This knife has been around for a long time but my first purchase for this knife. I've come close to pulling the trigger several times, but was put off for another purchase. Also, I didn't care much for hollow grinds, the knives I had experience with didn't slice very well. Then came the Gayle Bradley which destroyed my former opnion of hollow grinds.
I've heard what a great slicer it is with it's very thin blade.(2mm, that's a hair under 3/32") :) I can always use a great slicer. The blade length is my normal user size, with plenty of handle for my hand, sounds like a winner.
I hear the Cento is much like the Delica, except for the different shape of blade and handle of course. I have two Delicas, but don't carry them much, something about the blade shape.
Well, here's waiting for you Centofante 3.
Getting a Centofante 3
Getting a Centofante 3
SCARAMOUCHE! 
I will go down in history as maintaining the opinion that the Centofante 3/4 are vastly superior to the Delica. I appreciate the heritage that the Delica has, but the ergonomics kill it for me. The handle on the Centofante knives doesn't force your fingers into any particular grip. This does mean that it may not have as secure of a grip when doing hard pull or push cuts, but I've never had any experience cutting heavy cardboard with my Cento 4, but I also rarely use my knives wet or greasy so YMMV.
As for slicing, I'm with you on the hollow grind thing. I've never been crazy about it, but I understand the benefits for some knives, mainly due to their blade thickness. Hollow grinds serve two purposes; 1) to help thick blades by making them thin behind the edge, and 2) to retain thickness along a greater area of the spine to make the blade stronger. What happens when you hollow grind a blade that's already 2mm thick? You get a strong blade (for it's thickness) and a blade that's even thinner behind the edge, that slices like a demon. This is the one hollow grind that I haven't felt a hint of binding up when making really deep/long cuts through double wall corrugated. Most of them will start showing immediate signs of resistance the instant you hit the top of the grind, but this one being so thin pretty much sails through cardboard.
I plan on getting a Centofante 3 at some point, but IMO the Cento 4 is the rockstar of the two. It's a **** shame they were discontinued.
As for slicing, I'm with you on the hollow grind thing. I've never been crazy about it, but I understand the benefits for some knives, mainly due to their blade thickness. Hollow grinds serve two purposes; 1) to help thick blades by making them thin behind the edge, and 2) to retain thickness along a greater area of the spine to make the blade stronger. What happens when you hollow grind a blade that's already 2mm thick? You get a strong blade (for it's thickness) and a blade that's even thinner behind the edge, that slices like a demon. This is the one hollow grind that I haven't felt a hint of binding up when making really deep/long cuts through double wall corrugated. Most of them will start showing immediate signs of resistance the instant you hit the top of the grind, but this one being so thin pretty much sails through cardboard.
I plan on getting a Centofante 3 at some point, but IMO the Cento 4 is the rockstar of the two. It's a **** shame they were discontinued.
~David
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Chipped Karambit
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Chipped Karambit
- Member
- Posts: 260
- Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:12 pm
- Location: Both sides of SC
I have the problem with a lot of knives too. Almost pulled the trigger a few times on the Centofantes, but them my M390 Black PM2 and Yojimbo 2 magically appear on the table in front of me.deep6 wrote:I'm in the same boat, been looking at them for a year or so and I always went with something else. I know I would enjoy this knife but then my Para yells, Hey!....you don't need that, that's what you got me for.
I know David's picture of the Cento4 is much much nicer than what I could find on the 3 :o
You'll enjoy the Cento :) Beautiful feel, lightweight and capable :D
You'll enjoy the Cento :) Beautiful feel, lightweight and capable :D
Charlie
" Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler."
[CENTER]"Integrity is being good even if no one is watching"[/CENTER]
" Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler."
[CENTER]"Integrity is being good even if no one is watching"[/CENTER]
The Centofante 3 is one of the best general purpose light/medium EDC knives in the Spyderco catalog, IMO, and doesn't get anywhere near as much love as it should. It's in a sweet spot of sporting good looks, great cutting performance, and affordable price point. My only complaint is that the crest above the spyderhole is a bit too pointy -- I prefer rounded like on the very similar Stretch.
Newest :spyder: in hand: Halloween Handle Hap40 Endura and Delica.
