I've seen a lot of complaints about the Vesuvius' lock and blade movement. I'm interested in more detail on this. I'd also like to hear from those who love the Vesuvius.
I just got mine (PE no inlay) and am very pleased. This is my first experience with the compression lock. It seems to lock tight and is easy to disengage (only when I want it to). Review coming later.
Also, any ideas why this knife was named Vesuvius? I know it's the name of the volcano that buried Pompeii.
Praise not the day before evening has come, a sword before it is tried, ice before it has been crossed, and beer before until it is drunk.
Vesuvius
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AllenETreat
- Member
- Posts: 3156
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: The Constitution State USA
mac_heath -
I used to own the
Vesuvius and really had no
problem with it ; the blade, in
"tip up" configuration would work
loose during rigorous activity
( and I don't mean SEX! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>). To
fix : switch to "tip down".
I passed mine on to
DiALEXs' wife, Ana Maria.
I say "Spydies for ALL!"
That aside, a GREAT
blade! Frank Centofante & <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
did a GREAT job!
Personal opinions aside.
ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I used to own the
Vesuvius and really had no
problem with it ; the blade, in
"tip up" configuration would work
loose during rigorous activity
( and I don't mean SEX! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>). To
fix : switch to "tip down".
I passed mine on to
DiALEXs' wife, Ana Maria.
I say "Spydies for ALL!"
That aside, a GREAT
blade! Frank Centofante & <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
did a GREAT job!
Personal opinions aside.
ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
We have the inlay PE model, and it has become my favorite out of our meager <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>co collection. I have had no problems, and I use ours fairly hard! The steel, and blade configuration is what I really like best. The ATS-34 blade in DP style makes for one useful EDC. RKBA!
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dialex
- Member
- Posts: 9169
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Campina, Romania, Europe, Terra
- Contact:
My wife has a PE Vesuvius (blue inlay model) she got from ATE <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Let me tell you that's a very fine knife. There is absolutely no problem with the lock, very well made and user friendly. I could operate with right / left hand from the very beginning. It is well balanced, the textured zone on the spine allows for an improved control and the backspacers let you clean the knife easily.
It is true that the knife it's not suitable for tip up carry but that's not such a big problem (at least for us <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>.
If I were to complain about something (not that I do), that would be the ATS-34 steel of the blade (a VG-10 or at least ATS-55 would fit better IMO).
<marquee loop=infinite ><a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my webpage)</font></a></marquee>
It is true that the knife it's not suitable for tip up carry but that's not such a big problem (at least for us <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>.
If I were to complain about something (not that I do), that would be the ATS-34 steel of the blade (a VG-10 or at least ATS-55 would fit better IMO).
<marquee loop=infinite ><a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my webpage)</font></a></marquee>
dialex>
I carry mine tip up IWB, so I'm not worried about the blade opening, though it is very loose compared with lockbacks. I'm not having any trouble closing it one-handed (right or left).
The knife has some heft to it, quite different than my usual Spydie FRNs.
<a href=http://www.spyderco.com/forum/Topic.asp ... Frequently Used Terms</a>
Praise not the day ere evening has come,
a sword before it is tried,
ice before it has been crossed,
and beer until it is drunk.
I carry mine tip up IWB, so I'm not worried about the blade opening, though it is very loose compared with lockbacks. I'm not having any trouble closing it one-handed (right or left).
The knife has some heft to it, quite different than my usual Spydie FRNs.
<a href=http://www.spyderco.com/forum/Topic.asp ... Frequently Used Terms</a>
Praise not the day ere evening has come,
a sword before it is tried,
ice before it has been crossed,
and beer until it is drunk.
I just don't like the flex in the handles. I know there are steel liners, but it is on the weak side. I did have a few problems with the lock not engaging but a quick adjust of the pivot fixed that; however, the compression lock leaves me cold. Not my favorite blade but it's OK. I think the bump looks like a volcano, hence Vesuvius.
I have the inlay PE Vesuvius, and have been extremely happy with it. I've been carrying and using it since I received it back in Jan. The size is between the Delica and Endura, with more width to fit the hand better. The steel liners give it more strength, and I've always had good performance out of ATS-34. I have no problems opening or closing it right or left handed.
