Blade Blog

Below is a compilation of reviews made for the variations of the Spyderco Persian—a gorgeous Ed Schempp-designed plain edge blade knife offered by Spderco.

Review for 75mm variation by M. Resibo

“This is a very nice knife. I like the quality, the look and the heft. It has a classy appearance about it. The opening action is quite stiff, but I understand that this is the case with all of the Mini-Persians.”

“The only bad thing is that the knife is so nice I am reluctant to carry it often because I want to avoid scratching it up with use.”

Review for Mini Persian by Mr Blonde regarding the blade

“The generous curve is excellent for kitchen duty. It’s the classiest paring knife I own. Still, with the angled handle, you can use the tip for finer work. The blade is thin with a relatively high hollow grind; it cuts like the proverbial laser. With the curving edge I’ve noticed that the tip doesn’t get as much wear and tear like with straighter blades. Rather than starting the cut with the tip, the curving edge invites you to start cutting with the edge. I noticed this mostly with opening bags and when using my Mini Persian as a little helper in the Kitchen. When the Mini Persian had to be introduced to Mr. Sharpmaker, it struck me that the tip hardly needed work since it was still relatively sharp.”

Generic review by Tomas Gutierrez

“The hollow ground, upward curved blade holds true to it’s middle-eastern heritage and is just plain attractive. Aesthetics aside, the blade is very practical and makes for an awesome cutting tool.”

“The pocket clip is not ambidextrous to allow for left-handed carry. Thankfully I am right handed, but some of you might miss out on a killer knife because of this.”

Bonus: Two videos from YouTube about the Small and Mini Persian

The C83BMP is one of the many variations of the Spyderco Persian, now heralded as a collector’s item. The original version comes with a 3.5″ blade and is accepted by some as one of the most beautiful Spydercos to date. It is not “super rare” though, as we’ve seen some selling in knife forums going anywhere from $150-250.

The Persian is designed by Ed Schempp, a reknowned knife maker. You should see a stamp of the Schempp logo on one side of the blade—placed normally where the Spyderco logo goes. On that same side, “Spyderco” is etched with a small “VG-10″ just right after it. The opposite side of the blade should only have “Japan” etched on it.

The later versions of the C83BMP has a gold spider on the clip, as seen in one of the borrowed photos below. The gold bug was later replaced with a black one due to some issues of it “rubbing off.” The first ones only had the etchings discussed previously. More later versions placed the Schempp logo on the other side, replacing it with a gold Spyderco logo.

Below are some photos of the C83BMP

The current Spyderco Police model available from retailers come with a stainless steel handle, and is offered in either plain blade or serrated blade. The blade is a VG-10 hollow-ground with a weight reducing spine wenge, measuring 4 1/8 inches. The locking lever has a David Boye dent which prevents from accidentally releasing the lock. The knife measures 5 5/16″ closed and 9 7/16″ overall. It weighs 5.6 ounces with a blade thickness of 1/8″ and hole thumb latch which measures 15/31″ in diameter.

Note:Not to be confused with the Police 3 model.

Plain edge model review

This pocket knife doesn’t feel like a cigarette lighter when you draw it. It has a very long blade, super smooth action, a tight-locking mechanism, and the VG-10 holds a sweet edge. It can be carried point up or down. The thin profile 1/4″ takes some time getting used but it’s well worth it.

Precaution: Apply some Loctite to the screws holding the clip as they will loosen if you don’t.

This is a very large pocketknife, and not suitable for everyone, so if you are looking for Spyderco quality on a smaller knife, I would recommend the following:

• Endura SS
• Spyderco Delica 4

Serrated edge model review by David Rumble

The serrated blade is very effective. I’ve used the knife for everything from opening cans of pineapple juice to opening envelopes. I’ve cut myself probably 25 times, a few years ago badly, removing about 1″ square of skin from my index finger cutting a branch, in one quick slicing move. I was fortunate that it didn’t require stitches. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it to defend my life against anything I should come across in the woods, as I would feel confident that the amount of cutting force that I can deliver with this as an extension of my arm would rival anything with claws. The clip is better than the other Spyderco knives I’ve owned, a simple bent metal affair that doesn’t snag on my pocket and won’t break.

