Quest for "The" knife

[Richard IV]

Maybe some of you did the same, but I've spent a lot of time looking for my "ultimate knife".

What is my "ultimate knife"?

Well, first, it's a knife I could keep in my pocket everyday, every hour. Obviously, it must be a folding knife :D

Then, it's a knife I could use for every cutting task (be it opening a letter, peeling a fruit, cutting my food, a cardboard, a few flowers for my wife or a piece of string).

It must a knife I can use in public. Since I live in a big city, it should not have an oversized blade. Nor a tiny one, because, you know, one of the reason we carry knives is the feeling of "safety" they provide...

And of course, it MUST be beautiful and well made, with the finest material. A kind of "gentleman's knife", if you see what I mean...

I've found that knife! Just a few days ago. I give you a clue: it is a Spyderco. But I'll tell you which one later...

Now I'm asking you what is YOUR "ultimate knife", and why?

R.IV

[dedguy]

is it a Kopa? because that's what i would have suggested to you.

[Richard IV]

No... Kopa will be my NEXT ultimate knife :)

[BlackNinja]

I would have suggested a Lil'Temp. Either the Lil'Temp or Ti. ATR is my favorite model, this week.

[Wali]

Lil Temp :)

[MacTech]

It's taken me a while, but i've determined that there is no such thing as "The One Knife", it's a wonderful utopian concept, but for me, the "One Knife" is a fiction, believe me, i *wish* there was a "One Knife", as I could purchase it, sell off my "extraneous" knives and be satisfied with one blade, but for me at least, that's an impossibility

however, there are a couple knives i consider pretty darned close to the mythical "One"....

the SS Cricket, this tiny oval of VG-10 with it's wickedly curved 2" Reverse S blade cuts far better than it has a right to, the R-S blade, specifically the little hook and downturned point at the tip of the blade makes short work of cardboard boxes, clampacks, antistatic bags, you name it, that little blade (just shy of 2" of cutting edge) cuts as well as a 3-4" blade for most purposes, for any job that doesn't require a physically longer blade

the SS scales (which incorporate a Chris Reeve style framelock) and small oval shape of the knife when closed gives it an unthreatening appearance, if anything, most people think of it as "cute", it's incredibly thin and lightweight, it dissapears into the watch pocket of my jeans so well i often forget i'm carrying it, i have to pat down that pocket just to make sure it's still there, remove the clip and you have a knife that can fit *inside* a wallet....

the only downsides to the Cricket is that the small SS scales are not condusive to long, heavy duty cutting jobs, there's just not enough grippable area for hard work

the next knife that qualifies as almost being "One" is the Dodo.....take the incredible cutting prowess of the Reverse S blade, and put it in a comfortable, grippy, palm-filling G-10 handle, the Dodo has to be *the* most comfortable knife I've *ever* used, the Dodo *IS* capable of performing heavy duty cutting jobs with comfort, as long as you don't need a physically longer blade, the Dodo could theoretically be "The One"

the last two knives are from the Salt series, they share a maintenance-free, totally rustproof, simple, lightweight, and durable design, simple FRN scales, rustproof hardware, titanium clip, they are true *workhorse* beater knives, no need to baby them or worry about maintenance, easily sharpened to a truly *terrifying* sharpness, excellent response to stropping on cardboard, denim, or even plain leather, and as stated above, *completely* immune to rust....if it gets dirty, just rinse it off, shake off the water and shove it back in your pocket, going swimming at the beach, or sweat heavily? no need to worry about those highly corrosive environments, the Salt series laughs at them...

the Pacific Salt is basically a totally rustproof Endura 3 with an Endura 4 shaped blade, for tasks that require a longer blade length, this is a *great* knife, the only downside to it is the blade length can scare sheeple, and the unlinered FRN scales aren't as durable as the Endura 4 under heavy loads

the other Salt which could easily be The One for me, the Tasman Salt, essentially a rustproof FRN scaled Harpy, I don't want to turn this post into another Hawkbill love-fest (i've already come quite close by the inclusion of the Cricket and Dodo which share a very similar downturned blade shape), but since the majority of my cutting duties involve opening packages and breaking down boxes, the point control afforded by a Hawkbill/Reverse-S style blade, I find the Tasman pretty darned close to the perfect knife for me

