Received a couple great Spyderco folders in recently.  The Spyderco Starmate C55GP and the Spyderco Szabo folder C146CFP.  Below are pics and descriptions from Spyderco's website of both of these folders.

 

 

 

Spyderco Starmate, Model C55GP

 



Bob Terzuola
Widely recognized as the father of handmade tactical folding knives, Bob Terzuola is one of the most influential figures in custom knifemaking. He was born in Brooklyn, New York is a graduate of New York University. In 1967, he moved to Panama to serve as a Peace Corps trainer and ultimately studied jade carving and gemology in Guatemala. While living in Guatemala, he also developed an interest in knifemaking and by 1979 was making handmade knives for soldiers there. In 1981, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and joined the Knifemakers Guild.

Terzuola is best known for his high-performance tactical folders and fixed blades, which are the tools of choice of many savvy military and special operations personnel worldwide. He is also the author of The Tactical Folding Knife, a definitive work on his meticulous method of custom knifemaking.

Construction and Materials
The latest version of the Starmate faithfully retains all the features of Terzuola’s original design, but differs from the first production of the knife in several ways. Manufactured in Japan, it features a saber-ground blade made from VG-10 stainless steel. Like the original version, its handle is constructed with stainless steel liners and textured G-10 scales; however, unlike the nested liners of the first generation, the new Starmate features full skeletonized liners for a balance of light weight and superior strength.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a Bob Terzuola design is his improved Walker LinerLock mechanism, which features a concave ramp on the blade’s lock face. This lock geometry, pioneered by Terzuola in his custom knives, provides greater strength and security than conventional flat lock ramps and is proudly featured in the Starmate.

To ensure convenient, versatile carry, the Starmate also features a new four-position clip with a broad triangular base for security and extreme strength. The new clip can be easily configured for tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body, allowing you to tune your carry to meet your personal needs and preferences.

 

 

 

Spyderco Szabo Folder, Model C146CFP

Construction and Materials
The heart of the Laci Szabo folder is its 4.5625-inch CPM S30V scimitar-shaped blade. Its partial hollow grind creates excellent edge geometry while reinforcing the spine for increased strength. A Trademark Round Hole™ in the blade supports swift one-handed opening with either hand and, together with a subtle guard on the edge side of the blade, effectively protects the user’s hand during use.

The Szabo’s handle is constructed of full stainless steel liners capped by Gold Line carbon fiber scales. This striking material combines the strength and light weight of carbon fiber with an outer layer of embedded gold-colored wire. Visually stunning yet incredibly durable, it provides a secure, non-slip grip.

To cope with the extreme leverages associated with its longer blade, the Laci Sazabo folder features an enhanced version of Spyderco’s proprietary Compression Lock mechanism—one of the strongest folding knife locks ever designed. When the knife is opened, a split leaf spring integral in one of the handle’s stainless steel liners extends between the stop pin and an upward-facing ramp on the blade’s tang. The wedging force of this spring locks the blade securely and its placement on the back of the handle makes it virtually impossible to disengage during use.

The Szabo folder’s Compression Lock is also unique because it is accompanied by an internal “self-close” mechanism. Nested within one of the handle halves, this mechanism uses a spring piston to engage a plate attached to the blade tang. When the blade is closed, the piston gains mechanical leverage to rotate the plate, keeping the blade nestled securely in the handle for safe carriage. Convenient carry is further supported by a four-position clip that offers tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body.

The Laci Szabo folder is a technologically and artistically advanced folding knife from the mind of one of the knife industry’s most creative designers. We sincerely hope that yours serves you and your personal needs well.

Design Inspiration
Laci Szabo is a law enforcement officer, a veteran U.S. Marine, and a word-class martial artist. He is also one of the most visionary knife designers in the industry, combining a unique flair for aesthetics with an in-depth understanding of function and defensive application.

The Laci Szabo folder is a reflection of Szabo’s philosophies regarding folding knife design as it applies to both utility and personal defense. Its large size creates a commanding presence and offers increased reach when used with fencing-style skills. The dramatic scimitar-shaped blade has a long, gently curving belly to maximize cutting power, while leaving the tip well centered to support point-oriented tactics. An unsharpened swedge on the back of the blade ensures an acute point and flows smoothly into a scalloped area on the spine. This unique geometry reduces drag and enhances the blade’s trapping potential when applied with reverse-grip skills. The blade is mated to a generously sized handle that easily accommodates the largest hands and provides extreme leverage in all applications.
 
A dynamic synthesis of form and function, the Laci Szabo folder faithfully captures both the creativity and practicality of its designer.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

New to the market - Fixed Blade Knives and Folding Knives

Over the past few months, there has been several new additions to the cutlery market.  I won't list them all, but will focus on a select few.

The Cold Steel Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Hunter is an updated version of more traditionally styled folders.  The Hunter features Cold Steel's patented Tri-Ad Lock which essentially adds a stop pin to the mix of the internal workings.  That addition aids in the reduction or elimination of vertical blade play that is present in many lock back type folders. 

