Yojimbo Review

[ghostrider]

Quite some time ago, I was the beneficiary of a very generous gift from fellow forum member Dr. Snubnose. A blue Yojimbo. The good doctor’s generosity is not only a testament to himself, but also a reflection of the sort of people who make up this great forum. When Doc gave me the knife, he asked Me to EDC it for a while and then give him my thoughts on it. I told him I would (even though it meant I wouldn’t be carrying my beloved Crossbill), and have since been carrying the Yojimbo for almost a month and a half now. A review is long overdue.

The Yojimbo has been out for quite some time now, and many people have sung it’s praises through reviews and comments in their posts. Therefore, I won’t get to in depth on things like sharpness, fit & finish, and how well it slices. Others have done that. I am merely listing my impressions of what I consider the knife’s “practical aspect”.

When I look at a picture of the Yojimbo, and when I first held one; the knife screamed SD in spite of its blade similarity to a Stanley Utility knife. Nested steel liners not only add rigidity, but also add weight for impact strikes, of which the tail of the handle is obviously designed for (however this can also be done with the other end of the handle).

Thumb Indexing:
With the Yojimbo, I notice that the index divots seem to be perfectly placed so that my thumb and middle finger (or index finger if I miss) seem to naturally find them, making the rotation easier. This is so whether the knife is open or closed (I like this feature because it makes practicing safer IMHO). I experimented with the following grips: Saber, Hammer, Pikal, Edge-In, and Reverse-Edge-In. I tried rotating from and too all the different combinations of these grips, and the knife seems to find the right place every time via the indexing divots. Some of the rotation combinations may require more steps than others, but even then the knife seems to “find my hand” rather than the other way around.

Ergonomics:
I tried the knife in the above-mentioned grips, and in all but the Edge-In grip the knife fit very well. Points to note are that in the Hammer or Saber grip the handle’s choils make for excellent purchase when stabbing, as well as on a draw or “slash” stroke. The only problem with the Edge-In grip is that the point formed by the choil can “poke” into the palm of my hand. However, this can be corrected by griping the knife further down the handle (which just so happens to be closer to where the indexing divots place it after rotation). Someone suggested that this could easily be rounded off, but I’m not sure doing so wouldn’t mean sacrificing something else, and again, the knife naturally “finds the hand” at a lower point on the handle. I think this may be one of those things that are a matter of personal preference (probably just made a great point for Deacon’s “down with the dent” campaign).

Another thing to note under ergonomics is the clip. Most people who note the clip will probably be drawn to the indexing hole, placed over the handle’s divot. Something I have noticed is the length of the clip. It’s a quarter inch longer than the clip on my Endura, and that extra length keeps it from digging in my palm when gripped hard without sacrificing any security. I wonder why more clips aren’t like this (I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile). It’s understandable on an SD knife were a secure grip is important, but it could also aid in comfort to a working cutter. While carrying it all this time I never noticed it until writing this review and I realized it was because I just never noticed the clip digging in my hand like on other knives. It’s one of those “Out of sight, out of mind” things.

Fist Stick:
I have long held the opinion that a SD knife should double as kubotan (or “fist stick”) when closed. When using the knife in such a manner, I would prefer to hold it with the spine of the blade to rest against the meaty part of the heal of my palm, just below the thumb. I prefer this position because it requires less movement of the knife-in-hand to open and deploy the blade. With the Yojimbo I see the potential for the spine of the blade “chewing up” my palm in this position. It seems to feel better with the blade spine lining my fingers, but then it seems blade deployment wouldn’t be as easy, and it can also “chew up” the insides of my knuckles. I think it is better to have my palm abused in this case than my inside knuckles since the knuckle damage would be steel on bone or cartilage whereas the damage to the palm would just be muscle damage. The knife also fits more securely in the hand with the blade spine against the palm IMHO.

