Opinions of the final look of the TUFF?

duvaldrummer · #41

Ed Schempp wrote:The dimples are not very estetic but they work. Spyderco is about performance. This knife goes into the heavy duty category but it is still a folding knife and has to perform an even wider range of functions if it is to see pocket time. The blade design is to give maximum performance with minimum weight, one reason for the fuller. As Sal would say no more than necessary, no less than perfection. The large choil also has a reason. When choking up on the knife even the blade the choil accommodates the second or third finger at an angle. I say blade because the blade and choil is a grip as well on this folder, enabling very precise work with the tip when conditions call for it.
This knife is a beast, I believe it is giving the user the most strength for weight ratio. It is not for everbody, but those that have use and need such a tool I think will find it in the Tuff. It was never meant to replace the Kiwi in deacons pocket or they would offer a south paw version. Any comments or critices are appreciated, tastes very and needs very, that is how we learn....Thanks for the comments...Take Care...Ed

Wow, thank you Ed for taking the time to comment. I am a big fan of your work and understand your/spydercos philosophy on function over form. I think my gripe over the dimples is more stemmed from my ocd than anything else. I don't usually care for random patterns (except for the ppt) and tend to like uniform. The ZT 0560 is a good example of what I'm talking about. Either way I hope the TUFF does well for Spyderco and the dimples might grow on me after some time.

michaelm466 · #42

I don't really like choils on any blade under 5"(The main reason I haven't gotten a Strider SMF yet), as for the dimples I like the looks of the previous spiked version better, but I like the dimples as well because of the uniqueness of it. After reading Mr. Schempp's comments on its design I will definitely be sure to handle it at a local shop before making a judgement on it.

duvaldrummer · #43

Ed Schempp wrote:The dimples are not very estetic but they work. Spyderco is about performance. This knife goes into the heavy duty category but it is still a folding knife and has to perform an even wider range of functions if it is to see pocket time. The blade design is to give maximum performance with minimum weight, one reason for the fuller. As Sal would say no more than necessary, no less than perfection. The large choil also has a reason. When choking up on the knife even the blade the choil accommodates the second or third finger at an angle. I say blade because the blade and choil is a grip as well on this folder, enabling very precise work with the tip when conditions call for it.
This knife is a beast, I believe it is giving the user the most strength for weight ratio. It is not for everbody, but those that have use and need such a tool I think will find it in the Tuff. It was never meant to replace the Kiwi in deacons pocket or they would offer a south paw version. Any comments or critices are appreciated, tastes very and needs very, that is how we learn....Thanks for the comments...Take Care...Ed

One question I do have, is about the 2011 prototype with the diamond pattern. Was there not way to round the top of the peaks to keep the good looks and stop it from shredding pockets?

phillipsted · #44

The fuller has me baffled. For some reason, to me it looks unbalanced. Never held one, so I'm probably off base - Ed is a world-class knifemaker, so I guess I should trust his judgement...

But the fuller, I'm sure I don't like. And the divots cheapen the look, IMHO.
Guess I'll have to save up for the Stealth Chaparral, the Meerkat sprint, the Southard, the next Para2 sprint... :cool:

TedP

FroOchie · #45

Thats my only qualm with the knife as you said, the look or feel of combo handles. It looks to be a knife with more function than style, which I'm fine with. I'd have to use one to have any real judgment on it.

defenestrate · #46

I think the diamonds looked "tuff" as they reminded me of diamondplate or similar, but the divots will be better in hand. The large choil reminds me of the Navaja where you can choke up for fine work or put your hand farther back for clearance of the blade or light chopping. Either way it is near the top of my list and will likely take a high ranking in my EDC rotation with my M2s and Navaja. I really think that it fits in the Spyderco tradition of form following function while having some of Ed's insight on ergos and filling the oft-requested heavier-duty blade options some of us afis have begged for.

MachSchnell · #47

No interest. It's a neat design, but there is no way that the benefits of CPM-3V can be experienced in a folder. It will undoubtedly be tough, though at the price point I doubt that it will ever see such use to test that theory.

Sword of Morning · #48

The Tuff is one of the designs I have been watching with great anticipation. I really loved the looks of the scales with the pocket shredder texture. The dimpled design takes something away from the overall look of the knife. It could be my perception that the dimples look haphazardly placed on the scales. I know this could not be true, that is just how it appears. A more consistent pattern and size of dimples may have gone a long way in making these scales look better to me. Love every other aspect of the knife except the monster choil. I'm going to wait and see what the Tuff looks and feels like when it hits the streets.

