vampyrewolf
09-03-2002, 12:00 AM
Well, I've used this model over the last 6 days that I've had it... time for a review. I know I promised one for the native first, but it doesn't seem to find it's way into my pocket.
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Merlin review:
Handle:
The standard handle shape, as with the Delica I used for 3 yrs, is still nice to use. But it's missing the choil I've come to love. It's still comfortable to use however.
Fit and Finish:
The clip well is deep, and made it interesting when I changed the clip over to left hand carry. The Boye Dent is placed right in this one, and allows smooth operation of the lock. The lock opens with the crisp snap we have all come to love. However, the tip comes almost too close to the handle when closed. If you move it side to side in the handle, you hear it hit.
Blade/Edge: ATS-55
The hawkbill shape is usefull, as I learned over months of using a CRKT BearClaw. However, the fact this is a folder allows more descrite(sp?) carry of this shape. The final curve for the tip places it in such a location as to allows very fine tip control, held in the pencil grip. It did not however shave out of the box. I steeled the edge and it did though.
Lockup:
The lock on this one is crisp, and operates soothly. The lock was stiff to start, requiring the bar being held down and the blade moved manually. There is no movement after about 500 openings, but is has loosened the blade up for closing.
Movement/Final comments:
There is no blade movement when in the open/locked position. The blade has loosened up for closing and now closes with a strong flick of the wrist, rather than a push on the back. The weight is somewhat handle heavy, which is nice. Smooth operation, no oil yet.
Great job spyderco, I can see why this model has been around for years.
Thank you Linda.
-------------
Merlin review:
Handle:
The standard handle shape, as with the Delica I used for 3 yrs, is still nice to use. But it's missing the choil I've come to love. It's still comfortable to use however.
Fit and Finish:
The clip well is deep, and made it interesting when I changed the clip over to left hand carry. The Boye Dent is placed right in this one, and allows smooth operation of the lock. The lock opens with the crisp snap we have all come to love. However, the tip comes almost too close to the handle when closed. If you move it side to side in the handle, you hear it hit.
Blade/Edge: ATS-55
The hawkbill shape is usefull, as I learned over months of using a CRKT BearClaw. However, the fact this is a folder allows more descrite(sp?) carry of this shape. The final curve for the tip places it in such a location as to allows very fine tip control, held in the pencil grip. It did not however shave out of the box. I steeled the edge and it did though.
Lockup:
The lock on this one is crisp, and operates soothly. The lock was stiff to start, requiring the bar being held down and the blade moved manually. There is no movement after about 500 openings, but is has loosened the blade up for closing.
Movement/Final comments:
There is no blade movement when in the open/locked position. The blade has loosened up for closing and now closes with a strong flick of the wrist, rather than a push on the back. The weight is somewhat handle heavy, which is nice. Smooth operation, no oil yet.
Great job spyderco, I can see why this model has been around for years.
Thank you Linda.