Yojimbo II / Who would buy a trainer?

[Walli]

The idea for this thread is to show how much interest exists for a Yojimbo II trainer. There have already been a few discussions. Just to give a few ideas:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... bo+trainer

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... bo+trainer

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... bo+trainer

I believe that if there is a chance that I will have to defend myself with a knife, it is a good idea to train with a knife. Which means that I will need a training knife that mimics the real one (get the knife out of the pocket, open it, stop the incoming attack…) as close as possible.

To cut a long story shot: I would really like to see a Yojimbo II trainer!

[c.joe]

I'm most definitely in for one.

[ranger51]

I'd like to test one first.

[White&Nerdy]

I registered just so I could vote. I own a Delica and was considering an Endura + trainer to start MBC training. I think the Yo2 would suit me better and I would buy a trainer at the same time as the knife if I were able.

[psychophipps]

Another trainer here, as I have mentioned ad nauseum. :p

Trainers aren't exactly money makers. I'm quite certain that Spyderco sells at least 5 delica/endura knives for every trainer they sell (very conservative estimate, it's probably between 10-25 as many live blades as trainers, if not an even higher number). I accept that they're a service by Spyderco and that is why I advise they keep the numbers low and just sell them via the SFO and online here. Most folks could care less and the serious folks that really want them will pay the bit of a premium to get one.

My only beef is that the trainers Spyderco makes retail for the same price as the live blades. Benchmade makes their trainers cheaper than the live blades and I find their overall trainer quality to be higher than the Spyderco equivalents if my waved Delica/Endura trainers were any indicator of typical craftsmanship being displayed.

[G-Solutions]

I'd be interested... especially in a package with the live blade and the trainer...

[2cha]

I find their overall trainer quality to be higher than the Spyderco equivalents if my waved Delica/Endura trainers were any indicator of typical craftsmanship being displayed.

That's strange. I find my delica trainer to be be perfect, though I hear you about the price. P'kal trainer hasn't always been on my short list, but at the price, it's been hard to make room in the budget.

[BAL]

I registered just so I could vote. I own a Delica and was considering an Endura + trainer to start MBC training. I think the Yo2 would suit me better and I would buy a trainer at the same time as the knife if I were able.

Welcome to the forum, don't be a stranger. - Also, if a trainer isn't available for any knife, a second one can always be bought and the edge ground. Trainers are usually the same price anyway.

[razorsharp]

The Yo2 only appeals to be practically, not tactically. so no trainer for me :) / (besides, id just tape the edge if I trained :D )

[chuck_roxas45]

The Yo2 only appeals to be practically, not tactically. so no trainer for me :) / (besides, id just tape the edge if I trained :D )

That works only if you train alone. Would you risk sparring with a partner who just tapes his razor sharp knife and uses it to spar? :eek:

The point will go through tape like, well like butter.

[BAL]

The Yo2 only appeals to be practically, not tactically. so no trainer for me :) / (besides, id just tape the edge if I trained :D )

Maybe I am misunderstanding and everyone has different opinions, but to me, the Yo2 screams out as a tactical or self-defense knife with the Filipino grip and wharnie blade. I would agree that it can be a great practical EDC work knife. Also, the tape works better if you are the handle side of the knife in a practice session.

[White&Nerdy]

Welcome to the forum, don't be a stranger. - Also, if a trainer isn't available for any knife, a second one can always be bought and the edge ground. Trainers are usually the same price anyway.

Thanks Bal. I agree that it is possible to grind the blade down and make it safer. In general I tend to put my trust in professionals when it comes to safety equipment. My knowledge of knife crafting is not such that I could reasonably account for all the factors that would make a trainer much safer than a sharp blade.

[DCDesigns]

Thanks Bal. I agree that it is possible to grind the blade down and make it safer. In general I tend to put my trust in professionals when it comes to safety equipment. My knowledge of knife crafting is not such that I could reasonably account for all the factors that would make a trainer much safer than a sharp blade.

1 - get a dremel, spindle sander, or a small belt sander

2 -grind the blade's edge completely flat

3- Round the tip

4- use files to radius the corners

5- pat yourself on the back for making a great trainer!

[Mako109]

Depends on price. At the very least, a bundled discount makes sense to me. If the trainer costs as much as the knife, not likely.

I have the P'Kal and the trainer, which cost the same, and I often felt it was over built as a trainer. I've trained with "rubber" handguns and "wooden" swords with good effect. I believe a propective Yojimbo trainer doesn't have to have the same high quality G-10 scales or finished look. As long as it approximates the function, weight and is durable it should work. Perhaps a Chinese made trainer would reduce cost.

[SolidState]

1 - get a dremel, spindle sander, or a small belt sander

2 -grind the blade's edge completely flat

3- Round the tip

4- use files to radius the corners

5- pat yourself on the back for making a great trainer!

I've been cut (well split) by a dragonfly that I dulled for my girlfriend exactly the way you describe.

Pressure is tricky like that. I'm pretty sure they make the trainers 2.5-3mm wide at the edge so that people won't still be cut.

[Gerard Breuker]

Trainers are in my opinion only worth it if you are in to some reality based training and practice deployment in everyday clothing.
Otherwise you can just make an aluminium or steel trainer copying shape, grip and balance. Even then your mentor or partner must be okay with using these kind of trainers as they can still hurt a lot including big bruises and minor fractures.

[psychophipps]

Don't forget that the Yo2 will be hollow ground rather than full flat or saber ground. This gives a much thinner blade profile just above the original edge so that "splitting" of your training partner mentioned above is far more likely to happen.

Sorry, but I'm not too interested in grinding the S30V blade in half lengthwise, which will also do a number on the weight and length of the blade due to it's wedge shape, to make a moderately safe trainer when I can buy a Delica/Endura/Griptilian and get a ready-made, much safer trainer.

I'm a bit surprised at the "maybe", to be frank. I figure that Spyderco would want a full-suite tactical blade system with the LE/Military marketing and sales "oomph" that a Janich design gives the knife. I've seen Mr. Janich talk knives for sale and he's obviously knowledgeable, is comfortable talking to random folks, doesn't come off all egotistical despite his high skill level, recognition in the martial arts world, and training pedigree, and honestly cares about the product's end-use(r).

But hey, Sal and his team has been at this lot longer than I have. They obviously know something I don't.

[DCDesigns]

I've been cut (well split) by a dragonfly that I dulled for my girlfriend exactly the way you describe.

Pressure is tricky like that. I'm pretty sure they make the trainers 2.5-3mm wide at the edge so that people won't still be cut.

oh ok, I guess that would be a bad idea with a thin knife. I guess it depends on what you are going to do with too... I was just speculating, havent had the need to do it personally.

[gbelleh]

I don't train with knives for self defense, so I wouldn't get a trainer, but I can see why others would want one. I definitely plan to get a Yo2, but for utility tasks and collection purposes.

[BAL]

FYI, I doublt that I would grind a Yo2 to use as a trainer, but I mentioned it above, just in case someone else wanted to. It would be like putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa. I would agree that a "stepped down" trainer would be better deal if the price was dropped a bit.