The Balisong Collector Reviews
The Spyderco Szabofly

At first glance, the blade on the Szabofly looks a bit unconventional. One might even say... well... even outrageous.

The handles are a bit unconventional too.

But, like many martial artists, Laci Szabo is a firm believer in form-follows-function. As I handled the Szabofly, I quickly realized that its unusual shape was not driven by some fantasy excursion, but by pure utility. The unusual shape serve a function. Take that deep dip in the spine of the blade, for example. It's not there just for looks, not at all.

Notice, also, how the shape of the ricasso fits your index finger. This strong, choked-up grip leaves the "butt" of the knife, what a Filipino-style martial artist would call the punyo, well below the base of the hand which is exactly what a Filipino-style martial artist wants.

In a more conventional forward grip, the gentle scallops in the opposite handle exactly fit the fingers for a more secure grip. Unlike the deep finger groves found on some knives, these won't inhibit other grip positions.

One of the reasons I'm not, personally, a big fan of pocket clips is that I find them uncomfortable when gripping the knife. But, as you can see in the picture above, the dip in the Szabofly's clip is aligned with where your small finger will be so the clip doesn't interfere with a good, strong grip.

Reverse grips are very well-thought-out too.

In the reverse grip, the scallop in the spine is deep enough to be effective for trapping.