Spyderco Bill Moran FB01 And FB02 Hunting Knives

When the Leatherman SkeletoolTM was first launched in 2008 it raised quite a few eyebrows, as it was one of the first ‘stripped down’ multi-tools featuring the bare basics of tools. Manufactured from hard-wearing aluminium and stainless steel, this multi-tool weighs a mere 5oz and measures 4 1/8-inches in length in the closed position. Strength of build isn’t compromised even though the handles of this butterfly opener (including the straight edge 21⁄2-inch long knife it contains) have been cleverly lightened. This has been achieved by drilling holes at strategic positions where they don’t affect the strength or robust build characteristics.

When opened, the tool gives access to a set of needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters and hard wire cutters. In the open position one side of the handle curves away affording a comfortable hold. On the lower part of the bowed handle is a carabineer clip that also contains a bottle opener. There’s also a removable pocket/belt clip. On the end of the other handle is a bit driver holding a double sided 3/16- and 1⁄4-inch screwdriver. The clever ‘bit’ of this design is there’s also a double sided #1 and #2 Phillips head bit in a holder in the frame of the unit.

Close the tool back to its original position and you can safely use the one- handed opening 420HC stainless steel fine edge part serrated clip point knife blade. This is easily deployed using an elongated thumbhole and stays securely deployed to a strong lock liner. It’s also surprisingly comfortable to use due to the cleverly designed shape of the handles.

SX Appeal

The handle ‘scale’ is aluminium while the main body, rivets and pivot points of the Skeletool are stainless steel. The model shown is the standard version, there’s also the SkeletoolTMCX made from stainless steel and a Tungsten DLC scratch-resistant coating with carbon fibre scale detail. There’s now even an SX model featuring all the CX build qualities and features but with the addition of a diamond coated file.

The standard Leatherman SkeletoolTM featured here (incl. Nylon Pouch) is priced at £69.95, while the CX version is £99.95 and the SX is £84.95.

Spyderco Hunters

Testing out the Bill Moran FB01 and FB02 – the ultimate knives for hunting…

Highly suitable for hunting due to their strength and versatility, the Bill Moran FB01 and FB02 fixed blade (FB) knives from Spyderco, the Colorado-based knife manufacturer, offer users a tapered blade with a fine uniformly ground tip and a comfortable handle inlayed with a panel of non-slip Kraton, giving a reliable grip.

Distributed in the UK by Edgar Brothers, the Cheshire-based wholesaler of firearms and ammunition, the Spyderco FB01 has an upswept trailing Bowie-style blade while the FB02 has a drop-point shape.

Both blades are made of flat-ground VG-10 steel and both models come in a moulded Boltaron sheath with multi-position G-Clip fastening system and carry the signature of Bill Moran, recognised as the grandfather of American custom knifemaking.

Balancing Act

The blades of the FB01 and FB02 are tapered from where they join the handle, thinning down the spine to a fine, uniformly ground tip. The knives also convey a unique feeling of balance in the hand known as the sweet spot, thanks to the blade and handle being comparable in weight and transferring into a feeling of control over the cutting edge.

Derek Edgar, Managing Director of Edgar Brothers, commented: “Bill Moran started making knives more than 50 years ago and his work and designs are still revered today. It’s testament to him that these first fixed blade knives are still in the Spyderco line-up so long after their release. They really are the perfect knives for hunting thanks to being of extremely high quality and very comfortable to use.”

The recommended price for each of these knives is £99 inc VAT. www. shootingsports.edgarbrothers.com

CONTACT: Whitby and Co. 01539 721032 www.whitbyandco.co.uk