Amsterdam Meet 2015 report of upcoming Spyderco prototypes

[bld522]

In the meantime you can always snag a Des Horn before it goes the way of the stegosaurus.

Thanks for the reminding me. I've looked at the Des Horn before, but I haven't pulled the trigger. Maybe it's time.

 

[Mountain Mike]

I always look forward to your report Mr. Blonde. That Ion folder looks awesome!

 

[mrdeus]

Thanks for the great photos Mr Blonde!

I'm interested in the Southard Ion. I love the regular Spyderco Southard, but I'd prefer something smaller (CRK Ti-lock size) for daily use. I hope it's super light. Hopefully it'll be considerably cheaper than the regular Southard, considering the cheaper materials (except for the CF).

I was really looking forward to the Ion but that just doesn't do it for me. The size is prefect but there is just something that I can't put my finger on just yet.

My first impression was that the lines don't look right somehow and that the handle looks a bit thick and stubby compared to the thin blade. I was hoping for something sleeker perhaps.

 

[CyberKlown28]

Any pics of the new Byrds?

 

[dericdesmond]

As always, thanks for this!

Any g10 enduras with zdp or superblue? : p

Really diggin the lil lum, but ive just got soooo much vg10 already!

 

[Barman1]

As always, thanks for this!

Any g10 enduras with zdp or superblue? : p

Really diggin the lil lum, but ive just got soooo much vg10 already!
View attachment 523750

Not sure about that but I'm excited about the laminated Hap40, burnt orange frn Endura sprint. :thumbup:

 

[Brummie]

Not a fan of the crazy-steep plunge line angle on the ion - looks like it would make it difficult to sharpen to the end of the blade - and I might prefer a more interesting steel. But otherwise it looks great, and I'd still buy one as is.

Liking the mini lum as well. I might want to smooth the G10 scales, and the clip looks a bit out place - perhaps a wire clip would work better on this one too.

 

[EricV]

Really diggin the Ion, thanks for doing this!

 

[bld522]

I understand what some folks are saying about the Ion. There's something a little "off" about it to me as well. But my ideal folder has a ~3" blade, a ~4 inch handle and weighs 3 ounces or less. I can forgive a lot if a folder comes in with those specs, and it appears the Ion could do just that.

 

[uofaengr]

It doesn't really speak to me either. Eager to see what else is coming out.

 

[Barman1]

I understand what some folks are saying about the Ion. There's something a little "off" about it to me as well. But my ideal folder has a ~3" blade, a ~4 inch handle and weighs 3 ounces or less. I can forgive a lot if a folder comes in with those specs, and it appears the Ion could do just that.

To me it looks unfinished. Just like a prototype.

They'll hammer out the finished details. :thumbup:

 

[hoimin]

After the Ion, the one I'm excited to see is the Slysz Swayback, first seen here.

 

[dericdesmond]

Wow thats hot^

 

[rexromic]

Can't get enough off this pic

 

[Mr Blonde]

Finally we got a look at the production prototype of the Lil’ Temperance 2! I’m a big fan of the design and I think we got a look at a very early concept model during the very first Amsterdam Meet. I’ll admit the Lil’ Temperance 2 took a little getting used to, for me. The handle was black and not green, symmetrical flat and not the sculpted G-10 of the first Lil’ Temp, and the clip didn’t have the three holes that line up with the divots in the handle. However, gripping the knife felt very familiar. The Lil’ Temp 2 had pretty much the same feel as my beloved green Lil’ Temps. I might even prefer this symmetrical handle to the original design. The jimping on the ramp of the blade seemed like a very nice touch as well. Furthermore, this version is much more lefty-friendly with a four-way clip mounting option. The blade on the Lil’ Temp 2 seemed to curve down more than the original Lil’ Temp. I’d have to do a side-by-side comparison to be sure though. The compression lock on this sample had a very good self-close. I loved the Lil’ Temperance 2, this one’s going on the wishlist for sure!

Overall Length: 18 cm / 7.09 inches
Blade Length: 7,5 cm /2.95 inches
Closed Length: 11 cm / 4.33 inches

 

[Mr Blonde]

I’ll admit I stopped mid-sentence when I saw the Mamba for the first time. This is, to me, a very impressive bold design. I’m not sure if I have a specific cutting task for the Mamba, but I don’t care. I will own one! This was a big bold folder. The flipper barely needed a push to let the blade just fly out. The Mamba’s blade features satin finished flats and the hollow grinds were coated in TiCN if I recall correctly. This bladefinish refers to the fact that Walter Brend is famous for his polished blades. Since such a polish could not be achieved in production, the choice was made to coat the hollow grinds. The handle consists of a hefty titanium frame covered with full carbon fiber handle scales. The knife really locks in the hand, in every edge-out grip. The knife felt surprisingly light and well-balanced. It certainly was a fist full of blade. Simply awesome.

Overall Length: 24 cm / 9.45 inches
Blade Length: 10 cm /3.94 inches
Closed Length: 14,5 cm / 5.71 inches

 

[@LeathermanGX]

^^^very nice!

 

[@LeathermanGX]

Really, I can't stop staring at it. Cool

 

[@LeathermanGX]

Man that's a thick chunk of steel.

 

[Mr Blonde]

Back to the 'photoshop cave' for me! Tomorrow the weekend starts, so I should be able to pump out more knives tomorrow. There's more to show