Yojimbo Review

[ghostrider]

Quite some time ago, I was the beneficiary of a very generous gift from fellow forum member Dr. Snubnose. A blue Yojimbo. The good doctor’s generosity is not only a testament to himself, but also a reflection of the sort of people who make up this great forum. When Doc gave me the knife, he asked Me to EDC it for a while and then give him my thoughts on it. I told him I would (even though it meant I wouldn’t be carrying my beloved Crossbill), and have since been carrying the Yojimbo for almost a month and a half now. A review is long overdue.

The Yojimbo has been out for quite some time now, and many people have sung it’s praises through reviews and comments in their posts. Therefore, I won’t get to in depth on things like sharpness, fit & finish, and how well it slices. Others have done that. I am merely listing my impressions of what I consider the knife’s “practical aspect”.

When I look at a picture of the Yojimbo, and when I first held one; the knife screamed SD in spite of its blade similarity to a Stanley Utility knife. Nested steel liners not only add rigidity, but also add weight for impact strikes, of which the tail of the handle is obviously designed for (however this can also be done with the other end of the handle).

Thumb Indexing:
With the Yojimbo, I notice that the index divots seem to be perfectly placed so that my thumb and middle finger (or index finger if I miss) seem to naturally find them, making the rotation easier. This is so whether the knife is open or closed (I like this feature because it makes practicing safer IMHO). I experimented with the following grips: Saber, Hammer, Pikal, Edge-In, and Reverse-Edge-In. I tried rotating from and too all the different combinations of these grips, and the knife seems to find the right place every time via the indexing divots. Some of the rotation combinations may require more steps than others, but even then the knife seems to “find my hand” rather than the other way around.

Ergonomics:
I tried the knife in the above-mentioned grips, and in all but the Edge-In grip the knife fit very well. Points to note are that in the Hammer or Saber grip the handle’s choils make for excellent purchase when stabbing, as well as on a draw or “slash” stroke. The only problem with the Edge-In grip is that the point formed by the choil can “poke” into the palm of my hand. However, this can be corrected by griping the knife further down the handle (which just so happens to be closer to where the indexing divots place it after rotation). Someone suggested that this could easily be rounded off, but I’m not sure doing so wouldn’t mean sacrificing something else, and again, the knife naturally “finds the hand” at a lower point on the handle. I think this may be one of those things that are a matter of personal preference (probably just made a great point for Deacon’s “down with the dent” campaign).

Another thing to note under ergonomics is the clip. Most people who note the clip will probably be drawn to the indexing hole, placed over the handle’s divot. Something I have noticed is the length of the clip. It’s a quarter inch longer than the clip on my Endura, and that extra length keeps it from digging in my palm when gripped hard without sacrificing any security. I wonder why more clips aren’t like this (I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile). It’s understandable on an SD knife were a secure grip is important, but it could also aid in comfort to a working cutter. While carrying it all this time I never noticed it until writing this review and I realized it was because I just never noticed the clip digging in my hand like on other knives. It’s one of those “Out of sight, out of mind” things.

Fist Stick:
I have long held the opinion that a SD knife should double as kubotan (or “fist stick”) when closed. When using the knife in such a manner, I would prefer to hold it with the spine of the blade to rest against the meaty part of the heal of my palm, just below the thumb. I prefer this position because it requires less movement of the knife-in-hand to open and deploy the blade. With the Yojimbo I see the potential for the spine of the blade “chewing up” my palm in this position. It seems to feel better with the blade spine lining my fingers, but then it seems blade deployment wouldn’t be as easy, and it can also “chew up” the insides of my knuckles. I think it is better to have my palm abused in this case than my inside knuckles since the knuckle damage would be steel on bone or cartilage whereas the damage to the palm would just be muscle damage. The knife also fits more securely in the hand with the blade spine against the palm IMHO.

I don’t really look at this as a negative point, but rather a “trade-off”. The Yojimbo is, IMHO, a “multi-purpose” SD knife. It is designed to be useable in several different grips, as well as a blunt, impact object while open or closed, and can even be used for such things as thumb-locks (next paragraph). With all those features, “something had to be sacrificed”, and a little discomfort on the palm during a high stress situation (chances are it won’t even be felt until after the fact anyway) is a small sacrifice considering what you get in return. I don’t see any way this part of the knife could be changed without sacrificing something else.

Another aspect of the usage of this knife when closed that I don’t hear many people talk about is thumb-locks (or wrist-lock, pinch, etc…). The jimmping on the spine of the blade when closed, and the jimmping on the spine of the handle in the thumb ramp area make any possible thumb-lock more secure and more possible. If you can trap a person’s thumb (or any finger) in there, squeeze, and twist, it will transfer to a lot of pain, and can aid in maneuvering them into some other hold or lock. It’s like having little spikes pressed into the bone, ligaments, or cartilage of your thumb, and it isn’t a pleasant feeling. It might even work well if they put the same jimmping that is on the spine of the handle towards the tail of the handle since some people prefer to use the closed knife with in the Pikal grip. If they were put jimmping on both the spine, and underside of the handle, starting around the point of the last choil, and extending to the begging of the lanyard hole, that would seem to be abut the right placement (just a thought). This became evident to me when Dr. Snubnose pointed out to me that the but-end of the handle can be used to grab or pinch things like “ears, nose, or muscle groups” (something I hadn’t thought of).

