Ha...tomorrow should be a fun one.
In your opinion, could you grind off the extra bit of the flipper that sticks out below the scale when the blade is open and still have a functional flipper?
Project: Ultimate EDC Rotation...
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DeathBySnooSnoo
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- Location: Toronto Canada
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DeathBySnooSnoo
- Member
- Posts: 3660
- Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:30 pm
- Location: Toronto Canada
I am glad you noted the width when open and width when closed. One of the most common gripes is with Spyderco's wide blades. A wide blade is a good thing imo, and integrating that wide blade deep into that handle is impressive to me. After using it I actually think of it as rather balanced overall in the width department. It is no Southard, but the Southard to me is actually not as comfortable. It is actually a little too slim but fat across the scales. It is very un-Spyderco, and the Domino is very Spyderco. Spyderco's recipe is a big wide comfortable handle with not always the biggest blade stuffed in it as possible. I have not once had the Domino clipped in my pocket (any pair of jeans) and not been able to get my hand in and out easily. It rides in the pocket very nicely. I do plan on getting a deep carry clip, but more for aesthetics.
Day 9 - Bug
Today's knife was interesting, but much like the knife, this review will be relatively small. The bug is very small. Micro Spydie? Nano Spydie? Pico Spydie? Whatever you want to call it it's tiny.
The Ladybug looks huge next to the Bug…
Next to a penny…
It can even completely hide under a Bradley Air!
The Bug is actually better than I expected in some ways, and not in others. The Bug actually does cut very well. The 3Cr blade is sharp (or at least it was this morning). It did a fine job cutting cleanly through copier paper, and it opened mail just fine. Cardboard was another story. The handle and blade were just too small to control in relatively thick cardboard. The handle wants to twist in your fingers, making the tiny blade difficult to control. It's also pretty much impossible to open one handed. But, this knife wasn't meant for tough jobs. For light tasks, cutting paper, etc., it does fine.
The fit and finish is actually pretty nice. The slip joint lock works well, and locks up firmly. Closed retention is also very good, which is important if you plan to carry a knife on your keychain. I'm too paranoid that a key or something will find just the right way into the Spydie hole to open it up in my pocket, so I like to keep all knives clipped.
I don't have too much more to say about this one. It's definitely more than just a novelty. It will cut very well, just not anything too demanding, mainly due to the tiny handle. The blade steel seems pretty good for this type of knife, but does seem to dull quickly after using it for a while (though I've become pretty spoiled these days with the likes of S110V, etc.). I haven't tried sharpening it, but I'd bet it sharpens easily enough.
The Bug would be a nice keychain or necklace knife, and would make a neat gift item. It might even be a good, sneaky way to get someone Spyder bitten. :) Overall, I like the Bug. It's definitely a go anywhere knife that could really come in handy if nothing else is available. But, it won't be kicking the Para 2 out of my pocket!
Tomorrow we'll get firmly back into the macro world...
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C124 - Barong
Today's knife was interesting, but much like the knife, this review will be relatively small. The bug is very small. Micro Spydie? Nano Spydie? Pico Spydie? Whatever you want to call it it's tiny.
The Ladybug looks huge next to the Bug…
Next to a penny…
It can even completely hide under a Bradley Air!
The Bug is actually better than I expected in some ways, and not in others. The Bug actually does cut very well. The 3Cr blade is sharp (or at least it was this morning). It did a fine job cutting cleanly through copier paper, and it opened mail just fine. Cardboard was another story. The handle and blade were just too small to control in relatively thick cardboard. The handle wants to twist in your fingers, making the tiny blade difficult to control. It's also pretty much impossible to open one handed. But, this knife wasn't meant for tough jobs. For light tasks, cutting paper, etc., it does fine.
The fit and finish is actually pretty nice. The slip joint lock works well, and locks up firmly. Closed retention is also very good, which is important if you plan to carry a knife on your keychain. I'm too paranoid that a key or something will find just the right way into the Spydie hole to open it up in my pocket, so I like to keep all knives clipped.
I don't have too much more to say about this one. It's definitely more than just a novelty. It will cut very well, just not anything too demanding, mainly due to the tiny handle. The blade steel seems pretty good for this type of knife, but does seem to dull quickly after using it for a while (though I've become pretty spoiled these days with the likes of S110V, etc.). I haven't tried sharpening it, but I'd bet it sharpens easily enough.
