Spyderco Amalgam Review

Let’s Talk About Spyderco Amalgam

The Spyderco Amalgam, designed by Brian Lai and manufactured by Spyderco, aims to blend functionality with a sleek design. This knife boasts the Spyderco Compression Lock, a flipper opener, and the signature Trademark Round Hole, all in one package.

I was searching for a larger folding knife that could handle both everyday tasks and more demanding outdoor situations. The combination of a robust blade steel, innovative locking mechanism, and comfortable ergonomics drew me to the Amalgam. Upon unboxing, the Spyderco Amalgam immediately impressed with its clean lines and the smooth action of the blade. The carbon fiber/G-10 laminate handle felt solid and offered a reassuring grip.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and ZT 0450, the Amalgam felt significantly larger and more substantial. While the Griptilian is known for its lightweight versatility and the ZT 0450 for its sleek, premium build, the Amalgam promised a heavier-duty feel with a greater emphasis on cutting power. I chose the Amalgam hoping to find a knife that bridged the gap between EDC and a light-duty field knife. My initial impression was excitement tempered with a slight concern about the size for everyday carry.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Spyderco Amalgam to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Spyderco Amalgam through its paces on a weekend camping trip. The drop-point blade proved excellent for food preparation, whittling tinder, and cutting rope.

The knife handled well even with wet hands, thanks to the textured handle. The flipper deployment was quick and reliable, making it easy to access the blade with one hand. My initial experience was positive, but I noticed the detent was indeed a bit soft as mentioned in other reviews, requiring a deliberate flick.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Spyderco Amalgam has proven to be a reliable tool. The CPM S30V steel has held its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain sharpness.

I’ve observed only minimal wear on the blade coating and handle scales despite regular use and occasional exposure to dirt and moisture. The Spyderco Amalgam is easy to clean with just soap and water, and a drop of oil on the pivot keeps the action smooth. Compared to some of my other knives that require more frequent sharpening or show wear more easily, the Amalgam has been a standout performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Spyderco Amalgam

Specifications

• The Spyderco Amalgam features a blade length of 97 mm, providing ample cutting surface for various tasks. This length makes it suitable for both precision work and more demanding cutting chores.
• With a closed length of 130 mm, the Amalgam is a substantial knife, but still reasonably pocketable. This size strikes a balance between carry comfort and usable blade length.
• The blade is crafted from CPM S30V stainless steel, known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. This high-quality steel ensures the blade can withstand regular use and maintain its sharpness.
• The overall length of 226 mm gives the user plenty of reach and leverage. This is particularly useful when dealing with larger cutting tasks.
• The handle is constructed from a Carbon Fiber/G-10 Laminate, offering a lightweight yet durable grip. The combination of these materials provides both aesthetic appeal and functional strength.
• The handle has a Satin finish which gives it a smooth and refined look. It enhances the overall aesthetic of the knife.
• The blade thickness is 3.5 mm, contributing to the knife’s overall strength and rigidity. This thickness allows the blade to handle significant pressure without flexing or breaking.
• It employs a Compression Lock, offering secure blade lockup and ease of use. This lock type is known for its strength and the ability to close the knife without placing fingers in the path of the blade.
• The blade grind is Full-Flat, providing excellent slicing performance. This grind type maximizes the blade’s cutting efficiency.
• It weighs in at 4.3 oz, making it relatively lightweight for its size. This weight makes it comfortable to carry without being overly burdensome.

Performance & Functionality

The Spyderco Amalgam excels at slicing, piercing, and general cutting tasks. The full-flat grind and CPM S30V steel combine to create a very sharp and durable edge.

While the soft detent can sometimes be an issue for quick deployment, the flipper tab and Trademark Round Hole offer alternative opening methods. Overall, the knife’s performance is excellent, meeting my expectations for a high-quality Spyderco product.

Design & Ergonomics

The Spyderco Amalgam is well-designed, with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. The carbon fiber/G-10 laminate handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.

The knife feels balanced in hand, and the contoured handle shape prevents hot spots during extended use. The Amalgam has a slight learning curve due to the soft detent, but overall, it’s user-friendly and easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the high-quality materials and solid construction, the Spyderco Amalgam should last for many years with proper care. The CPM S30V steel is known for its resistance to wear and corrosion, and the carbon fiber/G-10 handle is extremely durable.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The knife is relatively easy to disassemble for more thorough cleaning and maintenance, although some may prefer to leave that to a professional.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Spyderco Amalgam comes standard with a four-position pocket clip. This allows for tip-up or tip-down carry on either the left or right side.

While there are no specific accessories designed solely for the Amalgam, the Spyderco ecosystem offers a variety of aftermarket clips and lanyards. The knife is compatible with most standard lanyard beads and aftermarket pocket clips designed for Spyderco knives.

Pros and Cons of Spyderco Amalgam

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Who Should Buy Spyderco Amalgam?

The Spyderco Amalgam is perfect for knife enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who appreciates a high-quality, versatile cutting tool. It’s well-suited for everyday carry, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities where a reliable knife is essential.

Those who prefer smaller, lighter knives or who prioritize extremely fast, reliable deployment may want to skip this product. A must-have modification is a stronger detent if you find the stock one insufficient, although this may require professional gunsmithing, and some users might benefit from aftermarket deep-carry pocket clips.

Conclusion on Spyderco Amalgam

The Spyderco Amalgam is a well-designed and well-executed knife that offers excellent performance and durability. Its high-quality materials, versatile features, and comfortable ergonomics make it a worthwhile investment for serious knife users.

At $247.50, the price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance. I would personally recommend the Spyderco Amalgam to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile folding knife that can handle a wide range of tasks. Add the Spyderco Amalgam to your collection and experience the difference a quality blade can make!