks so much for your info- but I am pretty sure if I went down to TJ with my Harpy I might have it confiscated... <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I want to put the tiny knife on my keychain, but that may cause problems too. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> **** that Osama bin Laden!!!! Anyway, I am in ecstasy right now. Have a great day, everyone <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Kali
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."
"Irish Blood, English Heart, This Is What I'm Made Of, There Is No One On Earth I'm Afraid Of, And No Regime Can Buy Or Sell Me."