The action on the knife may be my favorite part. It opens and closes so smoothly, depressing the locking mechanism on the back allows the blade to swing back and forth like a pendulum. When it locks open, there is only the tiniest amount of play side-to-side, probably only now after so many years of use.

I’ve had the serrated blade sharpened many times on a standard bench, sharpening the back side of the blade is quite effective although the “pits” of the serrations don’t get sharpened as well from this. This blade stays sharper longer than any other knife I’ve owned, which has greatly helped in it’s longevity.

The knife is visually intimidating, and if it weren’t so darned effective I wouldn’t carry it because of this. It’s just small enough to be legal in my state.

The weight, feel, and action of this knife inspire confidence in it to this day. I’ve loved knives since I was 5 years old, and have bought dozens of them, but I don’t think I’ve bought more than a few as trinkets since owning this one. There may be better knives out there, maybe even for less money. But I won’t find out because I’ve got this one.

The Spyderco Police (C07) had a limited run where a carbon fiber handle (C07CF) was offered. There were only 1,500 of these ever made. In this limited-quantity line, there was a plain edge model (C07CFP), a serrated edge (C07CFS), and both were also offered as left-handed models, C07LCFP and C07LCFS respectively. Out of the 1,500 produced, 1,200 were made right-handed (600 plain, 600 serrated), and 300 were made left-handed (150 plain, 150 serrated).

The C07CF is truly a collector’s item now. It was released in 2003 and each VG-10 satin-finished, hollow grind blade was numbered for reference. It had a blade length of 4 1/8 inches, a closed length of 5 5/16″ and an overall length of 9.5 inches. It weighed 5.45 ounces and had a lock back mechanism inside the stainless steel handle. These knives were made in Seki City, Japan.

Currently, if you’re lucky, you can get one anywhere in the $150-250 price range.

Shown below: C07CFP numbered 061 & C07CFS

The Spyderco Manix, model C101GPS, has a 3.13″ CPM-S30V blade with a G10 handle. It sells for around $159.99, so it is one of the most wanted folding knives out in the market at current time. Reviews have been made all over the internet about the Manix, so we compiled what we thought were the best and made the most sense, plus, a dab of our own opinion.

Reviews

“With a suggested retail value of $199.95, the Spyderco Manix is not the cheapest knife on the market. If you’re looking for a top-notch folding knife that will be your trusted companion for years to come, then check out the Spyderco Manix.” — Santiago Gutierrez

“The Manix has become “my” knife. It’s in my pocket everyday. It’s got some heft to it but is not at all uncomfortable to carry routinely in my pocket. The pocket clip on the Manix can be located on any one of four positions on the handle, so it’s convenient for right or left handers and for tip up or down carry. It’s all up to your preference, unlike other knives that are limited in this regard. The Manix feels like it’s made so well that it will last at least a century. It’s just a great utility knife.” — K. W. Forsythe

Blade Blog

The Manix’s blade is on the short side—3.13 inches, which makes it legal in many states. The knife appears bigger because the blade is broad, which makes it virtually indestructible.

The G10 handle is comfortable and is quite a looker as well. The handle has dual steel liners which enhance the strength without adding much weight.

The Manix has a great opening mechanism. It has a hole-type latch—a Spyderco trademark—which really is very easy to use, looks neat and reliable. It takes a bit of effort for new owners to get used to opening Spyderco knives with the hole, but once you get the hang of it, there’s no turning back.

A lock holds the blade in open position; you retract the blade with a release mechanism located at the back of the blade. There is no way you could accidentally close the blade in its open position, it is virtually worry free.

This knife is indestructible, dependable and is quite affordable ($120-160). It should be on everyone’s list.