The Bug would be a nice keychain or necklace knife, and would make a neat gift item. It might even be a good, sneaky way to get someone Spyder bitten. :) Overall, I like the Bug. It's definitely a go anywhere knife that could really come in handy if nothing else is available. But, it won't be kicking the Para 2 out of my pocket!
Tomorrow we'll get firmly back into the macro world...
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C124 - Barong
Day 10 - Barong
The Spyderco Barong was the first ethnic series knife, and first Ed Schempp knife I ever owned. The Spyderco Barong is an interesting, modern interpretation of the traditional leaf shaped blades from the Philippines.
The Spyderco Barong has a similar, large leaf shaped blade, and a handle that flares out at the end. But this Barong can fold up and comfortably ride in your pocket.
The Barong is quite large, approaching Military size in overall length. But the closed size (and cutting edge) is closer to the Para 2.
Para 2 sitting directly on top of the Barong. The cutting edges are almost identical in length and shape.
The Spyderco Barong was the first ethnic series knife, and first Ed Schempp knife I ever owned. The Spyderco Barong is an interesting, modern interpretation of the traditional leaf shaped blades from the Philippines.
The Spyderco Barong has a similar, large leaf shaped blade, and a handle that flares out at the end. But this Barong can fold up and comfortably ride in your pocket.
The Barong is quite large, approaching Military size in overall length. But the closed size (and cutting edge) is closer to the Para 2.
Para 2 sitting directly on top of the Barong. The cutting edges are almost identical in length and shape.
The Barong is similar in width to the Para 2.
In the pocket, the Barong is quite narrow, and doesn't ride too deep, again similar to the Para 2. But, the clip position leaves quite a lot of handle sticking out. Also, the end of the handle forms a point sticking up out of the pocket that could jab your hand if you're not careful.
The handle shape fits the hand nicely, and really locks it in place. There is no jimping, but the handle shape and grippy G-10 offer plenty of traction. The action is very fast and smooth, and the lock up is solid with no play. The lock on mine is very easy to disengage. It seems maybe a little too easy, but I've never had any problems with it disengaging accidentally.
The Barong's blade came out of the box extremely sharp.
It has made quick and easy work of all cutting tasks I've asked of it today. The thin, FFG blade slices extremely well through paper and cardboard. The small choil allows for choking up on the blade for detailed work, or to get extra leverage when cutting tough material, but almost a whole inch of cutting edge could be gained by eliminating the choil. But I find the Barong's blade plenty useful as it is.
Overall, the Barong has made a nice carry knife. I like the unique looks and the historical significance, and I like the black pocket clip with yellow bug.
The Barong cuts extremely well, is comfortable to use, and carries nicely, but the pointy handle pommel makes for a somewhat strange situation poking out of the pocket.
I definitely plan to bring the Barong out to play more often in the future.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C56CF - Zowada sprint
In the pocket, the Barong is quite narrow, and doesn't ride too deep, again similar to the Para 2. But, the clip position leaves quite a lot of handle sticking out. Also, the end of the handle forms a point sticking up out of the pocket that could jab your hand if you're not careful.
The handle shape fits the hand nicely, and really locks it in place. There is no jimping, but the handle shape and grippy G-10 offer plenty of traction. The action is very fast and smooth, and the lock up is solid with no play. The lock on mine is very easy to disengage. It seems maybe a little too easy, but I've never had any problems with it disengaging accidentally.
The Barong's blade came out of the box extremely sharp.
It has made quick and easy work of all cutting tasks I've asked of it today. The thin, FFG blade slices extremely well through paper and cardboard. The small choil allows for choking up on the blade for detailed work, or to get extra leverage when cutting tough material, but almost a whole inch of cutting edge could be gained by eliminating the choil. But I find the Barong's blade plenty useful as it is.
Overall, the Barong has made a nice carry knife. I like the unique looks and the historical significance, and I like the black pocket clip with yellow bug.
The Barong cuts extremely well, is comfortable to use, and carries nicely, but the pointy handle pommel makes for a somewhat strange situation poking out of the pocket.
