Spyderco Tatanka: Full Review

Published on April 21, 2015
Duration: 17:00

This review of the Spyderco Tatanka highlights its position as a large tactical folder aiming to compete with brands like Cold Steel. The presenter, nutnfancy, discusses its size, weight (9.4 oz), blade thickness, and the 'Power Lock' mechanism, comparing it to Cold Steel's Triad lock. While acknowledging its potential for defensive use and impressive ergonomics, concerns are raised about its weight and the VG-10 steel's edge retention compared to newer options.

Quick Summary

The Spyderco Tatanka is a large tactical folding knife aiming to compete with brands like Cold Steel. It weighs 9.4 ounces and features VG-10 steel, which is noted for its rust resistance but requires frequent sharpening. The 'Power Lock' mechanism is Spyderco's robust locking system, though compared unfavorably in elegance to Cold Steel's Triad Lock. Ergonomically, it offers excellent traction and reach.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Spyderco Tatanka Review
  2. 01:00Competition: Cold Steel Large Tactical Folders
  3. 03:30Spyderco's Entry into Large Folders
  4. 04:38Defensive Use and 'Good People' Argument
  5. 06:06Folding Survival Knife Potential
  6. 06:50EDC Viability Discussion
  7. 07:25Criticisms: Weight and Materials
  8. 08:14Weight Comparison: Tatanka vs. Recon 1 XL
  9. 09:00Weight Analysis: Blade Thickness and Liners
  10. 10:14VG-10 Steel: Pros and Cons
  11. 11:06Blade Deployment Speed
  12. 11:37The Power Lock Mechanism
  13. 12:11Power Lock vs. Triad Lock Comparison
  14. 12:32Handle Construction and Features
  15. 13:15Clip and Deployment Options
  16. 13:33Price and Value Considerations
  17. 14:08Alternative: Spyderco Resilience
  18. 14:15Competitive Options: Cold Steel Lineup
  19. 14:41Size Comparison: Tatanka vs. Bark River Bravo 2
  20. 15:11Overall Value and Spyderco Preference
  21. 15:37Honest Review: Good Effort, Room for Improvement
  22. 16:39Conclusion: Likability Scale and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spyderco Tatanka's primary market position?

The Spyderco Tatanka is positioned as a large tactical folder designed to compete directly with established brands like Cold Steel in the market for robust, oversized folding knives suitable for defensive or tactical applications.

What are the main criticisms of the Spyderco Tatanka?

Key criticisms include its substantial weight of 9.4 ounces, which is considered heavy for its size, and the use of VG-10 steel, which is noted for requiring frequent sharpening and potentially not holding an edge as long as newer steel alternatives.

How does the Spyderco Tatanka's 'Power Lock' compare to Cold Steel's Triad Lock?

The Tatanka features Spyderco's 'Power Lock,' an interpretation of a robust locking system. While functional, the presenter suggests that Cold Steel's Andrew Demko-designed Triad Lock is a more elegant and effective design for similar purposes.

What are the ergonomic strengths of the Spyderco Tatanka?

The Tatanka offers excellent ergonomics with nearly perfect traction, a long handle that accommodates various grips, and a good amount of reach, making it comfortable and secure to hold for its intended tactical applications.

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