Spyderco Forums

On the “culling time” tread there were a few people that said they didn’t like the SS handles. That’s fine as that was a thread about which knives you liked least, but just to give a balanced view I wanted to say why I think they should be kept.



First off they are sexy as ****. If they have a fault it is that they are too good looking. I bought a Delica II PE for EDC, but it is so **** cute I’m looking to get another model with an FRN handle so that I can keep the Delica for “formal wear”, perhaps this is a Spyderco ploy to encourage me to buy more (if so it’s working)



Not being a fan of 50/50 or 60/40 serrations I’ve opted to carry one full PE and one full SE. Based on comments from this forum I opted for the SS Harpy for my serration needs. I’ve got to say that the Delica and the Harpy are a very complimentary pair, and wouldn’t look out of place together in a presentation box.



Some have mentioned the weight of SS, but this might be a personal taste because I like it. Even though it is slim profiled, you still feal that you have a knife in your hand.

As I said in the a few different threads, I think that the SS scales are one of the most distinctive features of Spyderco knife products.

I don't know why Sal and the gang insist on pairing hollow grinds with SS models.

Except for the Dragonfly, there aren't any flat-ground stainless Spyders! AAAgH!

Also, in case you missed my other thread, bring on the SS Cricket.



"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur

I tend to perch on the opposite side of the fence, for one reason. I fully agree with you about the looks of SS handles. They look very cool, in my estimation. The weight doesn't bother me, as I tend to lean towards knives that have a feeling of solidity.

My only negative feeling about SS handles is their slickness. I think that the handle as it fits/feels in the hand is an extremely important aspect of knife quality/desirability. This is the interface between user and tool. If one can't feel either comfortable or more important secure that one's grip is solid, come what may, then the other factors of the knife are irrelevant. Best example I can give is a non-SS handle, the Timberline Wortac. I love the look of the knife, feel it very well made, and an effective design. Most people find it very ergonomic and comfortable for them. I just flat could not get a comfortable grip on the knife, no matter what. It was entirely useless for me. SInce the same maker designed the REKAT Carnivore handle and they looked very much the same, I discarded my firm plans to buy the Carnie.

So, I don't buy SS handles. Add any moisture to the equation, and I couldn't hold on to them.

My $.02 worth.

Stare

Good for looks! Fine for me! Just lotsa work when you scratch the satin finish.. *hee-hee!* <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

I'm with ya on the SS issue, Yog.

Whilst I agree that moisture and weight are issues I don't really understand why there were so many anti-SS posts in "Culling Time"

I've used enough at times to get blisters and had no trouble with grip. Maybe I should find a non-SS handle to carry for a bit... It's just hard to find one that looks as good with a decent pair of slacks.

My .02

Dav

I like stainless too (i have a harpy, standard both in ss) and i have now a calypso jr. frn,the grip is greatly good but it feels "cheap" (too light and too flexible). i really like flat grind and VG10.One way to remove scratches on ss:
buy a lansky's eraserblock(it cleans really the ceramic on the 204 too)Why do not make a ss civie???

I love the weight of my SS Endura. I went to NJ last week on vacation and only brought my Endura. When I got back I picked up my FRN Delica and although I can flick that open with my wrist, it did feel a bit cheesy. Also I plan on engraving mine, and I think it would be sweet to buy my girl a SS Spyderco and engrave that to.

i agree i like the wieght, feel and look of the ss hanlds. they also slide out for the pocket easy thanks for keeping the many opions avalable.

FTK

A valid point Stare, but I would say horses for courses. For light to medium tasks I have no problems or worries about using either of my SS handled knives, especially the harpy with it's drying vent. But for bigger tasks I have my Military.

I certainly wouldent open my Military in the office though. It is curious but I have noticed that SS handles are more readily acepted by sheeples.

I love the stainless Spydies. I do find my Police model a bit slippery compared to others in G-10, but I just hold on to it more tightly. To describe it's rich, subtle beauty is akin to telling someone of the visual appeal of a fine sports car.

One significant thing about the S/S models I didn't notice mentioned here yet is their slimness. They are significantly slimmer than their FRN or G-10 handled counterparts. This to me is a big bonus.

Now that I have discovered them, I intend to buy a lot more stainless steel models in the future before I buy others.

Jeff/1911.

I like the SS handles of the Worker, Standard, and Harpy. It just feels good in my hand.

Paul

I also love the feel and the cutting stability afforded by SS handles. Often when I need to make a heavier cut, I will reach for a SS model, as sometimes I feel such heavy cuts can strain FRN models more. Also, they can be clipped on very tightly to a pocket and cause very little to no pocket wear. They are nice and thin, and IMO the extra weight is actually negligible; I don't see them as heavy, even my SS Police models. After they get used/carried a lot they tend to get wear scratches on the handles that I think add some character to them, too.
Jim

James Y.,

Yes, I am beginning to enjoy the small scrathes on the handle of my Police model too. At first I was bothered by this, but no more.

They do seem very robust. They are wonderful. Long live stainless steel Spydies.

Jeff/1911.

For a nice solid feel, I like the feel of any of my stainless Spydies. Some people that I've talked to, want the more secure feel of a G10 or FRN handle for defensive purposes.
Ive always carried a knive for only 1 reason: I like to have a good quality knife that will handle any chore.
And, although all my Spydies fit that description, the stainless models do that with a bit more style.
In the end, it's all just personal taste......

Jeff:
Yeah, I agree; often those first scratches can be painful, but after a while they make me more comfortable with the knife, if that makes sense. My most scratched-up SS Spydie is my Harpy. Almost like an old pair of Levi's... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Jim

Jim,

Makes perfect sense to me. I was hesitant to use my stainless Police hard when I first got it; worried that I might scratch it up. Now that it is a little "experienced" looking I am far more comfortable with it.
Not to mention that it now opens and closes like butter.

Jeff/1911.