The Spyderedge: Misunderstood and UnFairly maligned

[JD Spydo]

When I first came here to Spyderville back in the fall of 2004 there were a lot of the guys/gals who actually liked, collected and very much used Spyderco's premium serrated edges. And there still is a remnant of a few of us dedicated souls who still love the blades equiped with crocidile teeth :D Yeah I'm talking about you Spydutch :D and a few other guys and gals I still see lurking from time to time.

But what I'm seeing here in the past 2 to 3 years sort of disturbs me. It seems like there is an underlying contempt and to some degree hatred for the great Spyderedged serrations that really put Spyderco on the map in the first place.

And I think that a lot of this predjudice is truly manifested out of preconceived notions that Spyderedges just don't perform well or just don't look as appealing as plain edges or have no practical use>> and that last one is the biggest lie out there. Personally I think that all of this contempt for the Spyderedges is a complete misunderstanding and a severe lack of knowledge. I don't think many of you newer folks have even given the Spyderedge a chance much less have ever really put one to the test.

When I got my very first Spyder ( SE Mariner in 1995) the first thing that came out of my mouth was "What The Heck Am I Going To Use This For? And I couldn't have been more wrong at the time. Because when I started using my Mariner along with a couple of other serrated Spyders I first landed I was amazed at how well it worked on certain cutting jobs.

Truly this bandwagon dislike for Spyderedges is truly borne out of people who just haven't given this great tool a chance. And this is a classic case of "Judging A Book By It's Cover"

[nullity]

I feel the same about combo-edge knives.
I can't change what the market wants though.

SpyderEdge knives seem to be doing well enough though.
Seems like the logical choice for the Salt series.

[Blerv]

It just bugs me when people say they are so difficult to sharpen but likely haven't tried. I have a set of 701's, a Duckfoot, and a Sharpmaker (brother's) and they take about the same amount of time to refresh if not less than PE.

Obviously many folks can sharpen quite well (MUCH better than me). Often this means hundreds of dollars in equipment and days of work at the stones. If they want to pass judgement it's a personal and well researched point. Nobody is forcing teeth into their collection :) .

I feel serrated knives are an answer for the common Joe and Jane. People who need functional sharp tools occasionally and who won't sympathize much for the blade. H1 is even better in this case making knives like a SE Salt1 clearly better than say a PE Tenacious. Beat it up, put it away wet, don't lose any sleep.

[xceptnl]

I believe you are very correct JD, the Spyderedge is an overlooked and misunderstood beast. I do not personally love it's use for all situations, however I have found them to be very useful precision is not the aim for the task at hand. When raw cutting of mass amounts of media is the goal, a Spyderedge can do you very well. I can see that by a logical connection from my previous statements that a combination edge must be the perfect compromise, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. I find a combo edge only reduces the usable real estate of the blade and doesn't provide enough of either blade type (unless we examine something like the Warrior or Pigmy).

[JD Spydo]

I believe you are very correct JD, the Spyderedge is an overlooked and misunderstood beast. I do not personally love it's use for all situations, however I have found them to be very useful precision is not the aim for the task at hand. When raw cutting of mass amounts of media is the goal, a Spyderedge can do you very well. I can see that by a logical connection from my previous statements that a combination edge must be the perfect compromise, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. I find a combo edge only reduces the usable real estate of the blade and doesn't provide enough of either blade type (unless we examine something like the Warrior or Pigmy).

Brother I agree with everything you just said>> and let me be completely understood with what I'm trying to get across here. I'm in no way saying that the Spyderedge is great for every cutting chore; NO WAY!! there are certainly jobs where only a plain edge is the right tool. My current main EDC is a plain edged Sprint G-10 handled Ayoob model. My main EDC is usually always is a plain edge with a few rare exceptions. But I always have a companion blade I carry with me>> and most of the time it's a Spyderedged Hawkbill model of some sort. Today it just happens to be my SE H-1 Spyderhawk. Sometimes I carry my Stainless Rescue model or my fully Serrated Native or Endura as a companion blade. It just depends on what type of work I have in front of me. I'm just saying that there are many jobs where a full Spyderedge truly gives you the upper hand. Try cutting a snapping turtle's shell with a plain edge>> you'll go nuts trying to do it. But with a Spyderedged Temperance 1 model it was a piece of cake and it blew my buddies away when they saw me go through it. Just about any job dealing with cardboard for instance is better dealt with using a serrated blade. Cutting most fibrous material is better done with a Spyderedge.

