Poll: Solid back-spacers vs. stand-offs

[SpyderNut]

MCM's superb pictures of his new Mambas today reminded me of a question I've been wanting to ask the Forum. Out of sheer curiosity, what is your preference in terms of folding knives featuring solid back-spacers vs. knives featuring stand-offs? Both have their pros and cons, but I personally prefer the aesthetic of solid back-spacers over stand-offs. However, stand-offs do allow debris such as pocket lint and gunk to be easily blown out of the handle with greater ease--compared to knives featuring solid back-spacers.

Anyway, what are your personal preferences and why? You are able to change your vote if you prefer.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

-Michael

[ChrisinHove]

I'm happy to leave it to the designer. These guys are the experts.

[Liquid Cobra]

MCM's superb pictures of his new Mambas today reminded me of a question I've been wanting to ask the Forum. Out of sheer curiosity, what is your preference in terms of folding knives featuring solid back-spacers vs. knives featuring stand-offs? Both have their pros and cons, but I personally prefer the aesthetic of solid back-spacers over stand-offs. However, stand-offs do allow debris such as pocket lint and gunk to be easily blown out of the handle with greater ease--compared to knives featuring solid back-spacers.

Anyway, what are your personal preferences and why? You are able to change your vote if you prefer.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

-Michael

What is the advantage of a solid back spacer? I prefer stand offs because of the way they look and like you said, easier to keep clean.

[The Deacon]

Solid backspacers, because I have a strong preference for midlock knives and that's the way they're built. Also prefer them on liner and framelocks for several reasons. A solid backspacer inspires more confidence than a stop pin. It also can prevent other objects in one's pocket from coming in contact with the edge. Finally, it allows building "traditional" liner or frame lock that uses a backspring and inspires confidence that it will stay closed in my pocket rather than the almost non-existent closing bias provided by a Walker or Reeves lock.

[Liquid Cobra]

Solid backspacers, because I have a strong preference for midlock knives and that's the way they're built. Also prefer them on liner and framelocks for several reasons. A solid backspacer inspires more confidence than a stop pin. It also can prevent other objects in one's pocket from coming in contact with the edge. Finally, it allows building "traditional" liner or frame lock that uses a backspring and inspires confidence that it will stay closed in my pocket rather than the almost non-existent closing bias provided by a Walker or Reeves lock.

Why does a solid backspacer inspire more confidence? Does it give you the impression it could withstand harder use? Curious.

You're comment about things not getting inside the knife when you have a backspacer is a good point. I would have never thought of that because I don't carry anything else in my pocket if a knife is in there.

I also have zero concerns about any of my frame/liner/compression lock knives opening in my pocket, so that's not a concern for me either.

I guess we don't see eye to eye Deacon lol. Good thing Spyderco has us both covered with plenty of options :)

[SG89]

Option 3: whichever comes with the knife. Either way some compressed air will clean the lint or dirt out of them. They both look great to me.

[Surfingringo]

Yeah, I don't really care either. I have had coins lodge themselves in blades with standoffs. It's mildly annoying but not enough to make me dislike the design.

[demoncase]

It really doesn't make a difference to me because: aesthetically, it suits some designs and doesn't suit others....Coins lodge in stand-off'd knives and lint/tissue fragments/general crud end up getting packed into backspacer'd knives- so there's nothing in it.

That said, I added a backspacer to my PM2...and am in the process of removing the backspacer from one of my Militarys... :D

[Evil D]

I prefer standoffs. Less weight, easier to clean out, and I don't carry change or other small things in the same pocket so I don't worry about things getting into the knife.

[timlara]

I prefer standoffs, partly for appearance and partly for ease of cleaning / inspection. I particularly like nice looking standoffs like the hourglass ones on the Bradley folder or a "hybrid" approach with a smaller, semi-open, recessed back spacer like on the Foundry.

That said, I do agree with others that it's up to the designer ultimately, and the type of back spacer has never really deterred me from buying a particular design that I like. To me it's not that big of a factor compared to other things like lock type, steel, handle ergos, or blade shape.

[LC Kid]

Hi Folks!


My personal preference is the backspacer, preferably made in a lightweight material, like Titanium, Carbon Fibre or G-10. :cool:

Why? Because it makes a really solid construction to the whole structure, while being partial it lets you clean thoroughly inside the knife. :)

I actually have knives with stands-off, and have no complaints about them, but still prefer the look and feel of the backspacer. :rolleyes:

[Spydersense]

I prefer standoffs for ease of cleaning.

[TheKnifeCollector]

I like both. It really depends on the knife. Some look amazing with stand offs, some look amazing with back spacers; it REALLY depends on the knife.

[Fred Sanford]

I like both. It really depends on the knife. Some look amazing with stand offs, some look amazing with back spacers; it REALLY depends on the knife.

Same for me. I agree completely.

[farnorthdan]

I like both, only knife I switched to stand-offs was the Techno, the rest I've left alone. I've also considered upgrading some back spacers to nicer materials.

[awa54]

I don't have a strong preference, some designs dictate/allow the use of one or the other, I doubt that that I would ever pass on a knife that I liked the overall design of because of the back-spacer choice.

[abbazaba]

Good poll! I generally like stand offs better for the weight/simplicity/cleaning, but I do like back spacers that are smooth and flush with the handle. The current G10 backspacer trend with "traction" that isn't flush with the handle just isn't for me, especially on a titanium framelock.

[BostonTom]

I like them both so far. The Deacon brought up a good point about objects coming in contact with edge on a knife with stand offs. I have a bad habit of carrying a knife loose in pocket along with other stuff.. No more.
I pulled out my Sage 1 the other day to show someone a 'good' knife and a bunch of change came with it.

[toxophilus]

Either one; today I was using my Gayle Bradley for food prep, was a breeze to clean out (made soup from leftover beef roast).

Usually when doing general cutting I'll use either design, whatever I happen to reach for that is handy and appropriate for the task.

Love that Spyderco gives us so many styles to choose from!

[SpyderNut]

What is the advantage of a solid back spacer? I prefer stand offs because of the way they look and like you said, easier to keep clean.

Solid backspacers, because I have a strong preference for midlock knives and that's the way they're built. Also prefer them on liner and framelocks for several reasons. A solid backspacer inspires more confidence than a stop pin. It also can prevent other objects in one's pocket from coming in contact with the edge. Finally, it allows building "traditional" liner or frame lock that uses a backspring and inspires confidence that it will stay closed in my pocket rather than the almost non-existent closing bias provided by a Walker or Reeves lock.

Paul said it perfectly. My exact thoughts too. :)