Spyderco Rubicon
Nick Clayton
The Spyderco Rubicon was a surprise to me. Upon it's release, I had written it off due to it's high price tag and lowly S30V steel (for the price that is, I know S30V is just fine). Even when handling one in a shop, I was unconvinced. It took me a while but now I understand. I not only understand the knife but it has helped me understand something about Spyderco as a whole; Spyderco doesn't so much make "collaborations" as much as they make production versions of customs. Looking at the features and design of the knife, along with some of Spyderco's own language on this and other models, I don't think they get in the way of the maker's vision very much. It is more that they take a design and make it. If they can't, they work on it till they can. Case in point is the new Brian Tighe design the Tighe Stick. They stated that they have had that design for years and only now are able to produce it true to Brian's design. That is what makes the Rubicon so attractive to me now. I don't see it as a Spyderco designed by Peter Carey so much as I see it as a production version of a Peter Carey. Anyway, let's get on with the review.
The knife is a short and stubby. I am able to get four fingers on the handle but just barely. The scales are carbon fiber on both sides and are nicely rounded for comfort and polished to a high sheen. They are very attractive and a highlight feature of the knife. Additionally, the orange g-10 on the pivot and backspacer really set off the knife. The finish on them is top notch as I've come to expect from Spyderco's Taichung factory.
The pocket clip is a custom design. It holds the knife in just fine but it's not my favorite. I appreciate the effort put in here, though.
The liners are titanium and the knife is held open with a liner lock. If I had one complaint, it would be that there is no cutout to allow easier access to the lock bar. It's a minor complaint though as unlocking becomes easier with practice and there is traction cut into the lock to allow for a better purchase.
The blade shape is quite unique. The best way to describe it is a modified spear-point with a recurve. The blade is fairly short at just about 3" but it is wide. The grind is a double hollow grind that works well and adds to the look of the knife. There is a modest tip that could be a little pointier but it works fine.
The blade rides on bearings and is very smooth. It doesn't quite drop free on it's own but, for a small knife, it is very good. The flipper tab is expertly designed. It is set up to guide you in which way to use it as it is flat and directional with traction cut into it. The detent is fairly mild but the knife fully opens every time. If the detent were any stiffer, It would be too difficult to operate the lock. It is well balanced.
As I see this knife as a production version of a Peter Carey custom, it is fantastic. I think they nailed the execution and design. I don't know if the knife holds up on it's own as a pocket knife, for me, but there is no doubt it is a very nice piece.