Spyderco Forums

I put together this list as a referrence. I'll keep updating it, so please post additions/deletions/corrections.



Updated 11/05/02



For future post: lanyards.



Terms used frequently on this bulletin board





General:

IMO = In my opinion.

IMHO = In my humble opinion.

IMNSHO = In my not so humble opinion. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

IIRC = If I remember correctly.

AFAIK = As far as I know.

OT = Off Topic.

NFBSK = "Not For British School Kids", an easily recognizable replacement for cursing.

YMMV = Your mileage may vary.

BTTT = Back To The Top

CMFIC= Chief Mother %$!@&^ in charge

LOL = Laugh(s) Out Loud

ROFLMAO = Rolling On Floor, Laughing My @## Off.



LE or LEO = Law Enforcement Officer.

ELU = End line users, in other words the consumer

RKBA right to keep and bear arms

MBC = Martial Blade Craft.

Sheeple = People who react with unwarranted fear and aversion to knives, even ones designed for work rather than combat. Using a knife in proximity to sheeple, particularly one with an unusual blade or one over 2.5 inches will often elicit negative comments about the "weapon."

FB = Fixed blade.

NIB = New In Box. Used to describe quality of "previously owned" knives.

LNIB = Like New In Box.



Handle Materials:

FRN = Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. The handle material for Spyderco's inexpensive lightweight knives

SS = Stainless Steel. Refers to handle material for a knife.

CF = Carbon Fiber. Lightweight handle material offered on more expensive variations.

G-10 = Continuous-woven glass fabric laminate with an epoxy resin. Used as handle material.



Edge Construction:

PE = Plain edge. Blade without serrations.

SE = SpyderEdge. Blade with serrations; more specifically Spyderco's combination of three short points followed by a longer curve to the next set of points.

CE = Combo edge. Blade partially serrated, partially plain.



Blade Profile:

Hollow ground = Blade thins out in steep concave cross-section from back to edge. The most extreme example of this is a straight razor. The theory behind hollow ground knives is that they perform initial cuts better because there is less blade material near the edge. This also translates into a generally light blade.

Semi-hollow ground = Used on Buck knives. variation of hollow ground where the blade thickens out just before the edge. The theory is that this provides greater strength to the edge while maintaining the other advantages of hollow ground.

Flat ground = Blade thins out in a straight line from back to edge. The theory here is that cutting deeply with the knife is easier because of the gradual widening of the blade from edge to back.

Chisel ground = Blade sharpened only on one side, the other side is completely flat. Used mostly on combat folders. Chisel ground blades are supposed to puncture better than other designs because they only push the target material away on one side of the blade, rather than both as in other blade profiles.

Hamaguri/Convex/Appleseed Grind = Blade follows a convex curve from back to edge; looking much like a closed clamshell. Excellent performance, but tricky to maintain.



Blade shapes:

Wharncliffe = Blade shape characterized by a straight, flat edge and the back dropping sharply from hilt to tip, coming to a point. This blade looks almost like a right triangle, with the 90 degree angle at the hilt and blade back as the hypoteneus.

Sheepsfoot = Blade shape characterized by a straight, flat edge and rounded,quarter-circle tip. This edge is ideally suited to marine and rescue environments where a sharp point might accidentally puncture a victim, wetsuit, etc.

Tanto = Blade shape characterized by slightly-curved edge, mostly-flat back, and a substantial second blade angle bringing the edge and back together. At the tip, the blade looks similar to 1/2 of an upside-down trapezoid. Tanto blades are quite strong at the tip, and are most often found in tactical knives. This shape is derived from Japanese swords and knives, tanto literally means "short sword" and generally refers to a Japanese dagger.

Clip point = Blade shape characterized by a convexly curved tip and a back that starts straight and then concavelycurves to meet the point; as if steel has been clipped from the blade to meet the edge in a sharp point. Large fixed blades with this shape are sometimes referred to as Bowie knives.

Modified clip point = Blade shape characterized by a convexly curved tip and a back that meets the tip in a straight line. The back may drop straight from the hilt to the tip, as in the Spyderco's Endura and Delica, or may run straight and then drop to the tip.

Drop point = Blade shape characterized by a convexly curved tip that either rises to meet a flat back or the back drops convexly to meet the tip.

Spear point = Blade shape characterized by a convexly curved tip and back that meet in a point along the center line of the blade. (Variation of the drop point).

Skinner point = Blade shape chareacterized by a steep, convexly curved tip (upswept) that meets a straight or upswept back. This gives the edge plenty of belly for skinning. Spyderco Impala is an example.

Leaf blade = blade shape characterized by a convexly curved tip and back that meet in a point, and where at its belly the blade is wider than at the hilt.

Hook blade = Blade shape characterized by the edge in a concave curve and a sharp point.

Reverse S blade = Blade shape characterized by the edge starting out in a convex curve and finishing in a concave curve at the tip.



Other Blade Terms:

Distall Taper = Narrowing (tapering) along the back of the blade from the hilt to the tip.

False Edge = Grind on the back of the blade, almost always towards the tip, that resembles a second edge. The false edge is usually not sharp, but may look so. This is most often found on clip point blades. A false edge creates a thinner tip, lightening the blade and improving its piercing ability.

Swedge = False edge found on drop point or modified clip point blades. That is, grind on the back of the blade where it runs straight or convexly to the tip.



Opening methods:

Thumbing = The act of opening the blade via leveraging one's thumb against a thumb hole or bump on the side of the blade.

Spydie-drop or Spyder-drop = The act of opening a Spyderco knife by holding it tip up with the hole between the thumb and (usually) index finger, and then snapping the knife downward, causing the handle to swing out and open the knife.

Inertia flick = The act of opening a knife by holding the handle and quickly flicking one's wrist, causing the blade to swing out and lock into position.

Kinetic opening = The act of opening a knife by pushing a protrusion on the blade against another object or person. See Spyderco's Gunting knife.



Points of carry:

RF = Right Front (usually) pocket. This commonly means the blade is carried clipped to the pocket.

LF = Left Front.

RB = Right Back (usually) pocket.

LB = Left Back.

RT = Right Thigh pocket.

LT = Left Thigh.

IWB = In WaistBand. Carrying a knife clipped to the waistband of trousers or shorts. Can be combined with RF/LF, RB/LB to denote where in the waistband the knife is carried.

WP = Watch Pocket. Small pocket inside of or just above a front pocket. Most often found on the right side.







Edited by - mac_heath on 11/5/2002 7:36:25 AM

Also,
IMO = In my opinion
IMHO = In my humble opinion
ELU = End line users, in other words the consumer
Hmmm, what else?<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

RKBA right to keep and bear arms

I'm gonna get flamed but this time I don't
really care.

Of the list there is one term that bothers
the heck out of me......."sheeple"

To me that's no different than "spic,wop,kike,
nigger,homo, queer etc.

Why? they all serve just one purpose. To
de-humanize a specifc group of people that
happens not the share our passion for knives.
As it happens some opf the "sheeple" just
need us to share our view WITH them and not
be so imperious that we demean them for not
liking or understnading the knife hobby.

So if,JUST IF, you really like knives share
it with others as often as you can.

Tossing in a few more...

IIRC- If I remember correctly.
AFAIK- As far as I know.
NFBSK- One of my favorites. "Not For British School Kids", an easily recognizable replacement for cursing.
YMMV- Your mileage may vary.

Never underestimate the impossible.

tightwad,

never thought about it that way. you're right, though.

being a minority growing up in the bible belt, i think I've seen a share of racism. and while I don't really mind it anymore, I would hate to be one that is adding to problem. i wont use the term "sheeple" anymore.

A long-used term for what are now called "sheeple" is "grass-eater"... Many, if not most, people, are just prey for the predators. Some can be educated, by us, about knives, and this is a good thing to do, because grass-eaters are often very politically active, and do outnumber the warriors in most urban areas. Many grass-eaters mistakenly think that by disarming the population, the population will be safe. Of course this is naive and misguided, because every flock of sheep needs sheepdogs to protect them from wolves. This concept is the origin of the term, by the way: sheep+people.

Edited by - Rex G on 10/21/2002 6:48:36 PM

Good take on the etymology of sheeple, Rex.

My own point of view (and by no means a flame) is that we tend to use many animalisms to describe human behaviour, feelings, and even looks. I find sheeple to be a metaphorical term dealing with an attitude rather than being a derogatory label for a group of people. If we all thought Pink Floyd wrote and sang about nothing but barnyard critters on Animals or Animal Farm and Watership Down are whimsy fairy tales then the PC LE are doing their job most excellently. Sheeple = mindset and I can deal with that with discussions among reasonable edged weapon afficionados. Tightwad, I appreciate and respect your viewpoint but celebrate our differences. Mild rant is now over. Please feel free to post about the forum. ( And if I offend anyone by labeling them Spyderlings we can take that up later. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Back to the thread at hand, lets not forget:

CF - Carbon Fiber. Lightweight handle material offered on more expensive variations.

G-10 - Continuous-woven glass fabric laminate with an epoxy resin. Used as handle material.

Micarta - Laminate consisting of cotton (linen) cloth and phenolic resin, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties. Also used in handles


"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" Neo-Javanese proverb

Of course, it's domestic sheep we are talking about, and "domesticated" people. Wild sheep are challenging to hunt, so I hear.

mac_heath,

Thank you for your hard work here, this is a valuable resource and reference.

Tightwad, I agree that labels can be dangerous...but in this case I feel that there is generally very little if any animosity attached to the term "sheeple".

I, like Java have always understood it to describe or attempt to define a mindset that we wish to be aware, and possibly considerate of.

Jeff/1911.

