Field test: Spyderco Bill Moran

I’ve recently been given a couple of spyderco fixed blade knives to try out and review, the first being the spyderco Bill Moran and the second the small Enuff. First off with the Bill Moran which I have field tested over the last couple of weeks .I’m not that particularly familiar with spyderco fixed blades so this was really a first although like most of us I have seen their popular folders. 

The spyderco Bill Moran is an extremely lightweight camping/hunting knife that has a total weight of 85g (3oz) for a blade that is just under 4 inches. In previous incarnations these knives have been under the production model called ‘featherweights’ for obvious reasons. Actually due to the balance of the knife it feels somewhat lighter. The handle is crafted from fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) with rubbery Kraton inserts on both sides and on the thumb ramp.In contrast to Spyderco's flat handled folders, the Moran's curved handle is three-dimensional with swells that fit the palm providing excellent grip when wet or dry. This knife does not have a full tang so it is not really designed for certain bushcraft activities like batoning for example but it does excel as a cutting tool.

The drop point style blade is flat ground and milled from VG-10 stainless steel. If anyone has used VG-10 they will know of its much earned reputation as a great all-around steel: corrosion resistant, tough enough for utility use, and capable of taking and holding a keen edge. Out of the box this blade is extremely sharp and probably the sharpest I’ve come across. The Moran comes with a pancake style black Boltaron sheath which is well constructed and has great positive retention and a drainage hole drilled toward the bottom. The sheath also comes with spyderco’s own 6 position TekLock fastening system which allows the knife to be carried vertically or horizontally. In conclusion, this knife is rather like a more expensive Mora. However, the knife is extremely light and well made with modern materials,excellent steel and finished off with an ergonomic design which I think justifies its price.

What is good
Lightness, quality, VG10 steel, and blade sharpness.

What is not so good

If you want to do more bushcraft activities like batoning you might want to think of a knife with a thicker width and a full tang.

What is its ideal usage

Lightweight camping/hunting knife that excels at food preparation, game preparation and other camping chores

Tech specs:
Overall length: 8 inches (203 mm)Blade length: 3.88 inches (99 mm)Blade steel: VG 10Blade thickness: ⅛ inchWeight: 3 oz (84 g)