I made a post in the “restricted items” thread, asking Kristi if it was OK to post a review, and it as encourage, so here goes.
From an automatic standpoint, the Citadel is a pretty basic button fired auto. Which is not a bad thing at all. The blade is made of S30V and has a bit of an Endura 4 profile. It does have a smaller than normal Spyderhole, which is there for trademark proposes only (the knife is not double action, meaning you cannot open it the hole). The handle is aluminum, and the textured grip is similar to what you would find on the Benchmade 520/5000/155/140/3300, et al. However, the tops of the ridges are softer and still provide the same grip, but should be a bit less abrasive to pockets than the similar Benchmades. The clip is the standard black Spyderco clip. It is of good size and thickness for pocket carry, not being to thick or uncomfortable.
The button/safety layout is a bit similar to Gerber/Emerson Alliance, where they both are side mounted and next to each other. The button is oversized (which is nice) and has an average amount of travel to fire the knife. It can be a bit gritty at times, however that is normal for this type of knife, and should improve with wear. The safety is nicely made and is free of binding and moves positively. It is a nicely machined sliding button and is well done. Both button and safety sit in a recessed area in the handle. Of course, as is the case with all button locked autos... It is made for a right handed person...
As for the good part.... The firing action (hey the part we all love!) Speed is average, and “kick” is average to strong. It does have a unique “snap” at the end of the firing cycle. Some of my auto buddies feel the knife has more torque than average. Again, these things are all subjective. It does fire well, I would rate it average to above average in speed and kick.
The knife shaved hair out of the box (as you would expect) and the blade profile would well for utility or defense.
Overall, a wonderful start to the automatic line of knives for Spyderco, and should give the other guys a run for the money.