Pocket Ride:
My understanding is that Mr. Janich designed this knife to ride in the back pocket, and imprint like a wallet. I don’t know how it looks back there, but I’ve carried it in my back pocket as well as my front and inside waistband on my hip, just for review purposes. The handle is longer that that of my FRN Endura yet is hardly noticeable in either carry position. Draw is smoother than I expected from the G-10 handle, and it still doesn’t feel like it has a “weak” grip on my pocket. A good way to describe the pocket carry of this knife is to say, “I didn’t notice it”. I carry things in my pockets, lots of things, and my hand is often digging for them. So, when I have to consistently check to make sure my knife is still on my pocket without having lost it, chances are it’s because it’s just that unobtrusive.
I would like to once again thank Doc for such a great gift. Everything people have been saying about it is true. If they ever come out with something better for it’s intended purpose, I’d sure like to have the opportunity to review one because (to take a quote from Worker #9) “it’s the schizzle”.



I would like to also thank Dr. Snubnose for editing this review the content of practical application.

Thanks for reading.

[NorthShore]

WOW! Awesome review Ghostrider.

Thanks.

[tiagre]

This is the review I'm looking for...thanks!. I have a "ronin" and I love it. Now I have to get a "yojimbo". :D

[Xlr8td]

Awesome review, Awesome knife. It is my absolute favorite knife, and my EDC.

[spydutch]

Great review Ghostrider :cool: , thanks for sharing ;)

[Terry Trahan]

Love the review, Ghostrider.
I just finished a two week carry of mine, and was going to write
my impressions. I don't need to, because you covered it all.
It is a great EDC, for utility, and my main concern, SD.
Thank s very much.

[ruxton]

Great review Ghostrider, I already have a blue one, it's become my EDC ever since I got it. Hopefully santa will be bringing me a black one for christmas :D But seriously though what an amazing peice of art this knife is.

[ghostrider]

Thanks you all for reading and the compliments.

tiagre: IMHO, the Ronin has a different feel than the Yojimbo. They are however similar, but the Ronin doesn’t have that “point” I talked about.

Xlr8td:
Thanks for posting the pics. I had taken some previously that didn’t turn out to well.
With the holiday’s I just haven’t taken the time do take more.

Terry:
Just because I wrote one doesn’t mean you can’t. What do you think about my comments about “rounding the point”? My limited experience doesn’t allow me to make than judgment, and I would like to hear your thoughts. Also on the jimmping on the tail that I talked about?

[JD Spydo]

Ghostrider again my friend we find ourselves on the same page. Your review was sterling to say the least. When I first took a serious look at the Yojimbo (Sept, 2004) I thought that this was nothin more than a super fancy box cutter. OH! man! am I eating my words now :o . Just like many other great Spyderco knives I found that when I actually got one, used it and took it in the field to test it under demanding conditions I just thought how stupid I was to think what I originally thought about this great blade design.

I have followed Michael Janich's articles in "Tactical Knives" magazine for the last 6 years or so. I have even e-mailed the man on a couple of occasions to ask questions about his designs. The man was always kind enough to reply and answer my questions. When this guy talks:: I LISTEN ;)
I have been saying this for the last year: You simply have to USE!! the Spyderco knives to really know just how functional they really are. The Yojimbo and Dodo are prime examples of this. I can't tell you how many people have laughed at my Dodo until I let them use one. Only for them to recant what they said.

Well again Ghostrider we are on the same page and rightfully so :cool: :spyder:

[WORKER#9]

Thanks for the review. It is one knife on my to GET list. I have always liked the way it looks. I can't wait to handle one.

[Havatoo]

Thanks for the review. I've considered getting a Yojimbo just like I considered in the past getting a Police and a Civilian. Fortunately for me the Cara Cara and Crossbill take the place of the latter two. But I don't know if there'lle ever be a Byrd equivalent to the Yojimbo. I just cannot see or even justify paying over 100$ for a knife. 20-30$, yes. (I dont think I've spent over 60$ or so for a knife in my life and even that seemed too much)

[BlackNinja]

Great review Ghostrider, thanks! "Pinching" never even crossed my mind. What a versatile knife!

Havatoo, You can either buy 5-6 $20-$30 knives with no warranty, or one :spyder: with a lifetime warranty. Also, you aren't gonna find anything but 440A on a $20-$30 knife. :spyder: prides itself in going the extra mile in trying new designs and different steels. The $20-$30 are just cheap ripoffs of the real deal. I'm not saying the Byrd line isn't good (just not for me), but buy a Yojimbo, you'll see what I mean. ;)

[Havatoo]

Great review Ghostrider, thanks! "Pinching" never even crossed my mind. What a versatile knife!

