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Jealousy is often referred to as the Green-Eyed Monster. Being a little sister, I am all too familiar with this emotion.
As a kid, my big brother always had the nicest and newest gadgets. He is also incredibly smart, so he had the best grades. I looked up to him and was inspired to think that maybe someday day I’d have the nicest and newest things. Maybe I would be even smarter than him…
That last one didn’t come to fruition, but to this day, I strive to get something nicer and newer This determination peaked one summer day before my freshman year in college.
On that day a window was opened into the world of extraordinary pocket knives when my brother showed me his newest purchase. It was a Spyderco “S” Black. When I saw it, my hazel eyes turned to green.
This knife didn’t have a solid metal handle, it was intricately carved out like a web. Once the blade was revealed, I was blown away. The whole knife was one incredible black and silver web. I had never seen anything that strong look as though it might fold under the slightest pressure.
How was this possible for Spyderco to combine a delicate façade with such interior strength? Well, that’s easy to explain. The almost 2.5” long blade has been shaped, not cut out, to look like a web by a process called metal injection molding.
Basically, there are four ingredients, steel (which is Taiwan produced 440C steel), a binder, metal powder, and heat. The first three ingredients are mixed together and then molded to shape. Once in the shape the ingredients are sintered, or heated, to combine into a solid material.
The “S” was produced with option to choose between two different handle colors, black or silver. Both are made of anodized aluminum that has been cut with the same web pattern as the molded blade. It should come as no surprise that the entire knife weighs only 2 oz.
A wire clip is attached to carry in the tip-up position only but can be changed for left or right-handed carry. It’s a great length at 3.5” but the wire clip is positioned somewhat low on the handle so the top is visible when carried in a pocket.
Opposite of the blade in the handle is a Compression Lock. This incredibly strong lock has been developed and patented by Spyderco. It compresses just behind the blade and pops into place once open. The lock releases by pushing in on the tab and folding the blade back down. With four finger grips, you can be assured of a secure hold when cutting.
Fortunately, my eyes didn’t stay green for long. A few years later I was able to purchase my very own shiny, and new, “S” Silver. By far the best purchase I’ve made and one of my top five favorite knives of all time.
Even though the “S” isn’t an everyday use knife for me, it’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your friends. Unfortunately, Spyderco no longer makes the “S”, but if you want one bad enough, you’ll find it. Don’t let that Green-Eyed Monster get the best of you.
Editor: I hope you enjoyed this guest post from Jennifer Wood. As the PocketKnifeHousWife, she definitely brings a different perspective from your average knife reviewer. Jennifer and her reviews can be found at PocketknifeHousewife.com. Follow her on Instagram @Pocketknifehousewife or Twitter @PktHousewife.
That’s a pretty cool looking knife! I’m going to go off subject, as I’ve been meaning to ask your opinion on something for awhile. I’m looking for a new fixed-blade knife, and I’m wondering what you would recommend. I currently have 3 Benchmade folders (I should buy stock in the company😉), and a few other, cheaper knives of various configurations. I want a good, durable knife for “bushcrafting” tasks (okay, that term cracks me up, and maybe I’m showing my age, but we always just called that stuff camping). I think I would like a 4-5 inch blade, and perhaps a leather sheath. Oh, and it would be nice if it was pretty (‘cuz I’m a girl😁)! I’m not crazy about the Mora Garberg (which I know is popular). I have seen a Case with bison handle, which looks neat, but I don’t know much about Case knives.
I would love your input!
Jana
Hi Jana,
Sorry for the slow reply. I wasn’t sure if this question was for myself, or for Jenn. Hmm, I am a big fan of the Fallkniven F1. I think that one might fit the bill for you. Although it has a high density rubber handle, I still think it’s a “pretty” knife, and can come in a thick leather sheath. It cuts beautifully.
If that doesn’t pique your interest then perhaps some of ESEE’s new Camplore series may be of interest. Although I haven’t reviewed these yet, they look intriguing with uncoated blades and nice natural looking handles. If they are anything like ESEE’s other knives they are going to cut well and they have an excellent warranty.
Hope this helps! Thanks for the question!
Dan