Mike - theoldawg and Dex are correct. "Standard" model - C05, about '84. It was AUS-6, retailed for $20-25.
Some intersting history trivia; It was Spyderco's first attempt to "ward off the knock offs" by keeping a less expensive (cheaper) model in the line without losing too much in performance. We knew that eventually our designs would be copied.
At least we would provide a lot more performance per dollar than the "knock off people" would. And we would receive the return on our investment ("knock off people" as a rule don't pay royalties or strive for optimum quality).
AUS-6 is not Gingami I, and the finish and hand work was less, but far better than 420J2 copies, and it was still produced under our control with our standards. Sharp edges, strong locks, etc.
As the Yen became stronger, the "Standard" became more expensive and again left the "hole" for the "knock off people" to "step in". That was when we introduced the "Endura" and "Delica" (sold for $25 & $35 and again kept them away for a while.
When the Endura and Delica went up to $50 & $60, the "hole" again opened up and is now becoming the problem that we managed to fend off for 10 years.
Fortunately the "Trademark Round Hole" is now recognized as performance and quality. And we can protect this.
Hard to compete against poor quality (by our standards) copies that provide greater margins for distributor and the dealer than a "real Spyderco". Copies come in to the USA at $1.50 per copy, sell to a dealer for $5 or $6, the dealer sells it quickly for $15 or $20 by comparing it to a $50 Spyderco. It's a quick easy sell.
sorry for the rant.
sal
