Tell me about SS ATR, please

[bh49]

Guys, Ladies,
Help me out again. I was looking for reviews on SS ATR and I was able to find only Wouter’s review on his web site regarding Ti version. What about SS? Does anybody carry it? Is it too heavy (5.4oz) to carry? It is an oz heavier than Lil Temp and two oz heavier than Persian. As far as I understand it was in production only for two years. Is it good knife for every day use or mostly SD? Is it a sleeper or it always will be in the shadow of Ti brother? Any info and thoughts will be appreciated.
Roman

[kgriggs8]

I had for a short time, I was not impressed. It was a heavy beefy knife and would be decent for someone that needed such a beast but I found it very un-Spyderco like in feel. I think it makes a good knife for troops but for me, I would rather have a Military. The Military is more more refined and lighter.

Love the frame lock and would like to see more however.

[The Deacon]

From a collectors standpoint it will always be in the shadow of the Ti version. However, I would expect that when the price of the Ti ATR starts to go ballistic, the prices commanded by the SS ones will increase as well, since at least some collectors will want all known variants of the model.

From a use standpoint, I only have the Ti version, and while it is a very well constructed knife and exhibits perhaps the best fit and finish of any Golden made Spyderco, I am not terribly impressed by it. Frankly I consider the Stretch, which has a blade of roughly the same size and shape but takes up considerably less room in the pocket, to be a far better "user" than the ATR. I suppose if you do a lot of cutting while wearing gloves, the cobra hood on the ATR would give it an advantage over the Stretch. Will admit my prejudice against handed locks probably colors my judgment somewhat.

http://paulberetta.com/images/apr_07/atr-stretch.jpg

[kgriggs8]

I agree, the Stretch is a real sleeper. There will always be some that like the SS ATR or the Ti ATR but to me, it is just anothe knife.

What I meant by the ATR being very Un-Spyderco like is that Spydercos seem to be more knife than they feel like. Often they are very light and compact yet are strong and will compeat wit much larger and more bulky knives. The Delica is a good example, it is a lot of knife in a small package.

The SS ATR does not have that feel to it. It feels like a brick in the hand. I have not handled the Ti ATR so my comments are strickly limited to that model.

[markg]

I have had one for about a week, and I like mine. It is a big knife, but not too heavy. It is much thinner than I imagined. The pocket clip is a bit strange, but it works. I am also one of 3 known people in the world who likes the Cobra Hood.

It opens smooth and feels good in the hand. If you get a good deal, I would get one, just because.

[Stevie Ray]

Got one in my EDC rotation. Buy it and use it. It's a great knife with great ergos. My only rub with this model is that the clip sometimes wants to hang on to my jeans pocket when I'm pulling it out. Get past the clip, and to me ... at least, it's got some of the same sharp scale edge angles that makes the Strider so easy to hold on to in less than nice conditions (in stainless, not G10 ... for the Strider guys .. :D ). It's also a super smooth knife to flick / deploy. :spyder: Although I didn't like the Cobra hood on the Salsa, it works really well on this model.

[bh49]

Thank you very much gentlemen. I appreciate you input. Most likely I will get it, just to try. It looks like very good-engineered knife.
Thank you,
Roman

[Lockback]

I am also one of 3 known people in the world who likes the Cobra Hood.

Then I am either one of the other two, or the fourth. :D

I have an SS ATR inbound, and one of the reasons I chose it was for the Cobra Hood.

I'll be able to give specific input on the ATR in a few days.

[yablanowitz]

Having had the Cobra hood wave knives open unexpectedly a couple of times, you can place me firmly in the non-fan group. ;) That is also one reason I prefer tip down carry, I really don't like making surprise blood donations. Of course, the ATR won't let me do that, it is tip up only.

As I have said elsewhere, I have really tried to love stainless steel handles. ATR, Adventura, Police, Delica, Flight, Rookie, Spin...I have them, I have carried them, and they are all back in their boxes. None of them has managed to win me over. I have concluded that they never will :(

The best I can say for the ATR is it will be a great knife if you like SS handles :D

[Firefighter880]

I've got an SE SS ATR. Great work knife. You've just gotta like the stainless steel handles, otherwise you're gonna end up putting it on a shelf and never using it. It's just one of those knives you either love or hate.

I found one on clearance from one of my regular dealers for around $80, so I bought it specifically as a work knife. Up to that point, I didn't really care for stainless steel handles. Went ahead and got the ATR anyway, figuring I would just use it around the house and in the yard. It took me awhile to get used to the SS handles, but now it is my go to work knife. But other than using it as a work knife, I don't really carry it.

:spyder:

[bh49]

Thank you for your posts. I used to EDC Adventura for almost a year. The only concern I have with SS handle is slippery if hands get wet. I hope it is not a case with ATR.

[Echo63]

I am also one of 3 known people in the world who likes the Cobra Hood.

make that four
i love the cobra hood (and you can take it off, put a little steel wave under it and screw it back on again)

[TazKristi]

I guess I'd be 5. :) The SS ATR is in one of my pockets every day.

Taz

[bh49]

Yesterday I pulled a triger and bought it, along with Nav2. Now I cannot wait to get it.

[GarageBoy]

I LOVE the knife asthetically and I love the feel of it.. I just hate how the clip sits in the pocket

[Tank]

When I first saw it online I wanted one, then when I saw it person I thought,,,:rolleyes: way to big... then....I held it and HAD to have it. I love it.
I carried it for a year. I still carry it but not as much in the summer cuz its a bit to heavy for short. I would buy it and enjoy it.

Peace.

[bluemist]

SS ATR is my Fav Spydie, I only have 11 and the Stretch comes in a close second but the SS ATR is just a fun fun knife. If you like SE get one cos the serrations on the SS are mean. I'm getting the Ti version shortly because it just feels great. The grip on the SS is OK, not too slippery because of the holes, the knife is a little heavy but perfectly balanced. Of all my spydies the SS ATR gets the most comments.. comments like "that evil knife" so if you want discreet stay away from the ATR.

[bh49]

Yesterday I received my ATR, great design. I am very impressed, beautiful engineering. So far I love everything about it: the lock, cobra hood, blade style, very comfortable handle and very smooth action. It doesn’t fell too heavy, not that big, about the same size like Persian. I took it to work; I have a few guys, who love knives (most of them carry Spyderco or byrds, one of them carries SAK, but I am working on it). Everybody is impressed. Great knife, I want to thank Sal and Co for designing and making. You are making so many great knives, so it became extremely difficult to choose my favorites. The good thing is that different favorite knife for different occasions, may be two (three max) for each occasion.
Gents, ladies thank you very much for advise,
Roman

[bluemist]

did you get serrated?

Welcome to the ATR fan club btw.

[bh49]

did you get serrated?

Welcome to the ATR fan club btw.

Sorry, it is PE. I still have trouble to sharpen SE.

[jaislandboy]

congrats on the ATR bh49! :cool:
mine came with a "buttery smooth" pivot action....;)

[stonyman]

Congrats on your new purchase. It is good that you love the feel of STEEL! Take care and enjoy!:D