I don’t really look at this as a negative point, but rather a “trade-off”. The Yojimbo is, IMHO, a “multi-purpose” SD knife. It is designed to be useable in several different grips, as well as a blunt, impact object while open or closed, and can even be used for such things as thumb-locks (next paragraph). With all those features, “something had to be sacrificed”, and a little discomfort on the palm during a high stress situation (chances are it won’t even be felt until after the fact anyway) is a small sacrifice considering what you get in return. I don’t see any way this part of the knife could be changed without sacrificing something else.

Another aspect of the usage of this knife when closed that I don’t hear many people talk about is thumb-locks (or wrist-lock, pinch, etc…). The jimmping on the spine of the blade when closed, and the jimmping on the spine of the handle in the thumb ramp area make any possible thumb-lock more secure and more possible. If you can trap a person’s thumb (or any finger) in there, squeeze, and twist, it will transfer to a lot of pain, and can aid in maneuvering them into some other hold or lock. It’s like having little spikes pressed into the bone, ligaments, or cartilage of your thumb, and it isn’t a pleasant feeling. It might even work well if they put the same jimmping that is on the spine of the handle towards the tail of the handle since some people prefer to use the closed knife with in the Pikal grip. If they were put jimmping on both the spine, and underside of the handle, starting around the point of the last choil, and extending to the begging of the lanyard hole, that would seem to be abut the right placement (just a thought). This became evident to me when Dr. Snubnose pointed out to me that the but-end of the handle can be used to grab or pinch things like “ears, nose, or muscle groups” (something I hadn’t thought of).

Pocket Ride:
My understanding is that Mr. Janich designed this knife to ride in the back pocket, and imprint like a wallet. I don’t know how it looks back there, but I’ve carried it in my back pocket as well as my front and inside waistband on my hip, just for review purposes. The handle is longer that that of my FRN Endura yet is hardly noticeable in either carry position. Draw is smoother than I expected from the G-10 handle, and it still doesn’t feel like it has a “weak” grip on my pocket. A good way to describe the pocket carry of this knife is to say, “I didn’t notice it”. I carry things in my pockets, lots of things, and my hand is often digging for them. So, when I have to consistently check to make sure my knife is still on my pocket without having lost it, chances are it’s because it’s just that unobtrusive.
I would like to once again thank Doc for such a great gift. Everything people have been saying about it is true. If they ever come out with something better for it’s intended purpose, I’d sure like to have the opportunity to review one because (to take a quote from Worker #9) “it’s the schizzle”.



I would like to also thank Dr. Snubnose for editing this review the content of practical application.

Thanks for reading.

[NorthShore]

WOW! Awesome review Ghostrider.

Thanks.

[tiagre]

This is the review I'm looking for...thanks!. I have a "ronin" and I love it. Now I have to get a "yojimbo". :D

[Xlr8td]

Awesome review, Awesome knife. It is my absolute favorite knife, and my EDC.

[spydutch]

Great review Ghostrider :cool: , thanks for sharing

[Terry Trahan]

Love the review, Ghostrider.
I just finished a two week carry of mine, and was going to write
my impressions. I don't need to, because you covered it all.
It is a great EDC, for utility, and my main concern, SD.
Thank s very much.

[ruxton]

Great review Ghostrider, I already have a blue one, it's become my EDC ever since I got it. Hopefully santa will be bringing me a black one for christmas :D But seriously though what an amazing peice of art this knife is.

[ghostrider]

Thanks you all for reading and the compliments.

tiagre: IMHO, the Ronin has a different feel than the Yojimbo. They are however similar, but the Ronin doesn’t have that “point” I talked about.

Xlr8td:
Thanks for posting the pics. I had taken some previously that didn’t turn out to well.
With the holiday’s I just haven’t taken the time do take more.

Terry:
Just because I wrote one doesn’t mean you can’t. What do you think about my comments about “rounding the point”? My limited experience doesn’t allow me to make than judgment, and I would like to hear your thoughts. Also on the jimmping on the tail that I talked about?

