SALT Liners

[RAHComanche]

As I look admiring at my most recent Salt knife addition, I got curious about the liners. Much is said about the blade material, e.g, Magnacut, LC200N, but less is said about the liners. Except "fearless corrosion resistant" and "marine-grade". Since S90V and many others are considered stainless, why not mention the liner material?

For Salt owners that use their knives heavy duty, do you worry about the liners or do any extra care on the liners?

[JoviAl]

As I look admiring at my most recent Salt knife addition, I got curious about the liners. Much is said about the blade material, e.g, Magnacut, LC200N, but less is said about the liners. Except "fearless corrosion resistant" and "marine-grade". Since S90V and many others are considered stainless, why not mention the liner material?

For Salt owners that use their knives heavy duty, do you worry about the liners or do any extra care on the liners?

I use the snot out of my Caribbean and apart from flushing it out and wiping it clean with rubbing alcohol I don’t do any of my normal anti-corrosion routine. I work outdoors in the tropics and use my knives for arboriculture and horticulture, so they really get a beating. The Salt knives inspire nothing but absolute confidence in all of their parts in my experience

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

I may or may not have a couple Salts and work em’ to the bone, really don’t do anything special maintenance-wise…if they get super dirty I just toss them into warm water and blue Dawn, let them soak a few minutes then use a toothbrush to scrub a little and set out to dry…doesn’t matter if they have liners or not

[RugerNurse]

How has the new salt PM2 held up? Would be so weird to get it all wet. I try to avoid it with my regular one haha

[wrdwrght]

I recall Sal saying that, its blade aside, any Salt using metals (for screws, locks, clips, and even liners) is using metals that are super corrosion-resistant. He’s also said that he prefers not to disclose what these metals are.

That galvanic reaction is such a rare thing in Spyderco’s Salts (mostly a matter of accidental contamination), Sal’s reluctance to betray what amounts to a trade-secret to would-be Salt-competitors should be no cause for concern, but for confidence instead.

[Michael Janich]

If you read the most recent issue of the byte, we answer this question:

Due to the complexities of galvanic corrosion, all the other metal parts of Spyderco’s Salt Series knives—including springs, lock bars, backspacers, screws, ball bearings, clips, etc.—must be very carefully chosen. Every part must not only possess the necessary qualities to perform its individual function; it must also be completely compatible with the metal parts around it. To achieve this perfect compatibility, Spyderco invests hundreds of hours of research, development, and testing into every Salt Series folding knife. Understandably, that is also why we do not share the exact details of the other materials and processes used in our Salt knives.

While we understand our customers' desire to know everything about their knives, we also work very hard to maintain a competitive position in the industry. Disclosing information that could empower our competition is not a wise business practice.

Thank you for your understanding.

Stay safe,

Mike

[cabfrank]

Makes perfect sense.

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

How has the new salt PM2 held up? Would be so weird to get it all wet. I try to avoid it with my regular one haha

Hi Ruger - just seeing this, it’s an incredible knife with “Golden” detent and such a great design…I haven’t really been too rough with it yet, but when you get one don’t be afraid to get it wet

[Bill1170]

Trade secrets offer better protection than patents in many cases. Think Zildjian cymbals, Coca-Cola formula, Falcon 9 rockets. We want Spyderco to reap the rewards for their profound efforts at research and development. They are true innovators in a world crowded with copycats.

[James Y]

There are *very few* new knives anymore that I would actually like to purchase someday in the future. I say "someday," because if I ever do purchase another knife, it won't be anytime soon. The PM2 Salt is on top of that short list; IF the spot on the handle where the clip presses down isn't a pocket shredder. The other one I would like would be a Military 2 Salt, if one is ever produced(?).

I don't feel any need to know Spyderco's trade secrets for their Salt knives. The fact that they do so much R&D and CQI is plenty for me.

Jim

[Manifestgtr]

Think Zildjian cymbals

To this day, I’ve yet to find a better “all around” ride than the 20” k custom…regardless of genre, it just WORKS.

[RAHComanche]

The peel ply is pretty rough on the jeans pocket IMO. Curious as to what other think.

