Aha!

[GronK]

So this is where the spydie folks hang out, eh? I posted over in Bladeforums/Spyderco yesterday and have received no replies. Just picked up my first Spyderco knives yesterday at a knife and gun show. I've owned many knives over the years but never owned or even handled the Spyderco products. Guess the hump-back with a hole and serrated edges kind of put me off. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Anyway, I decided to pick up a couple. Got a Viele (old style) with full serrations and a plain edged Blackhawk for $75 each NIB. I'm making the Viele my EDC for a bit to try out the serrations. The design, fit, and finish make it a pleasure to carry! The Blackhawk is going head to head with my Boyes for around the homestead chores. I don't expect the GIN-1 to keep up with the dendritic in the edge department but the Blackhawk is more solid feeling and has a much better blade shape.



BTW, I also picked up a new Japanese made WH Wharncliff with black micarta scales. Makes a nice little companion to the Viele!!



Just 'cause yer paranoid don't mean someone ain't out ta getcha

[knifenerd]

Welcome to the forum, Gronk!

I also have the old style Viele. It's a great EDC. Eventually I'll pick up one of the new style with the adjustable pivot screw and VG-10.

Hang out and enjoy. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Dick

[knifenerd]

I forgot. When you post, you will find that after your first post, you will get an error message. Ignore it. This has been going on for a couple of weeks and has resulted in alot of multiple posts..The administrators are aware of it and hopefully it will be corrected soon.

Dick

[sam the man..]

Welcome aboard dude!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Have a swell time with the Viele!! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Think its a lovely piece!!

Sam

have spydies will travel

[GronK]

Thanks guys! Knifenerd, I haven't had any error messages yet. Maybe they fixed?

Had to work yesterday, so carried the Viele. That's one cutting son of a gun! Only reservation I have so far is it looks like the last serration is a mite close to the tip. Creates a narrow spot that may prove to be weak.

Can you tell me anything about the Blackhawk? It seemed a bit &quot;plain&quot; at first, but is growing on me rapidly. It's evidently out of production since I can't find it mentioned anywhere on the net.

Just 'cause yer paranoid don't mean someone ain't out ta getcha

[The Stare]

Hi Gronk. I've been behind on several of my forums, just now catching up. Saw your post on BF's Spyderco forum. Simply don't have any valid info to give you.

I do have a couple questions about the Viele. Should say that when I first started looking at Spydercos that the Viele was easily the most attractive one of the bunch. But, I began to worry about the lack of anything resembling a guard. Do you feel that you can retain a tight enough grip to make it safe to do a &quot;full power&quot; thrust with it? Also, since hearing how terribly uncomfortable the CRKT Wasp is, would like to know how comfortable the handle of the Viele is for you.

Also, just in the last day or few, General requested a pic of the Blackhawk. I've never seen one either. If you've the capability, could you please post or e-mail a pic/scan of it? I know two who'd be very appreciative!

Thanks,

Stare

[Joyce Laituri]

GronK

Welcome to the Spyderco forum!

The Blackhawk (C24) has been outta production for 4-5 years. We made it (and a larger version called the Renegade-C23) here in Golden.

When we produced them the BlackHawk had a MSRP of $114.95, the Renegade $129.95.

Joyce

[GronK]

Stare, I would not advise a full power thrust with this Viele. As you mentioned, there is no guard, nor are there finger grooves, and all metal and micarta surfaces are polished! This doesn't bother me, since I don't have defense in mind with this knife. If I have no choice but expose myself to a high risk environment I'll take my CRKT large Kasper or Boker Brend. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> As for ergonomics, this is the exact opposite of the Wasp. Very comfortable with nicely rounded edges and no sharp protrusions.

I'm not up to speed on posting pic's just yet. I have two scanners (one large format and one for negs and slides), and a good camera, so I'll look into it.

Joyce, thanks for the welcome and information about the Blackhawk! It confirms what I was told when I bought it. I have a few other medium tac/utility knives, including Boyes, Gerber, Durango Hawkbill, Italian Fox, etc., and the Blackhawk is now the one I carry!



Just 'cause yer paranoid don't mean someone ain't out ta getcha