Why People Hate the Spyderco Swayback

[@shaunbryan3421]

When I first saw it in the reveal I had no desire for it. But once saw it in a few videos and got a good look at the size that beautiful polished hollow grind I was sold. I love it and let me tell you it will cut a steak so thin you can see through it.

[@bd5612]

When you own the knife and use it, you know. I will be buried with mine. Easy to overlook is how unbelievably simple it is to get a straight, hollow ground blade shaving sharp. Which means carrying a knife that is on average so much sharper, again because it is so easy to maintain. (A dozen passes over the strop without paying any attention gets it surgically sharp following all manner of abuse.) The handle looks weird but it’s supposed to: it’s for a reverse grip, to make it safe and easy to cut towards yourself. Throw away the pocket clip, drop this knife in your jeans and be happy every day.

[@michaelshuey1614]

When people say that the Spydiehole is hard to access, I wonder what they're talking about. I have very large hands, and have no trouble actuating the blade. Simply push down moderately on the hole and flick FORWARD in the direction the tip is intended to point. Don't try to flip at a 90* angle to the axis of the knife; it won't work right. Flip forward, parallel to the axis. Success!

[@michaelfowlkes4729]

Sal & Erick are smart enough to know that people just want the Slysz Bowie right now because it’s discontinued.

[@Janesch]

Na, I loved my Bowie, but had to sell it. now I can‘t find it anywhere for a reasonable price. I would get a new cqi version immediately!

[@jimm244]

The Bowie was not a great seller at the time. There was a lot of gripe about the cost (back in the day) and “Just pay an extra $100 for a Sebenza” comments were common. I handled it a few times and remember not being blown away-though I was deep into ball bearing flippers at the time (not so much now). Imma guess a reissued SB would retail near $400 and after a week of brisk sales, history would repeat itself. Now that my tastes have changed, I’d probably give one a try if it were re-issued...or maybe I’d just save up an extra $100 & buy another Sebenza. Hahaha. 😁

[@ship4427]

It'd be a great gift for a grandfather as well. I could see them peeling an apple or whittling with it.

[@messmeister92]

The knife community has a bad habit of forcing silly or misguided expectations onto every new knife that comes to market and I think the Swayback has certainly fallen victim to that. Some of the big time reviewers don’t help, either. For example, every knife is expected to be used in a tactical application. In reality, 99% of users are never going to need one for self defense, and in an emergency just about any knife will do.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

personally the only thing i really dislike is the missing cutout for lefties, other than that is absolutely love this knife and clip (although not the nicest one) does it's job very well.

[@Sanguivore]

I love this knife and have absolutely none or the problems everyone else seems to have had with it. One thing I was especially surprised by is that everyone says it's too big; I wear size Small in gloves, and this thing fits my hand perfectly and is nowhere near too large. I think the only thing I'd change is having a pocket clip that fits the aesthetic a bit more, and having the framelock cutout being on the inverse side (like a Sebenza) to maintain the simple, clean aesthetic. I have to say this is also my sharpest knife out of the box. I wish Spyderco did way more hollowgrind knives.

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

I feel like all of the major knife personalities are right-hand... can it be spydie-flicked? "No".... unless you're a lefty and the it is a bespoke spydie-flicker 😉. Also, the Spydie Chef is an amazing ambi knife for those native lefties amongst us with moderate right-handed dexterity.

[@jimm244]

Best review of this knife ever. Accurate in every way & your opening commentary is especially spot-on! I love this knife because it’s unique, exceptionally well built, and cuts like crazy. The only real flaw is rather difficult access to the Spydiehole. It coulda been opened up a bit near the spine without negativity affecting the aesthetics. I’m used to it, but it took a while.

[@tomphillips8739]

I really like my Spyderco Swayback a lot. I also love the warncliff blades

[@kerryrwac]

Being well aware of Nick's love affair with the Slysz Bowie, I finally got to try one at a Toronto CKG meeting. Frankly, i couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Even Nick say's they're not worth 600 US. Of course, i was underwhelmed by CRK as well. Probably because of the pedestal they're put on and worshipped. Bit of a let down.