There are *very few* new knives anymore that I would actually like to purchase someday in the future. I say "someday," because if I ever do purchase another knife, it won't be anytime soon. The PM2 Salt is on top of that short list; IF the spot on the handle where the clip presses down isn't a pocket shredder. The other one I would like would be a Military 2 Salt, if one is ever produced(?).

I don't feel any need to know Spyderco's trade secrets for their Salt knives. The fact that they do so much R&D and CQI is plenty for me.

Jim

[James Y]

The peel ply is pretty rough on the jeans pocket IMO. Curious as to what other think.

There are *very few* new knives anymore that I would actually like to purchase someday in the future. I say "someday," because if I ever do purchase another knife, it won't be anytime soon. The PM2 Salt is on top of that short list; IF the spot on the handle where the clip presses down isn't a pocket shredder. The other one I would like would be a Military 2 Salt, if one is ever produced(?).

I don't feel any need to know Spyderco's trade secrets for their Salt knives. The fact that they do so much R&D and CQI is plenty for me.

Jim

Thanks for the feedback. Well, it looks like I may have to cross the PM2 Salt off my future wants; my short list just got shorter.

I would hope that the Military 2 Salt would have normally-textured G10 scales, just like the standard models. Or at least design the scale pattern to have a flat spot (or spots) for the clip contact point, regardless if the user chooses to position it for tip up or tip down carry. I'm a nobody who knows nothing about making knives, but this is one thing I would like for Spyderco to really consider when designing scales or scale patterns for new models, or new versions of established models.

Jim

[Mushroom]

The peel ply is pretty rough on the jeans pocket IMO. Curious as to what other think.

There are *very few* new knives anymore that I would actually like to purchase someday in the future. I say "someday," because if I ever do purchase another knife, it won't be anytime soon. The PM2 Salt is on top of that short list; IF the spot on the handle where the clip presses down isn't a pocket shredder. The other one I would like would be a Military 2 Salt, if one is ever produced(?).

I don't feel any need to know Spyderco's trade secrets for their Salt knives. The fact that they do so much R&D and CQI is plenty for me.

Jim

Thanks for the feedback. Well, it looks like I may have to cross the PM2 Salt off my future wants; my short list just got shorter.

I would hope that the Military 2 Salt would have normally-textured G10 scales, just like the standard models. Or at least design the scale pattern to have a flat spot (or spots) for the clip contact point, regardless if the user chooses to position it for tip up or tip down carry. I'm a nobody who knows nothing about making knives, but this is one thing I would like for Spyderco to really consider when designing scales or scale patterns for new models, or new versions of established models.

Jim

Don’t cross it off quite yet! Only the all black PM2 Salt has a peel ply texture. The satin/yellow PM2 Salt does not have the peel ply texture.

[James Y]

The peel ply is pretty rough on the jeans pocket IMO. Curious as to what other think.

There are *very few* new knives anymore that I would actually like to purchase someday in the future. I say "someday," because if I ever do purchase another knife, it won't be anytime soon. The PM2 Salt is on top of that short list; IF the spot on the handle where the clip presses down isn't a pocket shredder. The other one I would like would be a Military 2 Salt, if one is ever produced(?).

I don't feel any need to know Spyderco's trade secrets for their Salt knives. The fact that they do so much R&D and CQI is plenty for me.

Jim

Thanks for the feedback. Well, it looks like I may have to cross the PM2 Salt off my future wants; my short list just got shorter.

I would hope that the Military 2 Salt would have normally-textured G10 scales, just like the standard models. Or at least design the scale pattern to have a flat spot (or spots) for the clip contact point, regardless if the user chooses to position it for tip up or tip down carry. I'm a nobody who knows nothing about making knives, but this is one thing I would like for Spyderco to really consider when designing scales or scale patterns for new models, or new versions of established models.

Jim

Don’t cross it off quite yet! Only the all black PM2 Salt has a peel ply texture. The satin/yellow PM2 Salt does not have the peel ply texture.

