Which do you prefer, the CoPilot or the Navigator, and why?

[peacefuljeffrey]

I own a stainless steel CoPilot, and an Almite Navigator, and like them both a lot. I had the CoPilot first and carried it a bit, but now it's in a box. The Navigator seemed like a pretty cool improvement: to me, it was essentially the same knife, but with better handle ergonomics.

I have three Almite (screw construction! :) ) CoPilots on their way to me now. Because they're screw-construction knives, they will easily displace my Navigator (also being black handled instead of that weird gray-green of the Navigator) as a favorite.

Which do you prefer, between the two knives, and why?

-PJ

[smcfalls13]

I have three Almite (screw construction! :) ) CoPilots on their way to me now. Because they're screw-construction knives, they will easily displace my Navigator (also being black handled instead of that weird gray-green of the Navigator) as a favorite.


For that one reason, I prefer the Navigator. Both knives are set up totally wrong for me(right hand tip down) and both are smaller than I prefer, but I love the coloring on the Navigator:cool:

[peacefuljeffrey]

SMCfalls, thanks for the reply. I hear ya. Personal preference is personal preference.

Looking at my Navigator right now, I have to say that the corners of the handles have plenty of worn-off spots where there is no more gray-green. :( I didn't ever beat on the knife, and when I carried it, I did so clipped to a back pocket. It doesn't bother me that it has this wear, don't get me wrong. It's a bit surprising, though, given how lightly I use my knifes.

I sharpened it recently, though, and while I don't know (can't really check) what angles, since I did it freehand on a ceramic bench stone with a mind toward shallow angles, it wouldn't surprise me to learn it's about 30 degrees. Baby is sharp! :p

-PJ

[David Lowry]

I've never owned or held a Co-Pilot. I do own a Navigator II and I love it. I like the finger grooves better on the Nav II and I also like the blade shape better. :)

That's really it for me. :)

[dedguy]

Can I pick the Meerkat?

[smcfalls13]

Looking at my Navigator right now, I have to say that the corners of the handles have plenty of worn-off spots where there is no more gray-green. :( I didn't ever beat on the knife, and when I carried it, I did so clipped to a back pocket. It doesn't bother me that it has this wear, don't get me wrong. It's a bit surprising, though, given how lightly I use my knifes.

Note how sneaky I was in my response. I said I loved the color;) Almite shows scratches if you breathe on it wrong, and it wears down faster a pair of $1 sandals:p

I love the color, but I don't care for almite coatings, they don't last very long for me.

[The CoPilot]

Note how sneaky I was in my response. I said I loved the color;) Almite shows scratches if you breathe on it wrong, and it wears down faster a pair of $1 sandals:p

I love the color, but I don't care for almite coatings, they don't last very long for me.

So in other words, "Almite" isn't very "mighty" after all...:D :D :D

[The Deacon]

My favorite is the all stainless version of the Navigator. I find the Navigator handle to be far more ergonomic in my hand than the Co-Pilot. Of all the Spyderco folders I own, I would rank the Co-Pilot close to the bottom of the list for comfort while the Navigator would rank near the top in its size class and above the midpoint overall. I don't find that surprising, almost all the later model knives feel better in my hand than the older ones - evolution at work.

I do dearly wish the Nav II had sold well enough to tempt Sal into making a run of them with bolsters and scales.

[spydutch]

I voted for the CoPilot:)

The choils on my NavII/SE are just a tad too small to get a cofortable grip on(my G10 Gin2 Navigator/SE is a bit better)

Never handled an Almite Navigator though:o

I think I'm the opposite to Paul because I find the older Spydies fit my hand way better;)

[peacefuljeffrey]

Can I pick the Meerkat?


Youuu... Get outta my thread with that! :p


-PJ

[dialex]

I preffer the Navigator, because of the finger choil and the overall handles shape which is better contoured for my needs. Note that I'm talking about the first generation Navigator, which I'm totally in love with. The second version, albeit improved under certain aspects, couldn't hit the spot :(

[peacefuljeffrey]

What are the different characteristics that denote the Navigator versus the Navigator II? I'm not versed in these. Mine has 7 angled oval cutouts on the handle.

Is Almite the name for the handle material, or just the anodized coating on it?

-PJ

[AUXCOM]

PJ-

I prefer the Co-Pilot for one reason - I'm sentimental. It was my 1st :spyder:

Sometimes it's OK go with your heart rather than your head.

Take Care...

[Episteme]

I don't have a navigator, but I have handled one before. I've owned 2 Co-Pilots. I prefer the Co-Pilot over a lot of models, including the navigator. I also prefer the Co-Pilot over the ladybug, Dragonfly, jester, Spin, and even my Boker SubComs. I would have really liked an FRN Co-Pilot with an integral FRN clip. Although I prefer folders at or above the 3 inch mark, if I need to go small, the Co-Pilot all the way.
-Mike

[jaislandboy]

for me the Navigator2 has much improved ergos than my blue-green Navigator (with the slots in the handles)....the choils are somewhat different on the Nav2.....the choils are also chamfered for increased comfort....
I only have the black almite Copilot and for me, I prefer the Copilot ....mostly coz its featherlite vs. the Nav2........also coz I carry them loosely in the pockets which makes the weight difference more apparent ...
but the Nav2 seems like it can handle much "bigger" cutting jobs than the almite Copilot.....the all SS construction makes it really sturdy ....... the Nav2 vs. the Lava seems like a closer comparison .... :rolleyes:

[The CoPilot]

I considered the following advice from "the man" before deciding which one to buy:



G'day William. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I can tell you that the Navigator is a more "refined" design. I designed both models to serve the same function, but my skills as a designer were more experienced when the Navigator was designed.

The Navigator seems to easily fit most hands, even large ones. The shape of the handle permits "grip" from multiple directions.

The Navigator "pattern" will be used to make the "Meerkat" and the "Slip joint" model.

Hope that helps.

sal

[smcfalls13]

Is Almite the name for the handle material, or just the anodized coating on it?

Not sure exactly. Almite handles are an anodized aluminum, Almite might be the name of the material itself, but I have no idea.

[peacefuljeffrey]

You know, when I look at the Lava, I see it as a knife I would very much like (maybe as much as or more than the CoPilot) if only it were of ... you guessed it ... screw-together construction! :D

How about it, Sal? :o

-PJ