The blade is AUS-8A stainless steel and features a plain edge and a 3.5" (89 mm) length bringing the overall open length of the Hunter to approximately 8.25" (210 mm) and a overall weight of 6.6 ounces (187 grams).



 

Cold Steel Mackinac Hunter, 3-1/2" SS Blade, Faux Stag Handle 54FBT

Spyderco has put out some great knives in recent times and one of my favorites is the Gayle Bradley Air.  This sweet little liner lock features an M4 steel blade which is renown for it excellent cutting abilities.  The blade is a 2.5" (76 mm) sheepsfoot style, plain edge and is approximately 3/32" (2 mm) thick.

This incredible knife features gray glass fibers scales that offer a bit of texture for grip, but also helps keep the weight down.  As the name implies, the Air is a lightweight knife coming in about an incredible 1.3 ounces (37 grams).  That is a whole lot of knife in a very lightweight package.



Spyderco Bradley Air, 2-1/2" M4 Blade, Glass Fiber Handle C159GFP
 

The Air is definitely one of my favorites in the world of new releases, however, there is another Spyderco that is competing for top spot in my book.  It is the Spyderco Techno.  What a great knife!  Not as light as the Air, in fact if it is more than twice the weight of the Air and comes in about 3.5 ounces (99 grams).  Like the Gay Bradley Air, the Techno features a flat ground 2.5" (76 mm) blade, but that is where the similarities end.  The Techno's blade features Carpenter Steel's CTS-XHP stainless steel (stonewashed) and is almost twice as thick as the Air's blade at 5/32" (4 mm).

The Techno also features a titanium handle with a built in frame lock and accommodates a right hand or left hand tip up pocket clip option.



Spyderco Techno, Plain 2-1/2" CTS-XHP SS Blade, Ti Handle C158TIP

All these great knives can be found at National Knives, LLC along with many others.  Stop by and take a look.  While you are there, don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page and Join the Mailing List where you will receive occasional emails from National Knives, LLC introducing new products, email only specials and more.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

Spyderco Manix 2. Made in America. Made Right.



Spyderco Manix 2, 3-3/8" Plain 154CM Stainless Blade, Black G-10 Handle C101GP2

A great multi tasking folder that utilizes a ball bearing lock system, grippy black G-10 handles and a plain edge, 3-3/8" 154CM stainless steel blade.  The pocket clip is set up for right hand/left hand tip up carry and the knife features a lanyard hole.

The Spyderco Manix 2 is Made in the USA in Golden, Colorado and is now in stock at National Knives for $69.99 plus shipping (starting at $3.99).

Rob

Spyderco Delica 4. Great Value. Great Knife.

Spyderco Delica 4, 2-7/8" VG-10 Stainless Blade, Green Handle C11FPGR

One of Spyderco's best selling knives of all time is the Delica.  With a multitude of variations, from handle material types to blade steels, there is bound to be one made that fits your needs.  The Delica shown here is shown with a green Fiber Glass Reinforced, or FRN, handle which is a lightweight and extremely durable material.  The color is optional, you can get this particular model with a blue, purple, gray, black, brown and of course, green FRN handle.  The blade steel is a higher end stainless steel made in Japan called VG-10 which will offer great corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention.  The grind on this particular model is referred to as a full flat ground which means that when the blade was ground, starting at the cutting edge and moving to the spine, the blade begins thing and gradually gets thicker.  This grind is well suited for low resistance slicing.  This also features a right hand/left hand, tip up or tip down black pocket clip which allows you to adapt it to your needs.

This this particular model is $53.99 + shipping (starts at $3.99 for USPS Priority) at www.NationalKnives.com.  You can also view other Delica models here.


Rob

Spyderco Caly 3.5 Sprint Run with Aogami Super Blue Steel Blade

Spyderco Caly 3.5, 3-1/2" Super Blue Steel Blade, Gray Handle C144GPGY

I really like this knife!  The Spyderco Caly 3.5 Sprint Run with gray G-10 handle and Aogami Super Blue Steel blade is home run in my opinion.  There are some of you that don't like the color of the handle, being a lighter shade of gray, you feel as though this particular color is prone to show more dirt and I won't argue with you as it probably will.  If I was keeping this knife in the safe or as part of a collection and was concerned about getting it dirty, I could relate, but if I am carrying this knife on a day to day basis, then I would expect it to get dirty and if it didn't, then I would know that I don't need to carry a knife at all as I am not using it. 

This knife comes wrapped in a corrosion preventing paper wrap as the blade is not 100% corrosion resistant, in fact, it will "tarnish" as time goes by and some fans of this knife have been purposely "tarnishing" the blade as some feel it adds to the beauty of the knife.  I would suggest you visit some knife forums and get some suggestions and ideas on how to go about it and what to expect. 

The name of the steel used to manufacture the blade on this knife, as mentioned earlier, has nothing to do with the color of the blade.  When the steel is produced it is wrapped in paper that is blue before being shipped to be made into knife blades, etc. and that's it, nothing more to it and nothing less.\

National Knives has these in stock and ready to ship.  They are a great buy at $145.99 + shipping (starting at $3.99 for USPS Priority).

Rob

Spyderco Damascus Delica - Just in!