I definitely plan to bring the Barong out to play more often in the future.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C56CF - Zowada sprint
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vaisforlovers
- Member
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- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:10 pm
- Location: Nebraska
gbelleh, first thanks for doing this. I look forward to it daily now. This has the potential of being the most viewed thread ever.
Second, I can see Mr. Schempp's touch here as your pictures remind me of the Tuff a little.
Third, isn't Barong a fun word to read and say. Barong, Barong, Barong.
Thanks again.
James
Second, I can see Mr. Schempp's touch here as your pictures remind me of the Tuff a little.
Third, isn't Barong a fun word to read and say. Barong, Barong, Barong.
Thanks again.
James
"The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself" John Stewart Mill
I don't have my Khukuri anymore but when I did, I liked it a lot. Much smaller than the Barong, in fact, closed it was just a hair bigger than a Delica, but opened, it's half an inch longer. I dunno how Mr Schempp does it, I think he's magic or something. Anyways, in hand it just fits. Feels so secure and that choil allows you to choke up and gain absolute mastery over the tip. The blade too is near perfect, my only wish is that it had a bit more belly, which in my opinion would give it a much easier time push cutting, which is what the majority of cutting I did with it was comprised of. Other than that, I loved it. Fits great into your pocket, and is so slim due to the unique blade shape, even with what I believe is a 14mm Spydiehole. I think I was able to fit it into one of my jeans watch pockets which I was surprised about. I regret selling it, but the money went to a good cause (graduation gift for my girlfriend which ended up being a new purse, that she uses a lot more than I did the Khukuri so I can't complain). Planning to get another one once the funds open up, or if I can find good trade bait. If you have a chance to get one, I would recommend it, you will not regret it.xceptnl wrote:Excellent write-up on the barong. Always wanted to get this one in hand before I pulled the trigger. Hoping to get your opinions on the Khukuri soon (assuming you have that one.)
Day 11 - Zowada sprint
"What goes with the Spyderco Zowada?"
"How about a frittata?"
"I'd prefer a tostada."
"With chips?"
"Yes please."
"No, not chips, I wanted 'CHiPs'!"
"Nothing goes better with a yummy tostada, and Spyderco Zowada, than Erik Estrada!
Nada!"
[video=youtube_share;PzAJ5P97MsA]http://youtu.be/PzAJ5P97MsA[/video]
The Spyderco Zowada CF sprint is a bit of a departure from most of Spyderco's products. The narrow, spear point blade, with a small Spydie hole, and the coffin shaped handle create a somewhat unusual Spyderco experience. I find the Zowada very easy to open. Even though the hole is small, it's positioned just right for smooth, positive opening. The lock cutout is also small, but positioned where plenty of leverage can easily be applied. Operation is very smooth and secure.
The Zowada is similar in size and blade length to the Delica, though the Zowada is a bit thicker.
The thin, sharp blade works very well for opening mail and packages. The blade has an unsharpened top swedge which reduces weight, and makes for a very precise tip (I like the look of the blade too). The handle design looks simple, but it's comfortable, and allows for a solid, secure grip for more demanding tasks, like slicing through thick cardboard, or impromptu motorcycle repairs. The Zowada's hollow ground, VG-10 blade did a very nice job cutting cardboard, though it's not quite as effortless a slicer as the Barong or Military.
The fit and finish of this Zowada is excellent. The blade opens smoothly, and locks up securely. The design is refined, with all edges nicely beveled. The pocket clip is tip-down only, but the knife rides comfortably in the pocket. The clip is also well positioned on the handle so it doesn't jab the hand or interfere with comfortable use.
Overall, the Zowada has been very nice to carry. The smooth CF gives it a stately, refined appearance, but it's still ready and able to handle tough jobs if necessary. It would make a great addition to any Highway Patrol officer's duty belt.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day (by popular demand):
C125 - Khukuri
"What goes with the Spyderco Zowada?"
"How about a frittata?"
"I'd prefer a tostada."
"With chips?"
"Yes please."
"No, not chips, I wanted 'CHiPs'!"
"Nothing goes better with a yummy tostada, and Spyderco Zowada, than Erik Estrada!
Nada!"