Nick,

From the closeup pic of the yellow striped PM2 Salt's handle scale, the texture pattern alone still looks like it'll be a pocket eater. I might be wrong about that, but there appears to be no flat spot on the G10 for the clip to press against. Kind of a bummer for me, because a PM2 Salt has been a dream knife to me for quite awhile now, but oh, well.

Anyway, I'm straying too far off the subject of this thread...

Jim

[Eliteone2383]

As I look admiring at my most recent Salt knife addition, I got curious about the liners. Much is said about the blade material, e.g, Magnacut, LC200N, but less is said about the liners. Except "fearless corrosion resistant" and "marine-grade". Since S90V and many others are considered stainless, why not mention the liner material?

For Salt owners that use their knives heavy duty, do you worry about the liners or do any extra care on the liners?

I use the snot out of my Caribbean and apart from flushing it out and wiping it clean with rubbing alcohol I don’t do any of my normal anti-corrosion routine. I work outdoors in the tropics and use my knives for arboriculture and horticulture, so they really get a beating. The Salt knives inspire nothing but absolute confidence in all of their parts in my experience

How often do you need to sharpen your salt knives?

[JSumm]

Kind of a bummer for me, because a PM2 Salt has been a dream knife to me for quite awhile now, but oh, well.

Hey Jim, don't let those scales detour you from your dream knife. There are so many great aftermarket scales that are fantastic. Even just in plain G10. Micarta of course. And AWT has a single liner delete aluminum scales that have excellent contouring. None of which should remove the salt worthiness of this knife.

[JoviAl]

As I look admiring at my most recent Salt knife addition, I got curious about the liners. Much is said about the blade material, e.g, Magnacut, LC200N, but less is said about the liners. Except "fearless corrosion resistant" and "marine-grade". Since S90V and many others are considered stainless, why not mention the liner material?

For Salt owners that use their knives heavy duty, do you worry about the liners or do any extra care on the liners?

I use the snot out of my Caribbean and apart from flushing it out and wiping it clean with rubbing alcohol I don’t do any of my normal anti-corrosion routine. I work outdoors in the tropics and use my knives for arboriculture and horticulture, so they really get a beating. The Salt knives inspire nothing but absolute confidence in all of their parts in my experience

How often do you need to sharpen your salt knives?

Depends - for SE H1/H2 or LC200N I sharpen at lunch and the end of the day on my Sharpmaker or Galley V. It’s about ~500 cuts before it starts to slide rather than cut. I can spin Magnacut out a fair bit longer, maybe a full day or even two if the stuff I’m cutting is clean, but I like it wicked sharp so I usually sharpen it on the KME at the end of each day.

[James Y]

Kind of a bummer for me, because a PM2 Salt has been a dream knife to me for quite awhile now, but oh, well.

Hey Jim, don't let those scales detour you from your dream knife. There are so many great aftermarket scales that are fantastic. Even just in plain G10. Micarta of course. And AWT has a single liner delete aluminum scales that have excellent contouring. None of which should remove the salt worthiness of this knife.

Thanks, Jeff.

Yes, you are right. I just wish that the original factory scales had a pocket-friendly texture at the clip contact spot. That might be something to be considered in designing handle texture patterns for future models.

Jim

[JSumm]

Kind of a bummer for me, because a PM2 Salt has been a dream knife to me for quite awhile now, but oh, well.

Hey Jim, don't let those scales detour you from your dream knife. There are so many great aftermarket scales that are fantastic. Even just in plain G10. Micarta of course. And AWT has a single liner delete aluminum scales that have excellent contouring. None of which should remove the salt worthiness of this knife.

Thanks, Jeff.

Yes, you are right. I just wish that the original factory scales had a pocket-friendly texture at the clip contact spot. That might be something to be considered in designing handle texture patterns for future models.

Jim

Agreed, Spyderco usually nails that part of the design. Why it is so hard to switch the standard clip on FRN models. The clip feels great in hand and perfectly hits the smooth spot.

I recently picked up a Protech Malibu. The textured aluminum has phenomenal texture for grip, but they thought ahead and built in a smooth pad for the clip. Reminded me of Spyderco's FRN models.