Spyderco Cat – Thinking of Purchasing

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pharminator

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Nov 23, 2014
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So, it's coming that time to expand the collection. My first two knives were the Kershaw Leek and Spyderco Dragonfly2. Both are great knives, though I prefer the DF2 a bit. I like the blade shape, as well as the deep pocket carry. Now, I'm looking at adding another. I would like another EDC, likely smallish like the D2. The knife that is currently the front runner is the Spyderco Cat. I actually considered buying it before the Dragonfly2, but I feel like I correctly purchased the D2 as I absolutely love that knife for EDC. Does anyone have any suggestion for a similar knife around the Cat price point? Any thoughts on the Cat? Thanks!
 
I own two Cats. The newer model (440C, G-10) is OK. It's a nice size for pocket carry, with or without the clip. Good lockup and no blade play on mine. The G-10 texture provides a good grip. I never carry it simply because I like larger blades and have too many other knives in the rotation.

The older model was the one to have. CPMS30V and carbon fiber for under $50 was a steal. Too bad they were discontinued so quickly. I wish now that I had bought more than one.

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Got a Cat (G10/440C). It is in my EDC rotation. Does what I need it to do. Almost like a smaller version of the Sage I that I have. I say go for it.

I also picked up a Byrd Tern. It is about the same size as the Cat. No liners, no lock.

Ric
 
I have both knives. I find myself using the DF more often than the Cat. The ergos are better for me.
Your mileage may vary of course. Can't go wrong picking one of these little guys up.
 
Buy it! Buy it! You won't regret it. This is one of my top favorite Spydercos. Mine came from the factory with all the edges broken so there were no hot spots. The fit and finish are excellent. The detent is great and the knife is butter smooth. Mine was a better knife from the factory than my much more expensive Chaparral (I had to fix my Chap, but now it is okay).
I bought this knife simply to have a cheap knife to travel with in case of loss. However, it became one of my most, if not the most, carried knives.
 
I had my eye on the Cat for a while before I finally bit the bullet and got it. In all honesty, I wish I had bought it sooner. I have the newer one with the 440C blade and G10 scales. It has the smoothest blade action I have seen in a while and possibly is the smoothest I own. It's the perfect size for my EDC and tends to be my "sidearm" of choice at work. The DF handle width always seemed a little too small for me, even though my hands can't be described as large by any means. Buy it, you won't regret it.

In terms of other recommendations, the Spyderco Squeak is awesome as well, although it's a slipjoint and I don't know if you prefer a lock or not. I lost mine during Black Friday 2013 and was quite upset when I discovered it was gone.
 
DocT said:
I bought this knife simply to have a cheap knife to travel with in case of loss. However, it became one of my most, if not the most, carried knives.
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This is exactly why I plan on buying it. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dragonfly2, but I wanted something cheaper to bring with me on trips, particularly when I fly. Obviously I'm going to be checking my knife, and I don't want it to disappear in my luggage. I have a trip planned in a couple months, and I'd like to have an EDC. As I said in my original post, I was torn between the DF2 and the Cat, but ended up pulling the trigger on the DF2. I don't regret it, but I did get a bit of a lemon in that there is some blade play (small, but definitely noticeable). Today, I was cutting up some thick cardboard to make some ramps for my toddler's toy cars, and I could really feel the knife flex during the cuts. Some of it may have to do with no metal liners on the DF2, but I could also detect the blade play. Shame, because other than that it's a fantastic knife in all other respects.
 
GreatSyxsuke said:
In terms of other recommendations, the Spyderco Squeak is awesome as well, although it's a slipjoint and I don't know if you prefer a lock or not. I lost mine during Black Friday 2013 and was quite upset when I discovered it was gone.
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I appreciate the recommendation. I prefer to have a lock. From the reviews that I have read on the Squeak, it's a fantastic knife though.

Other knives on my radar is the Kershaw Cryo2 and the Spyderco Delica4. I love speedsafe knifes, hence the Cryo2, and I like the deep pocket carry too. That said, I want a knife I can travel with, and the Cryo2 would be quite a bit too large, as is the Delica4. I actually considered the Chicago, but I researched knife laws in my destination cities, and there's no length ban, or at least none that would go against the Cat and I'd like the slightly larger (and cheaper) knife.

Other than that, does anyone have any other suggestions that fit my criteria?
  • Deep pocket carry
  • Lockup (not picky of type)
  • Preferably non-speedsafe (easier to travel with)
  • Decent steel
  • Flat grind preferable (non-serrated!!) but not a deal-breaker
  • Approximately Cat sized (2.5" - 62mm)
  • Ideally no more expensive than the Cat

Thanks to everyone for their help!!
 
I don't own the Cat, but have the Chicago. I prefer the handle design of the Cat/Chicago to my Dragonfly because it fills the hand more. I would get the Cat.
 
pharminator said:
I appreciate the recommendation. I prefer to have a lock. From the reviews that I have read on the Squeak, it's a fantastic knife though.

Other knives on my radar is the Kershaw Cryo2 and the Spyderco Delica4. I love speedsafe knifes, hence the Cryo2, and I like the deep pocket carry too. That said, I want a knife I can travel with, and the Cryo2 would be quite a bit too large, as is the Delica4. I actually considered the Chicago, but I researched knife laws in my destination cities, and there's no length ban, or at least none that would go against the Cat and I'd like the slightly larger (and cheaper) knife.

Other than that, does anyone have any other suggestions that fit my criteria?
  • Deep pocket carry
  • Lockup (not picky of type)
  • Preferably non-speedsafe (easier to travel with)
  • Decent steel
  • Flat grind preferable (non-serrated!!) but not a deal-breaker
  • Approximately Cat sized (2.5" - 62mm)
  • Ideally no more expensive than the Cat

Thanks to everyone for their help!!
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Well, my next favorite traveling knife, and my dedicated water knife is this very smooth knife: http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmadelonewolfminilandslidesatinbladeplainedge.aspx#.VM-Vn9KUeSo
 
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