SpydercoAmbitious Value Knife with 2.31" Stainless Steel Blade and Durable Black G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C148GP

My first Spyderco knife and I like it. For heavy duty work, I prefer fixed blade knives, particularly the well crafted Puukko knives from Finland with their Scandi grinds. I like folding knives for light duty work. My favorite feature is the blade, I like the hole to open the knife and the shoulder where you can place your thumb to press down on the blade. I especially like the broad blade format, it makes prying open stuff easier without fear of snapping the blade. The blade was stiff to open in the beginning, I adjusted the screw with a T-8 star screwdriver to loosen it up a bit, in fact I really opened it up and dropped in some gun oil, then tightened it up to the point where it was easy to open but had no blade wobble. Using a T-6 star screwdriver, I tried different variations with the clip, I reversed it, removed it but ended up replacing it the way it came. Its nice to have options. The reason I like the clip is that is gives my fingers a place to hold onto when I close the knife one handed. The handle is non-slip and it is big enough for me to use 3.5 fingers to grasp the knife which is fine for me for light duty work. It is also sharp out of the box and I am looking at the Spyderco Sharpmaker as a sharpening system. I ordered a couple more models of the Spydercos from Aliexpress for under $20 as I was impressed with this particular model.

Yeah, it's manufactured in China. It is also about half the cost of a comparable US knife. Spyderco must have a rep on sight at the overseas factory; the fit and finish on this knife is as good as any of my Spyderco knifes that were made in Colorado.The blade is perfectly centered with no side to side play. Smooth action, no grinding or hesitation either opening or closing. The G-10 scales are right to the edge of the liners, the holes are all centered and perfect. This knife has a very strong clip, almost too strong, it has no hint of coming loose on accident. The 'thumb hole' is not so sharp that it is uncomfortable to open the knife. The blade on the knife I received is flawless- no tooling marks, the bevel in uniform and consistent. If you are getting the impression that I lam pleased with this knife, congratulations, you are paying attention!As others have mentioned, this model IS a bit heavy for its size. But I like the way it feels . . . substantial despite its size. I have huge hands, but this knife is still comfortable to deploy and use. It is also a little thick (especially with the clip), but not enough to make it 'print' in my pocket.This knife will live in my weak side pocket and be used to open boxes, etc. this will be my utility knife, leaving my strong side knive unused, sharp and only to be deployed in the unlikely event that I must use it to defend my life. This little Ambitious will not freak out my co-workers. I may even win a few "Libs" over to carrying a knife!I consider this one if my best buys ever.UPDATE:EDC for 4 month now, this gets use DAILY. Perfect size, never too heavy or uncomfortable. Not a spot of rust through sweat of the AZ summer. Blade still perfectly centered & smooth. Co-workers often ask to borrow it for various tasks around the office, one guy just ordered the same model! GREAT KNIFE. Way to go Spyderco!

The Spyderco Ambitious may well be the best knife around for $25 or less! Although I wish it was made in the USA, or for that matter almost anywhere other thann CHINA. I'd have to admit the build quality and materials are excellent quality. I have been a knife user since I was 11, I spent time in the USAF Security Police and have nearly 20 years in construction so I'd like to think of myself as a person who knows good equipment and although I don't go out of my way to abuse it, my gear does by nature get a workout. I purchased ths particular knife for my son who after years of responsible knife use at job sites with me, trails backpacking, camping, fishing etc. is gong to get his first EDC spyderco folder. He has always liked all of the fine spydercos I already own and has a small fixed blade pack knife and a Fox folder that is a bit chunky that he uses to wittle wood at the campfire. My first choice was the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 frn for him but it is almost twice the price and no body has them currently. I thought this would be a great time to try out the Ambitious. My EDC is the Delica 4 which suits my needs well.The knife came in perfect condition and surgery sharp. The fit/finsh is as you would expect from any other Spyderco. As I do with all of my knives I clean them with alcohol [dirty from mfg process] and polish up the clip and blade. I check the lock-up which required no tinkering and put a couple drops of Slick 50 on the pivot. The blade deploys with a smooth, minimal effort. I like the dual jimping such as on the Dragonfly so a bit of grip tape on the under side of the blade gives a bit of purchase there. I also cut a strip for the area your thumb will rest when using, that really helps too. I know a lot of folks are hot or cold on the blade steel BUT time will tell, one thing for certain it should be as easy to field sharpen as AUS8 or VG10. ZDP189 is a fine steel but good luck sharpening it yourself! I really like the size and shape of the blade, it feels and cuts like a much larger knife. I am actually so impressed with the knife that I may just pick up one [ambitious or persistance] for a pack blade for myself!I will post updates good or bad as we give this little blade a workout.9/28/11: Update I was so impressed with the one I got for my son that I watched Amazon's price, when it got down to $22 w/super saver shipping I picked up one for myself. It came in perfect condition like the last one, only requiring a bit of blade and clip cleaning from factory dirt etc. It is a bit thinner and lighter than my beater [work] knife the Ontario Utlitac and a bit thicker/heavier than my regular EDC the Delica 4.