Havatoo, You can either buy 5-6 $20-$30 knives with no warranty, or one :spyder: with a lifetime warranty. Also, you aren't gonna find anything but 440A on a $20-$30 knife. :spyder: prides itself in going the extra mile in trying new designs and different steels. The $20-$30 are just cheap ripoffs of the real deal. I'm not saying the Byrd line isn't good (just not for me), but buy a Yojimbo, you'll see what I mean. ;)
Black Ninja-I cannot argue with your logic. I don't buy or trust cheap folders, either, the Byrd line was an exception. I trust Spyderco not to make something that'lle take one's fingers off. A cheap fixed blade, as long as it's full tang, at least wil be safe to use. <sigh> Maybe if I get a Christmas bonus I might be able to justify getting a Yojimbo, of all the Spydercos it is one of about 3 or 4 that appeal to me most.

[BlackNinja]

Black Ninja-I cannot argue with your logic. I don't buy or trust cheap folders, either, the Byrd line was an exception. I trust Spyderco not to make something that'lle take one's fingers off. A cheap fixed blade, as long as it's full tang, at least wil be safe to use. <sigh> Maybe if I get a Christmas bonus I might be able to justify getting a Yojimbo, of all the Spydercos it is one of about 3 or 4 that appeal to me most.

I hope you get a nice big X-mas bonus :) so you can see what :spyder: truly has to offer The Yojimbo really is a great knife!

Regards,
Joe

[smcfalls13]

That review was perfectly timed ghostrider. I've been wanting a Yojimbo for a while, and finally broke down and bought a blue one yesterday(should arrive sometime wednesday, if I'm lucky) but I was feeling a little guilty and thinking it may not be exactly what I want.

But after reading your review, I think I made the right decision.

Thank you sir. :D

Much appreciated.

[Mr Blonde]

Awesome review Ghostrider, I loved your insight in the practical applications of the Yojimbo. Thanks for posting. I find the Yojimbo to be the best 3 inch fighter Spyderco ever put out, now only if the Trainer would come, it would be perfect.

Wouter

[Irish Lager]

Great review Ghostrider. It seems everytime i read one of your reviews i go and buy that knife. Unfortunately i have not been working and lack the funds. Thanks for the review, and great info.
J

[markg]

Fist Stick:
I have long held the opinion that a SD knife should double as kubotan (or “fist stick”) when closed. When using the knife in such a manner, I would prefer to hold it with the spine of the blade to rest against the meaty part of the heal of my palm, just below the thumb. I prefer this position because it requires less movement of the knife-in-hand to open and deploy the blade. With the Yojimbo I see the potential for the spine of the blade “chewing up” my palm in this position. It seems to feel better with the blade spine lining my fingers, but then it seems blade deployment wouldn’t be as easy, and it can also “chew up” the insides of my knuckles. I think it is better to have my palm abused in this case than my inside knuckles since the knuckle damage would be steel on bone or cartilage whereas the damage to the palm would just be muscle damage. The knife also fits more securely in the hand with the blade spine against the palm IMHO.


Question, are you holding the knife tip up or tip down when closed in the hand? After reading this review this morning, I got my Yojimbo and went to town with it (closed) against a heavy bag. I was holding it tip down in the hand, in an "ice pick" grip (blade spine against fingers). I was striking with considerable force and I really had no issue with the blade spine digging into my hand.

Especially if you let your thumb rest over top of the knife handle, it was surprisingly friendly to hit things with! :)

For the following reasons, I would lend support to the more natural (tip down, blade forward, closed position) use of the closed knife. For one, it is the most natural position, since it is the way you would find the knife when drawn. Two, if the blade is against your hand (palm), if you want to transistion from a non-lethal "butt" strike, to deployment of the blade... You will have to roll the knife out with your fingers, which seems to be a pretty fine motor skill, which I think I would lack under stress. I would have to see just what you are talking about in person, however, before I would be too quick to pass any friendly judgement upon it. :)

Nice review, of a great knife. If you don't have one yet, please do yourself a favor and get one! :D

[HoB]

Lately, I have become very fond of the Yo, too. After miner modifications, it is now very smooth (the release is still a bit sticky though). Not too long ago I accidentally ran the tip hard into a labbench covered with a reconstituted stone top (a bit softer than regular stone but still pretty hard and very abrasive) but only the very tip (like the first 0.5 mm) broke off and the first 1/4 in of the edge was a bit "unclean" (microchips in the edge, no permanent damage) and that was after I had put a 12 deg bevel on it. To repair the tip of a Warncliff is of course kind of difficult, but I decided to grind out the tip from the spine at a slightly steeper angle (about twice as far as the edgebevel is high) and to round the edge just ever so slightly towards the tip on the last 0.5 inches or so (you would never notice without comparing with a straight edge). The tip is still very accute but slightly sturdier now and it didn't take long on a medium coarse stone. I am very pleased with it now. It is of exceptional utility use, and it still pierces like no other knife I have tried.

Oh, did I meantion that I really like S30V, its really good stuff, and obviously not as brittle as you sometimes read :).

