Reviews > Knives > Folding > Spyderco Salt I Yellow Spyderedge > Mark Wood > Field Report

Product Information
Manufacturer:	Spyderco
Year of Manufacture:	2005
URL of Manufacturer:	http://www.spyderco.com
MSRP:	$74.95 USD
Listed Weight:	2.0 oz (57 g)
Weight as Delivered:	1.9 oz (54 g)
Listed Dimensions:	Blade: 3 in (76 mm) Closed: 4 in (102 mm)
Measured Dimensions:	Blade: 3 in (76 mm) Closed: 4 in (102 mm)
Materials:	Handle: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. Blade: H-1 Stainless Steel
The Spyderco Salt 1 is touted by the manufacturer as being a completely rust-proof knife.  They do this by manufacturing the blade out of a relatively new, Japanese made steel called H-1.  The H-1 steel is a precipitation-processed alloy which is cold rolled with no heat-treating.  Having only 0.1% nitrogen, the steel is quite hard and non-reactive to chlorine, preventing any rust from forming. For more information regarding the knife and it's construction, please see my Initial Report.

Field Report

This knife has seen a lot of use in the last two months.  I'm happy to report that though it's not near as clean looking, it still functions as well as when it was new.  I've carried this knife with me daily for the entire two months.  Often, I'd slip it in my pocket to avoid the bright yellow being visible, but regardless, it was with me.   While hiking, the knife resides in the side pocket of my pack.  This allows for easy access while taking a break on the trail. Updated Impressions Thinking back, I really think that I've used this knife close to every other day.  Tasks have ranged from general cutting of paper and packing tape, cutting rope and twine, hacking through tough weed stalks in the garden, and even some very fine tasks like stripping electrical wire. The blade has lost its scary sharp edge, but I have yet to find a need to sharpen it.  There are no noticeable dings or chips in the blade.  In fact, I really can't find a scratch on the blade. So far, my impression of the handle has changed slightly.  I no longer mind the bright yellow as I have found it quite handy for locating the knife after setting it down.  Also, I have yet to have my hand tire from the narrow grip and I have never had the knife slip in my hand no matter how wet or dirty it may have been.  This is very much appreciated as it gives me a sense of confidence and allows me to concentrate more on what I'm cutting rather than worrying about my grip.   Finally comes the pocket clip.  I was very impressed with the pocket clip when I received the knife and my feelings have not changed at all.  The clip remains strong with good spring and easily holds the knife securely in my pocket.  Overall, I'm very happy with this knife. Field Use This knife seems to be most at home while outdoors.  I've used this knife for many different camp tasks and found that it easily accomplished everything asked of it.  While the serrations make it somewhat different to use than a plain edge blade, I've found that the front of the blade has enough of a plain edge that I can still perform the delicate tasks which are unsuited to serrations.  I've cut multiple camp foods as well as their packages and have found that the tip of the knife is sharp enough to easily poke a hole through even thick plastic packaging. The serrations make short work of any camp rope or twine as well as soft wood.  What's more, since the knife is supposed to be rust proof, I have no fear of washing off any sticky food substance I might get on the blade!  Easy cleanup is always appreciated! During the last two months of testing, I've been able to answer many of my original questions from my initial report. The Blade How long does the blade hold a sharp edge during normal use? While the blade is no longer razor sharp, I have found no need to sharpen the blade at this point. Do I find the blade to form any rust or corrosion during my testing? I have gotten the knife wet on many occasions and I've never dried it off.  So far, no rust or corrosion! Since all blades require re-sharpening, will I find this steel easy to sharpen? I plan to attempt to sharpen the blade during the long term testing and will report on my findings. Will I find the serrations difficult to sharpen? I'll report on this after the long term testing. The Handle Does the handle hold up to hard use? Though I was at first skeptical of a "plastic" handle, there are no chips, scrapes or other blemishes.  I'm very happy and feel that it is quite tough. Is it easy to grip when wet or dirty? Yes!  In fact, more so than any other knife I've ever used! Can I keep the handle looking remotely clean with all the groves for dirt to get trapped in? The groves in the handle definitely trap dirt.  Most of this can be removed by scrubbing with a brush and some water.  Overall, the knife still looks nice, just not pristine. Does the handle chip or crack during the testing period? So far, the handle looks as good as new.  I will report more on this after the long term testing phase. Do I find any rust or corrosion on the pocket clip or locking mechanism during my testing? Thus far, no rust or corrosion has formed anywhere on the knife.

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Spyderco Salt I Yellow Spyderedge > Mark Wood > Field Report