G-10 Harpy in GIN-1?

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bama_lou

Joined
Jun 15, 2004
Messages
710
Hello.

Recently, I acquired a G-10 Harpy in mint condition. However, I was wondering why this particular piece had a GIN-1 blade, as opposed to the ATS-55 steel I commonly see. It also had a tip-up blade, which I found unusual but I realized that placing the clip tip-up hindered the safe placement of the pivot screw. My question is, is the Harpy in GIN-1 a prototype/ earlier model of the eventual ATS-55 Harpy? Replies and comments are highly appreciated.
 
It's an earlier model. The Harpy is one of the longest running Spyderco models, and the G10 version came out when GIN-1 was still the "high end" steel. Am guessing it is probably unlined as well, as most of the G10/GIN-1 era knives were.
 
Right to the point, T.D.
Fascinated by the weight of this knife, as opposed to the hefty feel of the newer Harpy with the steel handles.

Thanks for the reply.
 
That is truly a new one on me. I have 2 G-10 handled Harpys and both of them have ATS-55 blade steel. I would venture to say that you probably have a major collectible. I would imagine that Deacon would echo that as well. I wonder if anyone does know all of the blade steels they used in Harpys over the years. IN any of their handles not just G-10.
 
I've seen some GIN-1 Harpies on fleaBay that has the steel handles.
If you say that this can be a collectible, then it will be kept under lock and key! :D
BTW, I was tempted to ask this question at the Spyderco forum, but it seems there are some familiar handles here, like yourself JD Spydo. So, it'd be kinda redundant....

Let me see if I can put up some pictures.
 
Definitely a keeper. I have only 2 G-10 variants of the Harpy in my collection. My unlined GIN-1 is just as you describe yours, and the newer ATS-55 version with liner and tip-down clip orientation. If there was a lined GIN-1 blade variant, I haven't seen one.

Another reason you might not want to carry it with the pocket clip is the screws are threaded only into the G-10, and can work-loose over time (hence the added liner).

"I wonder if anyone does know all of the blade steels they used in Harpys over the years. IN any of their handles not just G-10." Sure. Harpys came with: G-2 (aka GIN-1), ATS-55, and VG-10. Merlins were made with AUS-8, G-2, and ATS-55.
 
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