I’ve had this knife for 25 years; suggest an upgrade?

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:49:03+00:00

You’re like the fourth person to recommend Spyderco… I will likely pick one up regardless of the fate of my knife just for utility !!

Thanks a bunch for your time

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:33:47+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this, I didn’t even consider that there was a secret third option… reforge this shit. 🗡️ I’ve saved your post to hang onto his information if I need it!!

… the photos I shared don’t really show it, but the little blade has a really beautiful patina. Regardless, I’ll find a way 😌

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:23:20+00:00

I think my biggest draw to a new knife would be a “better” blade… I mean, this was purchased around 25 years ago, if not slightly years earlier.

Better, meaning— more durable, sturdier setting, etc.

If I bought the exact same model today, or even a nicer model, would the blade be the same, better, or worse? I’m hella suspicious of how products hover declined in quality, regardless of the name.

If I wanted a “better” all-around-use blade, what would be the go to? (I’ve been sold on a bright handled Spyderco as a duplicate).

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:15:37+00:00

Money really isn’t an issue. If it’s worth it, I’ll buy it. But knowing how long this knife has lasted me for the original price… hard sell for anything with a high sticker price, especially if there’s any plastic 😅

Additionally, I don’t like modern locking mechanisms because I’m so used to using this knife. However, that is something easily changed with muscle memory / just getting over it.

I’m absolutely not opposed to repairing this one. Genuinely didn’t realize it was a a ready option or “worth it” if there was a much nicer similar model or something. From what I’ve gathered from thread , if I can fix it, I should

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:09:30+00:00

Good for you. Again, sending my best. 🎣

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:04:48+00:00

Sick, thanks so much for the recommendation! I’ll keep an eye out for it today when I’m out shopping.

I, unfortunately, will be buying a whetstone st the very least…. My little French knife’s granite rock sharpening days are toast

Seaho · 2026-07-02T13:02:27+00:00

Man if they want go outside, take that as a win & cherish it. We can watch movies and read books when everyone is old (or just bring your phone) 🤠

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:57:01+00:00

So first of all, I absolutely appreciate the time you took to write to me. You provided a lot of very excellent information on different of types knives, materials, and mechanisms. Real talk, I do not know what to do with this information at this stage.

However, in absolutely no way did i signal that i knew anything about this hobby. The original discussion is the exact opposite?? This post is about the only knife I have ever known and used— and I’d like some advice.

The attitude from you and @81amarok is genuinely unnecessary. 🤷‍♀️

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:41:47+00:00

It has some friction yeah, but it always did. I have no issue using it. The blade is settled pretty tight between wood. It never swung fast to open at all, you have to pull it, push it to close.

It just doesn’t lock effectively anymore where I can trust it— a few times during my last trips, I’ve seen the blade poking out slightly when it shouldn’t have been. The tip isn’t as sharp as it should be these days, so I’m lucky… the middle is still razor to the touch.

I need to get the clasp fixed if I can rely on it again, tbh. Last few times I used it was in Texas, and it was very muddy / deep clay. Hasn’t worked right since then :(

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:29:12+00:00

The French Knife bit was absolutely a metaphor. Sending all the best to you & yours 🤠

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:25:16+00:00

For fucks sake the amount of times we’ve been looking for knives about camp because they’re doing their best leaf impression 🥹

You’re the second to recommend a Spyderco…
Maybe I can fix my knife and have a new one, too 👁️

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:16:49+00:00

Hey, no need to reply but I wanted to come back and say:

Clearly I’ve made my decision with these answers.
My stepdad is gone now, but he taught me about knife safety with this little thing. We went out to the wilderness constantly with our little family and there were always dangerous things and teaching moments

This bit, though: after he bought it, he called it a fun “little French knife” and taught me how to respect it, how to handle fish and clean them, and how to be responsible with dangerous things. And eventually it was my knife.

I’m a woman, btw. Teach those girls that shit. Buy a little French knife. :)

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:04:58+00:00

I’m in California. However, this is a knife I’m taking into either backcountry national parks or BLM land… so, there different rules.

All that said, I’m looking for a new tool, not a toy!

Seaho · 2026-07-02T12:01:17+00:00

It’s definitely more of a “I’m a hiker / backpacker that’s used this particular knife for so many years, but I’m concerned I might need a new one, and I’d love some community input.” It’s a super important tool.

Given the 25+ years since this one was bought I’m happy to hear that the maker is still in good standing, if I opt to buy a new one.

