Looking for opinions on the Positron good or not so good

[colin.p]

I am in the market for a new knife. I certainly don't need another knife and have a hard time justifying purchasing another one, but I want to anyways 'cause I don't care. Perusing the website of a large west coast Canadian knife/sword retailer, I see that the Positron is on sale for a rather large discount from the rather large MSRP.

I have done some research and found that some complain about the ergonomics, as in it's a fairly small knife with a somewhat cramped handle. Now I have smaller "girly" hands and I find smaller knives with corresponding smaller handles more comfortable to hold. As an example, I do prefer my Para 3 over my PM2. To also give you an idea, I have a ZT 0450CF and a BM Nakamura 484 and while some say that the handles are too small and uncomfortable on those knives, I find them just fine and the 484 is a dream to hold, so the small size of the Positron shouldn't be an issue for me. The clip, on the other hand, may be a potential hotspot, but I don't use my knives for hours at a time so shouldn't be too much of a problem either.

I see that the Positron has been discontinued by Spyderco, so that could be a slight concern, especially as to why it was discontinued after so short a time. One thing that really does concern me is the rumour that Spyderco had some issues with their early flippers, primarily the bearing washers deforming causing the flipper action to degrade over time. Was that really the case, or was it really a non issue. BTW, I live in Canada so warranty isn't an option, what with our border clowns gleefully impounding knives left and right.

So, those of you who are in the know, what are your thoughts/experiences with the Positron good or bad.

[SG89]

I have small girlie hands (I'm a girl) and I did not like the ergos of the Positron and the lock access or lack thereof was a killer for me. I love the ergos of the Para 3 tho

[Sjucaveman]

I bought the orange knifecenter position and liked it enough that I also ordered the carbon fiber position. I think the thicker handle feels good in hand and I can still get a four finger grip. The lock is difficult enough to get to that you won't be closing it one handed but the flipping action has if anything smoothed a bit. It certainly isn't for everyone, but I don't think it's nearly as bad as some say.

[Evil D]

Couldn't get past that plunge line.

[koenigsegg]

I am able to flip and close mine one handed. Access to the lock bar isn't that bad but it can be painful if you open and close it enough.

[2 bears]

I bought the CF Positron and I love it. I have medium sized hands and it fits them perfectly. It gets as much pocket time as any other Spyderco I own.

[Sharp Guy]

I used my orange KC Positron to break down some boxes last night and I was considering starting a thread about how much I've grown to like the knife. So I guess I'll post my thoughts here instead.

I really like knives with blades around 3" and the Positron was on my radar for quite some time. When I decided it was time to add a Spyderco flipper to my collection I was trying to decide between the Positron and Mantra. I read a lot of mixed reviews of the Positron (bad ergos, pointy butt, etc) and I ultimately decided on the Mantra. It turned out to be a good choice for me because I've liked my Mantra since day one.

So...I basically forgot about the Positron until it went on the discontinued list last fall. At the closeout price the Positron was selling for I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try one. When first got the knife I had mixed feelings. It flipped great (better than my Mantra) and the action was smooth but I had trouble disengaging the lock. The narrow access and teeth on the lockbar made it a challenge. At first I had to get creative and pull the lock bar over using my index finger from underneath and let the blade start to close from gravity. Not ideal but it worked ok. I intended on modding the knife for better access to the lock bar but I started using the corner of my thumbnail to push the lockbar over and that works much better. I no longer have any issue closing the knife one-handed. I've recently handled a couple of the CF Positrons and found the lock bar much easier to work. Not sure why the orange Positron seemed so much more difficult. As I was writing this I was opening then closing it with the pad of my thumb no problem. So it's either broken in or my thumb toughened up. Either way I'm glad I didn't mod it now.

The only ergo issue I had with the Positron was due to the clip. I usually love the wire clips but in this case the end (near the pivot) was a little uncomfortable when I gripped the knife. The end pressed into the fleshy part of my hand under my index finger. I took the clip off and the knife felt fantastic. So I ended up compromising and put a short Dragonfly clip on it. One of these days I'll put the long clip back on just to try it again.