[ghostrider]

Thanks for the review. I've considered getting a Yojimbo just like I considered in the past getting a Police and a Civilian. Fortunately for me the Cara Cara and Crossbill take the place of the latter two. But I don't know if there'lle ever be a Byrd equivalent to the Yojimbo. I just cannot see or even justify paying over 100$ for a knife. 20-30$, yes. (I dont think I've spent over 60$ or so for a knife in my life and even that seemed too much)

Thanks for reading Havatoo,
TBH, if the good doctor hadn’t given me the Yojimbo, I’d probably still be carrying my Crossbill around. The question of “how much is your life worth?” is referring to the dilemma of buying something like a $100 fighting knife for SD. I personally can’t justify it either in my current financial state, however if I could afford it, I wouldn’t have to think to hard for justification. It’s a lot like saying you can’t justify a decent Colt, Taurus, or S & W when you can but a 9mm Maverick (anyone remember those?) for $100. Sure the Maverick cost less, but would you have been willing to gamble your life that it would be reliable when you need it. OTH, if you can’t afford to spend the funds for the better weapon, then the Maverick is better than no weapon at all.

In regards to your Crossbill and Cara Cara, there is no shame in either of those. I happen to own a Cara Cara CE, and the Crossbill in both CE and PE, and recommend you read my review of the Crossbill if you haven’t already done so. I think you might find it a good read if I do say so myself. Before receiving my Yojimbo I EDC’d the Crossbill CE, and carried the Crossbill PE for SD. I have every confidence that my Crossbill PE can separate meat quite well and if I didn’t have the Yojimbo, I’d be carrying the Crossbill.

Also, if you haven’t read any of the meat tests done by Dr. Snubnose, I highly recommend you do so. Reading the entire threads will give you more information that is provided in the ever so convenient charts that VW Tattoo has provided.


Awesome review Ghostrider, I loved your insight in the practical applications of the Yojimbo. Thanks for posting. I find the Yojimbo to be the best 3 inch fighter Spyderco ever put out, now only if the Trainer would come, it would be perfect.

Wouter
Hello Wouter,
I took into consideration you previous comments about using the Yojimbo in closed pikal grip when doing my evaluation. Then when the good doctor mentioned that the but end could be used for “pinching” ears, I gave it a try. Wow! Stick the but end in your ear and scoop the back part of your ear with your thumb and squeeze. Ouch! Not to mention that it seems like a similar principal to the Comtech Stinger when used for strikes in this grip. As for being the best 3-inch fighter, I keep trying to think of ways it could be better, then decide it’s a topic better left to people more qualified than myself. Thanks for reading.

Great review Ghostrider. It seems every time i read one of your reviews i go and buy that knife. Unfortunately i have not been working and lack the funds. Thanks for the review, and great info.
J
Thanks for reading J. Hope work pics up so Christmas is good. Let me know if you need any fobs.

Question, are you holding the knife tip up or tip down when closed in the hand? After reading this review this morning, I got my Yojimbo and went to town with it (closed) against a heavy bag. I was holding it tip down in the hand, in an "ice pick" grip (blade spine against fingers). I was striking with considerable force and I really had no issue with the blade spine digging into my hand.

Especially if you let your thumb rest over top of the knife handle, it was surprisingly friendly to hit things with! :)

For the following reasons, I would lend support to the more natural (tip down, blade forward, closed position) use of the closed knife. For one, it is the most natural position, since it is the way you would find the knife when drawn. Two, if the blade is against your hand (palm), if you want to transistion from a non-lethal "butt" strike, to deployment of the blade... You will have to roll the knife out with your fingers, which seems to be a pretty fine motor skill, which I think I would lack under stress. I would have to see just what you are talking about in person, however, before I would be too quick to pass any friendly judgement upon it. :)

Nice review, of a great knife. If you don't have one yet, please do yourself a favor and get one! :D
markg:
Thanks for reading and the comments (and for doing the research on the heavy bag). If I understand you correctly, I believe I am holding it tip down, with the blade spine against my knuckles. This puts the jimmping right up against the inside of my knuckles on my middle and index fingers. A hard squeeze can be a bit uncomfortable in this position for me. Maybe I am doing it wrong. I’ll try to post some pics tomorrow for you to evaluate. I also did what you suggested with the thumb, and found it a less natural position than when I do so when the knife is closed, tip down, with the blade spine in my palm. Also for the reasons you stated above, I prefer this position than with the blade spine against the knuckles.


Hob: glad to hear the damage wasn’t too great.

Again, thanks to everyone for reading and the kind comments.

