Choice for Construction Work?

[K Williams]

What Spyderco would be a good choice for construction work(structural ironworker)? I'd prefer partial serrations, a heavy handle, blade length 3.5" to 4", and durable steel. Thanks.

[Harry White]

I bought my brother in law (to be) a SS Endura CE to help him while he was building his house. He loved it, but it exploded when he hit a live wire! I then got him a Military SE and he loves it more than the Endura, though he has already broken the tip... He admits he was using it to pry -- something you can't do with a knife!

[Piet.S]

Sounds like you want a Manix, so get it.
When I did the heavy work I tried different knives on the job.
I liked the combination of a small but sturdy fixed blade and a very sharp folder.
Carried the FB with sheath and all in a pocket of my working jacket.
They are a very useful addition to your regular tools.

[Zatx]

Im a construction safety engineer so I'll try and answer this one... here goes:

I would avoid a fixed blade. Most large construction sites the owner or contract manager won't allow "Weapons or Knives" (yeah I know they are a cutting tool). A fixed blade just stands out way too much, and besides its against (in the States) Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards.

Most large construction projects and/or large construction companies have safety personnel (such as myself) that monitor the workplace for hazards like this.

Now, you may work for a small company, or only small jobs, but you never know when that might change. You would hate to get used to a favorite knife then find you can't use it on your next jobsite.

That is why I recommend a large enough folder to do the job, yet small enough not to attract too much attention.

Heck I'm the guy watching for these things in the job place and I carry at least 2 :spyder: on me at all times.

Personally I carry an Endura 4 Serrated Edge at all times, and rotate through a mixture of Plain Edge knives throughout the week. I've never been a big fan of combo edges because it always seemed like one half of the blade was dull at any time (yeah I know I need to learn to sharpen my knives).

If I were you I would go with a tough knife that was meant to take a lot of damage and still hold up well. Based on your criteria you listed I don't think the Endura would do it for you. Mind you, it is tough, but its anything but "heavy handled".

I would probably go with a Military or Paramilitary. You get a choice of good blade steels and a knife that is tough to boot. Read some threads around the board on how to smooth out your G-10 handles so you don't destroy all of your work jeans pulling the sucker out of your pocket 30 times a day.

[K Williams]

The SS Endura is heavier than the Military...at least if "feels" much heavier. Someone already damaged the Military(point and edge) on the job.

[Zatx]

True you can get heavier via Stainless Steel handles, but you'll lose a lot of grip when you may need it most.

If someone broke the tip to a Military they probably needed a screwdriver and or chisel for that task instead.

[tonydahose]

i did construction for awhile and still do on side jobs. i'd say manix if you dont mind the weight. (your tool belt with all your tools and pouches full of nails & screws are heavy enough after 2 let alone 8 hours) if the weight is an issue i'd say combo edge endura FRN.

[JD Spydo]

Some good answers thus far from my good Spyder brothers. However I think this is again a "No BRAINER". The one Spyder that is my primary EDC>> that is the C-44 big Dyad model. You have that big serrated blade you made mention of. And believe me it is a great serrated blade. You also have a really nice, streamlined plain edged blade too. It is Spyderco's only full sized, double bladed knife up till now but it is a dandy for hard work. I know because I have been putting it through the mill for the last 2 years plus.

Now if you strictly want a super tough serrated model I have 2 suggestions>> First of all the stainless handled C-14 Rescue model. Or if you're lucky enough to find one of the older MARINER models.