It's not about looks, and it's definitely not expensive. It's so real-world useful that I've just ordered another one. (This time the orange handled drop point.)
It doesn't get the "oohs" and "ahhs" when others first see it. It's even under-whelming from a size and appearance standpoint, but it's inevitable that those I'm with end up wanting to use it.
I might complain a little about the size, wishing for about 1/4" more handle, especially with XL hands, but I don't complain about it when the knife is in use. It's light weight and fairly small - very handy.
I wouldn't change the steel away from VG-10. It takes a wicked edge, and is very easy to re-sharpen -- and holds an edge plenty long enough. To me, Spyderco uses so many super-steels and exotics, that it's overly easy to become an unwitting steel snob.
I wouldn't put the Bill Moran in the presentation knife, office-carry, or even survival knife category, but again: It's an "excellent knife" in my opinion, and there are plenty of other Spyderco knives I'd also label that way.
On looks alone, Spyderco knives might be somewhat of an acquired taste.
:spyder:
The Bill Moran fixed blade is what I'd call an Excellent Knife
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bonesmalones
- Member
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:42 pm
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
It would probably be good to include pictures,... my main post motivation was the "Is there an excellent Spyderco knife?" thread.
Rather than just saying "You've got to be kidding", I picked a sample Spyderco knife that I've found very useful. I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder, or collector, or user.
Rather than just saying "You've got to be kidding", I picked a sample Spyderco knife that I've found very useful. I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder, or collector, or user.
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Commendatore
- Member
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 12:39 pm
- Location: Austria
Yes the Moran is an excellent design, as simple as possible, great handle (at least for my medium sized hands) and just the right length for a hunting blade. It works as a better steel better grind better sheath and better handle option for a Mora knife, easy to clean and G-clip high carry belt knife.
There are some details that don't exactly hit my taste though: The holes, for example. I love :spyder: 's folding knife opening hole, fixed blades shouldn't have it. The second hole that sort of bothers me (and therefor is closed on mine) is the one in the sheath. Drainage sometimes is needed in those thermoformed polymer sheets but I caught some dirt/sand through the ~3mm sheath opening-and I hate scratched blades :o
Well, and I had a ~1mm chip after cutting (probably too dry) bread. Nothing that couldn't be fixed, I wanted to take away some of its belly anyway but other than papa_k I would take an other tough steel as well.
So after that nitpicking I have to admit the Bill Moran drop point fixed blade in orange is my most used out of 50 or so Spyderco knives. I even got second ... s!
So I absolutely cime in to that hymn to an excellent design and production.
There are some details that don't exactly hit my taste though: The holes, for example. I love :spyder: 's folding knife opening hole, fixed blades shouldn't have it. The second hole that sort of bothers me (and therefor is closed on mine) is the one in the sheath. Drainage sometimes is needed in those thermoformed polymer sheets but I caught some dirt/sand through the ~3mm sheath opening-and I hate scratched blades :o
Well, and I had a ~1mm chip after cutting (probably too dry) bread. Nothing that couldn't be fixed, I wanted to take away some of its belly anyway but other than papa_k I would take an other tough steel as well.
So after that nitpicking I have to admit the Bill Moran drop point fixed blade in orange is my most used out of 50 or so Spyderco knives. I even got second ... s!
So I absolutely cime in to that hymn to an excellent design and production.
Moran good >> I think Temp 1 is even better yet
Both of the Moran fixed blades are great in my opinion. I've owned both of them in the past>> however I still tend to like the original Temperance 1 model FB-05 the best mainly because of the blade geometry and the fact that they also made the FB-05 in Spyderedge which as far as I know they never did with the Moran model 
With the comparison between the Temperance 1 model and the Moran is probably similar to a Ford versus Chevy selection in many ways and probably depends on what you would primarily use it for. I find the Temp 1 to be much more ridgid and the blade to be stronger for tough jobs. Albeit you would not go wrong with either one.
And I do like the Temp 1 better for SD if I would ever need it for that. I do wish they would bring back the Temp 1 in the Salt Series with H-1 steel. That would truly be a hard user's dream knife :cool:
With the comparison between the Temperance 1 model and the Moran is probably similar to a Ford versus Chevy selection in many ways and probably depends on what you would primarily use it for. I find the Temp 1 to be much more ridgid and the blade to be stronger for tough jobs. Albeit you would not go wrong with either one.
And I do like the Temp 1 better for SD if I would ever need it for that. I do wish they would bring back the Temp 1 in the Salt Series with H-1 steel. That would truly be a hard user's dream knife :cool:
Long Live the SPYDEREDGE Spyderco Hawkbills RULE!!
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bonesmalones
- Member
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:42 pm
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I love my Bill Moran's also. Very affordable, comfortable non-slip grip, useful blade size, and man what a slicer! I've never held a Temp 1 to compare it to, but I do have a Temp 2. I think the thinner blade on the Moran makes it the better slicer. If I have to baton through some thick firewood though, I'll take the Temp 2.
Which Knife, A or B? get Both! (and C, D and E) :)
I have a trailing point Moran, a drop point, a Temperance 1, a Street Bowie and a Street Beat. Out of all these I like the trailing point Moran the best. When I was younger a lot of fixed blades were trailing points and I have always found them handier. The light weight and ergonomics of the trailing point Moran make it one of my favorite knives and I carry it quite often on my belt.