FOG HORN
Aug 2019 Twobirds Flying Publications
Spyderco’s Proficient
Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Spyderco’s Proficient Spyderco’s Proficient
2019
Proficient, a beautifully upgraded version of its original Bushcrafter.
By: Sal Palma
There’s a growing interest in bushcraft among outdoors enthusiast in the United States, and we certainly have an extraordinary natural diversity in both fauna and flora. Spending time in the bush is not just challenging, it’s also a great way to relax and leave the rat race behind. The Oxford English Dictionary definition of bushcraft is "skill in matters pertaining to life in the bush". The successful bushman identifies and utilizes his or her surroundings and adapts them for their use; so if bushcraft is your thing, nothing is more necessary than an outstanding fixed blade knife. To that end, I’d like to introduce you to Spyderco’s Proficient. For a knife to be called a bushcraft knife, it has to incorporate specific characteristics like a full tang, no handguard and a blade 4 to 6 inches long. Spyderco’s first bush knife was their Bushcraft, a 4.10” fixed blade with G-10 grip. The knife was the product a three-fold collaboration between Tactical Bushcrafter Chris Claycombe, BushcraftUK.com and Spyderco designers. It had an O-1 steel blade with a Scandinavian grind. From these beginnings, Spyderco launched another Claycombe design the
Like its predecessor, the Proficient comes with a black leather sheath that holds the knife deep in its pocket. The sheath has a smidgen of traditional nautical flavor and allows the knife to be carried on the belt, right or left side. Although, I have no objection to the sheath, leather does have a tendency to hold moisture, and in my opinion a knife of this quality merits a well-designed Kydex sheath. The Proficient also departs from the G10 scales of the Bushcrafter with an absolutely gorgeous Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Spyderco’s Proficient sculpted carbon-fiber handle. The handle is machined from a solid piece of carbon fiber that’s attached to its full tang with two blind stainless steel bolts to permanently secure the scales.
The handle is unquestionably one of the most ergonomic that I’ve had the opportunity to experience. It was made for the saber and icepick grips. The machining is superb, with smooth sculpted surfaces throughout. There are no sharp or rough edges that could cause discomfort over prolonged use and sits in the hand very comfortably. Spyderco also included a lanyard hole that accommodates Mil Spec 550 paracord.
2019
Spyderco dropped the O-1 steel and Scandinavian grind of its Bushcrafter and went with a full-flat grind and premium steel, CPM® S90V, in the Proficient. Dropping the Scandinavian grind means Proficient’s tip is finer, which dramatically improves its ability to puncture; however, there is a modest tradeoff, it makes the tip a bit more fragile. The Proficient is a slicer that is up to any bushcraft or hunting tasks you can throw at it.
If you’re a hunter or bushcraft enthusiast, having an excellent fixed blade knife is indispensable and Spyderco’s Proficient meets and exceeds all the requirements for both applications. Sure, you can find lowered priced offerings from a variety of companies but I assure you that none will perform like the Proficient. It’s similar to the difference between a Sako and a Rolex. -SP Manufacturer Specifications Overall Length 8.75" (222mm) Blade Length 4.00" (102mm) Steel CPM S90V(420V) Closed Length N/A Edge Length 3.89" (99mm) Weight 6.3oz (179g) Blade Thickness 0.14" (3.5mm) Handle Carbon Fiber Grind Full-Flat Sheath Leather Origin Taiwan Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved