Spyderco's fixed blades: Their unique appeal

[JD Spydo]

We all pretty much explore about every facet and aspect and feature imaginable here on the Spyderco.com Forum that is mostly aimed at Spyderco's great folders. And deservedly so because I think that they are among the very best production folders out there and I hope this company will be there many years from now.

The one sector we just don't discuss enough in my opinion is about Spyderco's growing presence in the fixed blade arena. I am particularly very guilty in that regard because it wasn't until they announced the discontinuing of the FB Temperance model before I went out and got one. And am I glad I did. The FB Temperance model is truly a design that a hard user will just be astounded by. I have really been enamored with it since I used my first one about a year and a half ago.

I want you all to give me some feedback on Spyderco fixed blades. My fav is the FB Temperance so far but I also really like the SWICK, The LUM, and the first Perrin model. What is your favorite FB Spyder and why. Also share with us what you like about them over other production fixed blades.

[Capt. Carl]

I don't have any fixed blades but....
I really want the new street beat. It does have some sort of mysterious appeal to me. I also love how it is a smaller size and sports that beautiful micarta. VG-10 is awesome too.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Well It is no secret that I think the Ronin is not only one of the best SD fixed blade ever produced, but one of the best Spyderco's IMHO ever made...The Ronin has convinced me that Spyderco has the potential to make fixed blade knives, just or if not better than anyone else...The Kumo is another favorite fixed blade that Spyderco did right...Still don't own a temperence so I can't comment as of yet...The Swick and other variations are well made just not my cup of tea....I'm waiting for a larger wharncliffe produced by Spyderco...I am hoping it will be a reality in the near future, I know they will do that one just right...The new 2007 Spyderco fixed blades.. though pricey look awesome and they will end up in my collection in the near future...for now I'm stockpiling as many Ronins as I can get my little fingers on...soon they will call me "King Ronin"...LOL.....Doc:D

[zenheretic]

.for now I'm stockpiling as many Ronins as I can get my little fingers on...soon they will call me "King Ronin"...LOL.....Doc:D
Soon?

Well I guess you can't function with anything less than 47 Ronins...

[Echo63]

i have 2 spots, perrin, ronin, temp and Moran drop point

i think they are all brilliant knives, the temp, spot and moran especially

but my most used spydie fixed blade would have to be my santoku, it is the best kitchen knife i have ever used

[Stenny]

...47 Ronins... :D
I would love an affordable FB made by Spyderco. Something like a budget Street Beat. Thats why I am greedily awaiting fixed Byrds.

[Mr Blonde]

My main appeal to spydie fixed blades is the fact that the edge geometry is geared to slicing, as opposed to 'not breaking'. The ergos are usually better than most other fixed blades. The sheaths are getting better, but there is still room for improvement in most of the Spydie sheath designs.


Wouter

[zenheretic]

My main appeal to spydie fixed blades is the fact that the edge geometry is geared to slicing, as opposed to 'not breaking'. The ergos are usually better than most other fixed blades.
Wouter
Excellent points!

[Dr. Snubnose]

My main appeal to spydie fixed blades is the fact that the edge geometry is geared to slicing, as opposed to 'not breaking'. The ergos are usually better than most other fixed blades. The sheaths are getting better, but there is still room for improvement in most of the Spydie sheath designs.

Wouter

I'll second that notion!..The thing I hate most about most Spydie fixed blade sheaths are they scratch the knife blade surface...you should see my Moran never cut a thing with it and it looks likes it went through WWII, just from practicing draws from the holster....it happened with the Ronins I carry daily also....so there is big room for improvement in that area...The sheath that came with the Kumo doesn't seem to share the same problem....Doc:D

[Left Hand Path]

The only fixed blade Spydercos I have are in the kitchen - the Yin and Yang and also an older kitchen utility.

The Yin and Yang have nice-looking wood handles that are very comfortable and thin blades that are of course great slicers. I really like these 2 knives and look forward to using them. I think the blade length is perfect for most tasks and they are VG-10!

I would love to get one of the new Hossoms, especially the Forester, but they are a little out of my price range right now. I saw the Forester in person at Country Knives - wow!

[Mr Blonde]

I'll second that notion!..The thing I hate most about most Spydie fixed blade sheaths are they scratch the knife blade surface...you should see my Moran never cut a thing with it and it looks likes it went through WWII, just from practicing draws from the holster....it happened with the Ronins I carry daily also....so there is big room for improvement in that area...The sheath that came with the Kumo doesn't seem to share the same problem....Doc:D

Funny that you mention that. I've got a Kumo sheath that does scratches the blade (trust me I didn't do any beach insertions with that knife attached to my assault vest, so no sand got in there:D ), whereas my droppoint Moran sheath doesn't scratch the blade at all. My main point is that I want a rattlefree and snug fit of the knife in the sheath. The Kumo sheath, my sample, is good but a bit too loose. And the Teklok holes are not lined up well, I had to cut away a bit of material to fit the teklok properly.

Wouter

[stonyman]

Folks, I do not have any experience with the Spydy fix blades, but I will tell you that for as much as I like the effectiveness of design as the Yojimbo(Thanks Doc!) I will attempt to get my hands on a Ronin or two especially with the upcoming summer months here in Fl. Doc I am beginning to get hooked on your prescriptions pal!:D Take care and God Bless You All!

[griff76]

No fixed blades for me yet, but I've got my eye on the H1 Schempp coming our way. The H1 utility blades will be finding their way to my side as well.

[jaislandboy]

these :spyder: fixed blades cut as well as their clipit brothers....:p ;)

[Marion David Poff]

Spyderco Fixed Blades... One of my favorite subjects.

I think that the way Spyderco approachs the collaborative process is really their strong suit. They choose custom makers for their expertise and their uniqueness, not for their trendiness.

My favorite three are the Moran Drop Point, Perrin Street Bowie, and Swick.

The Moran Drop Point has a sort of old world quality of form, combined with a smooth and elegant function. And Spyderco really showed their brilliance by going to the late father of American Knife Culture.

The Perrin Street Bowie is such a great example of true custom knife design. It seamlessly combines standard knife cues with real innovation. Spyderco had real vision to see that Perrin was not a one trick pony with the La Griffe, but that he is a true genius.

And the Swick.... In a weird way, the Swick demonstrates one of Spyderco strongest traits, their capacity and drive for re-imagination. So, this guy Perrin develops/designs a ring defense knife. Emerson, and Kommer, and Taylor are all inspired by it, and sell knives clearly derived from it. And Spyderco too, is inspired, but in addition they choose to work with the designer, to create something from their DNA, with his brilliance, the SPOT. But, then, they decide that concept still has legs, so they go back at it, and create the Swick. Amazing.