Whatever happened to the Centofante 4?

[sal]

Thanx for the discussion. I'll watch the thread for interest in a "Sprint".

Frank Centofante was a brilliant knifemakers, President of the Knifemakers Guild, and our QC Guru. He used to come out to Spyderco once a month to work with our factory knifemakers on qualiy. He was taken too soon. I still miss him.

sal

[Spyderwebs]

Love my C4. The pinned action on mine is pretty horrible tbh, but I assume a new sprint would have Screw construction and I'm definitely in for one.

I'd vote for a more utilitarian (lower cost) materials vs the recent $200+ C3 sprint. Cruwear FRN is fine.

Kill she sharpening choil. Users can add if desired.

Keep a Deep Hollow grind and thin blade.
(Spyderco's hollow grinds seem to be "lower" (i.e.thicker) more recently vs 15 years ago. A low hollow grind is worthless imo. You need a High Hollow grind to really make the grind super slicey).

I like the smooth-ish handles. Easy on the pocket.

I'm in for one for sure!

[BeggarSo]

Thanks for the background Sal I'm sorry you lost your friend.

Count me in for a sprint just making my mind up on VG10 or Cruewear for a 3.

[vivi]

I'd be fine seeing the C4 come back exactly as it was, VG10 and all, just no sharpening notch this time. It's a great design.

[Sharp Guy]

You guys reminded be that I picked up a Centofante 3 during the last online seconds sale. Other than the tiny notch it's perfect. Even the action is great. It's now on my desk to add to the rotation for the next few weeks.

Centofante 4 is the one I've wanted for quite awhile. Admittedly, I haven't spent much time trying to find one. I haven't been buying knives like I used to but I'd buy a sprint Centofante 4 without question. Cruwear would be great but I'd take VG-10. No design changes necessary

[mikey177]

I'd get a Centofante 4 sprint. No choil and no sharpening notch would be my preference. Also, plain FRN instead of the fancy and expensive CF.

[olywa]

I'd be in for a C4 without a doubt. I've had three C3s over the years and I just picked up one of the new screw construction C3s. It's a peach of a knife for general carry, and always has been.

[Larry_Mott]

For those new in class i want to show the full Centofante lineup (of course not full as in every FS/PS blade etc, but the models) :)

[blueblur]

I’m definitely down to buy 2 if a sprint were made. I’d be fine if it were the same as the original but blue FRN and Spy27 would be cool.

[Evil D]

For those new in class i want to show the full Centofante lineup (of course not full as in every FS/PS blade etc, but the models) :)

Man I know they're really similar but there's still something extra special about the Vesuvius. I would really like to see a CQI version with an updated compression lock.

[BeggarSo]

For those new in class i want to show the full Centofante lineup (of course not full as in every FS/PS blade etc, but the models) :)

Such a nice family

As this morning have decided to get a VG10 model with reservations just because there is no choil, which I unapolegeticaly say is one of Spydercos not only defining features but a brilliant creation I never tire of, well atleast not since 2012.

Who knows maybe I will feel the same way as others about this model as in no choil needed? It could happen and for around $100.00 I am considering pulling the trigger to find out.

I do know VG10 has never satisfied me outside of the.kitchen so if I go this route and this model really talks to me I will go for the cruewear next and wait for Sal and the next thing Centofante to come.

These are my thoughts right now I still might just get the Cruewear, this hobby is addictive, so a little more consideration through today is warranted.

Such first world problems VG10 for savings sake and less possible dissapointment or Cruewear a favored steel but bigger dollar risk of dissapointment hmmm?

Gee it sure would be nice to have a brick and morter store in Florida to put hands on first.

[CDEP]

Anything from the Spyderco/Centofante designs would be an instant buy for me. From an expensive Sprint to a VG10 revival I would not be able to resist.

I was initially disappointed when I learned that the Cru-Wear 3 exclusive would be flat, because that hollow grind on the regular production model is just so wicked, but the flat worked out great and it's such a beautiful knife.

[BeggarSo]

I have VG10 version coming in looking forward to it.

[pinchyfisher]

I'm on team FRN handles for a sprint. Hopefully make it more accessible. I have both the 3 FRN and Cruwear sprint and greatly prefer the FRN handle.

Steel type or hollow vs flat of little importance to me. Keeping the trend of blue FRN + Spy27 sprints seems logical.

Centofante 3 FRN is a gem through and through, I'm sure a sprint of a 4 would be as well.

@Wowbagger - if you don't mind, can you share some pics of your Cruwear 3 mods? I've wondered how adding some texture or jimps would look.

[srivats]

For those new in class i want to show the full Centofante lineup (of course not full as in every FS/PS blade etc, but the models) :)

Beautiful collection of Knives. Great photo! Do you have a favorite?

[blueblur]

We need more thin wharncliffe options.

[Spyderwebs]

Do I remember the C4 impressed Janich so much in cutting ability it was the inspiration for the Jimbos? I thought I saw that somewhere on here.

To me this is like a mini Jimbo without the tactical look plus has a very small carry profile. I hope this becomes reality in 26-27.

But PLEASE add an overtravel stop or pin. The dented blades are a design flaw and common to all C3 and C4 including the new CQI ones.

Nothing stops the edge from smashing the lock bar and getting dented if the knife is squeezed while closed. (Unlike every other lockback which has an over-travel stop). This is a common problem with this model so "don't do that" is an unacceptable remedy.

[BeggarSo]

I received the version 3 and the lock rock was just too much sent it back. If there is another I would like to see that lock changed a button actuated compression lock and a choil. Ducks with hands over head.

[blueblur]

I dug out a C3 this weekend and the more I think about it, I would really like to try a C4. With my recent enjoyment with Spy27, I’d love to see that in a sprint of the C4.

[mikey177]

Do I remember the C4 impressed Janich so much in cutting ability it was the inspiration for the Jimbos? I thought I saw that somewhere on here...

It was the C25 Centofante, though I can't find the more recent post where he mentions this.

The post below is from 2017.

Thank you all for your continued interest in the Yo 2 and a great discussion.

My appreciation for Wharncliffes probably began when I built plastic models as a kid. My Dad got me an X-Acto knife with a variety of blades, which I used to cut the plastic parts off the sprue (the molded frame they were attached to). After trying all the different blades, I ditched the curved, sweeping one and found that the ones with the straight edges worked the best. In a small blade, they cut with power all the way to the point.

Helping my Dad with DIY projects around the house, I noticed that most utility knives, electrician's knives, and similar "trade-oriented" cutting tools were Wharncliffe or sheepfoot blades. Again, in practice, it made sense and they worked. I chose my first pocketknives--Case slipjoints with straight edges--based on that experience.

When I started studying combative knife skills as a teenager, I read all the classic WW2 books on the topic, many of which recommended Bowie-style blades with significant "belly" to the edge so they could be used to snap cut. My taste in knives changed as a result of that and I began carrying blades with more belly and well-centered points. My first commercial knife design--the Masters of Defense Tempest--even reflected that style. However, when I had a chance to design what ultimately became the Ronin, I went "back to the drawing board" and did a lot of live-blade cutting with everything in my collection. I found that the knife0 that cut best was actually my Spyderco C25 Centofante, which was a Wharncliffe. When I began to analyze and really understand the dynamics of cutting, I realized why.

Cutting is cutting, whether it's utilitarian or defensive. For cutting power and dexterity in a small blade, the Wharncliffe really shines.

I hope this helps.

Stay safe,

Mike