[video=youtube_share;PzAJ5P97MsA]http://youtu.be/PzAJ5P97MsA[/video]
The Spyderco Zowada CF sprint is a bit of a departure from most of Spyderco's products. The narrow, spear point blade, with a small Spydie hole, and the coffin shaped handle create a somewhat unusual Spyderco experience. I find the Zowada very easy to open. Even though the hole is small, it's positioned just right for smooth, positive opening. The lock cutout is also small, but positioned where plenty of leverage can easily be applied. Operation is very smooth and secure.
The Zowada is similar in size and blade length to the Delica, though the Zowada is a bit thicker.
The thin, sharp blade works very well for opening mail and packages. The blade has an unsharpened top swedge which reduces weight, and makes for a very precise tip (I like the look of the blade too). The handle design looks simple, but it's comfortable, and allows for a solid, secure grip for more demanding tasks, like slicing through thick cardboard, or impromptu motorcycle repairs. The Zowada's hollow ground, VG-10 blade did a very nice job cutting cardboard, though it's not quite as effortless a slicer as the Barong or Military.
The fit and finish of this Zowada is excellent. The blade opens smoothly, and locks up securely. The design is refined, with all edges nicely beveled. The pocket clip is tip-down only, but the knife rides comfortably in the pocket. The clip is also well positioned on the handle so it doesn't jab the hand or interfere with comfortable use.
Overall, the Zowada has been very nice to carry. The smooth CF gives it a stately, refined appearance, but it's still ready and able to handle tough jobs if necessary. It would make a great addition to any Highway Patrol officer's duty belt.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day (by popular demand):
C125 - Khukuri
Great project gbelleh! Sal should pay you a commission, you've already talked me into getting a Domino. I was on the fence until reading your review.
I picked up a Zowada a year or so ago and it's sorta gotten lost in my Spydie collection. Now I need to go dig it out and carry it for a couple of days.
Keep it up, I'm really looking forward to seeing more!
I picked up a Zowada a year or so ago and it's sorta gotten lost in my Spydie collection. Now I need to go dig it out and carry it for a couple of days.
Keep it up, I'm really looking forward to seeing more!
EDC Everything! Our knives are TOOLS, not 'Objects d'art'. A 'Safe Queen' is an implied insult to the designer/manufacturer.
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NorthernPanda
- Member
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- Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2013 3:12 pm
- Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Day 12 - Khukuri
Today, I'm getting a little help from a friend with this review of the Khukuri.
"Do you have your knife review ready?"
"Huh? Knife review? You mean book review?"
"Book review? No, this is a knife review. We're reviewing the Spyderco Khukuri!"
"Ohhhh… there must've been a misunderstanding. I thought you wanted me to review this..."
"What? Why?"
"On the phone, didn't you say 'read One Flew Over the Khukuri's Nest'?"
"No! I said 'I need help doing a Khukuri test'!"
Oh boy, I'm sorry folks. That was pretty lame. Hopefully my friend will do a better job helping me with tomorrow's knife review!
Anyway…
The Spyderco Khukuri is another Ed Schempp collaboration from Spyderco's ethnic series. The khukuri originated in Nepal, and is characterized by a large blade with prominent inward curved edge.
The Spyderco Khukuri also has the distinctive curved blade, but is much smaller, and folds to easily fit in the pocket.
The Spyderco Khukuri is about the same size in the pocket as a Delica.
The cutting edge length is also similar, though the Khukuri's blade has a bit more belly.
The Khukuri has full steel liners and G-10 scales, but is only a little bit thicker than the Delica.
Before I bought the Khukuri, it looked to me like it might be awkward to use with such a odd blade angle. But, the blade angle is actually very natural in use. I especially like gripping this knife with the index finger in the choil. It puts the blade at just the right place for very controlled detail work with a natural hand position.
Good looking blade…
Gripping the handle with four fingers behind the choil also works, but I find the blade seems very far away when held this way, and the end of the pocket clip digs right into my index finger.
The Khukuri did very well with all EDC tasks today. Opening mail is fast and easy, and the thin, FFG blade cuts through cardboard easily. Though as mentioned, the clip position makes holding it with a four finger grip a little uncomfortable, especially during harder use. Operation is smooth with solid lockup, and the handle shape and grippy G-10 offer secure traction during use.
