Amsterdam Meet 2011 Report

[Mr Blonde]

Yojimbo 2. WHEN??????? :thumbup:

The only timetable that exists in the Spyderco Factory is 'when it's done'. From the fit and finish of the proto, I did get the impression that it was a production sample though. I'd guess that it won't take long before it's launched.

 

[Mr Blonde]

The first Balance concept model was shown a couple of meets ago, and I and a few other spyderknuts had been pushing Sal to put this little gem into production. Last year it finally happened, and now we got to see the Stainless Steel model.

It’s thinner than my CF version, more slippery too. Still, Ed’s magic with ergonomics prevents this folder from being too slippery in the hand.

At first I thought the lock on this prototype was completely travelled over, but on closer inspection I noticed that the lock-up was just right. I would recommend rounding of the sharp lower corner on the locking tab. I think it could be a little hotspot when the knife is used for a longer period.

I think I’d like to see the Balance a bit thicker, perhaps use some thicker Ti slabs? Then again, that would probably drive up the price too much.

Since I already have a nice CF version, this one probably won’t make it to the very top of my wish list, but I’m sure I’ll end up with one before the year is over.

 

[ThievesLikeUs]

Diggin that SS balance.I've got the CF version, but I do love a good framelock



**Heres to hoping a Dodo shows its face in this thread**

 

[Mr Blonde]

Diggin that SS balance.I've got the CF version, but I do love a good framelock



**Heres to hoping a Dodo shows its face in this thread**

Sorry, there was no Dodo at the Meet.

 

[Mr Blonde]

I feel the Chaparral is Sal’s revenge for the failure of the Cat model that was presented last year. Those looking for a small classy folder for the office need not look further; the Chaparral is just the ticket. Personally, I’d go with the Des Horn Folder but that one is a bit larger. Like the South African splinter picker, the Chaparral is a very slick handling little folder. If only the people at the Taichung factory would cut some sharper jimping on the spine of their knives.

 

[rob001]

Thanks for the pictures, looking forward to seeing more.

 

[Buffalohump]

Let's hope you are right!!!! :thumbup:

The only timetable that exists in the Spyderco Factory is 'when it's done'. From the fit and finish of the proto, I did get the impression that it was a production sample though. I'd guess that it won't take long before it's launched.

 

[Bolt]

Was the plan to still do various handle materials for the Chaparral?

 

[Mr Blonde]

I do recall Sal saying as much.

 

[Bolt]

Thanks for the quick reply. Looking forward to building a collection of that one. Maybe we will see a Glow handle version. Just Dreaming. Thanks for the pics and your hard work in sharing them with us.

 

[Mr Blonde]

A familiar face with a twist; the Dragonfly 2 in H1 Steel. I think it’s been about 20 years before the Dragonfly got an upgrade. Now we can look forward to a new variation with yellow scales and an H1 steel blade. Since H1 steel can´t be manufactured in a full flat grind, the D2 got a hollow ground blade. I must say I really dig the lines, beautiful. I like my H1 with teeth, so if an SE version comes out I´ll pick one up for sure.

 

[rororo64]

Sweet, im definatly going to pick up one of those balances and dflys. More pics please

 

[Mr Blonde]

Spyderco has been working on a new Native for quite some time. You could also say they never stopped working on the Native design. However, the Native 4 was a nice upgrade, including CF scales, but this fifth version seems beefier and more soldid in the hand. One design goal in this knife was to get the best possible back-lock with the closest and reliable tolerances.

I liked the G10 version, but I love the fluted titanium version! The pattern is stunning and grippy but not overly so. The pattern didn’t seem too sharp to me, but that was only after 5 minutes handling the knife. The scales are just as thick as on the G10 variation and the knife’s weight seemed the same as the G10 version. I’d be curious to see if thinner titanium handle scales would lower the weight a bit more. This one is going on the wishlist though, no questions asked. I’m a sucker for a cool handle pattern like this.

 

[shawn_ray]

Are the Chaparral's liners polished?



OMG Titanium Native 5. These are the most beautiful titanium scales I have ever seen. Great pattern. Put me on the list.

 

[Mr Blonde]

I can't recall if the Chaparral's liners were polished. Perhaps Deacon can chime in, he has one already.:grumpy:

 

[Mr Blonde]

The Manix 2 FRN was shown last year with both a blue and a clear FRN handle. While the previous prototype would ‘ creak’ a bit when squeezed hard, this proto seemed perfectly solid to me. It’s a very light but still solid feeling knife. I love the blue color, but I do hope to also see a production version with the clear FRN that was shown last year. This proto even had that nice opening action of the regular production Manix. It looks finished to me, I’ll take two; one PE and one CE/SE.

 

[Dorito Monk]

I'm intrigued by that stainless Balance. The CF version didn't do anything for me, but that one seems like a very tidy little knife that would be very people-friendly. Hopefully it'll be within my price range. That yojimbo 2 has me rethinking my plans to buy a para 2...

 

[carrot]

Mr.Blonde, you are a fine photographer and all of these prototypes look so sweet. You do a great service previewing these prototypes for us. I am practically foaming at the mouth waiting for them to be released. I think the Chaparral is at the top of my list but the Manix 2 Lightweight and the Des Horn and the Balance follow soon after. That Yojimbo 2 is a sweet one too... and the titanium handles on the Native are the most beautiful I've ever seen!

 

[Soulrack223]

Those are some nice looking knives. Is there any chance of the Tuff being far enough along that we'll get some high quality pics?

 

[orchunter93]

I like that Yojimbo 2...comp lock...hole access....golden made.....looks very ambi friendly!

Ima buy it!