Spyderco Forums

Thinking about picking up one of these... but my only experience with any 440 steels is junk crap from flea markets in the 90s. Is the 440c on the Cat any good?
Thanks.

Lonerider

I bought a Cat years ago. I definitely prefer the Dragonfly. Couldn't get the 440C sharp for whatever reason (probably inexperience). I believe the Cat is sold with CTS BD1 steel nowadays.

Its bd1 and is a good knife. If you want a slightly fancier knife in the same steel try the Alcyone.

If you're buying it new chances are you'll be receiving a Cat with BD1 Steel, as Bdubs noted. Not sure if anyone still has 440c models in stock though.

I "EDC'd" the 440c Cat, almost exclusively, for nearly 2 years before I lost it. It was perfect size for me due to blade length restrictions.
I didn't have any issues getting it sharp on the Sharpmaker. Would usually touch it up on just the brown Sharpmaker stones. I don't remember any problems with rust either. It was reliable for me.

I actually tried to replace the 440c Cat on Ebay recently, but ended up receiving the BD1 model.

I have a 440C Cat in my gun safe. I haven't really carried it but I do remember touching it up on the Sharpmaker. If I remember correctly I had no problem getting it sharp.

If I was going to buy another one I'd have no problem with it having BD1 steel.

Bdubs808 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 11, 2018 6:13 pm

I bought a Cat years ago.

^ Haha! I've been that guy! :)

Lol :D

Mine is 440C and I'd say it's the least impressive steel of any Spyderco I have owned, a bit harder to get a great edge on than AUS 8 or ATS-55 and unexceptional edge retention, still better than so many other steels that are out there in that price range knife... The knife is a very nice solid design, but really needs to have the polymer washers replaced with bronze to have better action and lockup.

I'd do an Urban or Dragonfly instead if I was in the market for that size knife and didn't already own all three ...even with the new BD1 blade steel.

Bloke wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 11, 2018 8:16 pm

Bdubs808 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 11, 2018 6:13 pm

I bought a Cat years ago.

I tried to tell him to get a dog. He texted me want he wanted in a dog.



I said, by all means a cat is what you need. The pic he sent reminds me of my ex minus the chain. :eek:

I actually loved my Cat.
But plastic washers

I actually have a Cat with 440C that has jimping top and bottom. It is a really nice knife for a liner lock. I bought it because I wanted a Spyderco quality travel knife. It excels in that regard.

440C done right is good steel. There was a time when it was the super steel. It is certainly better than AUS8 and maybe AUS10. Buck was made famous because of its use of 440C that would hold a tough edge for a long time. They did 440C right and so does Spyderco.

Now, the knife comes in BD1 and that is pretty good all around steel, too. Though the knife no longer has jimping, you do get steel liners and G10 scales in a compact knife. I say buy one.

If you want a smaller and lighter knife then get a Dragonfly, but for the money, the Cat can't be beat.

I bought a BD1 cat a year ago. They're built like a tank - solid as a rock. Good knife for the money.

I have an older non-jimped Cat in 440C that I carry frequently. Takes an edge with little effort and holds it reasonably well. I find it to be a stout little knife with excellent ergos. If they ever transition to BD1N I may have to pick up another.

Are the newer ones still using teflon washers?

olywa wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 12, 2018 10:21 am

Are the newer ones still using teflon washers?

I've been meaning to look at my 440C Cat. I swear it has PB washers. No worry either way since I've never had an issue with Teflon washers.