Big, Zytel, Tip-down.

Corduroy · Jul 4, 1999

Spyderco doesn't currently have a large folder in the "Liteweight" Zytel line that is tip-down. Mr. Glesser asked us a while back about the possibility of a Liteweight Police. The forum response was pretty negative, and the idea was dropped. I've suggested (then and just recently) a liteweight Calypso (Sr.). Pelle has suggested a mating of the Calypso blade and the Rescue handle.

Here are the questions:

Do you feel Spyderco should offer a tip-down Zytel knife?

Do you think a variant of an existing knife would work?

What would you like to see?

Please, no responses about Ti Police models, G-10 Goddards, or Starmates in Oosic. we're talking about Zytel here. Thanks.

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

Marcus · Jul 4, 1999

FWIW I`d love to see a full sized Calypso in zytel,tip down. Keep the VG10 too. If they make one I`ll buy it. Marcus

swball · Jul 4, 1999

Well, I would like to see a Titanium Police, a G-10 Goddard, and Starmates in Oosic would be cool too..

Sorry, couldn't resist.

------------------
Shawn
"Earth has its boundaries, but human stupidity is limitless."

copfish · Jul 4, 1999

A Starmate in Oosic?!? YES! But I would also buy a few of the Zytel Calypso with a Rescue handle. Do keep the VG-10 though!

bill boyd · Jul 6, 1999

I don't wish to anger or offend anyone, but what is the purpose of carrying tip down. It seems with tip up, when the knife is withdrawn from the pocket it is positioned in the hand with the thumb near the hole ready to open. With tip down carry the hand needs to be repositioned to open the blade. I dunno, maybe it is just what one is accustomed to.

Corduroy · Jul 6, 1999

Mr. Boyd, I think that's a perfectly good question, certainly not offensive. Here are my feelings:

On a small knife (blades 3" and under) I can reach in my pocket and withdraw a tip-up knife in a comfortable grip, with my hand over the stud, disc, or hole, ready to open. On a larger folder, my thumb doesn't reach as far, and I have to "scoot" my hand up in an awkward manner to reach an opening position. I have broad, stubby hands, so others may be able to handle larger knives.

On a tip-down knife, I withdraw the knife by grasping the clip and pivot with my thumb and index finger. As the knife clears my pocket I use this grip point as an axis to swing it 180 degrees into my hand, from which grip I can easily hit a stud, disc, or hole. If it has a hole, I have the added option of drawing it with my thumb and index finger gripping the blade by the hole, and flipping the handle downwards to open the knife. A quick "hop' is required to get the knife into a normal grip, but it can be used even while gripping the hole. This opening method was advertised as the "Spyder-drop" once upon a time, and it is, with practice, the fastest opening method I have seen.

So you can see why on a large knife I prefer a tip-down carry, especially with the hole. Some others will, of course, feel differently.

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

[This message has been edited by Corduroy (edited 06 July 1999).]

Joel McNamara · Jul 6, 1999

The lesser mass of Zytel (insert your favorite tradename) makes the "Spyder-Drop" technique slower than a knife with a heavier handle material. The added friction of the lockback mechanism typically found in lightweight knives also is a factor. It takes much more of a practiced wrist flick to bring the blade into play using this method.

Tip-up, tip-down is personal preference. My guess is a timed "draw pardner" match between two skilled and practiced proponents of each type would end up in a draw.

Joel

Corduroy · Jul 6, 1999

Lighter handles (G-10, Zytel...) are a problem, because weight aids the drop. I wouldn't say it speeds it substantially, just requires less of a wrist flick. This is only for knives with stiff actions, however. A slick lockback or just about any linerlock can "drop" easily, even in a small, light knife - my girlfriends Calypso Jr. and Mini-AFCK are good examples.

All I can say on the "draw pardner" scenario is that a tie is not what I have seen. I know folks very comfortable and practiced with different knives and opening methods, and the drop always edges out the others on time-to-open or time-to-strike (though I'd love to get a Commander in the mix). Not that I think that matters very much - under duress, your ability to remain rational, aware, and to react appropriately is going to matter a lot more than a half-second "on the draw."

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)