The design of the Khukuri is amazingly efficient. At first, it's hard to visualize how that extremely angled blade can fit so cleanly in that thin, small handle. But it does, and it's surprisingly narrow with the blade folded. When closed, it's streamlined and attractive. It kind of reminds me of the smooth, clean lines of a Jaguar E-Type or Ferrari 250.
Overall, the Khukuri makes a nice carry knife. My biggest gripe is the placement of the pocket clip during use, and that's actually why it never got carried more routinely. I really like everything else about the design. It really carries nicely in the pocket, and cuts very well. I find the Khukuri to be one of the most interesting Spyderco designs, and one of the most intriguing and beautiful to look at. I'll be sure to use it more often in the future.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C59CF - Shabaria sprint
Today, I'm getting a little help from a friend with this review of the Khukuri.
"Do you have your knife review ready?"
"Huh? Knife review? You mean book review?"
"Book review? No, this is a knife review. We're reviewing the Spyderco Khukuri!"
"Ohhhh… there must've been a misunderstanding. I thought you wanted me to review this..."
"What? Why?"
"On the phone, didn't you say 'read One Flew Over the Khukuri's Nest'?"
"No! I said 'I need help doing a Khukuri test'!"
Oh boy, I'm sorry folks. That was pretty lame. Hopefully my friend will do a better job helping me with tomorrow's knife review!
Anyway…
The Spyderco Khukuri is another Ed Schempp collaboration from Spyderco's ethnic series. The khukuri originated in Nepal, and is characterized by a large blade with prominent inward curved edge.
The Spyderco Khukuri also has the distinctive curved blade, but is much smaller, and folds to easily fit in the pocket.
The Spyderco Khukuri is about the same size in the pocket as a Delica.
The cutting edge length is also similar, though the Khukuri's blade has a bit more belly.
The Khukuri has full steel liners and G-10 scales, but is only a little bit thicker than the Delica.
Before I bought the Khukuri, it looked to me like it might be awkward to use with such a odd blade angle. But, the blade angle is actually very natural in use. I especially like gripping this knife with the index finger in the choil. It puts the blade at just the right place for very controlled detail work with a natural hand position.
Good looking blade…
Gripping the handle with four fingers behind the choil also works, but I find the blade seems very far away when held this way, and the end of the pocket clip digs right into my index finger.
The Khukuri did very well with all EDC tasks today. Opening mail is fast and easy, and the thin, FFG blade cuts through cardboard easily. Though as mentioned, the clip position makes holding it with a four finger grip a little uncomfortable, especially during harder use. Operation is smooth with solid lockup, and the handle shape and grippy G-10 offer secure traction during use.
The design of the Khukuri is amazingly efficient. At first, it's hard to visualize how that extremely angled blade can fit so cleanly in that thin, small handle. But it does, and it's surprisingly narrow with the blade folded. When closed, it's streamlined and attractive. It kind of reminds me of the smooth, clean lines of a Jaguar E-Type or Ferrari 250.
Overall, the Khukuri makes a nice carry knife. My biggest gripe is the placement of the pocket clip during use, and that's actually why it never got carried more routinely. I really like everything else about the design. It really carries nicely in the pocket, and cuts very well. I find the Khukuri to be one of the most interesting Spyderco designs, and one of the most intriguing and beautiful to look at. I'll be sure to use it more often in the future.
Tomorrow's Knife of the Day:
C59CF - Shabaria sprint
The Khukuri is one of those knives that I wish that I could hold in my hand for just a minute before tracking one down to buy. I love the looks, but I wonder about how it would fit my hand. Heck, I'll probably end up buying one anyway. It and the Barong are the only two ethnic series knives that I don't currently have.
I never made the connection before, but the Tuff is sorta Khukuri shaped as well. Not as pronounced, but you can certainly see design similarities.
Great review gbelleh!
I never made the connection before, but the Tuff is sorta Khukuri shaped as well. Not as pronounced, but you can certainly see design similarities.
Great review gbelleh!
EDC Everything! Our knives are TOOLS, not 'Objects d'art'. A 'Safe Queen' is an implied insult to the designer/manufacturer.