CRKT Folding Razel vs Spyderco Captain

[Mr. Whippy]

I have been alternately carrying my CRKT Folding Razel  and Spyderco Captain, on the farm since getting them.  They’re used for all sorts of general purpose cutting: baling twine, cardboard boxes, feedbags, woody vines, rope, Styrofoam and of course, my lunch. 

I’ve come to some conclusions about these two knives, in no particular order
1.   The Razel is a MUCH bigger knife.  The handle has much more bulk and is fairly noticeable when sitting or bending over.  In contrast, the Spyderco is very thin and virtually disappears clipped to a back pocket.

2.   Opening the blades (either one) is a sheer joy.  Smooth, effortless.   The most enjoyable part of each of these knives is the tactile sensation of opening them.
3.   The Razel blade is significantly beefier than the Spyderco.  Much thicker throughout.

Based on these features, the Folding Razel is the superior farm/utility knife.  Giving it a fair bit of abuse has had nearly no effect on the sharpness of the blade.  And, the larger, more substantial handle makes handling it with leather gloves on much easier than the Spyderco.

I was actually surprised about the VG-10 blade on the Captain.  Every evening, it needed a bit of touch up because the Spyderco blade would hav a slight burr.

BTW, both cut MOST tasks equally well, although cutting rubber tubing was easier and cleaner with the Spyderco.  Opening flat surfaces does require a different technique with the strongly recurved Spyderco.

Requisite pics:

Razel on top


Razel blade


Spyderco Captain

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think on balance I'd still prefer the all rounder-ness of the Captain more

I'm just not sold on the whole Razel concept

[heavy handed]

very nice knives there mate ,
 i like the handle pattern on the large razzell, have you tried the fixed blade razzel?

[Zed]

both nice but i prefer the spyderco captain on looks 

[Swiss Man]

My vote go to the Razel. 
Good looking, I like the curve of the handle, looks like a BEEFY blade.