[JD Spydo]

Ghostrider again my friend we find ourselves on the same page. Your review was sterling to say the least. When I first took a serious look at the Yojimbo (Sept, 2004) I thought that this was nothin more than a super fancy box cutter. OH! man! am I eating my words now :o . Just like many other great Spyderco knives I found that when I actually got one, used it and took it in the field to test it under demanding conditions I just thought how stupid I was to think what I originally thought about this great blade design.

I have followed Michael Janich's articles in "Tactical Knives" magazine for the last 6 years or so. I have even e-mailed the man on a couple of occasions to ask questions about his designs. The man was always kind enough to reply and answer my questions. When this guy talks:: I LISTEN
I have been saying this for the last year: You simply have to USE!! the Spyderco knives to really know just how functional they really are. The Yojimbo and Dodo are prime examples of this. I can't tell you how many people have laughed at my Dodo until I let them use one. Only for them to recant what they said.

Well again Ghostrider we are on the same page and rightfully so :cool: :spyder:

[WORKER#9]

Thanks for the review. It is one knife on my to GET list. I have always liked the way it looks. I can't wait to handle one.

[Havatoo]

Thanks for the review. I've considered getting a Yojimbo just like I considered in the past getting a Police and a Civilian. Fortunately for me the Cara Cara and Crossbill take the place of the latter two. But I don't know if there'lle ever be a Byrd equivalent to the Yojimbo. I just cannot see or even justify paying over 100$ for a knife. 20-30$, yes. (I dont think I've spent over 60$ or so for a knife in my life and even that seemed too much)

[BlackNinja]

Great review Ghostrider, thanks! "Pinching" never even crossed my mind. What a versatile knife!

Havatoo, You can either buy 5-6 $20-$30 knives with no warranty, or one :spyder: with a lifetime warranty. Also, you aren't gonna find anything but 440A on a $20-$30 knife. :spyder: prides itself in going the extra mile in trying new designs and different steels. The $20-$30 are just cheap ripoffs of the real deal. I'm not saying the Byrd line isn't good (just not for me), but buy a Yojimbo, you'll see what I mean.

[Havatoo]

[quote="BlackNinja"]Great review Ghostrider, thanks! "Pinching" never even crossed my mind. What a versatile knife!

Havatoo, You can either buy 5-6 $20-$30 knives with no warranty, or one :spyder: with a lifetime warranty. Also, you aren't gonna find anything but 440A on a $20-$30 knife. :spyder: prides itself in going the extra mile in trying new designs and different steels. The $20-$30 are just cheap ripoffs of the real deal. I'm not saying the Byrd line isn't good (just not for me), but buy a Yojimbo, you'll see what I mean. ]
Black Ninja-I cannot argue with your logic. I don't buy or trust cheap folders, either, the Byrd line was an exception. I trust Spyderco not to make something that'lle take one's fingers off. A cheap fixed blade, as long as it's full tang, at least wil be safe to use. <sigh> Maybe if I get a Christmas bonus I might be able to justify getting a Yojimbo, of all the Spydercos it is one of about 3 or 4 that appeal to me most.

[BlackNinja]

Black Ninja-I cannot argue with your logic. I don't buy or trust cheap folders, either, the Byrd line was an exception. I trust Spyderco not to make something that'lle take one's fingers off. A cheap fixed blade, as long as it's full tang, at least wil be safe to use. <sigh> Maybe if I get a Christmas bonus I might be able to justify getting a Yojimbo, of all the Spydercos it is one of about 3 or 4 that appeal to me most.

I hope you get a nice big X-mas bonus :) so you can see what :spyder: truly has to offer The Yojimbo really is a great knife!

Regards,
Joe

[smcfalls13]

That review was perfectly timed ghostrider. I've been wanting a Yojimbo for a while, and finally broke down and bought a blue one yesterday(should arrive sometime wednesday, if I'm lucky) but I was feeling a little guilty and thinking it may not be exactly what I want.

But after reading your review, I think I made the right decision.

