Superleaf:A true gem ignored by most what a shame

[Blerv]

Or it's possible the two knives from two factories were managed as independent products with their own lifespans.

People wanted the Superhawk. The Superleaf was an attempt to reuse a quality platform while being more mainstream. The Manix2 was an evolution of the mini-Manix. The XL was the plead of the public for a "real Manix2". Likely in Eric's mind long ago.

I appreciate the variety Spyderco offers but the model line could probably be pragmatically cut down. The Para2 and Manix2, the Endura SS and Police SS, and many less close (but competing) models. I'm guessing its a test to see how they sell; keep the strong and weed out the weak. If they both sell, great! Both factories have a winner and Spyderco has two. I guess sales isn't everything but it's gotta be a driving force.

I love the Manix2 but feel the exterior jimping is just silly. The XL seems to have a nice pinky ramp but effectively nudges out of my legal restrictions by a smidgen of blade length ( ). The comp lock and extra 1mm of blade thickness on the leaf make for a different creature. If not for certain sprints of the Manix2 like the M4 one I would buy a Superleaf and be content. CPM-S30v vs VG10 is a wash, IMHO. The cost structure of Seki construction is apparent as well.

[shunsui]

This thread could use more pictures.

[Knifeaddict]

Yeah bad comparison . The XL Manix isnt even much like the original lock back Manix to me let alone the Superleaf.

I personally cant figure out what drives sales of certain knives. Like the Police model. I can remember that one from 20 years ago and I had a SS version of it for awhile. I cant for the life f me see why anyone would want a SS police now when you can get a G10 version which is far superior. yet its still there . I cant figure out why the Manix lockback was discontinued in favor of the ball lock which I absolutley despise yet it looks like the ball lock is gonna stick around. I remember having one of those early ball lock models with the plastic handle ,cant remember the name of those but I thought it was the worst most difficult lock to operate ever. yet. its still there on the Dodo how do you manipulate that lock with sweaty hands? at least they improved it on the Manix.

Then the Superleaf comes and goes due to lack of sales I guess and it befuddles me. such a great all around performer but maybe the Para2 is just too much of a better thing for most . I can understand that the Para2 is a great folder being lighter and more "tactical" and such.

just one of those mysteries I guess but I have noticed there is just as much negative opinions on the Super leaf as positive ones and I find it interesting that such a no nonsense practical folder creates such polarizing opinions.

[Knifeaddict]

is it just me or does the Para2 have the same amount of cutting edge as the Superleaf? if so why no criticism on the para2 choil and short edge?

[twinboysdad]

Look at where you would start the cut with the Para if your hand was not on the choil vs the Superleaf. Believe me, I wanted to love the Superleaf but the choil is really big compared to the Para. I don't like the Para for the record either, but for different reasons.

[Blerv]

is it just me or does the Para2 have the same amount of cutting edge as the Superleaf? if so why no criticism on the para2 choil and short edge?

The spec sheet says 71mm cutting edge for the Superleaf vs 78mm for the Para2. Then again 81mm for the Stretch so if you wanted to get picky. :)

Frankly 2.9 or a bit over 3" of cutting edge isn't a big difference. Handle width, height, and overall weight is more apparent.

[phillipsted]

I've really worked my SuperLeaf hard the past few weekend - projects around home, spring cleaning, light construction, yard work, delivering 6000 bags of mulch with the Boy Scouts... I have to say that the knife is really growing on me. The thing I like is that it is so large that it is easy to operate with gloves on. It also allows you to use several different grips depending on the job at hand.

The whole choil issue is a non-issue to me. The knife fits in my hand very well - with or without gloves - in a number of different grips. The 4mm stock gives it s very solid feel, and the distal taper helps save a bit of weight and keep the balance right behind the pivot. The leaf-shape blade offers a point that isn't as acute as the Para2, but provides the strength to allow the sharp distal taper.

My only real criticism of the knife is that it feels awfully large clipped into my jeans pocket. And the sharp edges of the scales can be a bit uncomfortable on the hand when you are reaching into your pocket to extract it.

All-in-all, I'm starting to find myself really enjoying this knife - and using the heck out of it. Sorry it is discontinued - but I'm glad I was able to snag one on deep discount! :cool:

TedP

[shunsui]

My only real criticism of the knife is that it feels awfully large clipped into my jeans pocket. And the sharp edges of the scales can be a bit uncomfortable on the hand when you are reaching into your pocket to extract it.

The edges were a bit annoying. I found running a sharpmaker rod in the groove smoothed them out enough. I also knocked off the very top edge of the thumb ramp jimping, which was pinching my thumb, with an extra coarse DMT diamond stone.

[bh49]

Guys,
you are not helping to save $$ for my retirement. :)

[Fresh Eddie Fresh]

Guys,
you are not helping to save $$ for my retirement. :)

I don't mean to be an enabler, but it is an awesome knife... I find myself reaching for it more often than any of my Manixes. The hook by your pinkie (like the one on my XL) really locks your hand in place. Once you get used to the compression lock (which doesn't take long) it is really easy to safely close it with one hand.

[1965ford]

We used a SS police as a retirement gift for a coworker. It has plenty of room for custom engraving, that is why we decided to go with it. I am not sure what the market is for 'engraving knife'.

[1965ford]

Yeah bad comparison . The XL Manix isnt even much like the original lock back Manix to me let alone the Superleaf.

I personally cant figure out what drives sales of certain knives. Like the Police model. I can remember that one from 20 years ago and I had a SS version of it for awhile. I cant for the life f me see why anyone would want a SS police now when you can get a G10 version which is far superior. yet its still there . I cant figure out why the Manix lockback was discontinued in favor of the ball lock which I absolutley despise yet it looks like the ball lock is gonna stick around. I remember having one of those early ball lock models with the plastic handle ,cant remember the name of those but I thought it was the worst most difficult lock to operate ever. yet. its still there on the Dodo how do you manipulate that lock with sweaty hands? at least they improved it on the Manix.