I could easily reduce my Spydie EDC to two blades if i *had* to, I'd limit myself to the Pacific and the Tasman, the Tasman would see 99% of the cutting duties, and the Pacific would be for those times when a longer blade would be useful....

or, conversely, i could get by with the Tasman and an Endura 4, but to me, the rustproof abilities of the Pacific outweigh the higher-quality construction and increased weight of the E4, the E4 is a "better", more solidly constructed knife than the Pacific, yes, but VG-10 is not as rustproof as H-1

okay, okay, if i was forced at gunpoint to choose *One*, the Tasman would win

[Tim8557]

I'm thinkin' that my new Jess Horn in ZDP with the "friendly" burgundy handle would fit the bill nicely.

[arnon]

delica zdp

[cornelis]

Asking the question of the ultimate knive on this forum, is like asking
Casanova what is the ultimate wife. He also could not stick to one .
When you think this is the knife for me, a companion for life, like
grandfathers Case or ( in France) Laguiole, The gras again seems to be greener on the other side of the hill. And so my friend, you end up with
maybe 100 knives without the 'ultimate one'. The ultimate knife is the one
that you decide to be the one. It's a personal thing!

[Capt. Carl]

I am hoping the Caly 3 but we shall see! :)

[Richard IV]

Of course I know there is no "ultimate knife". Thus my answer to Ninja (Kopa will be my "next" Ultimate Knife :) ).

Arnon, I do agree ZDP Delica would perfectly fit. But I've found a much better :spyder:

It has a gently curved belly, a plain edge VG-10 blade... It is the... No... Not now ;)

[Peter1960]

Asking the question of the ultimate knive on this forum, is like asking ...This is so true :D :D :D

Richard, I recommend a Ramco Laguiole as next knife for you; it fits your specifications and as a french ...

One of my ultimate knives is the Calypso, or the Military, or the Delica, or the UK Penknife, or the Kopa, or the Jess Horn, or the Dodo, or the Lil'Temperance, or the Jester, ... :confused: :o







aehm or the Manix, or the Police, or the Endura, or the Rescue, or one of the Walkers, or the Cricket, or the Dragonfly, or the Native, or the Dyad Jr., or the Chinook, or the Persian , or the Mini-Manix, or the Para-Military, or the Rookie :confused: :o








or is it one of the Hawkbills :confused: :o

[JD Spydo]

OH I done found mine :) The Spyderco big C-44 Dyad. It's just got about everything I like and need out of a knife. But now I wouldn't mind them bringing it back with a different blade steel :cool:

Now I'm not saying that it couldn't be de-throned. But it would have to be one cool, top notch blade. But I do carry a hawkbill daily for assistance.

Now I need to find the PERFECT hawkbill as well :rolleyes:

[Capt. Carl]

When is the superhawk due out?

[Chucula]

i think Richard is talking about a persian.

for me the ultimate knife is the manix in CE. You can use it for every cutting task, period. My almost ultimate and probably more appropriate to carry everyday knife is the calypso. I wish i hadn't sold my zdp caly, but there will be more :D

[Richard IV]

i think Richard is talking about a persian.


And the winner is...CHUCULA :D

This Persian is a pure wonder. I think it will stay in my pocket for at least a month or two...

Thanks for playing my little game :)



R.IV

[Chucula]

Hooray I win! Time to buy a knife to celebrate!

When i read "it must be beautiful" I immediatly thought persian; it is easily one of the best looking :spyder: 's I've come across. I've wanted to buy one almost as many times as I wanted to buy a Chinook.

[Senate]

Richard IV you might wanna try the UKPK too...


it should not have an oversized blade
in my book the Persian is a BIG spyderco! maybe you're talking about the 75mm Persian, the smaller brother.

