Need some feedback on the Hawkbill design...

[Episteme]

I own a 2 harpies, a tasman, and Civilian. I would like to know if anyone could relate any 'real-world' cutting tests with these blades that would translate well into the performance for 'last ditch self-defense'. My worries would mainly be whether hawkbills get hopelessly caught up on a slash in clothing or other materials. Regardless, I love these blades, especially my Yellow Tasman, which I have carried everyday since I got it in February as a Valetine's day gift.
Mike

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Who can say? In a fight anything can happen. Anything can be countered and anything can work. Keep training and stay outta bars. :spyder:

[JD Spydo]

Well I have discovered many jobs that are done very efficiently with Hawkbills. When I get into a situation in which I have to cut a lot of rope and so forth I use my SE Spyderhawk. I have found them invaluble for cutting tree roots ( or any root for that matter), burlap, carpet and a number of fibrous, tough materials. I too carry a yellow handled TASMAN daily now. I am just mind blown at how many jobs that knife is capable of. You really need to carry a Tasman, Harpy or Merlin a couple of days to see for yourself just how proficient the Hawkbill can be.

As far as Self Defense is concerned I like the Matriarch the very best. The shorter, stouter configuration will provide a very nice weapon for me if need be. The Civilian is great and I do own one and plan on keeping it but again my personal pick would be the Matriarch. Keep in mind that you really need to work with any knife a lot before you should depend on it for self defense. Whether it be a Hawkbill, Yojimbo, Massad Ayoob, waved Endura and so forth.

The Hawkbill is probably the most misunderstood and maligned knife on the planet. People's misconception of the Hawkbill is borne out of pure ignorance and pre conceived predjudices. People tend to look at Hawkbills like they are out of a NINJA movie but the real truth is that they are simply a specialized cutting tool with a lot of job capabilities. But the very people who malign them have probably used a Hawkbill in their life at some point without even realizing it ( linoleum knife, special paring knife ect, ect,.). People who work around marine/maritime type jobs really need a Hawkbill. And a Hawkbill should be considered a necessity for jobs in that area. Leave it to Spyderco to recognize the super potential these knives possess. For they are one of the very few companies that takes the time to evaluate function in their blades/tools. JD

[Nerak]

The Hawkbill is probably the most misunderstood and maligned knife on the planet. People's misconception of the Hawkbill is borne out of pure ignorance and pre conceived predjudices. JD

It doesn't help when websites selling hawkbills have them titled as "nasty".
http://www.knifestuff.com/spyderco/spyderco_knives.htm

[dedguy]

i had an ex-military guy of all people tell me when looking at the Harpy something along the lines of "a slim carry serrated hawkbill is obviously goof for nothing but hurting people and anyone who carries one is looking for trouble". fortunatly someone else came to my defense saying that a slim carry knife is more comfortable to carry on a daily basis and that a serrated hawkbill is more suited to utlitarian tasks than hurting someone.

[Mr Blonde]

It doesn't help when websites selling hawkbills have them titled as "nasty".
http://www.knifestuff.com/spyderco/spyderco_knives.htm

Man, that's 'nasty' indeed. That seller obviously isn't interested in a long term profit! Some folks will do anything for a quick buck.

Wouter