Spyderco Vagabond

superspyder · #1

Does anybody have experience with how durable these knives are? Are they full tang, and how do they hold up over time. I love the concept of the built in sheath, but how practical were they?

Peter1960 · #2

superspyder wrote:Are they full tang,

No they are not full tang; full tang is impossible with this construction of plastic cover, snapping in the underside of the handle when you use the knife for cutting tasks. A magnet, put on the upper side of the knife, shows, that at least some metal goes up one-third in the handle.

how do they hold up over time ... but how practical were they?

Well, size, grip and ergonomic of the handle is good and if you don't want to cut down a tree, blade length is long enough for daily uses. The short blade in relation to the long handle makes the Vagabond also to a good carving knife.
Only one limitation IMHO: Blade steel is AUS6, easy to sharpen but is not the best choice if you want a sharp edge for a long time. The Vagabond is a practical knife concept and deserves a comeback with VG-10 steel ... I would buy it at any time as VG-10 model.

BTW the fix blade models Aqua Salt with H-1 steel use(d) the same form of handle.

The Deacon · #3

Agree fully with Peter. Will only add that the handle shape and size is also quite similar to that of the old K05 Utility Kitchen Knife, just a bit thicker. Practicality depends on intended use.

mdwdirect · #4

I found one on ebay last summer and bought it. Never been used by the prior owner or me-probably isn't worth anything now (or later) but I think it's worth having just because it was discontinued. I've never seen another one for sale and actually this thread is the only time I've seen the name mentioned, aside from my own purchase.

I agree with Peter, just put a magnet on mine and 1/3 tang is accurate. That is the reason for one minor negative in my opinion-the knife feels light. I have an Aqua Salt and it feels like a solid knife. It inspires confidence rather than the "I wonder if this thing will break?" question prompted by the Vagabond.

Reject · #5

Love the concept.

JD Spydo · #6

The Vagabond probably had the shortest tenure of any of Spyderco's fixed blades with the possiblity of the first Swick model.

It's one of the very few Spyders that was made with AUS-6. In the line up during the mid 2000s if my memory serves me well.

It's one of the few Spyders I've never owned. With the Temperance 1 model being out at the same time I had no desire to own it. I would think that in due time it would attain collector value because of the few units that were sold. I don't even recall many people talking about it when it was on the main line up.

To me the first Temperance model ( which I still use a lot by the way) is 20 times the knife that the Vagabond ever was IMO

Must_Seagate · #7

JD Spydo wrote:The Vagabond probably had the shortest tenure of any of Spyderco's fixed blades with the possiblity of the first Swick model.

It's one of the very few Spyders that was made with AUS-6. In the line up during the mid 2000s if my memory serves me well.

It's one of the few Spyders I've never owned. With the Temperance 1 model being out at the same time I had no desire to own it. I would think that in due time it would attain collector value because of the few units that were sold. I don't even recall many people talking about it when it was on the main line up.

To me the first Temperance model ( which I still use a lot by the way) is 20 times the knife that the Vagabond ever was IMO

I really agree with you , I own both of them, Vagabond handle is not so comfortable for me, the blade length is to short, it so different when I hold the Tamperance , is ergonomic and smooth, it's true, Tamperance is more knife then Vaganond . . .

JD Spydo · #8

Must_Seagate wrote:I really agree with you , I own both of them, Vagabond handle is not so comfortable for me, the blade length is to short, it so different when I hold the Tamperance , is ergonomic and smooth, it's true, Tamperance is more knife then Vaganond . . .

I was never really able to ascertain what was the main target market for the Vagabond. I guess it was meant to be a backpacker's knife or just a camp knife. When comparing the Temp 1 to the Vagabond it's a "slam dunk" as far as quality goes. I'm sure the Vagabond had it's fans but I was never one of them. I don't see anything that the Vagabond could do that the Temp 1 couldn't do many times over. Another thing about the Temp 1 was that it was available in plain edge and in full Spyderedge. Not very many fixed blades were available in full Spyderedge which makes it very valuable in my set of outdoor blades.

Again I do think that the Vagabond will attain significant value as a collector piece as time goes by. It's about as an obcure model as the D'Alton TOAD, The Spot, and the Mouse. It's just one of few Spyders that never made a hit at the box office and won't be appreciated till way later. It is an interesting piece in a lot of ways and would probably make a perfect "Boy Scout" knife. But for my cutting chores it wouldn't get to first base.

KardinalSyn · #9

I think it's time to start the bring back the Temperance 1 thread. :D

Just kidding. It's a cool knife though.

JD Spydo · #10

KardinalSyn wrote:I think it's time to start the bring back the Temperance 1 thread. :D

Just kidding. It's a cool knife though.

Not trying at all to derail the Vagabond thread but the TEMPERANCE 1 MODEL truly was ahead of it's time when it was released in the early 90s and is still a super fixed blade even by today's standards. I would love more than anything to see them bring it back in H-1 steel. Just think of what a boost that would be for the H-1 Salt Series.

The Temp 1 is still about the most functional Spyderco knife I've ever owned. I am anxious to get a Temp 2 which I know is a super blade. But for now the Temp 1 is a Spyderco fixed blade I'm using almost on a daily basis. And it's showing no sign of wear at all. The full Spyderedged version is truly a crocidile of a knife. it will virtually go through just about anything you can cut with a knife.

I do think that if the Vagabond had a better steel and a somewhat longer blade and better sheath it might have proven to be a great design but again for my uses and what I have already available it never made a positive impression on me. But in all fairness I do think it would have made an excellent "BOY SCOUT" knife for a beginner or a very young man just starting out. I also think it could have made a fairly decent tacklebox companion. If I could by one NIB for my collection at a fair price I would probably get it strictly for collector interest alone. Because like most Spyders it will probably attain more demand as time goes on.

Knifewing · #11

Funny the Vagabond should come up. I was thinking about starting a thread on it. I picked up a mint one on eBay a few months ago for a reasonable price. I've always kind of liked the Vagabond concept but never actually saw one in person. I think the comment above about intended use is accurate. I purchased this knife as a picnic and outdoor food prep knife. It's awesome in that role--light & sharp, as well as comfortable and grippy to use. So for my purposes it's great. That said, I doubt I would ever take it on a serious hike or camping trip. That's more for a fixed blade like, say, an Esee 3.

I had the Vagabond with me last night at an outdoor concert and picnic. When I took it out of the bag to use, one woman says something like, "Wow, that is one wicked looking knife." I tried to explain to her (she's a great cook) that it probably has the same size blade as her kitchen paring knives and way smaller than her chef's knives but to no avail. It was all about context and she just couldn't see it.

Monocrom · #12

For what it was intended for, the Vagabond was a good concept. The few times I've been picnicing as a child with my folks, it was always the same story. Bring along a steak knife that's barely able to get the job done. Wrap it in ridiculous layers of paper-towels. Far from ideal.

I'd also love to see a new run of Vagabonds. Picnic, camp kitchen, backpacking . . . A nice little fixed-blade with a good-sized handle and no need for a sheath would be very useful.