[sal]

The "ultimate knife" is like the river. Always changing. As you change and the world changes around you, the "ultimate knife" changes.

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal

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The paths of your life are determined by the choices you make.

[Capt. Carl]

The "ultimate knife" is like the river. Always changing. As you change and the world changes around you, the "ultimate knife" changes.

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal

Sal is Native American!? :p

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Lil' T, BEST KNIFE EVER. :spyder:

[VWTattoo]

Here Here, Michael!! The Lil' Temp is my winner for the best knife ever!

Although, the newest member of my Spyderco family/ Collection- a Manix 83mm which was graciously provided by our own pjrocco has recently superceded the Lil' Temp in my "precioussss" category. It even has some Lil' Temp flavor, with a customized Green G-10 overlay on the grips! I cannot express how great this knife or how great of a guy Paul is. I am nearly speechless with this knife!

They do make quite a dynamic duo when next to one another! (Pics to come soon.)

I also agree that the quest for THE ultimate knife is a never ending one, and a quest which I am proud to have embarked on!

[SoCal Operator]

delica zdp
True. What a knife.

[Knifewing]

I'm new to the forum but have been enjoying everyone's posts for a couple of weeks now. I've been on my own quest for THE knife but with a slight "twist"--I've been looking for THE small outdoor folder (preferably Spyderco) to carry while hiking or as a clip knife to support my fixed blade when camping. The leading candidates (so far after reading all your posts and doing my own research) are: Paramilitary and Manix 83 (the two Spydercos that get majority mention in posts, along with the Li'l Temp), and the Delica 4 and Lum Tanto. The non-Spyderco contender is the Al Mar Mini SERE. Any ideas on THE outdoor knife? One other note, I'm a big fan of CE (my EDC for years at an office job was a CE Baby Wayne Goddard), but I'm open to PE.

Thanks for your help and for your community.

[bigcat]

The "ultimate knife" is like the river. Always changing. As you change and the world changes around you, the "ultimate knife" changes.

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal

TOO SAL: In my book the " Pro-Venator, SS Handle, Combo 40/60, ATS-55 Blade, is closest to the "ultimate knife". At least that's what floats my boat. Thanks for making it possibe.

BigCat

[stonyman]

RI4. I like the way you said for the next month or two. You too suffer like the rest of us. And oh yeah....what Sal said too! HA...Ha...

[SoCal Operator]

Knifewing: Be sure to take a look at the Salt line of knives. They are a great deal, H-1 is rustproof, and you can choose yellow handles, an advantage in the field if your knife is dropped. They are very tough knives, and since they are rustproof, they are easy to clean.

[walderdackel]

The "ultimate knife" is like the river. Always changing. As you change and the world changes around you, the "ultimate knife" changes.

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal


Brutal but true!
And the simple answer why i cant sell a few of my way to many knives.

But this continous changing makes me nervous. Want to take a hammer and pin this always changing character on its place.(at least the good parts from it)

So long :D

[Puyallupknifegu]

Ultimate knife?

I have almost 2 sketchpads filled with designs trying to figure that out...anyhoo...my "ultimates" for now are the waved D4...which is with absolutely everywhere I go now, and the Dodo...or Chad's biscuit...

:D

[smcfalls13]

My tastes in blades change so often, that for me, finding the perfect blade is near impossible. I've found knives that satisfy me for a few months, but then I find I want something different.

Still looking for the "perfect" knife, and I don't think it's been made yet.

[cornelis]

The "ultimate knife" is like the river. Always changing. As you change and the world changes around you, the "ultimate knife" changes.

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal

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The paths of your life are determined by the choices you make.

It's like the ultimate wife ;)

[The Deacon]

I've pretty well given up on the quest for a single "do it all" folder. One reason is that the atmosphere I work in makes using a smaller knife for tasks not absolutely requiring a larger one seem wise. The Kiwi fills that role for me. It is a great little cutter and handles all the office type tasks with ease. Plus, many "non-knife people" find it attractive, and it is not viewed as a "weapon" by any but those would also view a SAK, or a Case Stockman as one.

