Amsterdam Meet 2016 Report of Spyderco Prototypes

[Mr Blonde]

In a way, the Native 5 40th Anniversary knife has been teased about for a few years by the Spydercrew. We have seen a few concept models with fluted carbon fiber handles before. I’m very happy that now we’ll finally have a go at a (limited) production knife with this type of handle! The knife felt very light in the hand, and the Native 5’s great ergos were enhanced by the contoured handle. The blade is stunning. I’m usually not big on Damascus blades, but this one looked great. The pattern seemed very well defined to me, and it actually seemed to have a few different shades of color when I tilted the blade in the light. The laser engraving looks nice and sharp too. It’s a stunner, and I’m happy I got my pre-order in. I advise you to do the same ASAP. This will probably become a highly collectible spydie in the future!

Specifications
Overall Length: 17,7 cm / 6.95 inches
Blade Length: 7,6 cm / 2.98 inches
Blade Thickness: 3,1 mm / 0.12 inches
Weight: 77 grams / 2.7 ounces

 

[Mr Blonde]

Finally, a proper full-sized Peter Carey design! When handling the knife, I thought it was a custom made prototype. I was happily surprised to learn that this was actually a production sample. As with Carey’s previous collaborations with Spyderco, the Magnitude exuded that custom look and feel. This should be a good working knife too. The edge is ‘lowered’ meaning it kind of lines up with the knuckles in a forward grip, which –to me- makes for a nice ergonomic using design. The Magnitude, like the original Rubicon, is thicker than other spydies but I didn’t notice any sharp corners. This one’s high on my wish list.

Specifications
Overall Length: 21 cm / 8.26 inches
Blade Length: 9 cm / 3.54 inches
Blade Thickness: 4 mm / 0.15 inches
Weight: 151 grams / 5.32 ounces

 

[Acadian]

wow I really really like that Peter Carey Magnitude. Damn!

 

[vilePossum]

that magnitude looks like what the rubicon should have been in the first place maybe an unfair or untrue comparison... still sort of feels like it. once again superb pictures and so anxious to see some of these out in the wild.

 

[Mr Blonde]

Apparently, the TAC 1s was Gayle Bradley’s first attempt at a tactical folder design, hence the abbreviation which stands for ‘tactical folder 1 (for) Spyderco’. The flipper seemed a bit long, but it worked very well and it offered a good guard when the blade was locked. I liked the contoured finish and surface pattern of the handle scales. The knife looks straight and metallic, but with those two design features, the thin TAC 1s handled much better than you’d expect from its looks. The TAC 1s looked like the type of tactical folder you could carry all day in a suit or regular clothes and forget you have it on you, until it’s needed.

Specifications
Overall Length: 20,6 cm / 8.11 inches
Blade Length: 9,3 cm / 3.66 inches
Blade Thickness: 3 mm / 0.11 inches
Weight: 100 grams / 3.52 ounces

 

[Mr Blonde]

More to come tomorrow...

 

[nick21]

I appreciate that Mr. Bradley is continuing to use M4. A criminally under-used steel.

The Magnitude looks nice, too. Like a Rubicon went on a diet and got less junk in the trunk

 

[wire edge]

The Bradley is great! It's such a nice clean design.

 

[vilePossum]

i like the design of the bradley, but the clip is kind of meh...

 

[nick21]

I think I'd find it more attractive if the scales were anodized.

 

[BilboBaggins]

That Bradley looks great. I wonder how it will wear though.

 

[Liquid Cobra]

i like the design of the bradley, but the clip is kind of meh...

No way. The knife is perfect and so is the clip! I'm glad it isn't some funky thing. Also glad RS not a wire clip. I love wire clips but not on titanium.

 

[bflying]

What is the scale material on the TACs1? My first guess was Titanium, but the texture is funky. I have seen similar textures on some aluminum items in the past. Or is it some form of composite or laminate?

 

[trevitrace]

I believe it's called orange peel finish.

 

[Liquid Cobra]

What is the scale material on the TACs1? My first guess was Titanium, but the texture is funky. I have seen similar textures on some aluminum items in the past. Or is it some form of composite or laminate?

Titanium

 

[nick21]

What is the scale material on the TACs1? My first guess was Titanium, but the texture is funky. I have seen similar textures on some aluminum items in the past. Or is it some form of composite or laminate?

Think it's just titanium with unique texturing.

 

[Sharp Guy]

I'd love to have one of the 40th Anniversary Natives!!

 

[Armadew]

That Bradley will be mine....

 

[gmorel1916]

That Bradley will be mine....

This. Probably pick up a Nirvana too. First production knives ice been interested in in a long time

 

[Knave]

Wow, I like that Bradley. Simple yet elegant.