CRKT Hawk D.O.G. (4504)

Another G & G Hawk collaboration!

The CRKT D.O.G. or Deadbolt Over Grabstep was the first production G & G Hawk collaboration that I am aware of. I believe it was released in 2003 by CRKT and came feature packed. In the box you get the knife and two different sets of Zytel scales, each set has a different texture for personal preference. The knife has a unique pocket clip system in that the clip is under tension from an o-ring that sits between the clip screw and the pocket clip spacer that allows the pocket clip a little bit of wiggle room to make insertion and removal a little easier while still giving a solid hold. The lock system is very easy to use and appears to be extremely strong. Only minor complaint is that the Zytel scales are a little fat and can make access to the locking tabs a little difficult.

Spyderco Manix 2 (C101G2)

This is far and away one of the best folders I've ever seen from Spyderco. I was hesitant when I first saw the prototype pictures. The hollow grind, all that jimping and the caged lock were things I didn't really see the appeal of. Things changed when I handled it at the Blade show in Atlanta over the Summer. Listening to Mr. Schempp explain what he knew of Eric's design philosophy while I handled the knife changed my opinion drastically and I quickly became a huge fan of the design.

The added jimping works very well without any discomfort. Deeper index finger position offers more control with a more comfortable grip and I really can't fault the hollow grind after using it. It works just fine. The caged lock did take some getting used to since it can't easily be actuated with a thumbnail like it's uncaged cousin. But once it broke it I found it to be nearly as smooth and a lot more secure feeling, this knife really looks to be one of the strongest, most secure folders I've ever seen.

And the price point! USA made with good steel, G10 and a good lock is just amazing!

Spyderco Left-Hand Military (C36GLE)

Yes! Yes! Lefty Spyderco Military is here. My review thread over at the Spyderco forums.

Spyderco Stretch FRN (C90BL)

Ongoing review thread over at the Spyderco forums.

Spyderco USN Endura 4 (C10PSGRWBK)

Here's a little description of the knife from the Spyderco on-line catalog. (Thanks to Spyderco forum-maven TazKristi for bringing it back.)

This knife was something a little out of the ordinary for me. I don't generally like combo edges, nor do I have much use for the Emerson Wave opener. But I really like Toxic Green and black finished blades. Those two features; combined with wanting to support the USN forums and this was a must buy for me. I can't get over the idea that Mr. Glesser went out of his way to ask the forum what they wanted in a knife and then actually produced it!

I've carried the knife for a little more than a month and have taken quite a shine to it. The Emerson Wave is a really nice feature and the combo edge was a change of pace for me.

CRKT K.I.S.S. (5510)

An Ed Halligan design here today; as produced by Columbia River Knife and Tool. I first encountered the K.I.S.S. several years ago while I was in High School, not sure how I picked it up but I do recall carrying it for several months. Even took it to the first semester of college with me. I recall my dormitory floor mates praising the effectiveness of the thick tanto tip on puncturing beer cans for shotgunning. Not that I would ever partake in those activities, just a guy who likes to lend a hand. ;)

Spyderco Native 4 (C41CF)

Sadly the appeal of Carbon Fiber is lost on me. I prefer the looks and feel of G10 or the newer bi-directional FRN. Not much to say about this one, it's a nice evolution of the design and feels/looks very good compared to it's FRN sibilings.