Now as far as Combo Edges are concerned I do have mixed feelings about those. It depends on many factors and I do have one combo edge that I EDC often especially when I'm working with rope. But I tend to agree that many of the combo edges sort of defeat the purpose. But full Spyderedges perform well in many rough cutting chores.

[The Deacon]

No offense JD, but I don't think most of us who prefer plain edges have "contempt" or "hatred" for the Spyderedge. It's just that our everyday tasks are a mixture of things that are easier to do with a plain edge and things that are just as easy to do with a plain edge, while only rarely doing anything that would actually be easier with a Spyderedge. It's kind of like saying most of us have "contempt" or "hatred" for fixed blades because we carry folders exclusively, or almost exclusively. I'd also question whether the Spyderedge was what "put Spyderco on the map". Personally, I'd give that honor to the Spyderhole and I'm sure there are those who would argue that the pocket clip deserves that honor. Truth is, it was the three combined, but not because everyone wanted or needed all three, rather that everyone found at least one of the three to be invaluable.

[gbelleh]

I agree with Deacon. I don't have a problem with SE. I own several, and certainly don't hate SE. But so far, I can't say I've ever found myself in a situation wishing I had a SE blade.

But I don't do many hard-use cutting tasks either.

[Holland]

if spyderco offered the para2 with a fully se, i would def purchase one. im still looking for a para1 se

[SolidState]

I got into Spyderco with a Spyderedged knife. I got it before I knew how to sharpen, and it remains unsharpened to this day, however it was used quite a bit. The arrangement of the scallops really protects the edge well, and offers aggressive cutting/ripping even when dull. I leave it dull to remind myself to sharpen my other knives.

I really enjoy Spyderedges, but there are certain models that I want with SE more than others. I've been waiting years for a SE Swick, and I would love a SE Para2.

[Blerv]

Agreed. Like various vegetables its good to try them every once in a while. Tastes change and disliking without recent experience is rarely recommended in life.

[JD Spydo]

I got into Spyderco with a Spyderedged knife. I got it before I knew how to sharpen, and it remains unsharpened to this day, however it was used quite a bit. The arrangement of the scallops really protects the edge well, and offers aggressive cutting/ripping even when dull. I leave it dull to remind myself to sharpen my other knives.

I really enjoy Spyderedges, but there are certain models that I want with SE more than others. I've been waiting years for a SE Swick, and I would love a SE Para2.

I'm not at all picking on you "Solidstate" but there is nothing that hard about sharpening serrated edges especially with the great array of equipment that you can get from Spyderco themselves. The easiest method would be to do it as instructed on the 204 Sharpmaker video. At one time I did all of my Spyderedges on the 204 Sharpmaker. But soon I was noticing that there was some deformity taking place on the spike parts of the serrations. They were rounding off and were no longer looking like they did from the factory.

I then got myself a set of Spyderco's 701 Profiles as advised by a wise Spyder Brother who used to frequent this forum years ago. I then taught myself how to individually sharpen all of the scallops and all of the spike-like parts of the serration pattern. Not only were they now looking like they came from the factory but they were super sharp. I've not looked back because since that day I've used nothing but the 701 Profiles to do my Spyderedges with. It does take a bit of time and patience but the payout is well worth it.

I've since gotten the Goldenstone and Duckfoot sharpening units but I haven't really figured out yet how they are meant to do serrated edges like the Profiles are meant to do. I'm anxious for Sal to make this upcoming video on the Goldenstone because I do want to learn more about it.

As far as models I would like to see in Spyderedge>> my list is big. And why they don't do the Para and the Mili both in full SE is beyond me. I'm sure sales have a lot to do with it but I'm sure if they did small batches they would sell them all. I used to have a 440V Mili fully serrated and I really miss that bad boy. My favorite full Spyderedge is my first generation C-60 Ayoob model SE. That is many affis favorite serrated Spyder

[SolidState]

I'm not at all picking on you "Solidstate" but there is nothing that hard about sharpening serrated edges especially with the great array of equipment that you can get from Spyderco themselves. The easiest method would be to do it as instructed on the 204 Sharpmaker video. At one time I did all of my Spyderedges on the 204 Sharpmaker.

Don't worry JD, I can sharpen SE now. I mostly leave it "dull" because it is retired without a single sharpening and still cuts paper even though it saw quite a bit of wilderness abuse. It's a reminder of how robust SE makes the blades. Now I use my sharpmaker, and have screaming sharp SE delica, SE ladybug, SE Dfly Salt, and an SE Tasman. They are all with my girlfriend who has excellent taste in knives and a disinterest in sharpening. Is it just me, or do SE knives require less upkeep to maintain an acceptable level of sharpness?