[ruxton]

markg:
Thanks for reading and the comments (and for doing the research on the heavy bag). If I understand you correctly, I believe I am holding it tip down, with the blade spine against my knuckles. This puts the jimmping right up against the inside of my knuckles on my middle and index fingers. A hard squeeze can be a bit uncomfortable in this position for me. Maybe I am doing it wrong. I’ll try to post some pics tomorrow for you to evaluate. I also did what you suggested with the thumb, and found it a less natural position than when I do so when the knife is closed, tip down, with the blade spine in my palm. Also for the reasons you stated above, I prefer this position than with the blade spine against the knuckles.
I tried my own little experiment on a heavy bag, I definately prefere tip down spine to palm. For one your middle finger naturally sits in the indentation of the compression lock, and you can readjust and slide your thumb back a bit then use the corner for pressure points. It fits my hand alot better like that and didn't chew up my fingers :rolleyes: also its been said before thats the way it comes out of your pocket, you'd have to flip it over in your hand to hold it with the blade spine forwards.
Brilliant observation of the spine serrations being used aggressively. I was tempted to file them down a bit but now i realise they can chew up the other guys hands too :D Many kubotan techniqes against grabs I've learnt involve this idea of grabbing a finger and using the kubotan to bar onto it. Like the technique shown at the bottom of this page http://www.thearmedcitizen.com/gunladys/kubohome.htm

[Nemo3000]

Hello,

MIKE janich is a true warrior in the "real" meaning of it.
The design of this knife is a deep understanding of ...
... just imagine you would need a pocket samurai sword for SD !!!
Mega Sharp, Mega Reliable and Mega Ergonomic: quick and painful !

When you are facing the "ugly" of violence, the Yojimbo will give you the maximum of damage/impact on your aggressor: penetration (design) cut (full flat grind) in a COMPACT tool.
Also the GRIP of the yosjimbo is somthing YOU need to experiment !!! There is no other grip. Period.
This is design wich as not been been design in 3 minutes (Okay maybe 4..... just kidding ;) )

This is a unique chance to be under the protection of a "CKS" (trademark Nemo :) ) "Compact Katana Sword" :D .... (I know a lot of other designs which could be used in SD but no other than the Yojimbo has been design for that task)

I own a Paramilitary and a Yojimbo, both EDC.
Both are specialists. Both are great cutting tools.
One is SD . :cool:
One is Survival. :cool:

My trust in both excellent design is:
I am going to switch
Yojimbo for bushcraft
and
Paramilitary for Self Defense.

Boy, you are going to get confuse.
Unless you try both of them too !!!!

Cheers

JM

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: er..yeah! welcome to the forums, nemo! Ya crazy guy! :spyder:

[Axlis]

Thanks for the in-depth review! You're not making my "should I get a Yojimbo" internal struggle any easier :eek: :rolleyes: :p

[markg]

Thanks for the in-depth review! You're not making my "should I get a Yojimbo" internal struggle any easier :eek: :rolleyes: :p

Your eyelids are getting heavy....

Get a Yojimbo....

Actually you won't regret it...

[ghostrider]

Okay, here’s some pics. Sorry about the quality but it’s raining today so I had to use flash indoors.

First Up the position markg talked about. Hope this helps, but I just like the position with the blade spine toward the palm better. This isn’t to say that it should be the same with everyone. I think its more a case of what will work better for each individual (another testament to the versatility of this knife).

Notice in these pics how the serrations along the blade spine come to rest right on the inside of the knuckles of my middle and index finger. When gripping firmly this can be less comfortable than if the blade spine were in my palm. Also note how the tang part of the handle spine pokes into the tender part of my thumb. I think this may be something that will be different from one individual to the next, as well as different fighting styles and disciplines. YMMV.
http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/8281/kubotanknuklescustom5ru.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/1070/yoknuk3custom5es.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/5321/yoknukls2custom6qd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The following are most comfortable, as well as a more natural feel for me (for the purpose of this review, I’ll refer to this as “blade-in, tip-down”).
http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/8643/spineinclosecustom8ha.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/6898/spineinopencustom1fe.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This last one is for Mr. Blonde. I definitely prefer the “tip-up” position to be “blade-in” when using this grip as just feels better for me than “blade-out, tip-up”.
http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/5900/mrblondecustom2ya.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

These are nothing more than personal preferences. I truly think that this is just another aspect of the versatility of this knife. It appears that it can match a varied number of hand sizes and shapes.

Open blade pics to follow.

[markg]

Well there is your problem...

You are using the blue handled model... it is totally different with the black handle... :D

Now, another question, how are you getting the knife open with the blade spine against the palm? Are you rotating it out?

I found it interesting, that Mr. Janich is now (at least that is my impression from the last course I took... other "alumni" chime in...) teaching a two handed opening of the knife. Frankly once you start doing it that way, you realize that it is pretty bullet proof under stress. However you would need to have the spine forward, tip down.

You are right, if you are striking with the handle, each person is going to find different grips more comfortable.

[ghostrider]

Well there is your problem...

You are using the blue handled model... it is totally different with the black handle... :D

Now, another question, how are you getting the knife open with the blade spine against the palm? Are you rotating it out?

I found it interesting, that Mr. Janich is now (at least that is my impression from the last course I took... other "alumni" chime in...) teaching a two handed opening of the knife. Frankly once you start doing it that way, you realize that it is pretty bullet proof under stress. However you would need to have the spine forward, tip down.

You are right, if you are striking with the handle, each person is going to find different grips more comfortable.

I don’t know how you open yours, but this is the position which I open the knife from anyway, so it’s more natural.