[@toddboone333]

It’s a really nice, oversized English Jack knife.

[@aj5748]

Mine should of been here today. Hopefully soon. I love warncliffs and often what others despise. Perfect for me!

[@koga8100]

Well did it come

[@aj5748]

@@koga8100 Yep, today. Second owner so I didn't pay full price. Actually really love it so far. Hole access is not too bad. Didn't feel any hotspots people talked about. Definitely not drop shutty but flicks great.

[@soxandbears]

this guy has a 4.9 rating so it seems like initial reviews didn't like it but over time it has a following

[@knoxknifemods]

Love that rule Kevin, that’s a great one to go by. I’m gonna apply that to my knife wish list 👍🏻

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

good luck

[@knoxknifemods]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff lol yep I'll need it

[@captainskippy6622]

I actually like the looks. I would be interested in it if I could handle it first. I don’t look at it for a defensive knife due to lack of a choil and jimping. If you stabbed something your hand would ride forward and you’d lose some fingers. It’s a utility knife or food prep. They should have made it a front flipper.

[@randelyoder9446]

Made for reverse carving grip

[@Xanduur]

I still don’t understand why Spyderco discontinued the Bowie. The Bowie should be in the current lineup vs Knife Joy limited runs or seconds sales on eBay. The knife prints money.

[@mrmaxx4400]

Fine review. I appreciate your focus on all the Swayback's merits. I use this knife for indoor chores, particularly when cutting plastic and other light jobs. For heavier jobs another great choice is the Canis. Thanks for another great review.

[@Xanduur]

If I have heavier jobs, I do the same thing I have done for 30+ years...use a fixed blade. :)

[@midwest1228]

One of my favorite things about Spyderco... They are weird. This knife is weird. They make great knives that have great function, but they look different..I like that!

[@ilzephyrli]

The main reason I didn't purchase one was it's size. If it was smaller it would have been an instant buy cause I'm a sucker for swaybacks.

[@scottyh1509]

Good review but I disagree with categorizing this knife as a "gentleman's carry" knife. It's too big and heavy for that. I also disagree with describing it as a "lighter use" knife. If you need tough use bring your fixed blade. This knife is unique, you either love/hate it. (Btw I own it and love it)

[@andrewnawarycz3026]

Love it, can't afford it. Nice frame lock with traditional slipjoint look

[@kid5Media]

It's the upsweep at the tail that puts me off.

[@johnmaher4431]

Love the knife, I don't think everyone hates this knife !!!

[@HollywoodTacticool]

thanks for saying that, i agree, i just don't want to pay more than retail

[@TacticalStrudel]

why do you say this is only a "light use" blade?

[@meetykusch1]

I just love this knive

[@jonallan392]

I agree, while it's not perfect in all the categories there is much that will appeal to those who appreciate a wharncliffe as do I. One thing is certain though, the blade cuts like a scalpel!! It really defines scary sharp. Even my CRK's don't cut so cleanly. Thanks for the great review.

[@elephantricity]

I prefer my swayback to my original bowie.

[@the_knights_edge]

I just did unboxing video of this one, great knife so far! Subbed to your channel too btw love the content!

[@FarrYaweh]

Great video Kevin. I had to take a pass on this one. More importantly, what's it going to take to shake that Ti SMINI off you?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

that will never leave

[@Xanduur]

I hate the look of most Spyderco knives and I don't like Warncliff blades...YET...somehow Spyderco had made it work. I actually bought two (2) of this knife...my only Spydercos. I agree that companies (not just knives) that choose to cancel or limited a product that is very popular are just not getting it. Why throw away profit?

[@kerpal321]

paying these high prices for titanium framelocks just doesnt make sense anymore when you can buy a twosun knife for the same high quality for much less, twosun shows us how much these titanium framelocks are being marked up

[@gmotionedc5412]

I sent mine back because the thumb cutout didn’t work for me at all!! Awful shape abs size for hand. It needs to be bigger and wider. And it was boring looking. This is a big shame.!!

[@michaelfuxeklint4909]

smaller version (- 3 inches) for 50 box less

[@raulbanegas1982]

"That's a stupid design , for people with wrong brain".