[Tank]

I'm with ya JD, I have always preferred spyderedge over plain. While I have come to like plain edge quite a bit.. My love for teeth is still there. The spyderedge (and the pocket clip) are the reasons I bought my first spydie back in 91. I have never had a problem sharpening them and in my experience a well sharpened spyderedge can do some pretty precision cutting. These days i usually have and SE as my primary and a PE as a back up.. unless I am packing a CE.

[Blerv]

They certainly don't slip as much and seem to care less about burrs. Not the most graceful dancers but they muscle through material.

I've yet to get mine really dull but like gbelleh don't push knives very hard. Typicially ill just lay the profile stones flat and hit the back edge with 5 passes, then focus a little on the PE tip ignoring the rest. Functionally good to go.

[Donut]

I bought quite a few SE knives when I started getting into Spyderco. All the nicer models seem to be unavailable in SE anymore. Sal did mention that SE was made because of the lack of edge retention in older steels.

The latest I got is the Lil Matriarch, and I love and use that thing quite a bit.

[Jet B]

Part of the reason I don't like serrations as much is because they are chisel ground on to the blade. I don't like chisel grinds as much when slicing cardboard. If they could do serrations from both sides as a V edge then I might be more inclined to try them.

That being said, I can appreciate the effective cutting power for ropes and seat belts so I have been wanting to pick up a saver salt eventually to carry in case of emergency.

For most edc though, a sharp plain edge will work just as good. I have bought serrated salts for family as gifts in the past though since I know they won't keep them sharp.

[xceptnl]

Brother I agree with everything you just said>> and let me be completely understood with what I'm trying to get across here. I'm in no way saying that the Spyderedge is great for every cutting chore; NO WAY!! there are certainly jobs where only a plain edge is the right tool. My current main EDC is a plain edged Sprint G-10 handled Ayoob model. My main EDC is usually always is a plain edge with a few rare exceptions. But I always have a companion blade I carry with me>> and most of the time it's a Spyderedged Hawkbill model of some sort. Today it just happens to be my SE H-1 Spyderhawk. Sometimes I carry my Stainless Rescue model or my fully Serrated Native or Endura as a companion blade. It just depends on what type of work I have in front of me. I'm just saying that there are many jobs where a full Spyderedge truly gives you the upper hand. Try cutting a snapping turtle's shell with a plain edge>> you'll go nuts trying to do it. But with a Spyderedged Temperance 1 model it was a piece of cake and it blew my buddies away when they saw me go through it. Just about any job dealing with cardboard for instance is better dealt with using a serrated blade. Cutting most fibrous material is better done with a Spyderedge.

Now as far as Combo Edges are concerned I do have mixed feelings about those. It depends on many factors and I do have one combo edge that I EDC often especially when I'm working with rope. But I tend to agree that many of the combo edges sort of defeat the purpose. But full Spyderedges perform well in many rough cutting chores.

I don't typically feel compelled to reply on these types of threads for these exact reasons. I don't normally have to make a decision about plain or toothed, about belly or recurve or hawk. My pocket EDC rotates from week to week, but my Bag EDC is almost always my SE Rescue (with humpback), PE Spyderhawk, Para 1 D2 and a Gerber EOD. It's really easy to reach for the correct tool for a job when you have a wide selection in your immediate reach.

[phillipsted]

Interesting discussion.

JD, many of my first Spydies back in the late 1980s were partially or fully serrated. I found that the Spyderedge excelled at certain cutting jobs, and for me, they were perfect for outdoor tasks (e.g., yard work, camping, beach/lake). Today, I find myself reaching for serrated edges less and less - with one exception. H1 blades. H1 is *so much better* with serrations that I'm not sure why they sell plain edged Salts.

TedP

[zhyla]

Part of the reason I don't like serrations as much is because they are chisel ground on to the blade.

Yeah, this has always bugged me. It's more a cosmetic complaint to me -- chisel-ground SE certainly works great for a lot of materials.

SE has its advantages but I like a combo edge. I have a combo Manix 2 that is my main EDC, it's a nice compromise. I don't actually own a PE Spydie.

[Sequimite]

Me too on not liking chisel grind blades. I no longer own any chisel grind plain edges. The spyderedge is excellent for many tasks and I use it regularly, but when I want a straight cut, whether halving an apple or reducing the size of a shipping box, I use a PE. If I have one knife with me it's a PE or CE.