Then the Superleaf comes and goes due to lack of sales I guess and it befuddles me. such a great all around performer but maybe the Para2 is just too much of a better thing for most . I can understand that the Para2 is a great folder being lighter and more "tactical" and such.

just one of those mysteries I guess but I have noticed there is just as much negative opinions on the Super leaf as positive ones and I find it interesting that such a no nonsense practical folder creates such polarizing opinions.

We used a SS police as a retirement gift for a coworker. It has plenty of room for custom engraving, that is why we decided to go with it. I am not sure what the market is for 'engraved knife' .

[Alnamvet68]

The only thing that kept me from buying the Super Leaf is that it's a liner lock knife. I have always preferred knives with a lock back mechanism. I don't know what percentage of knife owners prefer a lock back, or a liner lock, or don't care, but all my knives, with only a few exceptions, and lock back knives. I like the cleaner, more solid feel and appearance of a lock back knife.

[bh49]

I don't mean to be an enabler, but it is an awesome knife....

Now I know that I can count on you during difficult, decision making times :)

The only thing that kept me from buying the Super Leaf is that it's a liner lock knife. I have always preferred knives with a lock back mechanism. I don't know what percentage of knife owners prefer a lock back, or a liner lock, or don't care, but all my knives, with only a few exceptions, and lock back knives. I like the cleaner, more solid feel and appearance of a lock back knife.

Actually SuperLeaf has a compression lock. It is one of the strongest locks, which Spyderco is using.
BTW, I prefer lockback to any other locks and currently all of my EDC are lockback, still I wouldn't have a problem or second of hesitation to use a knife with compression lock, if will I love overall design.

[Fresh Eddie Fresh]

Now I know that I can count on you during difficult, decision making times :)

:) Well... I wouldn't be nudging so hard if they were still in production. I'm hoping there are enough around to last long enough for everyone that wants one to pick one up.

Actually SuperLeaf has a compression lock. It is one of the strongest locks, which Spyderco is using.
BTW, I prefer lockback to any other locks and currently all of my EDC are lockback, still I wouldn't have a problem or second of hesitation to use a knife with compression lock, if will I love overall design.

This is very true... the compression lock is very similar to a liner lock that has been flipped to the top of the handle in use, but if you look inside, the actual mechanics are different. The Para2 is probably the most in-demand Spyderco right now, and it uses the same type of lock, if that says anything. I picked up my Superleaf because I could not find a PM2, but in all honesty, my Para wanting has waned quite a bit once picking up the Superleaf. It is a great knife.

Now if you do not like the look of the lock, then there definitely is nothing you can do to change that.

[phillipsted]

I don't mean to be an enabler, but it is an awesome knife... I find myself reaching for it more often than any of my Manixes. The hook by your pinkie (like the one on my XL) really locks your hand in place. Once you get used to the compression lock (which doesn't take long) it is really easy to safely close it with one hand.

Interesting, Eddie. I was actually thinking about modding mine to smooth out the little "hook" at the end. There is room to work down there because it wouldn't affect the blade or the closing - and it would remove one of the pointy little areas on this knife that are my only real complaint...

You are right about the "locking in", though. That hook definitely makes a whole-hand-sized choil out of the scale!

TedP

[Evil D]

It's like the love child of a Para 2 and Manix 2. They met at a bar in Seki City Japan, had a few too many drinks and next thing you know this kid who looks like a little bit like both of them is running around.

[Bile Bob]

Yeah bad comparison . The XL Manix isnt even much like the original lock back Manix to me let alone the Superleaf.

I personally cant figure out what drives sales of certain knives. Like the Police model. I can remember that one from 20 years ago and I had a SS version of it for awhile. I cant for the life f me see why anyone would want a SS police now when you can get a G10 version which is far superior. yet its still there . I cant figure out why the Manix lockback was discontinued in favor of the ball lock which I absolutley despise yet it looks like the ball lock is gonna stick around. I remember having one of those early ball lock models with the plastic handle ,cant remember the name of those but I thought it was the worst most difficult lock to operate ever. yet. its still there on the Dodo how do you manipulate that lock with sweaty hands? at least they improved it on the Manix.

Then the Superleaf comes and goes due to lack of sales I guess and it befuddles me. such a great all around performer but maybe the Para2 is just too much of a better thing for most . I can understand that the Para2 is a great folder being lighter and more "tactical" and such.

just one of those mysteries I guess but I have noticed there is just as much negative opinions on the Super leaf as positive ones and I find it interesting that such a no nonsense practical folder creates such polarizing opinions.

I think the lockback blows but the ball lock works great..

[CarbonFiberNut]

It's like the love child of a Para 2 and Manix 2. They met at a bar in Seki City Japan, had a few too many drinks and next thing you know this kid who looks like a little bit like both of them is running around.

This might be the best sales pitch I've heard yet for the superleaf. Now I'm even more tempted :D

[Fresh Eddie Fresh]

Interesting, Eddie. I was actually thinking about modding mine to smooth out the little "hook" at the end. There is room to work down there because it wouldn't affect the blade or the closing - and it would remove one of the pointy little areas on this knife that are my only real complaint...

You are right about the "locking in", though. That hook definitely makes a whole-hand-sized choil out of the scale!

TedP

Without the hook, I think it would still be a usable handle... probably more like a Manix. After getting used to my Superleaf, my pinkie feels sort of out there on a Manix handle now. It is not an issue, in that the knife does not feel like it will slip, but definitely different.

If you rounded it off, I'm sure you would still get the benefit of it.... there is a lot of material down there! :)