Hankering for a fixed spydie

[Mox]

I just ran across the Kumo in my 2006 catalog and I'm highly intrigued! I saw the review here and I'm interested.

I've been wanting a Bill Moran Featherweight for a long time, too. I actually ordered one last summer but I got mad at Botach for sitting on my order for 10 days and cancelled the order after learning that they hadn't shipped it.

Any got any advice of one over the other? The handles are completely different, would the Moran be more comfortable? Is the Moran holster better?

I'd use it for general outdoor use, camping and whatnot.

I'm interesting in blades of this approximate length. Other recommendations taken, what else should I be looking at?

[BlackNinja]

If you are going to use it outside/camping and such, I would get a Temperance. The ergonomics are great on this knife. Plus, the price is right. The Kumo is nice, but I don't really think it's really a camping knife. Between the Moran and Temp, I guess it's up to you. I personally like the Temp over any of :spyder: s FRN Fixed blades. Sal designed the Temp for outdoor/camping and MBC. IMO, you will not be dissappointed with this knife. If you are looking for a well built fixed blade for a great price, get the Temp while you still can.
MSRP Kumo $200 MSRP Temp $70.00

[Mox]

Wow, I hadn't really looked at the temperance before. At least not the fixed version. It looks really nice. The blade looks like the Caly Jr. (I suppose the Caly Sr, but I haven't seen one of those) blade on steroids.

I've also been looking at something a little more rugged like the Howling Rat from Swamp Rat Knifeworks. It lacks the cutting elegance of the Spydercos but adds strength and durability. I'm not sure which I care more about. Cutting ability would come in handier, but I have plenting of very sharp (folding) knives that cut very well. I'm thinking maybe this knife purchase would be something beefier.

[zenheretic]

Mox, ultimately the choice is yours of course. Like many knife knuts, I hear the siren song of the ubber beefy fixed blade. You really have to ask yourself how much you are going to use it and for what? If I was going to war, my choices would differ, but as I hardly get the chance to even leave the city, much less camp or other chores that might require a fixed blade, Spyderco is perfect for my "needs". You have to remember Spydercos are plenty strong and the cut (important for a knife). If you have a lot of chopping or slashing needs buy a decent axe, and machete. They work better than a knife for that work and leave $200-500 in the bank vs. the price of a "beefy" knife...plenty to buy a bunch of spydies...

I agree with Black Ninja in regards to FB Spydies. I measure them all to the Temperance and none can beat it for overall and utility work. Although, I harbor a certain penchant for the Ronin.

[The Deacon]

Get either of the Morans if your primary use will be dressing fish and game, or the Temperance if you want something a bit bigger as a camp knife. While the handles are nothing to write home about in the looks department, they are ultra practical, and extremely comfortable in use.

The Kumo handle, in contrast, is an uncomfortable lump of epoxy dipped braid with all kinds of nooks and crannies for stuff to get into out in the field. The though of what one would look like after field dressing a deer, or cleaning a good size fish, is gross. It might make an acceptable letter opener, if you're looking for the an uber-mall-ninja letter opener, but that's about the limit of it's practical uses.

[ken]

Hello Mox-

It's nice to see others posting. Welcome.

The Bill Moran is one of the few spydies that I have. You cannot go wrong with it. It will make a great camp knife. Good steel and very easy to get sharp. Can't go wrong for around 50 bucks. I feel it's better for camping than the Temp. just because of it's size. It has a rather small handle so if you have very large hands you may not like it. The sheath works very well but if you get the knife wet, dry it first before putting it back in the sheath as it will rust. Also don't expect to be doing something like choping a tree down, or pry storm drain covers off with, It's not made for that! BTW I've butchered goats, pigs and chickens with it that is why I like the shorter blade.

Don't be fooled by it's size, a lot of people think bigger is better, but if you get one you will have a handful of knife...in a small package.


ken

[Mox]

The Bill Moran is one of the few spydies that I have. You cannot go wrong with it. It will make a great camp knife. Good steel and very easy to get sharp. Can't go wrong for around 50 bucks. I feel it's better for camping than the Temp. just because of it's size. It has a rather small handle so if you have very large hands you may not like it.

That's exactly what I've always felt this knife would be like. Where can you get it for $50? It seems it was $50 a few years ago but now everywhere I look it's closer to $70.

Hmmm. Temperance, Moran, or something beefier.

It seems like I should get something bigger, maybe 5-6" blade since I have plenty of 3.5-4" folders that are great cutters. I'm sure I'd carry this in addition to one of my folders when outdoors. That's one of the reasons why I'm thinking about something beefier. It would allow me to use it for things I wouldn't want to use my folders for (if necessary).

Thanks all for your input!

[smcfalls13]

You can't go wrong with any fixed :spyder: All of them are d*** well built, freakishly sharp, and not likely to break on you. I have yet to handle one I didn't like. The only ones I haven't had the good luck to handle yet are the Morans and the Lum Tanto.

For general utility purposes, I would heavily recommend the Temperance. I use one for...just about everything.

It won't break the bank either. :cool: