Spyderco Materials and Questions

[Michael G73]

Greetings all! If you'll forgive me for a brief moment, I've got some silly questions:



First off, I'm the proud owner of both a Carbon Fiber and a Nylon Dragonfly- probably the best knives I've ever owned. (Please note, I don't do a lot of "heavy" work- general purpose stuff mostly. Opening boxes, mail, cutting fruit, etc.)



Anyway, a couple of questions regarding my two little knives and their materials.



1) What are the "real world" performance differences between the materials used in the blades and handles of these two knives for your average everyday kind of use?



2) Both blades I have are serrated, and before I get either sharpened, I thought I'd poll that audience: considering I am not comfortable doing it myself, am I better off sending my knives back to Spyderco for sharpening, or would a chain store (like a Merlo's Cutlery) do a good job? By good, I mean as sharp and reliable as these guys were when I got them.



Now, for a couple quick questions/suggestions:



I like the size of the closed Dragonfly (less than 3.75 inches) but would like a slightly larger blade... Any suggestions?



I also REALLY like the look of the Micarta handles- any chance of a Dragonfly or other (similar sized) knife coming with this kind of handle? (perhaps even custom-made?)



Thanks everybody!



-Michael

[Clay Kesting]

Michael,

The FRN (nylon) handle is quite up to all the tasks you suggest. Carbon fibre laminates are very strong but IMNSHO are a bit of an overkill for knife handles. However they certainly look great and are much prized by collectors. I just wish I'd bought one when they were available <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. I know the blade steel in the Lightweight is AUS8 but I'm not sure about the CF model, is it ATS55? AUS8 is very good steel and takes an excellent edge, however ATS55 contains more carbon and can be made harder, so it will hold an edge longer.

Have no fears about sharpening your knife yourself. Just buy yourself a Sharpmaker 204, it is really a foolproof system even for a complete neophyte and the accompanying video even gives you a chance to watch Sal at work <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Get one and you'll never have a blunt knife in the house <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. BTW I believe this is what they would use if you sent your knife back to the factory.

If you like the blade shape of the Dragonfly but would like something a little larger, have a look at the Calypso Jr. There is a very strong family resemblance. It has a similarly shaped, flat ground, 2 7/8&quot; blade made from VG10, premium stuff. A larger blade comes at a price though, the handle is 4&quot;. The Calypso Jr originally came with a Micarta handle and an AUS8 blade. If you're interested check out the for sale forums at Bladeforums.com and Knifeforums.com. SFO had them listed on the discontinued page but I just checked and they are no longer there, however there may still be a few dealers with stock. The current models have a VG10 blade with a FRN handle or AUS8 with a stainless handle. Hope this helps.

Clay

p.s. You might be interested in this http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/016202.html

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 4/27/2001 10:00:52 PM

[sal]

Hi Michael. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

sal

[Michael G73]

Mr. Sal, the very famouse Spyderco man, according to my readings here on the web, thanks for the welcome!

And thanks to all the Spyderco owners who share their thoughts around here- you all were a deciding factor in my initial Spyderco purchase.

I do my share of research before I buy anything... I'd heard Spyderco had a good product from some friends, and after I read through some of the forums, decided they were the way to go. The loyalty I've seen around here to the Company and the product comes pretty close to the rabid dedication I've seen in my fellow Macintosh users.

Thanks again, and everyone have a great time!

-Michael