BTTT

Back To The Top
Bounced To The Top
Bumped To The Top

This places a thread to the top of the lists. Do it if you want to get new attention, but don't do it too often...

And if you want to include a link, type the following:

[less-then-sign]A HREF="http://www.mylink.com"[greather-then-sign]
www.mylink.com[less-then-sign]/A[greather-then-sign]

(replace www.mylink.com with your link)

To linking a picture (don't do it to often, because for low-bandwidth users it can be annoying)

[less-then-sign]IMG SRC="http://www.myweb.com/picture.jpg"[greather-then-sign]

Have fun
Ted



Edited by - Ted on 10/22/2002 2:07:33 AM

Posted this one recently somewhere else in here but... it cannot be forgotten! Sal's personal mantra (he lives by it too ~RLOL)

CMFIC= Chief Mother %$!@&^ in charge.

mac_heath,

Nice idea for a thread. I'm going to print this off so I can share it with some people I'm trying to get onto this forum.

Thanks for assembling all this info guys/gals.

Tightwad,
IMO, I think you may be over sensitive to this sheeple name thing. I can't speak for others but as some have said, and I'm with them, I see sheeple more as a descriptive mind set. Sort of like calling somebody Liberal or Conservative. It is meant to describe their views (true their views as we see them) and actions.

And you are very right about the sharing our joy of knives with others. I try to show anybody I can a knife is a tool that can be art if the right talent and sweat is put into it. I truely belive everybody should carry a pocket knife. Give it a little effort and the right pocket knife can be found.

(sorry for the long windedness)


"Ne vyklykaj vowka z leesoo, ..... bo tsej vowk maje <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ." Don't call the wolf out of the forest, because this one carries a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> .

Edited by - Zabrewolf on 10/22/2002 8:54:17 AM

List updated. Thanks to everyone for their contributions.


/begin ramble
Tightwad>

Thanks for bringing up an interesting issue. I've seen you post your objections to the term sheeple elsewhere, and I considered not putting it in the list. I left it in for two reasons:
1. The term is commonly used on this board and requests for definition occur frequently from new users.
2. I think sheeple is different from racial or sexual slurs, because it refers to a mindset rather than implying negative characteristics based upon one's ethnicity, heritage, or sexual orientation. It is, however, derogatory and objectifies people.
For me, sheeple identifies a herd mentality found among people who do not think for themselves, but rather believe whatever they are fed by the media. Yes, that is a gross generalization. Yet, groups of otherwise intelligent people pass laws and regulations without thoroughly considering the options or consequences involved. They would rather pass or reject a law according to the sound bites made up about the law.

I agree that education and sharing are the best ways to help people understand the utility of a knife. However, I still require a term that I can use to refer to people who react with irrational negativity to the sight of a pocket knife.
/end ramble

there is no ginger

if carlos wasnt so vigalent id give you a good flaming. (wait that came out wrong <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ) sorry on like 32 ounces of gaterade. anyways, i think that sheeple is not so much of a problem just because its a condition that can change. if you didnt know me and that im carrying knives and love knives and you show me a civvie, i will run away screaming like a little girl. not because i dont like knives but because thats a scary assed knife. you would instantly name me a sheeple even though im not. but if i came back up to you and showed you my buck 110 im a compatent knife user see what i mean? a sheeple is infact a state of mind.

Edited by - delicrazy on 10/22/2002 2:09:34 PM

LOL= Lots of luck

What does RLOL and LEO mean?

ROTFLMFAO = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My <font color=black>F</font>ucking <font color=black>A</font>ss Off

LEO = Law Enforcement Officer

*Our greatest triumph comes not from NOT falling down, but from getting back up every time.*

Deli,

Your reaction to a smartly brandished Civvie (or Vaquero Grande is natural) - knife lover or not – somewhere deep in the reptilian area of our primal brain, the gut-twisting fear and will to survive is immediately raised in the presence of these uber-knives. (I’ve even scared myself with the Civilian and had to talk me into not just dropping it and making for the hinterlands.) I believe you to be a reasonable edged weapon aficionado as above so there is no disagreement, here. Stay well, young Deli…and watch out fer that Gatorade. (32 oz of Fierce Melon’s equal to a tall quadruple shot latte with Power)


Mac,

Looking good! Hey! We left out:

FB - fixed blade!

ROTFLMAO: Roll on the floor laughing my "posterior" off (sometimes seen as ROFLAO)

Sabre Grind - Blades ground half to two thirds from the edge to the back and the top front third of the blade with a strong false edge or swedge

I'll let you take a shot at the defining the hamaguri or appleseed grind that Bob Lum uses.

Keep up the good work!



"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" Neo-Javanese proverb

Hamaguri/Convex Grind- Edge is left bulging out, looking much like a closed clamshell. Excellent performance, but tricky to maintain.

Skinner/Utility point- Upswept point, meeting a straight back. Simple point, often used on primitive or purpose-driven (skinner)knives.

Never underestimate the impossible.