Spyderco Delica, 2-7/8" SS Damascus Blade, Orange Bone Handle C11JBOP

These have just landed.  This Delica is a Sprint Run (Limited Edition) and is $204.99 + shipping (starts at $3.99 for USPS Priority). Please stop in and visit National Knives today for this and other great knives at great prices.

Spyderco Military Sprint Run - Just in!

Spyderco Military, 4" Plain XHP Blade, Brown G-10 Handle C36GPBNXHP

You can find them here for $164.99 + shipping (starts at $3.99).  Take a look around while you are visiting and see our growing selection and low prices.  National Knives ships out packages Monday through Saturday and orders are shipped in most cases within 24 hours of being placed.

Spyderco Shabaria Sprint Run

Spyderco Shabaria, 3-7/8" Stainless Blade, Carbon Fiber Handle C59CFP

The Spyderco Shabaria  is a design brought to life by custom knife maker Eduard Bradichansky and is modeled after a knife by the same name carried by the Jordan River Valley nomads hundreds of years ago. 

With the Shabaria's hollow ground, plain edge, VG-10 stainless steel blade and it's lightweight black Carbon Fiber handle, this knife is a makes for a great every day carry (EDC) knife or as an unique addition to your collection.

Spyderco UK Pen Knife in G-10

Unfortunately, knife laws are following gun laws and are being strengthened all over the world.  I won't go into whether or not they are effective, I think you can probably figure out my stance on the issue without me having to tell you.  I will tell you that to some it nothing more than a mere hindrance and to others, they are more like a nightmare you just can seem to wake up from. 

The United Kingdom has had laws imposed on what kind of knife can be carried and Spyderco answered with the UK Pen Knife (UKPK).  The name may imply that this knife is only available in the United Kingdom, thankfully, Spyderco has made it available to all and with the rapidly changing laws, I would have to agree with their marketing strategy. 

Spyderco UK Pen Knife, 3" S30V SS Blade, Foliage Green Handle C94GPFG3

The UKPK utilizes GIN-1 and CPM-S30V stainless steels as it's primary blade materials.  The handle materials include Carbon Fiber, Titanium, Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN), and G-10 (shown above).  Carbon fiber and FRN both are lightweight materials with carbon fiber adding a decorative, classy touch and FRN being relatively inexpensive, but neither are very "grippy".  Titanium is another smooth material, virtually indestructible, and high tech, but expensive.  G-10 is not as expensive as carbon fiber or titanium, but is more so than FRN.  With G-10, the user ultimately gets a knife that offers great grip allowing for better control over the knife, in turn allowing for more precise cuts and better safety.

The UKPK is part of Spyderco Slipit line in which the blade does not incorporate any form of locking mechanism, the blade is held open (per Spyderco) by "resistance pressure at the pivot area" of the blade.  The non-locking platform is what keeps this knife legal in the UK as well as other areas of the world. 

Of course, you don't have to be obligated by law to be "forced" to have to carry the UKPK, you can carry it in any area of the world where it is legal for the simple reason that it is a high quality knife that will offer you years of reliable use in an attractive, handy and lightweight package.





Rob

Quick as Lightning! The Kershaw Blur.

With a name like "Blur" it should come to no surprise that this knife opens fast.  It should also come to no surprise that this knife is a spring-assisted opener, not a switchblade/automatic knife, but about as close as you can get to one legally. 

Kershaw Blur Folder, 3-3/8" Stainless Blade, Aluminum Handle 1670S30V

This a sweet liner lock folder features right hand and left hand thumbstud, a right hand tip up or tip down black steel pocket clip, a lightweight black aluminum handle that has Trac-Tec inlays which are great for grip and control.  The blade on this particular model is a stonewashed CPM-S30V stainless steel, which differs from the other Blur models which feature Sandvik's 14C28N stainless steel.  What's the difference?  CPM-S30V is considered an upgrade to 14C28N stainless in that it will typically hold an edge longer. 

The one disadvantage, if you can call it that, is that this knife does not incorporate a "flipper" which is essentially a "tab" that is part of the blade that protrudes out of the back of the knife and allows the user to open the blade with the forefinger (or any finger), whereas the thumbstud is, well, self-explanatory in that it is designed to be utilized by the thumb.


Rob

One beautiful pocket knife, Made in the USA

W.R. Case & Sons is an iconic American manufacturing company.  In 1889, four brothers started making and selling knives, I doubt that they knew at that time how famous their brand of knives would become.  With over 19,000 members, W.R. Case & Sons boasts the largest knife collector communities in the world.  This should speak volumes of the time and effort Case puts into the development, manufacturing and quality control of their product lines. 

Case occasionally retires a particular model and refines them and then, in time, brings them back to the market even better than before.  One particular model is the Case Cheetah.  This model was taken out of production 3 years ago and reintroduced in 2011.  The model shown below features a stunning Raindrop Damascus pattern blade and India Stag Handle and nickel silver bolsters.

Case Cheetah, 3-1/4" Raindrop Damascus Blade, India Stag Handle Model 6087

This is a great knife for a gift for a friend, a family member or to treat yourself with a beautiful knife made in the United States.

Rob