Thank you sir. :D

Much appreciated.

[Mr Blonde]

Awesome review Ghostrider, I loved your insight in the practical applications of the Yojimbo. Thanks for posting. I find the Yojimbo to be the best 3 inch fighter Spyderco ever put out, now only if the Trainer would come, it would be perfect.

Wouter

[Irish Lager]

Great review Ghostrider. It seems everytime i read one of your reviews i go and buy that knife. Unfortunately i have not been working and lack the funds. Thanks for the review, and great info.
J

[markg]

Fist Stick:
I have long held the opinion that a SD knife should double as kubotan (or “fist stick”) when closed. When using the knife in such a manner, I would prefer to hold it with the spine of the blade to rest against the meaty part of the heal of my palm, just below the thumb. I prefer this position because it requires less movement of the knife-in-hand to open and deploy the blade. With the Yojimbo I see the potential for the spine of the blade “chewing up” my palm in this position. It seems to feel better with the blade spine lining my fingers, but then it seems blade deployment wouldn’t be as easy, and it can also “chew up” the insides of my knuckles. I think it is better to have my palm abused in this case than my inside knuckles since the knuckle damage would be steel on bone or cartilage whereas the damage to the palm would just be muscle damage. The knife also fits more securely in the hand with the blade spine against the palm IMHO.

Question, are you holding the knife tip up or tip down when closed in the hand? After reading this review this morning, I got my Yojimbo and went to town with it (closed) against a heavy bag. I was holding it tip down in the hand, in an "ice pick" grip (blade spine against fingers). I was striking with considerable force and I really had no issue with the blade spine digging into my hand.

Especially if you let your thumb rest over top of the knife handle, it was surprisingly friendly to hit things with! :)

For the following reasons, I would lend support to the more natural (tip down, blade forward, closed position) use of the closed knife. For one, it is the most natural position, since it is the way you would find the knife when drawn. Two, if the blade is against your hand (palm), if you want to transistion from a non-lethal "butt" strike, to deployment of the blade... You will have to roll the knife out with your fingers, which seems to be a pretty fine motor skill, which I think I would lack under stress. I would have to see just what you are talking about in person, however, before I would be too quick to pass any friendly judgement upon it. :)

Nice review, of a great knife. If you don't have one yet, please do yourself a favor and get one! :D

[HoB]

Lately, I have become very fond of the Yo, too. After miner modifications, it is now very smooth (the release is still a bit sticky though). Not too long ago I accidentally ran the tip hard into a labbench covered with a reconstituted stone top (a bit softer than regular stone but still pretty hard and very abrasive) but only the very tip (like the first 0.5 mm) broke off and the first 1/4 in of the edge was a bit "unclean" (microchips in the edge, no permanent damage) and that was after I had put a 12 deg bevel on it. To repair the tip of a Warncliff is of course kind of difficult, but I decided to grind out the tip from the spine at a slightly steeper angle (about twice as far as the edgebevel is high) and to round the edge just ever so slightly towards the tip on the last 0.5 inches or so (you would never notice without comparing with a straight edge). The tip is still very accute but slightly sturdier now and it didn't take long on a medium coarse stone. I am very pleased with it now. It is of exceptional utility use, and it still pierces like no other knife I have tried.

Oh, did I meantion that I really like S30V, its really good stuff, and obviously not as brittle as you sometimes read :) .

[ghostrider]

Thanks for the review. I've considered getting a Yojimbo just like I considered in the past getting a Police and a Civilian. Fortunately for me the Cara Cara and Crossbill take the place of the latter two. But I don't know if there'lle ever be a Byrd equivalent to the Yojimbo. I just cannot see or even justify paying over 100$ for a knife. 20-30$, yes. (I dont think I've spent over 60$ or so for a knife in my life and even that seemed too much)

Thanks for reading Havatoo,
TBH, if the good doctor hadn’t given me the Yojimbo, I’d probably still be carrying my Crossbill around. The question of “how much is your life worth?” is referring to the dilemma of buying something like a $100 fighting knife for SD. I personally can’t justify it either in my current financial state, however if I could afford it, I wouldn’t have to think to hard for justification. It’s a lot like saying you can’t justify a decent Colt, Taurus, or S & W when you can but a 9mm Maverick (anyone remember those?) for $100. Sure the Maverick cost less, but would you have been willing to gamble your life that it would be reliable when you need it. OTH, if you can’t afford to spend the funds for the better weapon, then the Maverick is better than no weapon at all.

In regards to your Crossbill and Cara Cara, there is no shame in either of those. I happen to own a Cara Cara CE, and the Crossbill in both CE and PE, and recommend you read my review of the Crossbill if you haven’t already done so. I think you might find it a good read if I do say so myself. Before receiving my Yojimbo I EDC’d the Crossbill CE, and carried the Crossbill PE for SD. I have every confidence that my Crossbill PE can separate meat quite well and if I didn’t have the Yojimbo, I’d be carrying the Crossbill.

Also, if you haven’t read any of the meat tests done by Dr. Snubnose, I highly recommend you do so. Reading the entire threads will give you more information that is provided in the ever so convenient charts that VW Tattoo has provided.

Awesome review Ghostrider, I loved your insight in the practical applications of the Yojimbo. Thanks for posting. I find the Yojimbo to be the best 3 inch fighter Spyderco ever put out, now only if the Trainer would come, it would be perfect.

Wouter

Hello Wouter,
I took into consideration you previous comments about using the Yojimbo in closed pikal grip when doing my evaluation. Then when the good doctor mentioned that the but end could be used for “pinching” ears, I gave it a try. Wow! Stick the but end in your ear and scoop the back part of your ear with your thumb and squeeze. Ouch! Not to mention that it seems like a similar principal to the Comtech Stinger when used for strikes in this grip. As for being the best 3-inch fighter, I keep trying to think of ways it could be better, then decide it’s a topic better left to people more qualified than myself. Thanks for reading.

Great review Ghostrider. It seems every time i read one of your reviews i go and buy that knife. Unfortunately i have not been working and lack the funds. Thanks for the review, and great info.
J

Thanks for reading J. Hope work pics up so Christmas is good. Let me know if you need any fobs.

Question, are you holding the knife tip up or tip down when closed in the hand? After reading this review this morning, I got my Yojimbo and went to town with it (closed) against a heavy bag. I was holding it tip down in the hand, in an "ice pick" grip (blade spine against fingers). I was striking with considerable force and I really had no issue with the blade spine digging into my hand.

Especially if you let your thumb rest over top of the knife handle, it was surprisingly friendly to hit things with! :)

For the following reasons, I would lend support to the more natural (tip down, blade forward, closed position) use of the closed knife. For one, it is the most natural position, since it is the way you would find the knife when drawn. Two, if the blade is against your hand (palm), if you want to transistion from a non-lethal "butt" strike, to deployment of the blade... You will have to roll the knife out with your fingers, which seems to be a pretty fine motor skill, which I think I would lack under stress. I would have to see just what you are talking about in person, however, before I would be too quick to pass any friendly judgement upon it. :)

Nice review, of a great knife. If you don't have one yet, please do yourself a favor and get one! :D

markg:
Thanks for reading and the comments (and for doing the research on the heavy bag). If I understand you correctly, I believe I am holding it tip down, with the blade spine against my knuckles. This puts the jimmping right up against the inside of my knuckles on my middle and index fingers. A hard squeeze can be a bit uncomfortable in this position for me. Maybe I am doing it wrong. I’ll try to post some pics tomorrow for you to evaluate. I also did what you suggested with the thumb, and found it a less natural position than when I do so when the knife is closed, tip down, with the blade spine in my palm. Also for the reasons you stated above, I prefer this position than with the blade spine against the knuckles.


Hob: glad to hear the damage wasn’t too great.

Again, thanks to everyone for reading and the kind comments.