There are two models of Opinel pruning knives—one comes with an 8 cm blade, the other, 10 centimeters. Officially, they are called “No 8″ and “No 10″ respectively. Both knives are foldable, with curved blades made of high grade carbon stainless steel, and handles made of Beechwood. They have a safety ring (ferrule) dubbed “Vibroloc,” which locks the blade in open or closed position. It (Vibroloc) was invented by Opinel founder, Marcel Opinel.

Opinel Pruning Knife No. 8

• Measures 4.25″ closed
• Made in France

Opinel Pruning Knife No. 10

• Measures 4 5/8″ closed
• Made in France

The Schrade PH2W, model SC-PH2W, is the Pro Hunter 2 Knife with an exotic Desert Ironwood handle. It comes with a leather sheath and a lanyard, and weighs just about 113 grams. It has a 2.75″ blade that has a drop point and is made of stainless steel. The handle has a lanyard hole. The whole knife measures just under 7 inches. As the handles are made of wood, each knife will slightly vary in color and uniqueness.

The SC-PH2W has a list price of $39.90, and is available from most dealers for $30-$35.

From “Blade, the blogger”

I have had the chance to handle one of these during a recent visit to the Midwest. It is a sweet little knife that can be easily tucked inside one’s boot. The Desert Ironwood is just gorgeous and feels incredible, and so is the overall balance of the knife.

The Benchmade Gravitator is one dangerous looking knife—3.5″ long blade and measures 8.28″ overall. The Gravitator series was designed by renowned knife maker, Mike Snody, and, although today the Gravitator is already discontinued, it remains as one of Benchmade’s all-time classics.

The modified Wharncliff blade, which is also available as part serrated, is made from 154CM stainless stell that is 1.45″ thick. The blade’s hardness is rated at Rockwell 58-60, and also has two thumb studs for left or right-handed opening, as well as a notched thumb rest. “Snody” is etched on the opposite side of Benchmade’s logo.

The handle is black G10, measures 4.77″ closed and has G10 bolsters. It has dual titanium liners and locks. A pocket clip for tip down carry is included and is also removable.

Model #: BM-425S

If you can still find one, these knives sell for around $100-130.

Image

Benchmade Gravitator image borrowed from bladeforums.com

The Kershaw Scallion model # 1620H3 is a 3″ blade knife that measures 7″ in total. It has a spring assist mechanism in its blade and is made in the USA. Like the Kershaw Leek, the Scallion series is designed by renowned knife maker, Ken Onion. It (Scallion series) is regarded as a very ideal candidate for an every day carry pocket knife.

The 1620H3 has a black, aluminum grip that is TiNi (newer models, DLC) coated. Some models have 3 holes in the blade, some don’t. The steel is 420HC grade which is very easy to resharpen. You can purchase a 1620H3 for as low as $30. The Scallion 1620H3 is quite an old model, it was first seen in the market back in early 2006

Pros

• Sleek
• Sharp
• Does not take much space

Cons

• Pocket clip is very stiff
• Does no have a tip up/down carry option

The Benchmade Opportunist 440, with its wood side panels atop a scaled aluminum housing, is one gorgeous knife. Listed at $180.00, it’s probably one of the most stylish and timeless production knives available in the market today. The Opportunist is an Osborne design and Benchmade Blue Class member. The scaled aluminum handle is made of T6 aircraft grade aluminum.

The blade is made of S30V stainless steel and is just under 3″ in length (2.99″), which makes it perfect for everyday carry applications. The blade is about 0.114″ thick with a hardness rating of 58-60HRC. It also has a removable split-arrow clip and its locking liner is smooth enough to be opened on one hand.

Update to the 440

Benchmade has come up with the 440TICF-71, an upgrade to the already-impressive 440. It has a blue titanium handles in place of the aluminum, and carbon fiber onlays in place of the wood. It has black nickel hardware with a blue topaz thumb-stud.