FOG HORN Aug 2019

Twobirds Flying Publications

Spyderco’s Proficient

Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.

 Spyderco’s Proficient 2019

Spyderco’s Proficient 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


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.
Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Spyderco’s Proficient 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