However, I also like to have a knife with me that can slice a tomato, halve an orange or apple, or cut a large sandwich into manageable pieces without "running out of blade". For that, I've found the Stretch ideal, with the C83 Persian a very close second. Interestingly, of those last two, the Persian, despite what many would describe as a more "agressive" blade shape, actually raises fewer eyebrows. I can only attribute that to the more "civilized" look of the bolster and scales construction. The primary virtue of the Stretch, for me, is the flat ground blade, which I find better for food prep.

My true "ultimate" would be a C83 with a full flat ground stainless damascus blade, 14mm opening hole, nice fine grooving on the thumb ramp and finger choil, no Boye dent, and wood scales. I believe that combo would provide maximum utility, maximum eye appeal, and as low a "fear factor" as is possible for a 3.5" blade to project. Will admit though that I still would have reservations about pulling it out in the middle of a business meeting to cut the string on a box of pastries. Some things are best left to a Kiwi or C27 Jess Horn. :D

[Manix Guy 2]

C44 Dyad , is the ultimate all time for me . Sal's quote I think is from "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse , great book .

[sal]

C44 Dyad , is the ultimate all time for me . Sal's quote I think is from "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse , great book .

And highly recommended.

sal

[Manix Guy 2]

I'm glad we have the same taste in literature as well as knives , I'm flattered . Now about that lefty Military..... ha ha !

[Senate]

I'm new to the forum but have been enjoying everyone's posts for a couple of weeks now. I've been on my own quest for THE knife but with a slight "twist"--I've been looking for THE small outdoor folder (preferably Spyderco) to carry while hiking or as a clip knife to support my fixed blade when camping. The leading candidates (so far after reading all your posts and doing my own research) are: Paramilitary and Manix 83 (the two Spydercos that get majority mention in posts, along with the Li'l Temp), and the Delica 4 and Lum Tanto. The non-Spyderco contender is the Al Mar Mini SERE. Any ideas on THE outdoor knife? One other note, I'm a big fan of CE (my EDC for years at an office job was a CE Baby Wayne Goddard), but I'm open to PE.

Thanks for your help and for your community.

I'd go for the superior size to go hiking then THE outdoor knife in CE would be a Military, very light compared to a Manix, easy to clean, slim... perfect :)

[Richard IV]

Richard IV you might wanna try the UKPK too...

in my book the Persian is a BIG spyderco! maybe you're talking about the 75mm Persian, the smaller brother.

I'd LOVE to find a UK Penknife. Why UK, anyway? Law is almost the same in France: No locking blades. Period...

Sal, please, make a UK penknife with a corkscrew, and call it "French penknife" or "Euro penknife" (for Spain, Italy and even Greece make great wines too), THAT would be my new "ultimate knife" for a while (me and almost 10 millions europeans!)... A :spyder: with a strong corkscrew is really missing in your catalog :)

And yes, Senate, I was talking about the "mini" Persian.


R.IV

[Axlis]

I'm hoping the Caly 3 will satisfiy this need for me!

It's going to be VG-10, scales of lined G-10, wire clip, and just the right blade size, which is a bit longer than the Caly Jr. The handle ergos are improved as well.

IMHO, the Caly 3 is the result of a long span of Sal's design evolution, it is refined.

Yep, the Caly 3 is one of my big hopes. :D

[Axlis]

"You can't step into the same river twice."

sal

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The paths of your life are determined by the choices you make.
Maybe Sprint Runs are kinda like just looking at the river, you don't get wet that way. :p ;)


I believe there's never going to be a universal "perfect" knife for everyone, but there's always those models just just really "hit the spot" for many people.

The one that I feel is the best design out of my collection is the Lil Temp, you really made a great one there Sal!

[Halfneck]

I could not limit myself to one knife if I tried. Currently I am loving my Endura 4 as a EDC, my Blue Handled 93mm Rescue as a work EDC, and my Schempp Kris for the "WOW" factor.