BAL · #49

There have been two knives in the past few years that I considered a "must have", the
Yojimbo 2 and the Tuff. The respect that I have for Michael Janich and Ed Schempp are
valuable factors in this.

I am a fan of the larger "Tuff" knives and the Ed Schempp Tuff screams out that this is
one beast of a knife. I buy knives to USE and plan on buying and USING this one. I did
like the original handle, but agree that it would be a pocket shredder and the same for
long term use in the hand. The dimple design looks like it will be ergonomiocally awesome
to hold and use. The only problem that I have with the knife is that is isn't available yet.

One drawback to Spyderco knives, is that most of us don't have the ability to handle a
knife before purchasing. This is the only product that I buy without seeing it in person first.
Therefore we have to go by the looks in a picture, which most of the time doesn't represent
the total picture.

I have the utmost confidence that the Tuff will live up to its name and will be be a fixture
in my pocket for many many years to come.

Brock O Lee · #50

MachSchnell wrote:No interest. It's a neat design, but there is no way that the benefits of CPM-3V can be experienced in a folder. It will undoubtedly be tough, though at the price point I doubt that it will ever see such use to test that theory.

same here

ChrisR · #51

I am a fan of Ed Schempp's designs but I have to say this one doesn't do anything for me, but that's more because I am not into tank folders. If he'd make us a sub 3-inch Slipit Chinese Folder then I'd be first in the queue! :)

KardinalSyn · #52

I like it. Though I already have a pre order in, not certain if I could committ the money to buy it. Have to wait and see.

BAL · #53

The price might seem like quite a bit, but on the other hand, I'd rather have
the Tuff in my pocket, knowing that it could handle any situation that I need
it for, rather than 4 or 5 cheaper ones sitting in a drawer at home.

Not that I don't mind the other 4 or 5, but sometimes, it's nice to have a
special one in the mix.

alanzheng · #54

I really hope there is an option of no dimples, other than that, it is a great knife.

KardinalSyn · #55

Okay. I got one and like it a lot. The knife just feels stronger than the other Spydies or any of the other folders I have. The fuller helps to open the blade two handed in normal conditions. The single handed opening takes some effort to do but I feel that I have to make less of an effort to open it after doing so a few times. Opening and closing is smooth. The funny thing is that the other Spydies can be opened very easily after handling the Tuff.

The choil has saved my fingers a few times. I can close the blade single handed but prefer to use both hands. The dimples for me just help me to hold the handle easily. The 90 degree angles on the metal slabs of the handles recess can be a tad sharp but I like the way it feels when gripping the knife. I also like the arching shape of the knife which I think is one of Mr Schempps design characteristics.

The way the Tuff's blade recesses inside the handles and the G10 slab has gotten rid of the knife tip bite that can happen with blades like the Caly 3.5 when carried tip up. I had to be careful with my Caly. I am happy I don't have to be with the Tuff inside my pocket for tip up carry.

I am impressed with the knife overall after the first few days.

mcjhrobinson · #56

i got to handle one yesterday at the SFO and was QUITE impressed. i have a bmade wilkinsgrip with dimples and the dimples on the TUFF are much more effective imho. the fit and finish of the display blade was great no bladeplay no weird marks. lockup was tight and it felt good in my hand. if i had no other folders and wanted to replace my esee3 with a folding knife id for sure get the TUFF. the choil felt great for me, and i really liked it alot. i voted YES

Jet B · #57

This thing is a beast. You can do controlled, detail chopping like its a small kukri, and it's a folder...

For example, I had to shave some wood off my gate post and I just pulled out the Tuff and some light, controlled snap cuts, thwack, thwack. Job done.

I know a fixed blade kukri would surely be stronger, but a folder is much more likely to be in your pocket right when you need it.

I'm really loving my Tuff. Thanks Ed and Sal for another great knife.

On Edge · #58

Momma always said ...

#59

Thanx for all of the comments. Though we do realize that until the knife is being used, the opinions are "virtual". We're looking forward to the real world use, tests, etc. We've all put a lot of work into this model for many years. There were many refinements that were the result of testing concept models. Steel production had to be assured in proper thickness.

We appreciate the effort and patience of all involved. The pattern remained true to Ed's original pattern (form), which we all felt offered many unique functions that would not be immediated apparent. The design was for a "dedicated idea". Take a slab of stuff and cut away everything that isn't "Schempp Tuff". The resulting model will need to be used for full appreciation and understanding. Ed's design brings out the "spirit" of the dedicated idea. Eric, Ed, the maker and I took many paths that changed direction with each peeling back of the onion.

sal

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Opinions of the final look of the TUFF?

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