I handled an ATR today!

Jazzman

Jazzman

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
2,750
First off I was very surprised at how large of a knife this is, but how light it is also. At about the size of a large Sebenza, the ATR is very impressive. I like the look of the snub nosed blade especially with the cobra hood and the handle/lock seems very tough. The opening was a bit rough but I'm sure that one would break in with time. A fairly local retailer had it at around 215, much less than I would have thought. IMO, if you want a Seb but for some reason can't throw in 300, pay 200 and some change for the ATR, you won't be dissapointed.
Matt
 
This model was a collectors release. No blade play, but the knife was a bit rough on the opening like I mentioned. However, I'm sure that it will get smooth with cyclings. I would have it in my pocket had I the 200 bucks...so I picked up a Dodo instead :D
Matt
 
I realized that the 'roughness' of the opening is actually just the friction of the detent. If you pull the lock lever outwards, you find that the pivot movement is as smooth as silk.
 
Did you say light? I'm really curious how much it truly weighs. I know the website says it's just shy of 10 oz (9.75), which seems really heavy to me for a titanium folder. Of course, not having seen one up close I don't know if that number is correct and it's just a large knife or if the listed weight is off (which I doubt).
 
Hey Jazzman, don't buy all the ATRs before I get back to the States. As for the ATR's weight, I'm pretty sure that the 10oz. is a misprint. I would guess that the knife weighs between 4-5.5oz.
 
Ah-HA!!! Well, that's great news. I was not too interested in a 10 oz knife but just under 5 oz is another matter entirely! :D
 
Originally posted by donutsrule
Any more impressions of the ATR from the folks lucky enough to have handled one?
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I've got one on the way. :D I'll be sure and post a report when I get it.
 
Mine arrived about 20 minutes ago. I wanted my first Spyderco to be something special and it is definitely just that. Such clean lines, this is one nice piece of hardware.
 
Received mine today and I'm very impressed. Very solid and well built.One of Spyderco's best to date. I think it's going to be my new EDC.
 
I received mine today as well. I am amazed at the intricate machining and precision that went into this knife!! It incorporates so many new features at once, it will take some time for me to digest.
Some initial observations are:
Blade is a good thickness-not to thick or thin, should be a good cutter
Cobra Hood adds to the blade deployement and makes for a good thumb rest/guard
Has the wonderful finger coil like the Military or Calypso's- feels great along with the Cobra Hood when choking up on the blade
I like the pocket clip alot. It looks right visually on this knife and holds securely in the pocket, is rounded enough and doesn't interfere with grip. Also, it aids in blade opening by giving fingers a spot to grip against
Integral Compresion lock is like nothing I have ever seen before. I think this is a definite winner. It is solid-solid-solid.
Uses Torx screw construction for knife with Phillips for the clip
Lanyard hole is inclosed with tube
Fits in jeans pocket very nicely
Feels great in the hand and offers solid grip

I don't see a ball used for detent, it appears the compresion lock moves across the blade directly and a channel is milled into the blade to allow the lock to fall into place and hold the blade in the closed position?
This was mentioned in a previous post, but I also do not see any washers between the blade and handles. This doesn't detract from anything, if anything the blade is rock solid in the handles-no hint of any bladeplay whatsoever. On closer look may have thin washers?
I can't figure out what the Triangular symbols on the blade mean just forward of the Spydie Hole. It kinda looks like it spells SAL, just a guess??
Also, in previous post- wonder what the small "nipple" is on the inside of the compression locking bar?

Overall a very solid folder. Fit and finish on mine is great. Lock up is beyond anything I have seen before. I like all metal knives and this one looks awesome. I can't wait to hear feedback from others. I don't know much about the concept for the design or intended use for this knife etc. so it will be interesting to hear more.

Edited to add a few additional comments...
 
**sigh** It appears that the Yojimbo will not, in fact, be my first Spyderco purchase...

Order for PE ATR just placed with NewGraham.
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Originally posted by Ed Gordon
I can't figure out what the Triangular symbols on the blade mean just forward of the Spydie Hole.
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I was curious about this as well. Even with close inspection it's done with the same precision as all the tooling.
 
Originally posted by Ed Gordon
I can't figure out what the Triangular symbols on the blade mean just forward of the Spydie Hole. It kinda looks like it spells SAL, just a guess??
Click to expand...
I think you're right. Sal signs his original designs, as Eric did on the Dodo.
Per Sal:
yes, that is Eric Glesser's "tag". We decided to start to tag the designs and see what happens. We usually put the designers name somewhere on the knife when they're outside designs, so we thought to do the same for in house designs.
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From this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=265664&highlight=eric+and+dodo
 
BTTT to see if anyone else has anything to add on the ATR's. I have had mine for a week now and continue to like it alot. I see Sal answered in another post that there are washers. Wondering about the knob on the lock bar and about the intended use of these (MBC, utility etc.)and about the concept for the shape of the blade. It looks like it would work like a dagger and make the same type of wound. The clip is working out well and the ergonomics are great for my hands.
 
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