Spyderco Lum Tanto M390 Review

[@CNYKnifeNut]

Refined, is the word i use for the Military. Like a Sebenza. Instead of cranking out 50 terrible new knives per month (like the modern knife comunity embraces for some reason), id rather have just a few well executed/refined models per year. I really like the Lum Tanto. I have the hap40 version and its the only Japanese Spyderco ive ever owned that id say is genuinely great quality. Hilarious, since i passed on it when it came out because of all the people whining about fit and finish issues. I make and QC replacement parts for military aircraft, so flaws in knives are super easy for me to spot but mine is pretty good. None of the issues people complain about.

[@mcsquirgle]

@@CNYKnifeNut this is an excellent take. Refined is a great way to describe the Military and I cannot see any issues with the Lum Tanto as far as quality. Just that it's not quite as refined as the Military as you so well put.

[@just9911]

I love the compression lock, but hear me out on this - the ball bearing lock is superior. Having the back of the handle filled & flush for the first 1.5-2 inches makes for a more comfortable knife to use for long periods. It’s still dead reliable and easy to use. And it’s ambidextrous.

[@mcsquirgle]

@@just9911 I used to have a Manix 2 years ago when I first starting collecting Spyderco but I didn't really like the action of the spring. I thought it was a little stiff. Now that I know more about that model and lock I know I could have just cut off one of the coils and made it less stiff or could have replaced the spring and steel ball with a ceramic ball and looser spring. I'm getting to the point where I am considering getting a Manix 2 again. Probably soon.

[@just9911]

@@mcsquirgle you won’t regret it. I have freakishly large hands (XL or XXL work gloves) so ergonomics are a major deal for me. That’s why I love Spyderco products (besides the excellent heat treat, great geometry, big steel selection, etc) - they are just so damn good in the hand. The manix might be the most comfortable folding knife I’ve ever used. My blurple BD1N in particular has been put through the wringer and had nearly a dozen edges put on it - still functions perfectly. For 160 bucks, the full weight manix 2 is a great buy, possibly the best value you can get as far as an American made knife. But part of me thinks it would be better to get a manix 2 lightweight and throw some AWT scales on it. When you order, there’s an option to buy a lighter spring on the product page. There’s also apparently a way to break-in the stock spring quicker than usual, but I’ve never tried it. A trade-off of having hands too large for most knives is that I have yet to come across a lock that’s too stiff for me to use right out of the box. Btw - love the Lum. It’s a highly under appreciated design by most of the knife community.

[@bladecentered2264]

Nice addition to the collection, they probably won't run it again for a long time, so it should hold it's value. I almost pulled the trigger on it, but I'm not the biggest tanto fan

[@mcsquirgle]

There are few folding knives that I think pull off a tanto well so I totally understand the hesitancy. If your looking for a good folding knife with a tanto I highly recommend the Benchmade Bailout.

[@arianac3063]

That knife flip

[@mcsquirgle]

😘

[@Din4747]

Wish they made it in k390

[@mcsquirgle]

@@Din4747 oh man I'd love that. K390 is fantastic