The Spyderco Yomimbo

[Sean]

The Spyderco Yojimbo is a bit of a rare, sought after, collectible knife.  Trying to find one on Ebay
does require a bit of patients.  I was at work not all that long ago, eating my lunch and
perusing through the 'bay when I spotted this one.  There had been one for sale previously but the
"buy it now" was way to high at $250.  This one, I ended up getting way below that price.
A bit on the ugly side, but functional as hell as an edc, it was a bit of a "why did I buy this exactly
type of purchase?"     Anyhow I could get the $ back by flipping it but made the mistake
of actually carrying it around and putting it to use.
Sharp, sharp, the G-10 handles are notched out to provide a very good grip and there is a nice
thick chunk of S30V steel on hand to do the cutting.  It has jimping on the spine of the blade
and is one of the few knives I've seen that did a great job of useful jimping in the G-10 as well.
Anyhow, in case no one is familiar why it was originally designed here is what Spyderco has to say
on it.

length overall     7 13/16" (198 mm)     blade length     2 7/8" (73 mm)     blade steel     CPM-S30V
length closed    5" (127 mm)    cutting edge    2 11/16" (68 mm)    weight    3.6 oz (102 g)
hole diameter    9/16" (14 mm)    blade thickness    5/32" (4 mm)    handle material    G-10

The Yojimbo is Spyderco's second collaboration with famed martial artist and Master MBC Instructor Michael Janich. Our first was the fixed-blade called the Ronin. It was avidly received by the public and generated ongoing requests for a folding version. We call the folding version the Yojimbo and feel it defines the term ergonomic. Since Mr. Janich's area of expertise is MBC and Filipino martial arts, the folder was designed around that art form.

The blade is categorized as a modified Wharncliffe profile. Purposely designed to be triangular, this shape holds the cutting edge in contact with what is being cut, and its fine sharp tip generates little resistance initiating and making piercing cuts. From a tactical standpoint the blade's steel needed to be tough and resistant to wear so we chose CPM-S30V. We then ground the cutting edge fully flat from the tip to where it meets the handle. Lined up running along the blade's spine are a sequence of thumb positioning serrations/grooves that continue into the spine of the handle. The Yojimbo's G-10 handle fills in the palm like a handshake affording heightened dexterity and control over the blade. Its tapered tail is for grip retention and doubles as a pressure point or striking tool. To be used for the rigors of MBC a strong lock was a requirement so nested into the handle scale is a Compression Lock that releases on top of the handle. All-steel pocket clip attaches for right-hand, tip-up mobility. The circles, cut out of the clip and on the opposite side of the handle, are for indexing.

[Sean]

...

[Benner]

I love those blades.    Went on a mission to get one early last year, but the cheapest I found was £140 so I passed. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

They do look like one of the finest fine slicing knives out there

[Sean]

Thanks guys. 

[J-sews]

That is one odd looking knife. Is it odd just to be odd or is there some advantage to that shape?

[hawkchucker]

I agree with Bob. I Just cant see how comfortable the handle is.

[jim guy]

I agree with Bob. I Just cant see how comfortable the handle is.

Its not, at least I dont think so. If people are paying that much Im gonna sell mine!

[Sean]

Jim,
if you have one and want to sell it now is the time depending on how you want for it.

I don't find it uncomfortable and I think the design of it was to ensure the hand fits and
locks into position without slipping.

[jim guy]

My problem is I have large hands and the part of the handle in the middle with the two humps, it doesnt set right in my hand.