V-1
12-30-2001, 12:00 AM
Sal and crew have out done themselves this time. I have lived w/ and carried this knife constantly for a few months now. Here are my general thoughts on the design and execution of the Temperance #037.
Handle: The ergonomics of the handle are first rate but this will be a personal preference. For my hands, this handle shape is perfect. I appreciate the guards and the handle hasn't developed any hot spots yet w/ different grips over longer chores. If you are a fan of saber grips this handle design will lock into your hands. The surface milling to help your fingers in one grip and thumb in another grip get traction blend flawlessly into the handle. The handle itself is made out of an OD Green shade of G-10. It is a nice shade that's a welcome break from black. As with all in-house Spyderco designs the handle and blade lines beautifully flow into each other whether the folder is opened or closed. The three index points milled into one frame slab are perfectly mirrored on the other side by the three holes milled in the clip. The clip alone is a work of art. The forming of the sides of the clip make for a sure comfortable grip. "Sal"'s logo completes the look. All in all, the self-defense nature of the knife is quite obvious once the knife is seen and handled.
Blade: The blade is a perfect rendition of my favorite spyderco blade design, the calypso jr., only much beefier w/ a much higher grade of steel (440V). The blade is slightly under 3" to make it legal in a larger variety of jurisdictions. The blade is noticeably wide (not too mention thick near the pivot) for it's length. Here some of the other self-defense aspects of the design are noticed. I imagine this knife would create a rather wide wound channel. As expected from Spyderco, the blade was razor sharp w/ crisp, clean grinds.
Lock: The Compression lock engages firmly and is somewhat resistant when you are trying to release the lock. This is a good thing in that it will help alleviate unexpected blade closures. Those are never pleasant. After ALLOT of repeated openings the lock is visually unchanged. It locks up in the same place on the tang. My limited torque and pressure tests completely unaffected the nestled lock engagement. This is my first experience w/ the Compression lock so it is limited but very positive. I would need more time w/ this lock before I passed my final judgement.
Overall, the Temperance design is w/ out a doubt a large step forward in the field of self-defense knives. I purchased it mainly to cover a niche. To carry in areas were 3" blade limits are in effect for self-defense. Surprisingly, I find that it has taken the place of my main utility knife. It has become my EDC for all my utility needs. At this point in the knife industry it is the pinnacle of knife design for my needs. Thanks Spyderco!
P.S. Looking for an un#'ed upswept blade to turn into a daily user too. If you can help, let me know at homer@innernet.net. Thanks.
Handle: The ergonomics of the handle are first rate but this will be a personal preference. For my hands, this handle shape is perfect. I appreciate the guards and the handle hasn't developed any hot spots yet w/ different grips over longer chores. If you are a fan of saber grips this handle design will lock into your hands. The surface milling to help your fingers in one grip and thumb in another grip get traction blend flawlessly into the handle. The handle itself is made out of an OD Green shade of G-10. It is a nice shade that's a welcome break from black. As with all in-house Spyderco designs the handle and blade lines beautifully flow into each other whether the folder is opened or closed. The three index points milled into one frame slab are perfectly mirrored on the other side by the three holes milled in the clip. The clip alone is a work of art. The forming of the sides of the clip make for a sure comfortable grip. "Sal"'s logo completes the look. All in all, the self-defense nature of the knife is quite obvious once the knife is seen and handled.
Blade: The blade is a perfect rendition of my favorite spyderco blade design, the calypso jr., only much beefier w/ a much higher grade of steel (440V). The blade is slightly under 3" to make it legal in a larger variety of jurisdictions. The blade is noticeably wide (not too mention thick near the pivot) for it's length. Here some of the other self-defense aspects of the design are noticed. I imagine this knife would create a rather wide wound channel. As expected from Spyderco, the blade was razor sharp w/ crisp, clean grinds.
Lock: The Compression lock engages firmly and is somewhat resistant when you are trying to release the lock. This is a good thing in that it will help alleviate unexpected blade closures. Those are never pleasant. After ALLOT of repeated openings the lock is visually unchanged. It locks up in the same place on the tang. My limited torque and pressure tests completely unaffected the nestled lock engagement. This is my first experience w/ the Compression lock so it is limited but very positive. I would need more time w/ this lock before I passed my final judgement.
Overall, the Temperance design is w/ out a doubt a large step forward in the field of self-defense knives. I purchased it mainly to cover a niche. To carry in areas were 3" blade limits are in effect for self-defense. Surprisingly, I find that it has taken the place of my main utility knife. It has become my EDC for all my utility needs. At this point in the knife industry it is the pinnacle of knife design for my needs. Thanks Spyderco!
P.S. Looking for an un#'ed upswept blade to turn into a daily user too. If you can help, let me know at homer@innernet.net. Thanks.