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View Full Version : Herbst and Vesuvius - First Impressions



dePaul
04-18-2001, 12:00 AM
Peter Herbst:



First let me say that I have split feelings, regarding this one. Here is a knife sporting with all the components a High Quality knife should have; ATS-55 blade steel, SS liners, anodized grey SS clip, and Ti scales. It looks beautiful as well! The color of the scales and the pattern is very tasty indeed. Also the price indicates that one should expect a great deal of it.



However, once you hold the knife in your hand, you emediately feel that there is something wrong. The knife is heavy and kind of unbalanced, the handle is too short, at least for my medium sized hands, and the clip is not reversible (sorry lefties). The pivot pin is adjustable, however in order to do that, you´ll have to remove the clip.



The action is not smooth while folding/unfolding, despite the fact that my copy displays a blade play. It feels like if the knife had been accidently dropped into a pile of sand. The cutout, nesting the liner lock is too shallow and therefore uncomfortable in connection to folding. Also, the handle is very slippery if your hands are wet. And I don´t care much for the hollow ground blade either.



CONCLUSION:

Should you buy it? My humble opinion is: Go for it if you collect knives and have most of the other models while this one is still missing. Otherwise (above everything if you actually intend to use it), get something else.





Frank Centofante Vesuvius:



I really like this one!! This beauty is made in Golden, Co and deserves a lot of attention.



The ATS-34 blade features a modified spear point and although it´s thinner than the blade of the Herbst model, the tip looks stronger! The shape of the G-10 handle is somewhat similar to Benchmade´s AFCK and sports with the new “Compression Lock”, nesting into the back. It resembles a linerlock. Initially, I had some difficulties getting used to this new feature. It felt awkward and I was afraid of cutting myself, while folding the knife. However, it never happened and now I feel fully comfortable with it.



The grip is very secure thanks to the handle shape and length. The knife is lightweight, yet solid. It was very sharp out of the box and no blade play what so ever. A black clip is reversable for tip down or tip up carry. The pivot pin is adjustable and easy reachable. And now IMHO, the most important issue: This knife is roughly half the price of the Herbst!! Because of that, I will gladly ignore the fact that it is a hollow ground J



CONCLUSION:

A price worthy knife, an excellent EDC knife and thanks to the possibility of choosing the shell inlay version; also a collectible! My choice is obvious: V E S U V I U S !



All those are my personal opinions, based on my own preferences, for what it&#180;s worth (2 cents) <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>



Stay sharp!

mundele
04-18-2001, 04:11 PM
It was my understanding that the vesuvius had FRN handles. Is there another model with G-10 scales?

--Matt

Carlos
04-18-2001, 04:31 PM
I asked Sal about it and he said that there are no plans for a G10 version. Zytel is it.

They may switch shell inlay colours every year though, which would add some collector interest.

Philip357
04-18-2001, 05:25 PM
I have the original Spyderco Herbst with 440C blade and I have to say the action is the smoothest I have ever encountered.

dePaul
04-18-2001, 11:52 PM
I stand corrected <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Zytel it is. However,the impression is the same!

Take care!

Brian_Turner
04-19-2001, 07:17 AM
I like the Herbst far better than the Vesuvius. The Herbst is much smoother, and feels far more substantial in the hand. For a small knife, it feels and acts very capable, much bigger than it's actual footprint. It surprised me very pleasantly. I carry it often.

As for the Vesuvius, it is plastic, it feels like plastic. Way too light for my hand to want to hold it, and it has a soft, waxy feel to the surface that just doesn't do it for me. Sexy shape, but it could use better steel and a better handle material before it goes on my &quot;would have bought it if the Collectors Club hadn't just shipped me one&quot; list.

Ed Gordon
06-06-2001, 01:17 PM
I got a Herbst plain edge today. It is every bit as nice as I had hoped. A good utility design in a stylish package. I have wanted one since they were released the first time. I think these will gain some popularity once they are in some peoples hands and are more available. I would definitely recommend this one. ...Ed.