Here are the instructions from the Spyderco website “Education” section:
http://spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=7

Note the middle illustration on the top row. In the “tip-down, blade-in” grip my fingers have already trapped the knife handle against the knuckles at the base of my fingers as the pic illustrates. All I have to do is open my palm a bit, and drop my thumb down to the Spyder hole. The tips of my fingers never break contact with their position on the handle during closed grip (nor does the base of my fingers on the other side of the handle). After opening, I can now place my thumb back over my fingers in the hammer grip, and I now have the edge-in grip. All the while my finger tips never moved from or against the handle or clip where they had been griping the handle. I don’t have any pics of this, so let me know if you think you’ll need them. It takes time to do so since I don’t have a DC and must get 35mm film developed.

Here’s some pics of the open, in-hand knife.

Edge-in, tip-down:
http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/2754/edgindowncustom0ac.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hammer:
http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/2802/hammercustom3dr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pikal:
http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/7029/pikalcustom4ue.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Saber:
http://img278.imageshack.us/img278/2408/sabercustom9jw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is edge-in, tip-up. Notice how the point of the choil can poke into the palm if held in a certain manner (in the following pics).
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/1389/edgeincustom2ih.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6690/openedgincustom0zh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It feels better when I hold further down the handle towards the but end.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5322/improvededgincustom4aw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting (http://imageshack.us)

[ruxton]

For reference I hold mine like this (apologies for the quality they were taken on a webcam),
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8665/picture0143ln.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/440/picture0117kv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[markg]

Well, this is turing into a pretty quality discussion on knife handling, it is quite fun guys... :)

I normally end up with the spine forward and rotate back. Which would be the opposite of what you do. I think I have ended up doing that since I normally carry tip up, and it feels more natural for me that way. But I understand what you are refering to now, however.

However the two handed method I was speaking of, would be better deployed with the blade forward. I have been working this opening for the better part of a month, and have really fallen in love with it.

Yet, the closed knife does seem to better match the hand, in the position you are using.

I tried both on the heavy bag, and both felt the same to me. I will preface my remarks by saying that I have a genetic "adnormality" that causes the palms of my hands and soles of my feet to be calloused no matter what I do (inter breeding amoung Anglo-Saxon Tribes is the cause I was told... happens to the males of my family). People shake my hand and think I am a farmer! Anyway, guess I am lucky in one regard, the spine of the blade does not bother my fingers. :)

[Qship]

I think of a knife as safety equipment, so I'm willing to pay what reliable gear costs. I ask myself, if I find myself really needing a knife to get out of a difficult situation, what I would rather have in my pocket, a $50 knife and a hundred dollar bill, or a rock solid $150 knife?

Granted, I put time into learning to use a knife defensively, and I appreciate purpose built tools, like the Yojimbo, which offer substantial advantages over a lesser blade. But, all I have to do is look at the 20 year old scar on my right thumb, where a cheap 'locking' folder unlocked and cut me to the bone, and I shell out the money for top quality.

Qship
________________________________
I just cannot see or even justify paying over 100$ for a knife. 20-30$, yes. (I dont think I've spent over 60$ or so for a knife in my life and even that seemed too much)

[Terry Trahan]

Terry:
Just because I wrote one doesn’t mean you can’t. What do you think about my comments about “rounding the point”? My limited experience doesn’t allow me to make than judgment, and I would like to hear your thoughts. Also on the jimmping on the tail that I talked about?

Honestly, Ghostrider, I haven't had those problems.
I hold it with the butt end extending from the bottom of the fist, blade
forward, and it rests comfortably. And I have pounded a fair amount of material, including cardboard, a heavy bag, and a roast or two.

The choil could be rounded a little more, but it is purely a personal matter, and the deepness does help retention during a thrust, and indexing during a slash.
I like the pics, it cleared things up for me.

[ghostrider]

Honestly, Ghostrider, I haven't had those problems.
I hold it with the butt end extending from the bottom of the fist, blade
forward, and it rests comfortably. And I have pounded a fair amount of material, including cardboard, a heavy bag, and a roast or two.

Thanks Terry, I appreciate the response. I don’t really consider them problems, but more just personal preference along the line of the preference of tip-up carry vs. tip-down carry (which is downright blasphemous :eek: :D j/k). Most of these points I brought up are what I consider to be a personal matter, and I hope I conveyed that adequately. They don’t take away from the knife IMHO.

The choil could be rounded a little more, but it is purely a personal matter, and the deepness does help retention during a thrust, and indexing during a slash.
I like the pics, it cleared things up for me.
I thought that might be the case with the choil. I don’t think it needs rounding, and never noticed it until someone pointed it out to me. TBH, other than some jimmping near the tail end of the handle, I don’t know if they could do anything to make this knife better (even that seems like a matter of personal prefference to me). It’s just that good of a knife.

[ruxton]

However the two handed method I was speaking of, would be better deployed with the blade forward. I have been working this opening for the better part of a month, and have really fallen in love with it.

Any chance of some pics?


