Help me ID this Spyderco

Hi, I've recently seen a Spyderco Police Model that I don't recognize. I'm no expert, so I figured I'd ask those who are.

The box bears the marking "1007 RPA CLIPIT (TM) "Police Aluminum" Right Hand Plain-Edge"

Unlike other aluminum-handled police models I've seen, the pins are not domed but are ground flush, and the handle is brush-finished, apparently uncoated aluminum. It is easy to spot the pins against the handle as they are a slightly different color (similar to my titanium-handled Police, but the pins are darker than the handle). The blade bears the old, dark "POLICE MODEL" etch, and is marked "Spyderco" on one side and "Seki City" on the other.

So, what is it? An early aluminum-handled model? A steel handle where the pins are visible for some reason? Or something else?

I appreciate any feedback I can get, thanks.

-Corduroy
 
D

djo62

Joined
Feb 5, 1999
Messages
528
Corduroy~

This was a Police model manufactured in the late 80's, probably 88 or 89. RPA = Right Plain Aluminum. It preceded the TufRam model.

It had steel pins, no coating on the aluminum, hence the domed appearance. The reason Spyderco started coating the aluminum after that, was because of complaints about scratches.

There was a limited number of these made, probably around 1000-1200. In Sal's words "you've got a rare one"

Hope this helps..

Danelle
 
Thanks, Danelle.

Since I like to carry my folders I think I'll hold out for a Tufram Police, but if any collectors are interested, the place I saw these knives is on ebay.com, auctions #93913529 and #93917304 (just search for "Spyderco"). They have both a plain-edge and a serrated model, and the sellers (who kindly provided me with some of the ID info that isn't listed online) say that they have more than one of each. Though each has received several bids, they were only at $70 as of 9:00 4/24.

Just figured I'd help those folks out since they responded nicely to my inquiries about the knives. I apologize if it is inappropriate to post this here in the Spyderco forum; lemme know and I'll never do it again
smile.gif


-Corduroy
 
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