Ed Schempp fixed-blade handle poll.

What market is this designed for? I think most knife snobs wouldn't care for zytel handles. Most non knife snobs wouldn't appreciate other options (or possible added cost associated with different materials).

I would prefer some contoured micarta.
 
Of course Mr. Schempp has the final word on this, but I was under the impression that the primary design point of this knife was to allow novices to enter cutting competitions without having to order a custom, with the knife retaining some utility functionality as well. In light of this, I would think that the material must truely follow function on this knife, regardless of the "sexiness" of a particular material.

When I go out competing, I don't care if my boots are made out of CF, FRN or wood as long as they get me to the finish line faster.
 
Carlos said:
Setting objectivity aside Deacon, what would suit your personal needs and wants best? How do you intend to use the knife?

If Spyderco were going to turn one sample of this knife out, hilted just to suit you, what would the handle be made of?

We can let Sal and Ed find the "ideal" once we've gotten a good cross section of ELU personal preferences for them to look over.
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Well, from that angle then my first choice would be Sambar Stag, with any highly figured wood second (with screwbean mesquite at the top of that list).
 
This knife is designed to multitask. The focus of the ABS and the International Cutting Competition Trail is the same; to make the best all around performing blade with a 5 inch handle and a ten inch blade. The market is anyone that wants or uses a big knife. Outdoor people: campers, hikers, hunters, military and survival, would all find this a useful tool.

There are 3 divisions in the ICCT, red, white, and blue. The blue division is for factory knives. This piece could be the first in the Blue division. This knife is quite different than other knives in its market. It is generally lighter and more ergonomic than other entries. I believe that in prolonged use that it will create less fatigue and therefore be safer to the ELU. I want to give the ELU the best I can; this knife is for you the ELU.

This knife is going to be made out of Crucible Steels CPM 3V. This steel has the capacity to be tougher at a higher hardeness than other knives offered in the market. For its size this knife follows Spydercos goal to make high preformance matter seperators. I'd like to think that this knife in part brings to the large knife market what Spyderco has brought to folders; high preformance, and reliablility. The best part is this piece is really fun to use...Take Care...Ed
 
Wonderful knife.

After handling it, I can see why Ed used neoprene initially, though it might not be my first choice.

John
 
Hello - I intend to buy one of these knives.

My first choice would be a very hard rubber, like resiprene. Rubber is my first choice because it absorbs some shock.

Second choice - a bead blasted linen micarta, lots of texture - similar to the CRK Green Beret or Neil Roberts

Third choice - G10 that is bead blasted
 
Neoprene & other like rubber/plastics would make a lot of folks gag, including myself. I think there are lots of folks out there who are not willing to admit that this knife will be as much to show off in sort of a collector fashion as it will be actually used to the degree that its designer might have intended.

Canvas or even linen micarta would be great. Hell, I'd even like to see some layered multi-toned micarta like the kind Jerry Hossom uses. Of course the latter idea might price it right out of the market, but hey, we're throwing around ideas.

PS - This kind of thread is something you don't see from other factory brands, so it is very much appreciated.
 
My vote would be for bead blasted G10. Make it tacky but not rough.

Second choice would be bead blasted micarta.

Anyway the knife sounds awesome!
 
I would like G10, or the neoprene. I also would like to see the handles removable, like my Becker Patrol machete. I took the grips off, and added grip tape to the top and bottom. It helped alot with the "grippy" feel. Just an idea.



Blades
 
I like the Swamp Rats and Fallknivens despite their handle materials.

I'd go with micarta. G10 second.
 
Why not do what Bark River does and make it in every possible handle material imaginable!
 
Nicely profiled and blasted g10, maybe do a couple of different color options, tan, dk green, blaze orange. I would have a problem with a denet rubber either.
 
Blades said:
I would like G10, or the neoprene. I also would like to see the handles removable, like my Becker Patrol machete. I took the grips off, and added grip tape to the top and bottom. It helped alot with the "grippy" feel. Just an idea.



Blades
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OK, how about this: from the factory, the bead blasted, linen micarta-not rough, but grippy. This could be finished (read machined) to the knife perfectly for a smooth all around feel. Make the micarta removable with screws set into indents for indexing. Enter a new line of Spyderco custom handles/scales that could be purchased seperatly. A G-10 scale, of the same design, mounted on a thin steel "liner", or any of the other ideas mentioned. The drawback (yes, there probably is more then one) would be that the handles wouldn't be true "wrap-around", though they could come close. Since the handles would be CNC machined, and are not steel, it would seem that the price could be kept down (except for the G-10 W/"liner"). I wouldn't think that even that would be too exspensive.
It's an idea, and we're supposed to be throwing them..(heave) :D
---Tom
 
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