Folding SPOT

R

Rex G

Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
866
I saw the folding SPOT concept knife at the Spirit of Steel show. Being a big fan of the LaGriffe concept, and hoping to be a world traveler when I retire, I felt this knife could really have a market for the places that prohibit locking blades. This design is a non-locking folder that will not close on the hand! I would stand in line in the rain to get one of these knives, and would probably be good for ten or more. ( I am NOT kidding; I have probably purchased two dozen Mariner/Rescue/Rescue Junior/Rescue 93mm for me and for others, not to mention nearly that many combined Ladybugs and Jesters!) For those who have not seen it, the folding SPOT folds sideways, like a cabinet hinge, and locks closed. When held with the index finger through the hole, the folding portion of the handle lies against the heel of the hand. Think of a regular LaGriffe or SPOT with a fold-out extension of the handle. Spyderco needs a commitment of 5000 units to make a production run. Is anyone else out there interested in this concept?
 
I don't think that I understand the concept much...but any folding Perrin is a winner to me...count me in!
Matt
 
Hi REx. Thanx for the enthusiasm. It really isn't a commitment of a number that is important here. My apologies. I too was/am interested in this design as well. The design has received fair interest at the SHOT, IWA, Blade and Spirit shows.

After we refined the ergos on the SPOT, we spent another month on the folding version. The ergos were very difficult and were refined mm by mm until we finished the proto in steel.

The concerns with the design are;

1. The SPOT itself is a new design and a new market for us. We don't know how the market will react to the somewhat radical shape of the SPOT neck knife design. It would be prudent to watch the market response to the SPOT, already in four models, before introducing another version.

2. I carried the proto for many months with no problems. Keeping the knife closed in the pocket offers new challenges. The simple ball detent that we used on the proto would have to be strengthened to make it "idiot proof" for the public. Making it too strong or too complicated detracts from the beauty of the simplicity of the design.

I can tell you that if the SPOT is well received, wed will more than likely produce the folding version.

"Reality is a firm but honest teacher". Hope that helps.

sal
 
Thanks for your quick response! I think the SPOT will do well, especially since it's a little larger than the Emerson LaGriffe, and has a blade design well-proven in previous Spyderco designs.
 
this thread is interesting. could someone post a picture of the spot and the folding spot (if there is a sketch or something)? thanks. I don't remember seeing it in JoyceLaituri's thread containing the pictures....sorry.
 
I don't think anyone was allowed to photograph the proto display, and Spyderco won't release a photo of a model until it's within a 6 month-ish release window.
It actually isn't that difficult to imagine. Think of cutting out the profile of the allsteel spot out of a sheet of paper and then fold it just above the indexfinger hole. It folds 'laterally', the flatside folds into a nested shape within the handle and is hinged as said before like a door hinge. I agree with Sal that the detent should be beefed up a bit. It's an interesting little finger spur.

Ken
 
Wow. Yes. Absolutely.
BTW- any word on the release date on the regular spot?
Thx,
Mike
 
I think the folding SPOT (and Yojimbo) would be very popular substitutes for the original models in places like California which don't allow concealed carry of fixed blades. I know I'd buy them.

Best regards,
Argyll
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser
It would be prudent to watch the market response to the SPOT, already in four models, before introducing another version.
Click to expand...

I've only heard about two variations. Can you tell me what the four types are?

I have been anxiously awaiting the SPOT's release since I first saw a picture. Great design!

Any updates on when to expect the first ones?

--Bob Q
 
>I've only heard about two variations. Can
>you tell me what the four types are?

I guessing PE with scales, SE with scales, PE without scales, and SE without scales.

Each one takes up a SKU, donchaknow. :D
 
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