FOG HORN

Spydercos Enuff Leaf

By: Sal Palma

2013
Twobirds Flying Publication

I had an excellent conversation, just the other day, with a couple of enlisted men assigned to USSOCOM; the topic was the DoDs weight reduction initiative. Ive got to tell you that after some deliberation we all reached the conclusion that the DoDs weigh reduction initiative is really striving to make accessories and equipment as small and light as possible so you can carry more stuff in the field. So, when selecting kit, keep in mind that ounces turn into

pounds quickly and the more burdened you are the less effective youll be in combat. Knife selection falls into that mindset, but quite often, in order to derive the benefits of a fixed blade knife, you need to resort to a heavy 5 or 6 blade. It may not seem like much at the time but as Ive said in my opening paragraph, ounces add up to pounds quickly.

Copyright 2013, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Spydercos Enuff Leaf

If my logic prevails, then it becomes important to select the tools you carry carefully; assessing their attributes against how well they meet the essential components of your mission. Well, your job just became easier with Spydercos introduction of its Enuff line of compact fixed blade knives. Spydercos Enuff series consists of three compact fixed blade knives, the Leaf, Clip Point and Sheepfoot. All three are made from VG-10 stainless steel using a skeletonized full-tang construction, which reduces weight without compromising strength. In this review, Ill be looking at one of the three members of the Enuff family, Spydercos Enuff Leaf. The Leaf is a proprietary Spyderco profile. Id like to call it a modified spear point; with a beautiful full flat grind extending right down to one of the best edges Ive seen in a production blade. The Leafs profile makes the knife suitable for general use but retains impressive puncturing prowess, which is essential in combative scenarios. The VG-10 blade is 2.75 inches long giving the Leaf an overall length of just 6.75 inches. This is ideal for mounting on a load bearing vest. In case you havent noticed real estate on loadbearing gear is becoming hard to find leading operators to stack pouches that extend out as much as 6 to 8 inches from the body. Certainly not GQ; not to mention the very real pain should you need to go prone or roll. Therefore, anything you can do to eliminate bulk is a worthwhile endeavor. I have to laugh because we use to have the old Mk3 Mod 0, which were awesome knives and

2013
could survive anything but they were always in the way. Thank God for progress!

For vest mounting I used Andrew Bawidamanns PUP, PALS Universal Platform, which gives me the option to attach the Leaf to PALS webbing at any angle or orientation - a good system worthy of your consideration.

Quite often compactness means you have to give up gripping surface -not the case with Spydercos Enuff Leaf. In typical Spyderco fashion, the Leaf is endowed with a hand filling grip crafted with large finger coils. The grip brackets the hand so theres no shifting of the hand fore or aft; it is both comfortable and ergonomic. Irrespective of the grip you use, saber, reverse grip, icepick, etc. youll feel comfortable, secure and in control.
Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Spydercos Enuff Leaf

2013

I like everything about the Leaf; however, if I were asked to discuss just one, it has to be the texturing of the scales - hands down. Spydercos calls it its Bi-Directional Texturing pattern. It is a series of opposing angled steps radiating out from the center of the handle to ensure superior traction and a non-slip grip.

Another nice touch is the include lanyard hole sized to accept mil-spec 550 cord. The sheath supplied with the Leaf is excellent, and the same for all of the ENUFF fixed blades. It is made from injection molded polymers and flared at the opening. These ears snap tightly around the front of the handle, holding the knife securely in place. A thumb shelf is molded into the sheath for a safe and controlled extraction of the blade. The sheaths main compartment is neutral, so the blade can be inserted with its edge oriented in any direction. Its obvious Spyderco intended the ENUFF family of knives to be worn on the waist, or inside the pant, because no provision was made for MOLLE compatibility. A minor shortcoming and its the reason I ended up using Andrew Bawidamanns PUP.

Heres the salient point. Regardless of how much force or direction is applied to the handle, the scale texturing bites into your hand for a rock-solid grip. When you combine its texturing with generous jimping of the spine, you end up with a very secure system that allows you to tackle jobs that you would not consider with a folder.

All Enuff sheaths come with Spydercos G-Clip attachment, which supports both belt carry and clip-style inside-the-waistband carry. The G-Clip is configurable for vertical, horizontal, or diagonally canted carry and can be attached to both sides and both faces of the symmetrical sheath. The sheath also includes multiple mounting holes to allow both high and low-ride attachment of the G-Clip.
Copyright 2013, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

FOG HORN
Conclusion

2013
Twobirds Flying Publication

Spydercos Enuff line of compact fixed blade knives has something for everyone. The company just has a sense for whats important in a working blade whether EDC or military use. Anyone of the Enuff knives will serve you exceptionally well. First responders will do well to consider the Spyderco Enuff Sheepfoot, which is fully serrated and designed specifically to cut through cordage and straps. As for the Leaf and Clip Point models, you cant go wrong with either selection. Regardless of what blade profile you prefer, youll get a skeletonized full tang, a gorgeous flat ground VG-10 blade that is rust resistant and easy to sharpen; possibly the most important point, a superb grip and texturing. I kid you not when I say it has a better feel and balance than some knives costing three times its modest M.S.R.P of $179.95. The sheath is excellent in both construction and design as is the removable belt clip. MOLLE compatibility would have been great but there are so many ways to skin that cat that its not even worth mentioning. Bottom line, you cannot go wrong with Spydercos Enuff compact fixed blade knives. In fact, youll probably end up owning all three. Spyderco has done it again! -SP Contact Information Spyderco Inc. 820 Spyderco Way Golden, CO 80403-8053
Spydercos Enuff Leaf

Copyright 2013, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.