Centofante III Born on date odd. But OK.

Condition 1 · Feb 14, 2009

This question concerns the Centofante III. I was wondering when this knife first hit the streets? What year? The Spyderco Website says (I think 2000 or 2001). Can this be right?

I just purchased a C66PBK3 with a manufacturer code of 9-2001 (IA) NIB from a distributor we all know. This does not bother me at all. The knife is as new as my Endura made a few months ago. Works great and worth every penny I paid for it. Nice thin blade, weight, VG-10. Beautiful. They say it's a gentlemen’s folder. I guess I'll have to be a gentlemen when carrying it.

Just curious about such an old born on date.

The Deacon · Feb 14, 2009

The confusion comes from the fact that the C66 designation was originally used for the Centofante Vesuvius which was introduced in 2001. That model had a nested compression lock. It did not sell well, and was later re-designed as a front lock and re-issued as the Centofante III, also designated as C66. To add to the confusion, a wharncliffe bladed version, dubbed the Centfante IV also shares the C66 model number. If your box is white with black or dark blue graphics and say 9/2001, and your knife has a compression lock, then you have a Vesuvius. If it's red and black, and your knife has a front lock you have a Cento III and the date code is AI for 1/2009. If neither of the above, then the box is not the right one for the knife.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

Condition 1 · Feb 15, 2009

Centofante Vesuvius is the one I found on Spyderco’s website and it did say C66 and 2001. I don’t know what a nested compression lock is but will make it my job to find out as opposed to just asking someone to answer it for me. I may find it on your site Deacon.

Ok, front lock, that’s on my Centofante III. The box is red and black (looks like a box you would buy cologne in. Centofante by Spyderco, smell like a man.) But seriously the 2 letters are (IA). The label says Cento III etc and the knife is new. But it may be a weird typo or…… I don’t know. However I’ll take your word for it. There's no others explanation for it? Other than my glasses need replacing.

I have a Cento 3 & 4. What years were these knives introduced. Their quite beautiful. If I have read the various Spyderco sites correct. They are the thinnest blades made by Spyderco (2mm). I have not used them yet but they look like super cutters.

Thanks for your help.

g.vantilburg · Feb 15, 2009

IA would be September '01

Condition 1 · Feb 15, 2009

That's the weird thing. Centofante III was not made that year. It's a new box and lebel to.

The Deacon · Feb 15, 2009

Condition 1 said:
That's the weird thing. Centofante III was not made that year. It's a new box and lebel to.

It has to be a typo. No other explanation is logical since, as you're aware, neither the Cento III nor the graphics on the box you received it in existed in 2001. Not the first time there's been a typo on a label, am sure it won't be the last.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

anson argyris · Feb 15, 2009

Condition 1 said:
Ok, front lock, that’s on my Centofante III. The box is red and black (looks like a box you would buy cologne in. Centofante by Spyderco, smell like a man.) But seriously the 2 letters are (IA)

The red and black boxes were introduced much later than 20 01.
I bought a Centofante III in 2004, and it came in a black box with spider
web and the Spyderco bug on it.
@ condition1: Do You mean AI instead of IA ? AI is for January 2009.

Condition 1 · Feb 16, 2009

It's IA for sure. I guess it's worth millions considering I may have the only Red/Black box Centofante III with an incorrect date code stamped on it. Yes it has happened before according to Paul, but a Centofante III???? I think not.

Lets start the bidding. I'll include the knife to.

Do I hear 1 Million?