I first tried to carry mine tip-up left front pocket, but it would work itself open and cut me. I now carry it tip-up right rear pocket, and it never has opened.
The only thing I would change would be some type of finger guard in front of the blade when it is open. Other then that, great knife! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
I first tried to carry mine tip-up left front pocket, but it would work itself open and cut me. I now carry it tip-up right rear pocket, and it never has opened.
The only thing I would change would be some type of finger guard in front of the blade when it is open. Other then that, great knife! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
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antichristina
- Member
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
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Knife Knut
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: South Carolina
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java
- Member
- Posts: 2978
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Rosamond - Tropical Paradise without the tropics.....(or the paradise)
Mac_Heath,
I love the C66! I have Forum Model #266 and sent #267 to Samo. I have two of the inlay models and both a standard issue SE and PE.
Problems?? I have had none, zero, zip, nada, zilch until I bought a NIB C66PBK Vesuvius from e-bay. This one has blade lockup even with simple two-handed (read slow and smooth) opening. The compression spring clicks solidly into place on the blade tang behind the pivot and will not release without further two handed pressure in the opening direction while continuing to compress the spring. The blade has some wobble and is showing wear from the SS liner on the non-clip side where it terminates near the front end of the handle. I’ve found I can also release the compression spring by wobbling the blade and keeping pressure on the spring sometimes.
I have talked with Dr. Mike at SFO and he has requested I return the V to him for repair. So far it’s been a question of me getting it to the Post Office. I have no reservation about buying another Vesuvius. They have the most comfortable grip of any <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>fante and, IMO, the blade is more user friendly than the other Wharncliffe bladed collaborations. I prefer a blade with a little belly and an upsweep for differing tasks vice the flat edge of a Wharncliffe. The slightly ramped thumb rest is also easier on my mitts than the rest of the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>fantes. All my other C66s have smooth actions right out of the box and have needed little but protective lube to keep ‘em goin’. Kept ‘em all tip down carry and they have a classy shape, look, and feel about them.
Hope this helps!
<b><font color="blue">"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" <i>-Javanese proverb</i></font></b>
I love the C66! I have Forum Model #266 and sent #267 to Samo. I have two of the inlay models and both a standard issue SE and PE.
Problems?? I have had none, zero, zip, nada, zilch until I bought a NIB C66PBK Vesuvius from e-bay. This one has blade lockup even with simple two-handed (read slow and smooth) opening. The compression spring clicks solidly into place on the blade tang behind the pivot and will not release without further two handed pressure in the opening direction while continuing to compress the spring. The blade has some wobble and is showing wear from the SS liner on the non-clip side where it terminates near the front end of the handle. I’ve found I can also release the compression spring by wobbling the blade and keeping pressure on the spring sometimes.
I have talked with Dr. Mike at SFO and he has requested I return the V to him for repair. So far it’s been a question of me getting it to the Post Office. I have no reservation about buying another Vesuvius. They have the most comfortable grip of any <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>fante and, IMO, the blade is more user friendly than the other Wharncliffe bladed collaborations. I prefer a blade with a little belly and an upsweep for differing tasks vice the flat edge of a Wharncliffe. The slightly ramped thumb rest is also easier on my mitts than the rest of the <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>fantes. All my other C66s have smooth actions right out of the box and have needed little but protective lube to keep ‘em goin’. Kept ‘em all tip down carry and they have a classy shape, look, and feel about them.
Hope this helps!
<b><font color="blue">"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" <i>-Javanese proverb</i></font></b>
Now that I've had my Vesuvius for all of seven days, I feel a little more qualified to make initial comments on it.
The blade locks up nice, opens smooth, and fits well in my hand. I was looking for something longer than my CE Native, but the Endura was just a little too long for my taste. Plus I am not as fond of the Endura's blade shape. I like some belly to my blades and a good drop point.
I agree with Blades that it could use a finger guard. I've also noticed that when I have wet hands, it's more difficult to release the lock. I wonder if a deeper cutout on the scale would enable me to access the lock better, without making it prone to accidental release.