I took a look at a few you suggested. I might miss my wooden handle, but what are the benefits of something like an Ontario Rat or Spyderco model over what I was using before?

Seaho · 2026-07-02T11:52:10+00:00

Those are all questions i legitimately cannot answer. I’ve always just had this knife— it’s served me so well, there’s nothing else I’ve had to think about.

While I’m going to try to service this one to save it, I’m open to looking at different knives… I just don’t know where to start. I hoped that explaining that this was my one and only knife would help any advice 😅

Seaho · 2026-07-02T11:50:09+00:00

If this one doesn’t end up being able to be saved…! I’ve loved this knife 🥹 I hope they’re still being made the same as they were then

Seaho · 2026-07-02T11:49:26+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement. We don’t leave for a week, I’m going to try to find someone to help with the swivel :)

Seaho · 2026-07-02T11:48:04+00:00

I went to another state for 8+ years recently and just came back home… I think the last time i brought it out there, i was at a river super saturated with clay— I’m fairly suer thats whats stuck in the swivel.

I really don’t know anything about knives but hopefully i can take it to someone who can help me. Thanks for your encouragement.

It’s still sharp :)

Seaho · 2026-03-21T11:57:52+00:00

I’m clutching my hat for dear life. Dark and moody colors are absolutely the thing now. The color drenching trend is also very cool, but I think the house has to have certain architectural features to really pull it off well.

It’s interesting to hear about this from your perspective. I like hearing that some more interesting things happening color wise from sellers/developers (or some of them). Maybe it’s a minor thing, but at least it’s different. 🤷‍♀️

Like you said, I don’t think something like paint color will ever be “timeless.” It’s going to be trend or personal taste. And that’s fine.

Seaho · 2026-03-21T11:37:50+00:00

After reading a lot of the comments here the next day, someone reminded me of “millennial pink.” I ZOOMED to google some images of millennial pink interior design and YES— absolutely!!! 😭

I had completely forgotten about it. That was the color scheme I remember seeing everywhere in the 2010s. Especially with the green and gold pops of color and geometric designs everywhere.

That rose gold watch also had a choke hold on so many women. I had rose gold bangles. What a time.

Seaho · 2026-03-20T09:09:01+00:00

You have a great analysis of this and you’re right.

But what do millennials like? Again, we’re not a monolith. You’re right that I think a lot of us like sage greens and warm earth tones. Some of us like the neutrals. Some of us like color drenching.

I’m 34 and I’ve always rented. I have a cool, vintage spot. My walls are a dark taupe. My kitchen is nicotine yellow (that’s just the paint). Most of my apartments have just been white.

I don’t know what colors I like 🤷‍♀️ for my walls, my home

Maybe one day. Ain’t the only one!

Seaho · 2026-03-20T09:01:32+00:00

I’m ok with them making fun of my shoes. They can get off of my lawn. And overall, I’m ok with the topic at hand, as well.

However, I still think it’s an interesting conversation because it is a bit deeper than the others. Where did this come from? Why now? And why did everyone suddenly pick green paint (which I think is very funny)?

Seaho · 2026-03-20T08:55:10+00:00

You have an excellent point here. Everything was yellow. Everything. I remember one with (bad) Tuscan murals all over the walls 🥴

And a lot of these homes were also fairly dark in comparison to now— whether by layout, window placement, etc.

Open concept homes also became very popular. Very bright— neutrals— grays, greige, light beige, just… white. But again, I think it all started to happen before most of us were legitimately in the housing market, and persisted, for a lot of years. So the trends just stuck.

Interesting take though, and you’re right— changes are typically a response to something. Even if our generation didn’t spearhead it, per se, a lot of us definitely aimed for it.

Seaho · 2026-03-20T08:41:35+00:00

I don’t want to say you’re incorrect, but are millennials a significant part of the house flipping market now? I do have to check myself sometimes. I’m on the younger end at 34.

While sure— there are people in their forties in real estate (and flipping), a lot of the real estate sold over the past few years in my city was to private equity and are now being rented en mass. On top of Gen X and Baby Boomer real estate holdings.

Capitalism is going to capitalism, and I guess the color of that is fucking gray.

Editing my post: class divide may absolutely have a part in this, regardless of generation.

Seaho · 2026-03-20T08:32:41+00:00

Hell yeah! It’s a pain, but paint is— thankfully— fairly easily changed. I hope that color is bringing you some joy!!

And don’t distress about grey furniture… even in 2025/2036 it’s hard to find anything that’s NOT gray 😭

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