I’m a big fan of Spyderco; I own about two dozen of them. I absolutely love the Para 3 and Delica, but I also like buying oddball knives on occasion.
This one’s been on my wishlist for a while. I’m not usually a fan of pinned knives that you can’t take apart, as I like a bit of tinkering. But since I want to keep this original anyway, I’m making an exception. It’s well built like all their Seki City knives; nicely machined with no sharp edges besides the one that should be.
The Harpy has been in their lineup since the late 90’s, and it’s held in high regard by many. It’s a nautical inspired knife, with the serrations and blade shape being handy to cut rope. Of course these days Spyderco makes a separate line of actual nautical knives, but that wasn’t a thing in the late 90’s.
It’s a perfect fifth pocket knife; carries nice and comfortable. It also has excellent ergonomics despite not being very large. One thing I like: it feels like a very warm, friendly knife. The handle takes on your body heat if you carry it on your person. Holding it feels like a warm handshake.
This knife is also slightly infamous; it’s one of the knives that fictional cannibal-slash-serial killer Hannibal Lecter uses. It’s specifically mentioned by name in the book Hannibal, and shown in the movie. The movie has a plain edge knife though, but the book specifies a serrated Harpy.
I’ve never understood these serrated hawk bill knives, what do you use them for?
It’s a design that’s quite useful for a few applications, such as on or around boats. This particular knife was intended for nautical use and was made well before Spyderco launched its dedicated Salt series. One hint to its nautical nature are the holes in the grip that allow water to drain.
As to your specific question:
A serrated blade is useful for cutting rope, which you’ll do often around boats.
The shape itself tends to ‘hold onto’ the thing you’re cutting, without it slipping off the blade. Basically, it’s a very efficient shape.
Of course, all that also has disadvantages. The serrations are harder to sharpen as is the overall shape of the knife. But it also wasn’t really intended to be an everyday useful blade, as mentioned.
My dude I really appreciate your knife posts. I don’t post or ownmany but your obvious enthusiasm on the subject is amazing.
I own 1 Spyderco knife :)
Any recommendations for bushcraft style knives ? Pocket or otherwise.
Ha, thank you :D I have a fair few knives, so I’ll probably post some more here soon to get a bit more content going.
For actual bushcrafting, I’d look to brands like Mora, for example the Mora Bushcraft:
https://www.knivesandtools.nl/nl/pt/-mora-bushcraft-black.htm
For bushcrafting, you want something that’s easy to use, easy to carry and can take a bit of abuse. The Mora is also very cheap in comparison to some other knives and it looks non-threatening in use. I’d avoid buying really large knives or anything that’s military/combat branded as those generally aren’t all that good for bushcrafting.
Another brand that’s well respected in this category is ESEE. They make a variety of sizes and shapes. Generally more expensive than Mora, but still quite affordable.
I also would recommend the Bushcraft Black, even over the Mora Garberg. The handle on the Bushcraft Black is much more comfortable and while the Garberg is full-tang I’ve not had any issues with some very heavy battoning with the Bushcraft Black.
I’ve personally never handled a Garberg, but the Bushcraft is definitely one of the most comfortable knives I’ve handled. I’ve got large hands and it fils them nicely.
I’ve never done batoning with mine. In my personal opinion: if you KNOW there’s going to be batoning, you should just pack a camp axe and use that. Of course, in a pinch, it’s good to know that it won’t break easily.
I started batoning when I started teaching my young kids how to split wood. It is way easier and safer to baton than it is to have them swinging a hatchet or an axe around. They are also learning those skills but for starting out, I for sure kept their enthusiasm going by not restricting my teaching options.
In that case it’s perfectly fine of course. You definitely shouldn’t hand kids an axe if you can avoid it :D
I am ashamed that to this day I own zero “normal” Spydercos anymore. I only have one that’s a balisong, and one that’s made out of wood. And a Ganzo that looks like a Spyderco, but isn’t. I should probably rectify that one of these years.
I am shocked, shocked! Well, not that shocked.
It took me a while to purchase my first Spyderco too actually. It took a deal on a S90V Para 3 to take the plunge. I am not a huge fan of the shape of those blades but it took buying one to figure it out. After that I took a chance on a Sage 5 LW and wow what a difference. One of my favorite knives now.
You can’t go wrong with ESEE. They’re tough, practical, and reasonably priced, although not cheap.
These days, my bushcraft knife is a Guardian 5.5 in Magnacut from Bradford Knives. Their designs, materials, and production quality are all top notch. I don’t always carry a fixed blade around town, but when I do it’s a Guardian 3.5.