Minor (and I mean minor) blemishes:
The blade came out of the box extremely sharp, except for a small spot near the tip. This spot corresponds exactly to a mark on the bottom-most pin. What's interesting is that I tried and tried to compress the blade so it would touch this pin, and couldn't. The blade must have touched the pin before the compression lock was comepletely set.
The thumb hole has some chipping on one side, probably from when it was drilled out. Something I've noticed with spydies in the past 5 years is that the holes are no longer beveled. Only my FRN integral clip Rescue had its hole beveled. Every spydie I've bought since then (6 in all) has a "sharper" hole. I plan to round these out.
Now back to the good stuff. The blade is forward-canted slightly, lending itself to easy forward and reverse grips.
I can also put my thumb above (closer to blade tip) the spydie hump for greater control and power when carving. When I tried this grip on the Endura and Delica, it felt very awkward.
I do like the compression lock. I can even grip the handle between my fingers and use my index or middle finger to release the lock. The blade then drops right down and closes without my fingers ever being in its path, and without me having to rotate the knife in my hand to finish the close.
I'm very pleased with this knife. And for an added bonus, it's enabled me to see my other spydies in a new light too.
<a href=http://www.spyderco.com/forum/Topic.asp ... Frequently Used Terms</a>
Praise not the day ere evening has come,
a sword before it is tried,
ice before it has been crossed,
and beer until it is drunk.
The blade locks up nice, opens smooth, and fits well in my hand. I was looking for something longer than my CE Native, but the Endura was just a little too long for my taste. Plus I am not as fond of the Endura's blade shape. I like some belly to my blades and a good drop point.
I agree with Blades that it could use a finger guard. I've also noticed that when I have wet hands, it's more difficult to release the lock. I wonder if a deeper cutout on the scale would enable me to access the lock better, without making it prone to accidental release.
Minor (and I mean minor) blemishes:
The blade came out of the box extremely sharp, except for a small spot near the tip. This spot corresponds exactly to a mark on the bottom-most pin. What's interesting is that I tried and tried to compress the blade so it would touch this pin, and couldn't. The blade must have touched the pin before the compression lock was comepletely set.
The thumb hole has some chipping on one side, probably from when it was drilled out. Something I've noticed with spydies in the past 5 years is that the holes are no longer beveled. Only my FRN integral clip Rescue had its hole beveled. Every spydie I've bought since then (6 in all) has a "sharper" hole. I plan to round these out.
Now back to the good stuff. The blade is forward-canted slightly, lending itself to easy forward and reverse grips.
I can also put my thumb above (closer to blade tip) the spydie hump for greater control and power when carving. When I tried this grip on the Endura and Delica, it felt very awkward.
I do like the compression lock. I can even grip the handle between my fingers and use my index or middle finger to release the lock. The blade then drops right down and closes without my fingers ever being in its path, and without me having to rotate the knife in my hand to finish the close.
I'm very pleased with this knife. And for an added bonus, it's enabled me to see my other spydies in a new light too.
<a href=http://www.spyderco.com/forum/Topic.asp ... Frequently Used Terms</a>
Praise not the day ere evening has come,
a sword before it is tried,
ice before it has been crossed,
and beer until it is drunk.
I have thought about putting some grip tape on the bottom of my Vesuvius, or some traction grooves cut into the FRN. Maybe a small indentation..I don't know. It's not that important, but it is the only thing I would want to change on mine.
I would love to have one of the proto-Vesuvius that were at the "Blade" show a few years back. Where the whole handle color was like the inlay. Those were nice. Someone posted pics at Bladeforums awhile back. If you can "search" I recommend taking a look. Classy looking, IMHO. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
I would love to have one of the proto-Vesuvius that were at the "Blade" show a few years back. Where the whole handle color was like the inlay. Those were nice. Someone posted pics at Bladeforums awhile back. If you can "search" I recommend taking a look. Classy looking, IMHO. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
I bumped the thread at Bladeforums about the rare Spydies. On page 2 is a picture of the proto-Vesuvius I was talking about. Here is the web page also: http://home.earthlink.net/~jkmchai/Blad ... hoices.jpg
Take a look. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
Take a look. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades