Just ordered a Centofante IV...some questions.

[Episteme]

I just ordered a Centofante IV. I've been a fan of the Spyderco Wharncliffe ever since the Yojimbo got the reputation of cutting like no other blade before its time (and perhaps since, as well). A few questions:
1) I've done some searching on this forum for general remarks on the Cento IV, and would appreciate any input on how the knife compares to other Spyderco models (I own a lot of Spydercos)
2) I've read about the phenomenon of 'blade-crash' with the Cento's models whereby the blade can be squeezed into the handle when the knife is in the closed position. Should this be a worry about the model? Will it cause dulling of the VG-10 blade over time? Is it normal?
3) I have seen this model advertised as a 'Gentleman's folder'---but as far as I can tell from pics and impressions, the Cento IV seems more like a pretty sturdy knife that can be used in both hard utility chores and as a dedicated self-defense blade (Doc Snubnose gives it high praise in this regard). How durable is the blade compared to, say, the Civilian (a model that I do own).

I'm looking forward to getting this new Spyderco---my last purchase was last year, which was a Serrated Ayoob, so I thought I was overdue for another one.
-Michael

[Blerv]

I just ordered a Centofante IV. I've been a fan of the Spyderco Wharncliffe ever since the Yojimbo got the reputation of cutting like no other blade before its time (and perhaps since, as well). A few questions:
1) I've done some searching on this forum for general remarks on the Cento IV, and would appreciate any input on how the knife compares to other Spyderco models (I own a lot of Spydercos)
2) I've read about the phenomenon of 'blade-crash' with the Cento's models whereby the blade can be squeezed into the handle when the knife is in the closed position. Should this be a worry about the model? Will it cause dulling of the VG-10 blade over time? Is it normal?
3) I have seen this model advertised as a 'Gentleman's folder'---but as far as I can tell from pics and impressions, the Cento IV seems more like a pretty sturdy knife that can be used in both hard utility chores and as a dedicated self-defense blade (Doc Snubnose gives it high praise in this regard). How durable is the blade compared to, say, the Civilian (a model that I do own).

I'm looking forward to getting this new Spyderco---my last purchase was last year, which was a Serrated Ayoob, so I thought I was overdue for another one.
-Michael

1.) it's smooth frn and without bolstering it can be less white knuckle rated than other knives. The frn gives a mild grip advantage in my mind over steel handles. Compared to most 3" blades it's a razor. The tip is super aghressive and is the best feature. Light hanging things like plastic bags have no chance while the knives with belly (cento3) bounce them back. It's got great lines if you like wharnies :) . Oh...and it's super light and discrete to carry.

2.) the blade movement in handle still hits it's stop before the blade I think. If not, it would still be brushing squarely against smooth frn so I doubt much dulling would happen. I have no marks on the inside of my c3.

3.) the knife has a thin blade stock and very acute tip but far from fragile. I don't see it ever snapping off but perhaps rolling/wearing over time if heavy materials are cut frequently. Wharnies get their tips abused like hawkbills, more than bellied blades. I make a conscious effort to use the whole blade so the tip stays sharp if I need it. Ultimately I wouldn't worry. I put my Wharcom thru **** with even a thinner blade and while the aus8 tip has digressed a bit I don't see the c4 being quite as fragile. The Wharcom still cuts like a demon and has bit dozens of cardboard boxes.

My review is it's a gentlemans folder that can do some hard work too. It would make a nice non-threatening SD knife as it's cute but slices like few can imagine. If worried about the tip I'd pack a ladybug or similar second blade in your coin pockert. That way you have a chore knife and something a tad meaner :) .

[yowzer]

2) I've read about the phenomenon of 'blade-crash' with the Cento's models whereby the blade can be squeezed into the handle when the knife is in the closed position. Should this be a worry about the model? Will it cause dulling of the VG-10 blade over time? Is it normal?

It's just a side-effect of the way that the Centofante 3 and 4 were designed; both models do it, and it hasn't been a problem at all with my 3 -- the blade moves in, but it doesn't impact the edge's sharpness one bit. Doubt it would with the 4 either. The scales are different widths (The thicker one has a liner), and thus one side of the pivot sticks out further than the other (One (The thick) side has to have the pivot recessed slightly so that the clip will clear it.). All perfectly normal for the knife.

[tonydahose]

i bought a 2nd to try it out and liked it so much that i bought a NIB one a few weeks later. it is superlight for its size and my first edc wharnie, which i am really starting to like. i think you will enjoy it. for those of you on the fence, poorfish has them for $35 delivered, 8 left. :)

[Ookami]

re 2) It is true, but...
- it is unlikely to happen if the blade is closed normally
- if you squeeze the closed knife the blade will contact the backspacer
- the backspacer is FRN so it will not really dull the knife

Overall this knife is excellent for any EDC task.


Ookami
________
YAMAHA RAPTOR 660

[mwong61]

I just received my C4 last week also from Poor_Fish. I've always been intrigued with the C3 and C4 but not interested enough to spend $50-60 to check it out. At $35 shipped it was too much to resist.

I concur with Blerv that while it does exhibit so called "blade crash", it's the blade stop that is hitting, not the edge. You can see this when you squeeze the blade into the handle and it lifts the lock up. So far I really like this knife a lot although I'm not sure exactly which pigeonhole it's going to fit in. It's much more knife than what I'd consider a typical gentleman's folder (ie, Kiwi, Kopa ) but it's also not something I'd pick up for "hard utility" use either. The relatively thin blade, light weight and generous cutting edge of the blade makes me think more food prep. Although I have not used it in the kitchen yet I can see this being an excellent tomato/onion slicer or an uber paring knife.

We have an old Spyderco Vagabond (AUS 6 w/integrated sheath) that winds up in the cooler anytime we have to bring a lunch anywhere for cutting sandwiches, peeling apples, etc. I have a feeling that my wife is going to wind up absconding with the Centofante 4 and it will end up replacing the Vagabond for those duties.

Michael-

[Episteme]

Thanks for the replies. I take it then that the blade-squeeze issue isn't going to do anything to the edge, so that's a relief. The main reason I purchased this one is because of how good the deal was---NIB for under $36.00, which includes shipping costs! Plus, I know how well the Spyderco Wharncliffe does in cutting: 'light-sabre' seems to be the term that is used most often.

Over the years I've accumulated a good number of Spydies. I like my EDC to be able to handle most any emergency cutting chore that might come up (ie: seat-belt, rope, cut thick plastic, etc.), be capable to hold up under such conditions, and also be strong enough and cut well enough for a self-defense situation. Although I really like the Chinook II and Harpy, Civilian and ATR, I find that many of these models are really too heavy to comfortably and discretely carry day in and day out, clipped to a wide variety of clothing. I'm hoping that the Centofante IV can really fit this role as an 'all purpose, emergency-capable cutting tool' that is super light weight and discrete.
-Mike

[FastEddie]

dahose convinced me, I had to get one; only 7 left now. :)

thanks,
fe

[Ookami]

I concur with Blerv that while it does exhibit so called "blade crash", it's the blade stop that is hitting, not the edge. You can see this when you squeeze the blade into the handle and it lifts the lock up.

I would like to differ. On my Centofante 4 the tip of the blade does hit the spacer, which is evident from the cuts the tip left in the spacer. However as I stated before, it isn't much of a problem since the spacer is FRN not metal.

As to the ruggedness of the knife, the German weapons journal Visier did a review of tactical folders including the Centofante 3 and it passed with flying colors despite the severe nature of the tests. There was stabbing wooden boards, cutting of cans (steel cans, not aluminium) and even light batoning, IIRC.

So there shouldn't be any problems with cutting thick plastic (the slim blade should actually be an asset for this task), seatbelts, rope or whatever, and don't forget that it sports a single steel liner too. As long as you *cut* things, you can't go wrong with these models. Their slim blade geometry will make cuts effortless with less strain put on the knife during cuts.


Ookami
________
Model T

[Blerv]

Even a very fine edge can cut through heavy materials with little effort. They don't pry well but pry knives don't cut well.

I would trust the C4 for more than I could ever justify putting it through. :)

[mwong61]

I would like to differ. On my Centofante 4 the tip of the blade does hit the spacer, which is evident from the cuts the tip left in the spacer.

Let me clarify....the "crashing" of the blade I'm assuming refers to the closing
action where the blade under the tension of the lock "springs" shut and "crashes" into the closed position. I don't believe the tip is hitting anything at all even taking into consideration the "over travel". If I squeeze the closed blade I can force the tip into the FRN liner leaving a small mark on mine as well.

However as I stated before, it isn't much of a problem since the spacer is FRN not metal.

Agreed.

M-

[Episteme]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not quite sure what I think about the tip of the Cento IV hitting the back of the FRN handle when squeezed. None of my other spydercos do that, and since it's a wharncliffe blade, wherein the tip is the most important part of the blade, I find this disconcerting. Having to constantly avoid letting the tip of the blade touch the handle seems to be a bothersome thing to have to deal with.
Does this become an issue over time for any other Cento IV owners? Perhaps I'm being unreasonable here, but I tend to really get picky about all the knives I own (side-to-side blade wiggle is sometimes enough for me to retire a knife).

-Mike

[araneae]

I would not worry about the frn dulling the blade. It should not come in contact with the liner with sufficient force to do any damage. Mine do have some slight marks inside the liner, but have seen no dulling of the blade.

[Blerv]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not quite sure what I think about the tip of the Cento IV hitting the back of the FRN handle when squeezed. None of my other spydercos do that, and since it's a wharncliffe blade, wherein the tip is the most important part of the blade, I find this disconcerting. Having to constantly avoid letting the tip of the blade touch the handle seems to be a bothersome thing to have to deal with.
Does this become an issue over time for any other Cento IV owners? Perhaps I'm being unreasonable here, but I tend to really get picky about all the knives I own (side-to-side blade wiggle is sometimes enough for me to retire a knife).

-Mike

I think you might be overestimating the amount of time the blade is rubbing the liner. It takes some effort to depress the blade fully into the handle and besides intentionally doing it I don't see it happening much. It's not like as you walk the tip will be dancing back and forth within the handle. Since it's on a pivot the blade is not rubbing the FRN but simply touching it (up and down vs side-to-side).

Also, VG10 is a premium stainless steel and smooth FRN is probably one of the most gentle materials for it to touch. It's basically non-abrasive compared to even cardboard, thus why they make sheaths out of it.

I have two Cento4's I recently bought for $30ish. They are awesome knives for $45-50. For $30 they are criminally good. If it's a problem for you I would recommend selling it. However, your going to be missing out on one of the worlds best (if not the best) slicers in the weight/performance/dollar range.

[Episteme]

I think you might be overestimating the amount of time the blade is rubbing the liner. It takes some effort to depress the blade fully into the handle and besides intentionally doing it I don't see it happening much. It's not like as you walk the tip will be dancing back and forth within the handle. Since it's on a pivot the blade is not rubbing the FRN but simply touching it (up and down vs side-to-side).

Also, VG10 is a premium stainless steel and smooth FRN is probably one of the most gentle materials for it to touch. It's basically non-abrasive compared to even cardboard, thus why they make sheaths out of it.

I have two Cento4's I recently bought for $30ish. They are awesome knives for $45-50. For $30 they are criminally good. If it's a problem for you I would recommend selling it. However, your going to be missing out on one of the worlds best (if not the best) slicers in the weight/performance/dollar range.

Thanks very much for the thorough reply. Your point about sheaths being made out of FRN material is a very good one, and one that I haven't thought of in this context. I have two SPOT models, both of which I have taken in and out of their sheaths many times, and the there edges are still razor sharp. With the VG-10 Cento4's tip merely touching the FRN scale inside, I can see how my initial worries about dulling the tip over time are unwarranted. I look forward to recieving my new Cento4 (the waiting is always the worst!).
-Michael

[kgriggs8]

The Cent 4 is my all time favorite Spyderco. It is slim and light but surprisingly strong. I used mine camping one time and ended up having to cut some branches with it that were fairly large. I didn't have any other knife and I didn't want to abuse my Cent 4 like that but not only did it handle the task, it never loosened up or suffered any damage.

I have it clipped to my PJs right now. It is my around the house knife mostly but I use it more than probably any other knife I own.

Like most of you I have dozens of knives. Only a few get used a lot. The Cent 4 is my most used Spyderco. The Benchmade 921s is my most used Benchmade and my Falkniven F1 is my most used fixed blade. I have bigger knives but they just don't get carried as often.

[RIOT]

i bought a 2nd to try it out and liked it so much that i bought a NIB one a few weeks later. it is superlight for its size and my first edc wharnie, which i am really starting to like. i think you will enjoy it. for those of you on the fence, poorfish has them for $35 delivered, 8 left. :)

**** i paid 78 bucks for mine way back in the day from a Army surplus store, this was when i had like 7 Spydercos starting my collection, rookie

[The Deacon]

Thanks very much for the thorough reply. Your point about sheaths being made out of FRN material is a very good one, and one that I haven't thought of in this context. I have two SPOT models, both of which I have taken in and out of their sheaths many times, and the there edges are still razor sharp. With the VG-10 Cento4's tip merely touching the FRN scale inside, I can see how my initial worries about dulling the tip over time are unwarranted. I look forward to recieving my new Cento4 (the waiting is always the worst!).
-Michael

Not to mention that, unless you make a habit of using your knife as a grip strengthener by squeezing it while it's closed, the chances of contact are minimal.

[tonydahose]

dahose convinced me, I had to get one; only 7 left now. :)

thanks,
fe

who meeeeee? :D

**** i paid 78 bucks for mine way back in the day from a Army surplus store, this was when i had like 7 Spydercos starting my collection, rookie

it happens Will, the 2nd that i bought cost as much as the nib centofante


as far as the major topic of this thread, i just tried it and seriously it really isnt even a concern. if you are doing strength exercizes like Paul mentioned then yes it will cut into the frn of the handle, it will not mess up the edge unless you had some super duper edge on it like they have on those $5000 knives that can cut cells. usually in steel VS plastic, the steel comes out on top and will do so in this instance.

[Fred Sanford]

I have the 3 and the 4. The 4 was a gift from my wife. It kicks butt. I can get the tip of either the 3 or 4 to touch the FRN but I have to squeeze the knife when closed a bit. It used to concern me but no longer does as the FRN is quite soft. Heck I've whittled FRN before.

She's good.