I find the Yojimbo to be the best 3 inch fighter Spyderco ever put out, now only if the Trainer would come, it would be perfect.

http://www.plastictrainer.com/English/Plastictrainer/plastictrainer.html
I'm getting the yojimbo training set for christmas hopefully (and a black yojimbo ;) )

[Old Ross]

Hi, just received mine and yet to use it. Does any one know what the pivot screws are, they look like Torx but don't seem to be not T10 or 15 anyway, are they adjustable? I seem to have some side to side play

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha ghostrider,

Yeah, very late for this but you know why. :( :mad:

Anyway, a most incredible review. You have now pushed the Yoji further up my NEED to have list! Like the Dodo, I was curious on the handle shape. It was nice to see a buncha members post pics of the Yoji in hand. LOL, yeah, and that Doc knows a thing or a thousand about the use of the Yoji. :D

Man, first it was you and Jano with the Crossbill...Doc got into my head with the Ronin...now here you go with the Yoji. :rolleyes: :p

Mahalo for the review.

God bless and take care :cool:

[Terry Trahan]

Ghostrider,
I think some jimping on the butt would be nice, as long as it wasn't to
"aggressive". It would help maneuvering, and add some, uhm, "persuasion".
It is one of my favorites, as is, though.

[ghostrider]

ruxton:
Thanks for the trainer link. I’ll have to remember that one after Christmas.


Hi, just received mine and yet to use it. Does any one know what the pivot screws are, they look like Torx but don't seem to be not T10 or 15 anyway, are they adjustable? I seem to have some side to side play
Congratulations on your new acquisition Old Ross. Don’t know the size of the pivot screw but can say that it is bigger than the T6 I use on my byrd clips.


Aloha ghostrider,

Yeah, very late for this but you know why. :( :mad:

Anyway, a most incredible review. You have now pushed the Yoji further up my NEED to have list! Like the Dodo, I was curious on the handle shape. It was nice to see a buncha members post pics of the Yoji in hand. LOL, yeah, and that Doc knows a thing or a thousand about the use of the Yoji. :D


Hello Chad,

Thanks for reading. I agree on the pics. I always like it when people post pics in my reviews. It adds flavor.


Man, first it was you and Jano with the Crossbill...Doc got into my head with the Ronin...now here you go with the Yoji. :rolleyes: :p

I like the Ronin also. I’m fortunate enough that my local has one that I was able to look at. That’s what first got me thinking about the Yojimbo. Then the Doc’s meat test came along… I do think you would like the Ronin.

If it hadn’t been for Doc giving me the Yojimbo I’d still be carrying the Crossbill. Something I wouldn’t normally do this time of year since I don’t care for metal handled knives during winter, but I like that Crossbill so much I'm sure I would manage. However, carrying the Crossbill in lieu of the Yojimbo just seems wrong :eek: .

Thanks for the compliment and God Bless.


Ghostrider,
I think some jimping on the butt would be nice, as long as it wasn't to
"aggressive". It would help maneuvering, and add some, uhm, "persuasion".
It is one of my favorites, as is, though.That’s what I was thinking, but The Deacon’s stance on the Boye dent can come into play here also. It’s much easier for someone to put jimmping on it if that is his or her preference, than it is for someone to remove it.

Thanks for reading.

[STR]

Ghostrider I read your review. And while I have not been a Yoji owner long I did coincidentally order one the day before your review so it was very timely.

I have been carrying the blue Yojimbo I bought since it arrived. I love the blade. I'll say that much. Its about like carrying a great utility knife on you all the time and being a Wharncliff fan anyway the straight edge of the Yoji sat well with me.

Some things I notice that I don't like. The lock catches the meat of my index finger nearly everytime I open the blade. I can't say it is excruciating but it gets my attention. I didn't notice this on my ATR or my Para Mil so it makes me wonder why this knife is unique there :confused:

The other thing I don't really like is this. I personally feel the pocket clip is too long. I think it was a bad idea to extend the raised part of the clip down to where your index finger wraps the knife handle. To follow what I'm referring to; note that by looking at the knife on the clip side laying on a table how the clip extends right into the area you will have your index when holding or squeezing the knife in your hand. If the clip was just a bit shorter to where that raised up part of the clip ended up right between your index finger and middle finger when holding the knife it wouldn't bite into the finger where it does. As is the end of the pocket clip ends up right in the very middle of my index finger instead of to one side or the other. Of course when I say finger I'm also meaning hand but its the first or index finger knuckle and finger that gets bitten by the clip at least for me when holding the knife in what I call a normal grip.

To be honest, I'll probably be fixing that here shortly with a new custom replacement clip or a bit of grinding off of the original to shorten it. That is if I decide to give it a lot more pocket time. I also got a non gut hook model Impala today that is calling out to me and tomorrow I have two other knives coming. Needless to say I'll be seeing some serious couch time when the Visa bill comes next time around. :D

Back to the Yojimbo: White knuckling the body is not comfortable for me with the clip on the knife as it came from the factory. If I take the clip off its great though so that is my experience anyway. As it is from the factory the clip makes me want to choke up farther on the knife to get the middle of my index finger away from the clip poking into my finger wrong and preventing me from getting my index flat down on the G10 like I would like.

