Spydie Hole Sizes

[Liquid Cobra]

Why do some knives have large holes and others have smaller holes? I know blade size plays a big part determining the size. But it seems to me, some knives could/should have a larger hole. The matriarch 2 is a good example where it's hole is 12mm. Couldn't it easily be at least 13mm like the endura? Or 14mm like the pm2? As a self defence knife a larger hole makes more sense to me.

Thoughts?

[Blerv]

Im guessing it depends on placement from the pivot and likely the overall aesthetic. Some of the smaller hole knives are done so because the designs are older or the lack of hump doesn't allow for it.

Spyderco is usually good at focusing on performance/ergos. There are some models like the Stretch that could have a 10mm hole and still function easily; others where I don't know if a big one would help at all. I'm assuming they dial in these details to great extent in the proto phase like exact blade length and handle shape.

[The Deacon]

It's a question that has puzzled me for years. There are some models where the choice is obviously based on physical considerations, but there are others where a larger hole would fit easily without other modifications and still others where the tradeoff for a larger hole would be, at worst, an extra millimeter or two of blade height.

Have to disagree with Blake, a Stretch with a 10mm Spyderhole might work with reasonable reliability when your hands are warm and dry, but with gloves or with cold, wet, or greasy, hands, reliability would go right out the window.

[PMBohol]

I do remember reading that the Military has the bigger hole so gloved users could open it easier.

[kbuzbee]

As a self defence knife a larger hole makes more sense to me.

Nothing to do with SD or gloves, for me. I have big thumbs and they like big holes. Period!

But I think the glove comments are spot on. While you can never predict who will use which knife for any given task (and in what circumstances) I do believe Spyderco does their best guesstimate to anticipate models that will see gloved use and "uphole" those models. JMO.

Ken

[mikerestivo]

Nothing to do with SD or gloves, for me. I have big thumbs and they like big holes. Period!

My sentiments exactly.

[Liquid Cobra]

Yeah I get the gloved thing. But I'm with you guys. I have pretty big hands so the smaller spydie holes just don't work very well for me. Maybe the matriarch 3 will have a larger hole. If there ever is such a thing.

[Evil D]

Always wondered myself. I would love if the Yojimbo 2 had a 14mm hole even if it meant less dip for thumb placement.

[Zeabed]

The Y2 was made to Janich's specifications regarding the size of the spydiehole and seating of the compression lock. I would prefer a larger hole size. (Never thought I would ever say that.) :rolleyes:

[phillipsted]

Yeah, I've always had trouble opening the Baby Goddard with gloved hands...

The Spydiehole is about the same size as the Pingo...

TedP

[The Deacon]

Yeah, I've always had trouble opening the Baby Goddard with gloved hands...

The Spydiehole is about the same size as the Pingo...

TedP

:D But seriously, it's a real issue on some models, most notably the C83 Persian where a strong spring and tightly fitted blade put opening effort at the high end of the range.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I find that the really big hole just make for thumb ramps that are too steep and uncomfortable. 12mm or less for me. In fact 10mm would be ok by me.

[Evil D]

I find that the really big hole just make for thumb ramps that are too steep and uncomfortable. 12mm or less for me. In fact 10mm would be ok by me.

Eh, kinda depends on the design of the knife. The Manix 2 has a 14mm hole and very little thumb ramp.

[LC Kid]

Hey Folks!


Since I have Big Hands it means I'ld go for Big Holes :D

And I don't think it is just related with the blade size.

If you look at the Techno there you have a small blade with a huge hole :spyder:

[ourgon]

IMHO most important isn't size but location of spyderhole. In Para2/Endura is perfect to easy open. In Southard it's suck.

[PMBohol]

In defense of the Southard, I think the hole is more for brand identity than for easy opening. The flipper is the primary opening device.

[bdblue]

For me the Para2 is just right, the Gayle Bradley Folder is a bit too small.

[Holland]

im a fan of larger spydie holes as well. I think the para2 and the military are perfect examples

[ourgon]

In defense of the Southard, I think the hole is more for brand identity than for easy opening. The flipper is the primary opening device.

So they can make hole like in Pingo. :P