I'm feeling the need for a Spyderfly

[greencobra]

Does anyone own one who'd like to share some thoughts on it? I'm reading on the net that it's unconventional handle configuration is a pro and a con. But I would think the holes at the end of the handles would give a person more flipping options.

And I'm also interested in a comparison with a traditional Balisong.

[dani]

I'm also interested in Spyderfly, but now I'm waiting for the new Szabofly. However its handles don't convince myself. Could the movement be hindered by this particular design?

[The Deacon]

Watched in awe last November at the NYCKS as Eric performed with a Spyderfly after apolgizing that he was not in "top form" due to a sprained wrist. Think a three to five minute video of him in action on "a good day", available for download, might be the best advertisment possible for the :spyder:fly.

[greencobra]

Watched in awe last November at the NYCKS as Eric performed with a Spyderfly after apolgizing that he was not in "top form" due to a sprained wrist. Think a three to five minute video of him in action on "a good day", available for download, might be the best advertisment possible for the :spyder:fly.
I did see Eric on Shooting USA a little while back working with it, but I'd still like to hear from anyone who owns one.

[coffeeman]

At the Blade show, while hanging out at the Spyderco table I was able to get Alex to show me a couple of moves. I had just purchased the Spyderfly and told him I wanted to make sure it worked properly. I suggested they put out an instructional taped and he said it was something they we thinking about......

[Dr. Snubnose]

I just got one last week after much deliberation...I handled one a few months back and found the handles to be a hindrence in traditional balisong techniques. I think I'm just used to handling the old style balisongs for too long now...(over 25 years)... I am starting to get the hang of it though it is very strange to me...the knife is made superbly in spyderco fashion and the clip and pop up hinge is a great perk...to be honest it's going to take a lot of work for me to feel comfortable with it...however I'm willing to give it a try and see what happens...Doc

[greencobra]

Doc, that's the kind of info I was fishing for.

If you found the SpyderFly to be different, I imagine the SzaboFly would be a real challange.

NGK has a BaliSong trainer for 11 bucks. I might want to get that to start with, although as far a prices go for a BaliSong knife, the SpyderFly is a steal for a quality piece.

[Dr. Snubnose]

The SzaboFly,looks even more interesting and I agree it will prove to be a probable challenge...but like the SpyderFly it's too interesting to pass up on...the other thing that is strange to me about the SpyderFly is after any manipulation to open the backs of the handles to not touch or come together like in the case of all balisongs I have worked with in the past. It sets the handles apart in a open position. This is not a bad thing only different. It allows for a solid grip that feels natural (due to the ergonomics of the beveled sections in the handled) but at the same time strange if you are used to your handle backs coming together.

[Milu]

The Spyderfly was Spyderco's first butterfly knife. It's very much a love it or hate it piece. The blade is remniscent of the old Pacific Cutlery weehawk style, the handles are like nothing seen before on a balisong and have the spyderholes we are used to seeing on spyderco blades.

The first runs were made in 440C but now they've gone over to ATS34, and of course being Spyderco it comes sharp. One of the innovations on the spyderfly is the springclip that can be moved around to four different positions to suit your carrystyle of choice. Then there's the springloaded latch that can be moved to either handle. Personally I hate latches that block the edge side of the blade, with the spyderfly the spring just keeps it out of the way, however, when I stop playing with mine I'll get around to moving the latch of mine to the other handle anyway.

The next feature that makes the spyderfly different is how the latch is released, one just squeezes the handles and the latch springs free with a pleasant click. The next thing one tries is a couple of simple gentle flips. Oooohh! The spyderfly was just made to flip. The feel and balance is such that it seems a thought of what one wants to do is all it takes to complete. This knife can make even the clumsiest flipper (me!) look good.

Where the spyderfly falls short is as a knife to use, the skeletonised handles look, feel and move good but when closed in the hand to use as a knife the joined shape feels unfriendly because of the way the butt end flares out. An unavoidable consequence of the design but it creates the first shortcoming. The second shortcoming is that the latch cannot be used to lock the handles shut, this would be much better if the knife is intended for cutting. Bottom line: get one for flipping. Coming soon is the Szabo spyderfly, this looks wicked! I liked the original spyderfly so much I already have my order in and apparently, soon after the mini-spyderfly with a 3 inch blade will come out.

[Milu]

Post Scriptum:

I've seen it suggested a few times that the spyderholes in the end of the handles could be used for some innivative flips. I think they are too small for that purpose by adult fingers, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.

[greencobra]

Post Scriptum:

I've seen it suggested a few times that the spyderholes in the end of the handles could be used for some innivative flips. I think they are too small for that purpose by adult fingers, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.
Milu, thanks, good stuff you put down. You too, Doc.

As Deacon mentioned, there is a clip of Eric flipping the SpyderFly. I haven't seen it but I wonder if it was from the episode of Shooting USA (on OLN) I mentioned or filmed seperate. The one I mention looked like it was filmed at a show. My point being, I believe he utilized the holes for a sequnence I saw.

Finally, SpyderHoles! Duhhhh. Of course. I had no clue what they were on there for. :o Do you ever believe that someday I'll think like a SpyderMan?

[The Deacon]

Actually, I was suggesting that making such a video would be a good idea, not saying that one already existed. As for me, I'm able to open and close a bali without cutting myself if I work very slowly and maintain total concentration, so I'm not much use as a commentator on them.

Just for the record though, the original run of Spyderfly blades were VG-10, the current ones are 440C.

[greencobra]

This is a pretty good review I found trolling the web this morning, for anyone interested in buying as I am. I'm sold. Thanks guys.

http://www.balisongcollector.com/spyderco/spyderfly1.html

[Milu]

I stand corrected on the steel. Mine is in fact marked VG10 which I hadn't taken in before. I'd guess my info on the changeover to ATS 34 is totally erroneous.