Now that I'm passed those early issues I'm really happy with the knife. Like I said, the bearings are smooth and it flips great. Where it really excels is when I cut with it. I like the blade shape, negative blade angle, and longer cutting edge. I've been impressed every time I've used it.

So I'd recommend trying a Positron. Especially if you can get one at the closeout price. My only regret is not also buying a CF version while they were in sale for $80. I checked around last night and I could only find a couple dealers that have them in stock for the regular price. I did notice that KC still has their orange exclusive on sale if anyone's interested.

[PSquared]

I really want to like the Positron. I love the solid carbon fibre and the size works for me. Mine is a bit sentimental for me as I bought it at the SFO (a 30,000km trip for me).

Fixed some of the ergos by putting on a Dragonfly clip and taking a Dremel to the pointy bits at the end of the handle. The issue I can’t fix is that I feel like my index finger is too far back when using the knife in most grips.

Fixed the lock bar access with the Dremel as well. It’s still sticky but I’m happy with the access for my thumb.

The thing that kills it for me is that at the end of the day, it’s a mediocre flipper. If the OP likes the 0450 (also a mediocre flipper in my mind) then the Positron might work. I carry the Positron infrequently usually because I am still trying to give it another chance to get into my rotation.

[zhyla]

OP, I've got a thread somewhere with a lot of my thoughts. I hate the clip, that's my biggest gripe -- but I'm not a wire clip fan to begin with. Otherwise I think the ergonomics are pretty good, especially if you have smaller hands.

Overall I think it's a nice design and kind of a steal at the closeout prices... but chances are at least one of the things that bothers people about this knife will also bother you. If it's not a big deal for you to buy this and not like it I would say give it a try. It's certainly the cheapest way to get a Spyderco flipper at the moment.

Couldn't get past that plunge line.

LOL! Of all the things to moan about on this knife, that's the funniest. I'm actually curious how they grind these. I've ground a handful of knives from scratch and the angle just messes with my head.

The thing that kills it for me is that at the end of the day, it’s a mediocre flipper.

There's some technique to it... if you left your index finger drag the back of the handle as you're flipping it won't flip great. If you pull up a bit it flips perfect every time.

That said... I've got cheaper knives that flip perfectly any which way. So I can't argue it's not mediocre, but if the knife otherwise does it for OP then I think he can deal with this part.

The only ergo issue I had with the Positron was due to the clip. ... So I ended up compromising and put a short Dragonfly clip on it.

Oh man, I've got to try that. My main complaint is the clip position and how far it stands proud of the handle.

[Lumpy620]

I have both the original, and the KC exclusive. Full disclosure, I'm a little biased towards it, because the original CF version was the first Spydie I bought after taking a year off from buying blades due to some other life priorities. :o

Anywho, opinions:
-My CF one broke in a lot quicker than the orange Knifecenter one, and is actually the second smoothest Spydie flipper I own, behind the Advocate. I wouldn't call either the best of the best in the world of flippers, but action wise, both actuate either "push button" or "lightswitch" style. You mentioned that you had a ZT0450, as a point of reference, in comparison to my ZT0450, the 0450 has a stronger detent, and in my opinion, nudges ahead in action by a pretty good margin.

-Fit and finish on both are typical Taiwan Spydie quality. However, there are some differences in my sample size... Interestingly enough, the spine jimping on the orange version is more aggressive, and the lockbar jimping is less aggressive than the CF one. My friend's orange one was consistent with mine, but again, that's the only sample size I have.

-Lock is somewhat hard to disengage as others have said, but if you have calouses on your digits like me, I never found it to be a deal breaker.

-The clip never bothered me ergonomically, while gripping it. I wear medium gloves, but it did create a hotspot for my friend, who has L/XL sized hands.

-I like the overall aesthetics of the knife. The CF is great looking, and the polished G10 is something you don't see on a lot of Spydies.

Overall, Slcing performance is just fine, and I think for the prices you can pick one up for, it's totally worth it. It's one of my most carried "office" folders. I like that if I want to open it slowly, in a more controlled manner, the Spydie hole can just be used like a nail-nick... Then again all Spydie holes can be used like a nail-nick, so moot point I suppose.

[colin.p]

Thanks for the info everyone. I see that the Positron has some liker's and some not so much. Kind of what I expected as that is the general consensus out in the forums. I'm happy that the action seems to be ok and not any issue with the pivot bearings.

I seem to be drawn to quirky designs and so far I haven't gotten too many "dogs", not that this is a dog by any means. I'll have to think about the Positron and decide if I want to buy it or not. The problem is that I bought the two best Spydercos right from the start and have nowhere to go but down . Just kidding of course. Maybe a Gayle Bradley.....

[zhyla]

Anybody got a pic of a Dragonfly clip on this thing? Just wanted to see what it looked like before I pull the trigger.

[dreadpirate]

I have one and it's ok if you got it at the close out price. I had to switch out the clip to the left side, o/w as a right hander I found it uncomfortable.

[Sharp Guy]

Anybody got a pic of a Dragonfly clip on this thing? Just wanted to see what it looked like before I pull the trigger.

It looks a little out of place and isn't as secure as the longer clip but it's been working well for me. Like I said previously, I'll probably put the long clip back on it just see if I still dislike how it feels.

[colin.p]

I just placed the order for the Positron from Blades Canada, so I will update what my findings are later when it comes in. Should be interesting, so many knives to buy so few dollars to spend.....

[MacLaren]

I had one for a while. Didn't like it. Didn't flip worth a flip :)
Sold it off.

[Larry_Mott]

It's one of three Spydercos ever I unboxed, put back in the box and sold.. IMO its a fat arsed runt with crummy action, and that proud spacer doesn't help a bit either.

[colin.p]

My Positron just came in and I have had it a couple hours now to play with. First off, I found the quality to be superb, fit and finish is stellar. The carbon fiber is absolutely beautiful, especially how the light causes the carbon fiber to have a 3D look to it (I don't have any experience with CF so maybe they all sparkle like that) and it fits my hand perfectly. Of course, I just got it and hopefully my opinion won't change later.

I find the ergonomics to be very comfortable and the flipping action is not too bad, not spectacular but not shabby either. Now the lock bar is a little tricky to disengage, but using my thumbnail I am easily able to disengage it. The clip isn't a problem either, it is noticeable in hand mind you but I have experienced worse clip's ergonomics such as the split arrow clip on my 484 Nakamura ( replaced with the standard BM clip and much more comfortable). Incidentally, the Positron and Nakamura are virtually the same size, perfect EDC size, at least for my uses.

All in all, I am very glad that I asked you all about the Positron and after weighing all the pros and cons, I find the pros far outweigh the cons. Well done Spyderco. Unfortunately the Positron has been discontinued, so it will get harder to find, especially at it's current price point.

[PayneTrain]

I took the bait on the KC version at the current discount. I mean, for that price, how can I not? It's a flipper, it's a steel I don't have a folder in, it's in my preferred size range, and probably most importantly, it's orange (my second favorite color)!

Yeah, it's not the slickest knife and it's a little quirky, but for what they're selling for, aw heck yeah! I like the polished G-10 a lot, definitely love the feel once it's opened and in my hand, and also while it's in my pocket. Love me a wire clip, love a slim flat grind, and love me a Southard profile. Yeah, the lock bar is a little too strong and the flipper tab is a little too small, so it's probably not one I'd find myself flicking open and closed a lot. However, it is one I feel I'm going to find myself carrying and using a lot because I really like the way it feels in the hand and in the pocket. I don't even really mind the pointy butt, and my hands have no problem with the clip placement.

I'll go ahead and say it: coolest knife you can get right now for $90!

[PStone]

Congrats on the new knife!

I ordered one last night, and it has already been shipped. Should have it on Monday!