Really looking at getting something smaller & lighter for my work EDC. Was looking at either a SE FRN Delica or a SE (possibly yellow) Tasman Salt.

Of course I really like the look of that Foliage Green CE Delica...

[The Mastiff]

My perfect knife exists so far only in my mind. Perhaps that's why I have so many knives and continue looking, researching new steels, custom makers etc.

Maybe I should give up on commercially produced knives and have a custom maker make what I want.

One of the closer to my idea of a fun knife are the "T1000" knives here http://www.faridknives.com/index.html.html

[ruxton]

The Yojimbo. It's my perfect knife. I think it's the best looking spyderco (except possibly the CF PE civilan), it looks like a folding stanley knife (I.E. sheeple friendly), it cuts like a lightsabre, it feels good in the hand (better than any other knife I've ever held), for self defence it's obviously amazing (agressive jimping for thumblocks, indexing points for grip changing, designed for striking when closed etc.). Every single part of it is there for a reason and serves a purpose, it's pure function.

Now can I have on in peel-ply CF with ZPD blade?? :D

EDIT: And a Trainer...

[dialex]

I can't say anything about an ultimate knife, as my needs (and tastes) change regularily, but my C102 Adventura is with me for quite some time now ;)

[Qboy]

For the parameters that you describe, I'd go with the Viele II. I find that I am carrying mine more and more often. It is beautifully made, has a good sized blade for the size of the overall package and is pretty enough that it won't freak too many people out. It does not look scary. It also came out of the box with a beautiful edge and was very sharp even by Spyderco standards.

This is not to say its my ultimate knife--but you said a gents knife that is suitable for urban environments.

[KSDbass]

I also gave up one "the one" awhile ago, no one company has all the features I'm looking for. for instance I love my Kershaw Blur, but the bladesteel is 440A! I also love my Mariner, but the lock release button digs into my thumb, and it needs to be oiled a good bit. My Spyderfly is good too, but it's pretty heavy. I would love to have a custom knife made, but the problem is I don't think a custom knifemaker can put features like the Emerson Wave or a Strider Nightmare Grindon a knife because of copyrights... and it would probably be amazingly expensive even if they could, so I've just gotta stick with Kershaw, Spyderco, and Strider for now.

[spydutch]

I'm still looking.......:(

At the moment my ultimate knife is the Delica3/SE closely followed by the black Tasman/SE.

Hoever, just like Axlis, I have great expectations of the CalyIII(fully serrated in my case:D ) to become the ultimate for me.

We'll see:confused: ;)

[gordonk]

Agreed:D For me, at the moment, the Delica 4 is probably my most used knife, but the quest always seems to continue for the "ultimate". It's a fun quest, but it's going to be a tough one - my needs change depending on what I do and where I am - if I'm at the office, the D4 is fine, but if I'm doing stuff in the yard, it's way too small. Endura is fine, but too big for the office. If I'm knocking down cardboard boxes, the Paramilitary is great, but it's a tad big for the pocket. And on and on..... My quest also goes beyond :spyder: and it's a great adventure:D Now....if I could find a light about the size of a SureFire 6p that runs on 2 CR123's at the same output but with a 200 hour runtime.......:p

:D - gord

[Capt. Carl]

I'm still looking.......:(

At the moment my ultimate knife is the Delica3/SE closely followed by the black Tasman/SE.

Hoever, just like Axlis, I have great expectations of the CalyIII(fully serrated in my case:D ) to become the ultimate for me.

We'll see:confused: ;)

Serrated sounds promising but i just dont know! I may have to get one of each edges at somepoint.

[Simple Man]

So far the best I have come up with is an Endura II SS PE. It only took about three minutes after getting the E2 for it to knock my Millie off it's 2-1/2 years perch as EDC. That was last November. I have carried a SS E4 the last two days, and I can't wait till I get home to replace it with the E2. If I could have the old E2 straight clip and pointy blade, in VG-10, in an E4 handle, I may be set. In fact, I am still entertaining the thought of getting STR to put an E3 blade in Ti handles for me, maybe someday.:rolleyes: