Special Spyder models > Their intended or ideal uses

[JD Spydo]

I think it's fair to say that Spyderco has probably the biggest selection of specialty knives of any production company out there. Why who else for instance has ever made a knife with it's intended use being for handicapped people who only have the use of one hand/arm ( The Maddox). I was talking to a Forum member telling them how great the Dodo is. The reply I got was that they couldn't see it's practical or pragmatic uses for a knife with a small blade and full sized handle. And unless you've used one I think most everyone would have that question.

I use my Dodo for packaging chores and precision cutting chores almost exclusively. But unless we talk about INTENDED USES of these Spyders most afficionados and every day users wouldn't have a clue as to what most of these knives intended uses are. For instance last summer I was in the wetlands and I got a thorn/splinter jamed into my ankle. When I got back to the ranch that evening I used my Centofante II to literally surgically remove the thorn/splinter. And it really worked slick too.

So why don't we use this thread to talk about some of our favorite Spyders and please share what you believe are that particular model's intended uses are. Plus you all can share what other ideal uses that you have discovered in your daily use of that given Spyderco model.

[Puyallupknifegu]

Great idea, JD!!! Ok, I'll go first: ( Ok, technically you went first, so I'll go first after you!!)

The waved D4!!! My personal uses for it are many...I am a stockroom manager for an office supply company and I use it to open boxes every day!! The wave is absolutely the fastest and most convenient way to open a folding knife.

I also like the fact that the blade is just under 3 inches...I work in Seattle frequently and if I ever had to explain why I was carrying my D4, I don't think blade length would be much of an issue.

Second purpose for the knife, being as that it is waved, is self defense. Personally, I wouldn't be pulling my knife first...but if I had to, I at least know that I wouldn't have to spend much time/coordination getting it out of my pocket...or for an emergency/cut a seatbelt etc...

Tag! Who's next?

Tim

[lmilhan]

Perfect beer bottle opener!

[JD Spydo]

I think that the Dodo is a small knife with huge cutting capabilities. The Dodo is also one knife that is just as useful in it's fully serrated variety as it is in the plain edged variety. For packaging, box opening and even some carving jobs are really well done with the Dodo.

Take the Bram Frank Gunting for instance. IT's probably the only Spyderco knife I know of in the knife universe that it's primary purpose is not really necessarily intended for cutting anything. But on the other hand it's probably the best self defense oriented Spyder in the entire line up.

The Massad Ayoob for instance is geared for ergonomic cutting chores coupled with the fact that it is set up for stabbing and self defense needs. It truly may go down as the first truly ergonomic knife in history with the possible exception of some of Laci Szabo's stuff.

Now I know that some of you have a Spyderco knife that is ideal for some cutting chores that you just happened to stumbled across by accident or happenstance.

[cobrajoe]

I think the Dodo is the perfect balance between big knife strength and small knife precision. I'm not afraid to put (almost) all my weight on the handle when cutting some very restive material, but it's also the first blade I reach for when I need to be very accurate with a cut.

Even though the cricket came first, I feel like it's the little brother. Many of the same attributes, but smaller and cuter (but not necessarily better for precision).

Also, the Kiwi seems very specialized. When closed, it is about the same size as some of the more traditional pocket knives, but when open it fills my large hands and has plenty of cutting edge. The blade seems perfect for office duties, it has the thin pointy tip that pierces paper easily and the straight wharnie blade gives great precesion without resorting to a pencil type of grip. Also, the hollow grind seems appropriate, it gives a thin accute edge for slicing thin items such as paper or food packages.

[rcbalt2]

Perfect beer bottle opener!

Used it tonight after work. It works great.

[jaislandboy]

The Captain seems to me the perfect wood whittler...the Tasman Salt is my fruit paring knife of choice....

[JD Spydo]

Here are some models that I was hoping that some of you would tell me of some of the jobs you find that are ideal to be done with that particular model.
RONIN
SPOT
Centofante II C-25 & C-50
Shabaria
and the Catcherman for other than it's obvious intended use.
I know a bunch of you have found some interesting uses for certain models. So quit holding out on us

[Axlis]

I had to take up some carpet a while back, and I didn't have a utility knife handy, so.... Dodo time!

The Dodo ATE through the carpet like no ones business, the Hawkbill point made for great precision, and the belly worked well for when I had to do some "free air" cutting.

I tried the Yojimbo as well, which worked okay. But I have to say that on that day, it was the Dodo's time to rule.

[JD Spydo]

I had to take up some carpet a while back, and I didn't have a utility knife handy, so.... Dodo time!

The Dodo ATE through the carpet like no ones business, the Hawkbill point made for great precision, and the belly worked well for when I had to do some "free air" cutting.

Why the Dodo ever got discoed is just beyond me. It seems like everytime I engage in a trade proposal just about everyone I try to trade with asked me if I have any Dodos left. Not the mention the Dodo is truly one of the most functional, specific purpose knives that Spyderco ever made IMO.

I am constantly finding new uses for mine. This is why I started this thread because I thought for sure that there would be several people with specific cutting chores that they discovered for a certain model of Spyder.

A fixed blade Spyder that I was hoping to hear about is the fixed blade Temperance. It is the most comfortable fixed blade Spyder I've ever used. I am sure that the comfort factor makes it ideal for a myriad of cutting chores that you normally wouldn't associate with fixed blade knives.

[Dr. Snubnose]

ChinookII for me it's a perfect tool....strong tip, plenty of belly for cutting everything....strong lock....can take extreme abuse....it's not a knife it's a tool...for me it's the Timex of the Spyderco line....and then there is always the back-cut ....Doc

[Stevie Ray]

JD, I'm with you on the Dodo ... great design. I've got a user and have kept a couple in reserve ... for later use!

I carry the SPOT when I walk or jog outside at night and on winter vacations when I wear an overshirt. Not likely that I'll ever have to use it, but ..........

[foggy]

I continue to sing the praises of the spot as a field dressing knife. After all it's made to cut meat!

[Franco G]

(off the topic)

Tim (Puyalluknifeguy),

I like your signature:

Sic Vis Pacum Parabellum

However, in Latin, it should be pacem instead of pacum. I would put the sententia in this way:

Si vis pacem, Parabellum!

Even the original sentence Si vis pacem para bellum has basically the same meaning.

Franco