[@wesleymartin6618]

I also have a hard time paying over retail. But market demand is a real thing. People want what they can’t have. People are willing to pay and if they have the money to spend I have no problem with people paying over retail. If you want a clear example of this just look at the Rolex watch market. If makers flood the market with a product. Then that ultimately diminishes the over all market value of the product. I also get frustrated when I can’t get what I want at retail. But completely understand supply and demand structure. Great review and content. But disagree with the concept of just make more.

[@DavideCerriGA]

Just wait for when it gets discontinued. Then people will want it.

[@Mike-ul1xn]

beautiful knife, but for that money i'd rather just buy an extra spydie chef.

[@Kinosec-10]

I’d rather save money by buying a box cutter, which is what it reminds me of

[@mayscat44]

Should be a good Spydie flicker for us lefties

[@timnichol6566]

Not a fan of the blade and handle finish, the handle looks upside down. I wasnt into knives when the bowie came out. I do like my spydiechef, I think it will have to be slysz of my collection.

[@dombond6515]

I've learned after Christmas ps5 will be everywhere!!!! Look at hatchimals

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yep it's crazy to chase one

[@johnolson7009]

Looks like it was made for apples!

[@thomaswalsh5097]

It’s a “nice hobby/collectors “ knife. That’s all..Just an opinion.

[@markw7303]

Its the nicest knife in hand with middling balance point. But the most expensive thing iv ever handled that has such bad opening mechanics the ability to fumble it is un imaginabley high (have to compromise your grip and can't even two hand it either)for what it costs and the idiots at sypderco you claim intelligent design and ergos over everything else its gabage in this case ( whos more at fault spyderco or slysz). But its gorgeous to look at and once open is fine. Even the blade grind and finishing is nice enough about as nice( almost) as the southard but it to funnily enough has opening issues with the to small spyderhole( now im curious which is smaller) being tough to get at for fat fingers lucky the flipper is passable for its early time period. Xhp is spitting in you face a real WTF at this price point. Something that could be really special turns in to all and all garbage. Iv said before the baby handed will be able to open it but then its size immediately excludes them after opening. If any one in the comments says you can open it easily im pre judging you for haveing B*÷@¥ hands Also it appears to have poor blade to handle length efficiency but this is due to its lines

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

You have clearly given this some thought, yes it could be easier to open but honestly after a couple months of having it I don't even notice. I keep wondering if they could have made this a front flipper I think I could have worked.

[@markw7303]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff its hard becuse it realy is there nicest model this year and I just can't. Iv tried even took it home and took it back. Just not there not to point at slysz in particual bit the same thing happened with the bowie 😕 its nice and all but awkward . This one is priced a bit better but not quite enough. But maybe I'll regret it like not geting the mamba or Brian tigh spydercos as awkward ,as they were. To be more picky on this one for all that handle thickness I could ask for a hare more blade stock. Remeber I'm the most offened where there close. ;)

[@jimm244]

XHP is awesome.

[@markw7303]

@@jimm244 not on a 370 cad knife;) its a good mid level steel but its no show stoper. I dont know why ypu can't see this is one of the takeing the money and keeping it for them selves situations . There zero value from spyderco at this pricepoint.

[@jimm244]

@@markw7303 It’s perspective &preference. I Prefer well treated XHP to S110V & S90V as I’m happy to trade some edge holding for easy sharpening. M390 etc might be better in theory, but I’ve yet to be overwhelmed by the magic.

[@Oldcrow77]

I think the whole design is upside down. Take a screen shot and rotate it and you will see a much cooler design. IMO

[@twai8036]

I love all of Slyz’s designs, but I just can’t accept the price for Taiwan made. Yes it is one of the better export companies, but for anything over $200 I prefer to stay in the US

[@donh1572]

Damn your long winded

[@huejanus5505]

That is one ugly looking knife. Might be the best knife ever made but there are too many out there that have much more appeal.

[@111111111Tiger]

I had NO expectations, don't really like it. Didn't buy it.

[@jeffscalfano3100]

Because its U.A.F.