Other than this difference in opinion with the clip I see what you are referring to about the knife.

Great review.

STR

[STR]

Well, I couldn't resist a little experiment. All I can say is that it is amazing what a difference 3/8" can make in how this knife feels in the hand now.

I elected to just make a new pocket clip out of some scrap titanium rather than hurt the original mint condition one by grinding it down 3/8". I figured I better play it safe in case I go to sell or trade this Yoji later down the road. Still it is much better in my hand now compared to what it was.

So, one dislike fixed, now to think on this lock catching my finger now and then. :D

STR

[ghostrider]

Hello STR,
You know, that’s just one of the aspects of production knives. What works for one person may not work for another person. After reading your post I checked out the clip on my Endura and Delica. The clip on the Delica sits forward of the knuckle of my index finger, while the clip of the Endura rests right between the knuckles of my index and middle fingers. On the Yojimbo, the clip rests right on the knuckle of my index finger. It could just be the way I grip it. Too each his own.

I think I know what you mean about the comp lock hitting the index finger on opening. I definitely feel something when I flick it open, but I rarely do that since don’t want it to become a habit. Also, this is my first comp lock, so I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Thanks for reading and the cool mod pic.

[jaislandboy]

Excellent review and pics Ghostrider! Long live the Yojimbo! ;)

[ghostrider]

Hello Brian,
Thanks for reading. Don't see you so much anymore.

[STR]

You know, that’s just one of the aspects of production knives. What works for one person may not work for another person.

Of course you are correct. I concede that most won't have an issue with the clip. I could have looked at this two ways I guess. One is to say the original clip was too long. Another is to say it was too short. I could have solved my personal issue with the position of the tip of the pocket clip by making a longer clip or a shorter one. The original just set in the wrong place for my finger and knuckle comfort, probably due to the size of my hands.

I can tell you this. I've been using this blade today quite a bit for various tasks and I must say the detail work and control factor is remarkable with this folder. I really am liking the blade a lot. It is a very useful and capable folder and detailed work with the tip is precision and very nice. It makes it hard to go back to other knives when you get used to the control this one offers.

STR

[Michael Janich]

Thanks to everyone for a great thread and for your enthusiasm for the Yojimbo. I'd like to contribute a few things for the record:

1) I originally designed the knife to be functional as an impact weapon in the spine-forward, butt-down grip (Spine of the closed blade against the inside of your fingers, thumb capped on the pivot-pin end, butt down). In this grip, you can hammer with great effect and apply pressure with the jimping on the spine or handle back via some minor grip manipulation and thumb action.
2) The blade opens very well with a Kelly McCann-style "marble shooting" opening. For those of you who can't relate to the marble thing, it's a quick, snappy pop of the thumb against the blade hole, rather than a committed drive. By positioning your index finger ahead of the lock recess, you totally avoid any pinch and the blade opens with the snap of an auto. Inertial openings are even quicker.
3) The two-handed opening is a backup for a failed draw/opening. To do it, you raise your drawn knife near your right shoulder (as if ready to strike with the closed knife), grab the back of the blade with the rumb and index finger of the left hand, and pull the blade open with a combined effort of both hands. As the blade opens, the left hand flows into a guard position on the left side of the head. This one, simple, two-handed technique is much better (and faster) than ten failed one-handed openings.
4) The tip on the Yojimbo is way better than that of the Ronin because it's made in the USA with better quality control. Is it fragile? More than some other designs, but for its intended purpose, it still works better than anything else I've ever tried. It also doesn't bind in a target after a thrust, but penetrates like a demon.
5) The original blue Yojimbo was designed for killing evil Smurfs. Since they're almost extinct, the black one works just as well on other aggressors.

Again, thanks for your interest, your comments, and your passion.

Stay safe,

[Wali]

Thanks for a great review. The Yojimbo is a magnificently designed and excecuted tool. Thanks Sal an Co., and Mike Janich!
I ride one in my front right pocket daily.

[rs2]

Ghostrider - greetings from the other side of the state (West Bloomfield), and thank you for your excellent and detailed review of the Yojimbo. I have had mine for a few months, and I have a better understanding of its virtues now.

Also, my compliments and appreciation to Mr. Janich and Mr. Glesser for designing and producing this wonderful knive. It is the most formidable of my humble collection of folders, and yet if I take out in the middle of my office, people think its just some sort of box cutter. And, I can say in all sincerity that I have had absolutely no problem with Smurfs since I got this knife!

Ron

Here's a shot of mine...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/ronssmith/Guns/050505004.jpg

[ghostrider]

Mr. Janich,
Thanks for reading, and adding to this thread (as well as for such a great design). As usual your comments are quite helpful being productive, and instructive. It’s always fun to read a designers outlook, and I appreciate your tips. I’ll be on the alert for any blue smurfs :eek: :D .

Ron,
Thanks for reading, the great pic, and the compliment. Quite a few people from the mitten state on this forum. I even get to meet with one due to the fact that I make frequent trips to Westland.