Meerkat?

[Shifty]

Just found out a local retailer has a PE Meerkat in 440C for $34USD with the neat wire clip.

I looked up what I could find on the merrkat on here and the net but couldn't find all that much on it.

How's the phantom lock on this knife? Any problems with it? How is the knife in general for a light-med duty EDC? I see the steel is same as the Byrds.

Seems cheap.... wont feel too guilty.

[bh49]

440C is not bad at all. IIRC 440c were made in Golden. for $34 I would buy them all.
If you get one on e-bay for $50, it is already good deal.

[whitefeather]

I have 3 of the Meerkats. The knife feels great in the hand. Some of the best ergos in the Syderco lineup IMO. As to your question about light to medium use. YES.....All of mine were a little tight on arriving but loosened up nicely after a treatment of White Lightning Knife & Tool Lubricant. My favorite features are the unique lock and the ultra low pocket carry.
Be aware that you will probably get some side to side blade play but this has not altered my love or the use of the little Meerkat.
I hope you enjoy your new addition to your "Spyderco Tribe". I know I enjoy mine.

[psimonl]

The 440C Meerkat are some kinda hard to find.

The lock will be trustfull, but IMO is more of a novelty than anything else. But a reliable and fun novelty.

As for Light ti Med. use, well, lke all spydies go ahaed and torture it.

And If there are a few more at 34, I will take a Reverse S one.
Send me Pmail...:D

Simon

[clovisc]

the 440 meerkats are indeed difficult to come across... you will find that your knife, if you do decide to purchase it, will fetch more than $34 on ebay... :D

[Piet.S]

It's a fun knife that can be used quite well.
The steel is not the same as the Byrds.
The Byrds were supposed to have 440C blades but later on the way Sal was informed that it was "euhh, Chinese 440C".
440C Meerkats are indeed pretty rare, the Seki made ones have AUS-6 steel.

[Shifty]

Which is better when comparing AUS-6 and 440C in the meerkats?

Thanks

[Tom v S]

If proper heatthreated, 440C is better. So I think you better buy this one.

[dedguy]

It's a good deal and even if you hate the knife you could end up selling it for more than you bought it for. I say go for it.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Great knife..Great Deal...it's a no-brainer...buy it!!!!....Doc:D

[jfm]

Hello,

I like the Meerkat, especially the deep carry wire clip. One thing that I have noticed on all of mine (I have owned three and purchased a few others for gifts) is that the frn scale on the non-lock side has some play (i.e., it moves when you release the lock by pushing on the other scale). I don't know if the scale is in danger of coming off, or if others have experienced this and fixed it. All in all though, it's a fun and underrated knife.

Regards,

Joe

[Shifty]

Here it is if any of you are interested...

www.swords.ca

Type spyderco in the search at the top and the Meerkat will be on the top page!

[Hollyfeld]

Hey Shifty--
I got this reverse S in the mail today.
I didn't realize it was so small--kind of a nice surprise.
I've been playing with it and love it. The ergos are great and the trick lock is a blast.
Just a very cool little knife. Reminds me of a funky little cousin of the Dragonfly.

And Thank You for the link!
I ordered a couple and with the U.S. exchange rate it was an excellent deal.

Enjoy your new Spydie!

[Shifty]

I actually haven't ordered one yet. Some posts are making is sound like it's less than solid. Not a big fan of any play in a blade, especially side to side, and the loose scales.... I don't know, this will be my one and only knife so i want it to be something nice and solid. Which is why I am still torn between the FRN D4/SS Robin/SS Navigator/SS Dragonfly (I'm thinking less the dragonfly since it's ATS55... is that even a good reason?).

[iamerror]

I own a Meerkat and like it a lot. Didn't you say a local retailer had it, so shouldn't you be able to check it in person for bladeplay? When comparing the knives you mentioned, I wouldn't put as much emphasis on the steel as compared to the size and design you are looking for in a knife, as these options all have decent steel and you probably won't notice a huge difference in light-medium usage. (it is nice to try different steels, though) I don't think I own any ATS55 knives, but the steel should work well. Good luck with your choice, you will probably enjoy any of these options.

[Hollyfeld]

I don't know, this will be my one and only knife so i want it to be something nice and solid. Which is why I am still torn between the FRN D4/SS Robin/SS Navigator/SS Dragonfly (I'm thinking less the dragonfly since it's ATS55... is that even a good reason?).

Shifty--Since you are looking to purchase what will be your main knife, I would not recommend the Meerkat. It is a cool knife, but I would definitely go in another direction. I would actually choose any of the knives you mention above before the Meerkat (with the exception of the Robin b/c I've never held one) as an EDC. The Navigator, Delica and Dragonfly are all exceptionally reliable and capable blades for almost all light to medium tasks. I would encourage you not to get too overly concerned by the steel of the blades. All of Spyderco's blades are excellent. Hold the knives and see which one feels best to you (if you can). Determine which one you like the looks of best. Read the reviews on this forum. Make sure it fits in your budget. Then go for it. I promise you will grow attached to it.....and it will very likely be the first of many. My first :spyder: was a PE Dragonfly that I have carried nearly every day for almost nine years. I still love it--it just shares my pockets now. Have fun choosing!

[jaislandboy]

I actually haven't ordered one yet. Some posts are making is sound like it's less than solid. Not a big fan of any play in a blade, especially side to side, and the loose scales.... I don't know, this will be my one and only knife so i want it to be something nice and solid. Which is why I am still torn between the FRN D4/SS Robin/SS Navigator/SS Dragonfly (I'm thinking less the dragonfly since it's ATS55... is that even a good reason?).


decisions, decisions! :) If u like real "solid" feeling knives.....i'd recommend the SS version of whatever u decide to buy....whether its a SS Dragonfly, Navigator2, Robin, or Lava....:rolleyes:
U can't go wrong with any of these....;) :cool:

[lamarrk]

Here it is if any of you are interested...

www.swords.ca

Type spyderco in the search at the top and the Meerkat will be on the top page!

From the picture of the Meerkat, the blade is AUS-6.
Are they 440C or AUS-6? Doesn't matter, I'm going to check shipping and maybe order a couple.

http://www.accountwizard.com/clients/shop.asp?Web=swords&AW_SessionID=AWEngine2007000000416768851518511d51Q 851dId1e51A851eSite3j63N663N&page=item&itemid=1322

[lamarrk]

I actually haven't ordered one yet. Some posts are making is sound like it's less than solid. Not a big fan of any play in a blade, especially side to side, and the loose scales.... I don't know, this will be my one and only knife so i want it to be something nice and solid. Which is why I am still torn between the FRN D4/SS Robin/SS Navigator/SS Dragonfly (I'm thinking less the dragonfly since it's ATS55... is that even a good reason?).

The Meerkats have dual full length liners. Look very solid. I have 2 and plan on getting a few more. If you want a small knife, the conversion price at just over $34 US is outstanding (add less than $10 for shipping), and would make a great EDC IMHO. I love the puzzle lock on them!!! :D

[JD Spydo]

I've had 3 of those 440C Meerkats all together. I wish I hadn't traded my last one off :o All of the Meerkats made in Golden Colorado were 440C that I know of.

Does anyone know how many Meerkats were made in the Golden Colorado plant?

The ones I had all came in the older white & blue box. Also all the ones I had were the plain edged variety.

[fellyjr]

From the picture of the Meerkat, the blade is AUS-6.
Are they 440C or AUS-6? Doesn't matter, I'm going to check shipping and maybe order a couple.
I just got off the phone with a guy from sword.ca, and the meerkats they have are the Seki City made AUS 6 variation. :(

[224477]

sounds like a good deal to me :D