Major sleeper- at least for me

[mikey177]

Carrying mine today just to get re-acquainted with it.

[Jeb]

Nice bug on the scale of yours, like that.

[mikey177]

Yes, the Palladium bug inlay is a nice touch for this model.

[sv4]

The Centofante 3 has been in Spyderco’s lineup for at least 20 years, and has survived discontinuation to this day. So I guess there is indeed a market for this model. It is one of Spyderco’s true classics.

[aicolainen]

My guess was maybe the handle texture?
....
I just wonder if people might be worried that it doesn't have enough grip.

I think for me too, the smooth scales with the eye catching inlay could very much be the culprit that keeps pushing this knife down to the "maybe later" section of my list.
The terms gentlemans folder and dress knife doesn't really resonate with me. The path I went down does not require for me to wear a dress and carry a very capable knife at the same time. A Victorinox alox Bantam or Waiter is usually what I carry if I carry at all in a more formal setting. In such a setting the size, friendly (recognizable) appearance and additional implements makes them both more convenient and functional to me than a dedicated folding knife.

If I eventually jump off the fence and get a Centofante it would be with the intention to carry and use it in a similar fashion as I would a Delica or Endura, hence I'd prefer scales with more traction and a more subdued appearance. This is actually also how I think about the Bradley Air, should it happen to make a comeback. Hopefully it'll end up being both attractive enough to pass as a gentlemans knife as well as a functional work knife with enough grip traction to go into rotation with my DF2 wharncliffe.

Hopefully the move to screwed construction for the C3 will soon result in some aftermarket scale options becoming available, and as such make the C3 a more viable option for those who anticipate more demanding use.

[olywa]

I'm on my 3rd Centofante 3 as I keep gifting them out. Gonna hafta get a 4th now that they have screwed construction.

[Meadowlark]

I'll never understand how these weren't more popular. They have one of the most iconic Spyderco blade shapes of all time.

I'm just happy it's still in production. I've never owned one but I recall drooling over it, along with the calypsos and pro venators when I was a kid reading Steven Dick articles in tactical knives.

Which reminds me, if anyone has a bead on a Jones Brother's jk-23 camp/bush knife in ats-34 please pm me lol. Random thought but man did I want one of those when I was like 12.

Anyway, it must have some staying power, like the moran fixed blades, in order for sal and co. to keep it in production?

As others have mentioned, I'm also impressed it's still under $100.00.

Think I'll scoop one up now, along with the cruwear version, that one's begging for micarta scales.

When did cqi begin rolling out the screw version of the production c3?

[Meadowlark]

Duplicate

[Scandi Grind]

Carrying mine today just to get re-acquainted with it.
centofante3_05.jpg

mikey, I feel like I just have to ask at this point, how is it that all of your knife pictures consistently look that amazing!? Every one I have seen looks perfect.

[z1r]

I have a pinned version and found that it was a really nice, light weight, slicey knife. recently acquired a CF Cruwear Version. Very nice. Not for people that like to fidget but great for those wanting a solid, good cutting knife.

[GarageBoy]

They switched to screw construction on these?

[Mushroom]

I'm just happy it's still in production. I've never owned one but I recall drooling over it, along with the calypsos and pro venators when I was a kid reading Steven Dick articles in tactical knives.

Which reminds me, if anyone has a bead on a Jones Brother's jk-23 camp/bush knife in ats-34 please pm me lol. Random thought but man did I want one of those when I was like 12.

Anyway, it must have some staying power, like the moran fixed blades, in order for sal and co. to keep it in production?

As others have mentioned, I'm also impressed it's still under $100.00.

Think I'll scoop one up now, along with the cruwear version, that one's begging for micarta scales.

When did cqi begin rolling out the screw version of the production c3?

It was around the same time the exclusive variant in carbon fiber was released.

They switched to screw construction on these?

Yes, it was relatively recently though, so some dealers might still have old stock with pins. It might be worth contacting the retailer prior to purchase if screw construction is something you're specifically after.

[mikey177]

Carrying mine today just to get re-acquainted with it.
centofante3_05.jpg

mikey, I feel like I just have to ask at this point, how is it that all of your knife pictures consistently look that amazing!? Every one I have seen looks perfect.

Thank you. I take five or more photos and choose the best one.

I've loved photography since I was a teenager.

The awesome photos by forumites like abbazaba, Salty and others inspire me to also make good contributions.

[Flash]

Yes I think I need one of these.

There’s a lot about it that appeals to me, particularly the blade geometry.

It’s a shame this models isn’t more popular because we possibly would see more steel options by now.

[Mat_ski]

And C3 is in route. I never even looked at it more carefully until this thread. On paper it seems like a perfect food prep pocket knife. Lots of edge in a pretty small and slim package. The price is amazing too. I’ll check back in when it arrives.