Spyderco South Fork: Perfect Soldier Blade- Nutnfancy

Published on February 7, 2014
Duration: 24:39

This review of the Spyderco Phil Wilson South Fork highlights its classic design, excellent S90V steel, and lightweight construction, making it a versatile knife for camping, utility, and collection. While praised for its performance and aesthetics, the reviewer notes its relatively high price point as the primary drawback. The knife is recommended for its superb slicing capabilities and comfortable handle, with a special mention of its well-designed Kydex sheath.

Quick Summary

The Spyderco Phil Wilson South Fork is a highly recommended fixed blade knife, praised for its classic design, superb S90V steel, and lightweight construction. Ideal as a camp knife, utility tool, or collectible, it offers excellent slicing performance and a comfortable Micarta handle, complemented by a well-designed Kydex sheath. While its price point is on the higher side for a factory knife, its quality and performance are considered exceptional.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Soldier Blade Philosophy
  2. 00:34Spyderco Phil Wilson South Fork Model
  3. 00:45Classic Blade Design Philosophy
  4. 01:57Philosophy of Use: Soldier Knife
  5. 03:08Weight and Sheath Discussion
  6. 03:26Blade Design and Designer Phil Wilson
  7. 04:43Primary Use: Camp Knife
  8. 05:09Second Kind of Cool: Aesthetics & Feel
  9. 05:12Camp Knife Alternatives & Value
  10. 06:02EDC Blade Potential
  11. 06:53Canoe/River Knife Philosophy
  12. 07:36Collectible Potential
  13. 08:36Tactical vs. Soldier Blade Use
  14. 09:00Weight and Balance
  15. 09:13Handle Ergonomics
  16. 09:34Camp/Bushcraft Comfort
  17. 09:58Steel: S90V Properties
  18. 10:32Blade Tip and Grind
  19. 10:40Sharpening Considerations
  20. 11:31Spidey Hole and Designer Signature
  21. 11:55Full Flat Grind (FFG) Slicing
  22. 12:13Handle Material: Micarta
  23. 12:28Sheath Design and Functionality
  24. 13:39Phil Wilson Custom Knives vs. Production
  25. 13:54Spyderco Quality and Durability
  26. 14:38Batoning Capability
  27. 15:06Potential Steel Variants
  28. 15:13Competitive Options Introduction
  29. 15:29Temperance 2 Comparison
  30. 16:57Temperance 2 vs. South Fork Handle
  31. 17:01Other Competitive Options
  32. 17:06Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light Comparison
  33. 18:59SOG SEAL Pup Elite Comparison
  34. 19:59Spyderco Fred Perry Street Buoy Comparison
  35. 21:53South Fork vs. Fred Perry Street Buoy
  36. 22:04SOG Northwest Ranger Comparison
  37. 23:07Northwest Ranger vs. South Fork
  38. 23:30Price and Material Comparison
  39. 23:56Supporting US Makers
  40. 24:03Overall Value and Recommendation
  41. 24:24Final Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spyderco Phil Wilson South Fork primarily designed for?

The Spyderco Phil Wilson South Fork is primarily designed as a camp knife, excelling in utility tasks like food preparation, light prying, and general outdoor use. Its classic design and lightweight construction also make it suitable for EDC and as a collectible item.

What type of steel is used in the Spyderco South Fork, and how does it perform?

The Spyderco South Fork features S90V steel, known for its fine grain, high wear resistance, and excellent edge retention. While it offers superb slicing performance, it can be slightly more challenging to sharpen compared to other steels.

What are the key advantages of the Spyderco South Fork's design and construction?

Key advantages include its classic, timeless aesthetic, lightweight 7.8 oz construction with sheath, comfortable and smooth Micarta handle, and a highly functional Kydex sheath. The full flat grind and fine tip contribute to its excellent slicing capabilities.

Is the Spyderco South Fork considered a good value for its price?

The reviewer acknowledges the Spyderco South Fork is a bit expensive for a factory knife, with a street price around $230-$250. While the S90V steel and collaboration with Phil Wilson contribute to the cost, the overall quality, performance, and included sheath are seen as justifying the price for many.

How does the Spyderco South Fork compare to other knives mentioned in the review?

Compared to knives like the Temperance 2, Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light, SOG SEAL Pup Elite, Fred Perry Street Buoy, and SOG Northwest Ranger, the South Fork stands out for its S90V steel, classic design, and lightweight build. While some alternatives are more budget-friendly or offer different features like more aggressive gimping, the South Fork is highly recommended for its specific strengths.

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