Li'l Temperance 3: A (not so) li'l review

[Cycletroll]

Thanks Zuludelta (and everyone else who chimed in:) for the excellent review. This model was not on my radar at all but due to y'alls enthusiasm I just ordered one! Will have to see what I think once I get some cutting/carrying time with it.

[zuludelta]

Thanks Zuludelta (and everyone else who chimed in:) for the excellent review. This model was not on my radar at all but due to y'alls enthusiasm I just ordered one! Will have to see what I think once I get some cutting/carrying time with it.

You're welcome! I've been meaning to write an updated, long- term review of the LT3 as I've been using it regularly (and hard!) as a work knife in the half-year or so since I penned the original review post. Suffice it to say that it has definitely grown on me in that time, and it is currently one of my three all-time favourite folding knife designs.

I know it's probably not for everybody, but functionally & ergonomically, the LT3 design comes very close to my Platonic ideal for a folding knife.

The Lil' Temperance has been a 20 year personal project. We planned an FRN version 10 years ago, but because it is a smaller market to serve, and I wanted to epitomize the concept, the progress was slow. We changed the design, locks, clips, patterns, etc. Made many prototypes over the years.

The "Spirit" of the design has remained the same. Essentially, a tough, legal 3" blade MBC folder. Along with my own experience, I had input from James Keating (the Riddle of Steel), Bob Taylor (Warrior designer), Mike Janich (whom we all trust and revere), Bram Frank, Craig Douglas and Laci Szabo.

The first runs made for an interesting design, that was effective for two grips. Then I altered the design to also serve Pikal concepts (forward edge up and reverse edge in.), which was not incorporated in the original design.

I'm looking forward to the FRN version.

sal

So very glad to hear that progress on the FRN version continues.

[BornIn1500]

As others have stated, I too missed the opportunity to experience the LT3 due to price being a bit in discrepancy with my morale of value and funds, although this one really stood out to me in the line-up upon release and has continued to pique my interest.

If you want to risk an Amazon purchase, it's currently $116 from a 3rd party seller, or $124 direct from Amazon.

[Bemo]

I picked one up via Amazon and had no problems with the transaction. It looks as new as any other knife from an online retailer. It is definitely a chunky stout knife. And I appreciate the discussion in this thread about the compression lock, explains a lot. It feels no where near as smooth as any of my para 3's or my Sage. Glad to know there's nothing "wrong" with it, it's just not as refined as the current version.

[gibs0n]

Since I first saw the Lil Temperance in 2002, I wanted one. Didn’t get around to it for one reason or another until the 3 came out. I regretted missing out on the original ever since. Finally recently got on (collectors numbered, from the collector) recently and it’s been my EDC ever since.

@Sal, I think this is my favorite of your designs. Both the original and the 3, and I am super happy to hear the FRN version is still in the works and can’t wait to see it!

[Abyss_Fish]

Hi Abyss_Fish,

Once the mold is finished, We can add blade shapes if the demand is there.

sal

Best news of the year

[Sumdumguy]

As long as it retains the liners(surprisingly small) I'll be happy.

[weeping minora]

As others have stated, I too missed the opportunity to experience the LT3 due to price being a bit in discrepancy with my morale of value and funds, although this one really stood out to me in the line-up upon release and has continued to pique my interest.

If you want to risk an Amazon purchase, it's currently $116 from a 3rd party seller, or $124 direct from Amazon.

Appreciate the heads-up 1500. I've since purchased the Rockjumper in PE and SE to fill the void of the Lil' T3 until the FRN models are fruited to market.

[Sumdumguy]

I am still really enjoying my LT3! Ergos are close to perfection.

For the new one, perhaps a clip point? Like a mini bowie.

[TomH]

I am patiently waiting for the LW version. I hope the steel used is more corrosion
resistant than S30V.

[nerdlock]

Hi everyone. Can anyone confirm how many washers does the Lil' Temperance 3 have? Mine came with 4 washers (2 each side), I wonder if that's normal or not.

[VWTattoo]

ZTB!

Is there any news on the LW Lil’ Temp 3? I have all previous versions, I love them all, and I am hopeful for another iteration to be released in the wild, preferably in SE… and the same green as the original Lil’ Temp, but in FRN and not G10.

Thanks, Sal, for honing the designs over these years- my Lil’ Temp Trailing Point is one of my all time great acquisitions. Just saying. Love it, love it, love it…

[elena86]

This thread deserves a pic

[weeping minora]

Hard to believe my last post here was nearly a year and a half ago, with much discussion since then.

Bumping to consider the idea that perhaps the upcoming Leaf Jumper is, in-fact, the larger sibling to the Lil Temp Lightweight discussed here; along with the even larger LJ XL being hinted at as well. This would change the lock, though would follow the (seemingly) standardizing of Spyderco's 3-size catch-all for many of their models. Just a thought.

[sal]

The Lil' Temperance is more hand filling than the Jumpers.

sal

[MrGibson]

And here’s me—just waiting for a lil temperance lightweight.

[sal]

Hi Mr.Gibson,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[weeping minora]

The Lil' Temperance is more hand filling than the Jumpers.

sal

Interesting, sounds more up my alley versus the Jumpers then. Thanx much sal.

[austrian_spyder_fan]

Got one for my collection some weeks ago.

[sal]

Hi ASF,

Good find. Rare piece. The original design did not work for all 4 grips. That's why I refined the design. The new design will work for all 4 grips.

sal