Spyderco Mini Persian!

In the true spirit of the holidays, I'd like to discuss an awesome gift I received: the Spyderco Mini Persian, a pocketknife that is held in high esteem by collectors/users. The Spyderco company is located in Golden, Colorado but also manufactures knives in Seiki City, Japan and China. There Chinese knives are generally set at a lower price, while still conforming to Spyderco's legendary standards of quality control.

Now, let's get to the knife. The Mini Persian is the little brother to the discontinued larger Persian, and the mini comes in with a blade that appears to be just under three inches. That keeps this knife at just below the "legal" limit in many states, and is a perfect size for EDC (Every Day Carry) use and tasks. Yes, I can hear the non-knife carrying people asking now: what tasks?
Here's a few:

Cutting apples
Opening Packages
Opening Mail
Cutting a Seatbelt in Emergency

And the list goes on. Before I go into more details of my prized knife, I want to address the irrational hysteria that surrounds the humble pocketknife. In my world, a knife is a tool that has too many uses to ever not be carried on my person. I have also found that the knife performs best (and safest) when it is razor-sharp. At this point I have to add another use: self-defense. Sorry to have to mention this, but it is true that we share our planet with people who would do bad things to us if they could. It is a good thing to have a warrior mentality, and some things that could possibly save our lives, or the lives of our loved ones. Those who avoid facing, preparing or training for this unpleasant (yet possible) reality are known as "Sheeple".

But the primary reason for carrying a knife are the multitude of tasks that appear on a daily basis. Start carrying one, and soon you'll see what I mean. Don't be afraid. Stay within the legal limits of your jurisdiction, and buy a good quality folding knife. Carry it on your person--don't leave it at home in a drawer out of fear.

The Mini Persian is a design that was manufactured by Spyderco using a design by a custom knife maker named Ed Schempp. I am not familiar with his designs, but generally speaking custom knives will cost between two and ten times the amount of manufacturers knives. Custom knives are often called "safe queens" because people will often keep them at home in a safe, for their collectible value. Others will use the knives hard in wilderness situations, whether it be camping, survival training or other uses.
The Spyderco Mini Persian would sometimes be referred to as a "gentleman's folder" due to its more polished appearance, e.g., the polished Micarta handles and stainless steel bolsters.

Spyderco knives are also known for their amazing ergonomics--hold one in your hand and the knife will usually feel like an extension of your body. And then we come to the cool factor, which only a knife person would understand. This knife feels and looks cool. There is that satisfying "click" when the blade locks open or closed. And there is that feeling of connection with a tool that has been used and carried by frontiersman, settlers, ranchers, soldiers and people of all kinds. The knife is such a basic tool, and one that goes deep onto our DNA--primitive men banged rocks against other rocks to get sharp edges (ancient knives).

The fact that people raise their eyebrows; feel uncomfortable ; complain at the workplace if someone produces a Swiss Army Knife to open a package (oy!); that's just too much PC for me. If the Spyderco Persian, with it's Eastern-influenced up-swept blade scares you, try the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives, which have scissors and other useful implements on them. But please.....if you are reading this blog--please drop your fear of the humble pocketknife. You don't have to become a knife nut like me; admittedly I've gone too far, though not nearly as far as some of the true fanatics on the internet knife forums. BTW, stay out of the forums, you will end up believing that their are hundreds of knives that you must have.
I say that one or two good knives is enough for you. Buy good quality and take care of them and they will outlive you, just like any good tool should.