- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
I really need to start writing these things earlier in the day! I'll never get a job at Reader's Digest the way things are going!
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Larger folders:here we go again!
- Thread starter Marcus
- Start date
Paul,
I like big folders. The VG proved to me that a large folder is useful, concealable and strong. Beyond defense, large blades are useful, and I know that a folder will never match the strength of a FB, but many of the jobs a large FB does, do not require its full strength. I also do not like carrying a FB, a 6" bladed FB will be about 10 to 10-1/2" in length, a folding 6 incher will be about 7" , easily slipping into the pocket of my jeans, and not taking up any precious belt space.
The problems with the VG are more than just cosmetic. I have stated my gripes with it enough times that I will not bore you with them now. A custome knife would easily run into 4 or 5 bills, well outside my abilities to justify , or even consider affording one. Not to mention that I'm supposed to be saving for an engagement ring..
.. My Ultimate goal is to have a large folder that is of Spyderco quality. What better way to get a Spyderco-quality MegaFolder than to ask Spyderco to produce one? Sal has justifiably taken the cautious route with this subject. I do not blame him for that, but I can still dream, can't I?
YeK
I like big folders. The VG proved to me that a large folder is useful, concealable and strong. Beyond defense, large blades are useful, and I know that a folder will never match the strength of a FB, but many of the jobs a large FB does, do not require its full strength. I also do not like carrying a FB, a 6" bladed FB will be about 10 to 10-1/2" in length, a folding 6 incher will be about 7" , easily slipping into the pocket of my jeans, and not taking up any precious belt space.
The problems with the VG are more than just cosmetic. I have stated my gripes with it enough times that I will not bore you with them now. A custome knife would easily run into 4 or 5 bills, well outside my abilities to justify , or even consider affording one. Not to mention that I'm supposed to be saving for an engagement ring..
YeK
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,710
YeK - I didn't say no, just patience. you are right in the cost difference between a custom and a production piece. I would first like to get few Rolling lock models into production before trying to make something with a 5" leverage arm that an ELU will trust and rely on to be safe.
Our Native Lockback holds more than 500 inch/lbs of force to break the lock, but adding two or three inches in length to the leverage arm might be "too close for comfort" in the case of a very large, very sharp knife. I'd also like to see how the Blade forms knives works out. That might be a vehicle for a small run.
sal
Our Native Lockback holds more than 500 inch/lbs of force to break the lock, but adding two or three inches in length to the leverage arm might be "too close for comfort" in the case of a very large, very sharp knife. I'd also like to see how the Blade forms knives works out. That might be a vehicle for a small run.
sal
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
Yekim,
Sure you can dream, just don't go walking in your sleep with one of those big folders! Everyone has different tastes and opinions, I was just trying to state mine and explain why it is what it is. Different strokes....
I don't care for the VG either, nor do I own any CS products. About the only thing in their line that appeals to me is the throwing hawks they make.
As for the custom market-you could spend 400 to 500 easily or you could spend 5 times that amount. But there are quite a few good makers around that do excellent work for much less than the big names in the business. I'm sure some of the famous tactical guys might ask for a mortgage on your house. My point was that there are many ways of solving a problem and if someone else won't do it then on to other options. If Sal had taken his hole/clip/serration ideas to a pocket knife company 15-20 years ago I'm sure there would have been some good chuckles as he left their offices (maybe he did go, I don't know). The idea of serations on a quality pocket knife was absurd to most people at that time, as for the hole, well there is a reason that it is a Spyderco trademark--nobody else did it. Now look at all the knock offs (good and bad) that are floating around. How about Yeknives? I know this is a bit silly but to me it would be worth double or triple the price of a high end production folder to have "the" knife that I had always dreamed of. I guess I'm getting a little defensive (but I hope not offensive) but where there is a will there is a way. If Sal had not gone out on a limb with the Worker and Rescue we would still possibly be using 3-blade stockmen (nothing wrong with them either) or SAK's or Buck 110's. All good knives but not everyone's cup o' tea.
BTW Yekim congratulations on the engagement! I got engaged about a month and a half ago and I've never been happier. We're actually living in sin (according to my Mom) right now in order to save money for the nuptials and honeymoon. I tried to convince her that the Blade show would make a great honeymoon-it's a good thing I have fast reflexes!! ;-) Luckily my fiance actually fell in love with one of the least expensive rings we looked at. I was prepared to sell half my collection. I hope that your are half as happy as I am and keep dreaming. It sounds like there are quite a few of you megafolder (Yeknives Megafolder on sale now at a dealer near you! I can just see it now) guys (and gals) out there and Sal seems to be softening in his resolve. If Spyderco comes out with a good one I may even change my mind. If I could convince Chris Reeve to make a Sebenza with the Spyderco hole instead of a stud my dreams would come true. I'm not holding my breath.
Sure you can dream, just don't go walking in your sleep with one of those big folders! Everyone has different tastes and opinions, I was just trying to state mine and explain why it is what it is. Different strokes....
I don't care for the VG either, nor do I own any CS products. About the only thing in their line that appeals to me is the throwing hawks they make.
As for the custom market-you could spend 400 to 500 easily or you could spend 5 times that amount. But there are quite a few good makers around that do excellent work for much less than the big names in the business. I'm sure some of the famous tactical guys might ask for a mortgage on your house. My point was that there are many ways of solving a problem and if someone else won't do it then on to other options. If Sal had taken his hole/clip/serration ideas to a pocket knife company 15-20 years ago I'm sure there would have been some good chuckles as he left their offices (maybe he did go, I don't know). The idea of serations on a quality pocket knife was absurd to most people at that time, as for the hole, well there is a reason that it is a Spyderco trademark--nobody else did it. Now look at all the knock offs (good and bad) that are floating around. How about Yeknives? I know this is a bit silly but to me it would be worth double or triple the price of a high end production folder to have "the" knife that I had always dreamed of. I guess I'm getting a little defensive (but I hope not offensive) but where there is a will there is a way. If Sal had not gone out on a limb with the Worker and Rescue we would still possibly be using 3-blade stockmen (nothing wrong with them either) or SAK's or Buck 110's. All good knives but not everyone's cup o' tea.
BTW Yekim congratulations on the engagement! I got engaged about a month and a half ago and I've never been happier. We're actually living in sin (according to my Mom) right now in order to save money for the nuptials and honeymoon. I tried to convince her that the Blade show would make a great honeymoon-it's a good thing I have fast reflexes!! ;-) Luckily my fiance actually fell in love with one of the least expensive rings we looked at. I was prepared to sell half my collection. I hope that your are half as happy as I am and keep dreaming. It sounds like there are quite a few of you megafolder (Yeknives Megafolder on sale now at a dealer near you! I can just see it now) guys (and gals) out there and Sal seems to be softening in his resolve. If Spyderco comes out with a good one I may even change my mind. If I could convince Chris Reeve to make a Sebenza with the Spyderco hole instead of a stud my dreams would come true. I'm not holding my breath.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
OK Yekim I just checked out your profile and see that you are in Alaska. I would want a big a** folder too if I lived up there. If you made it big enough you may even be able to put a small heating element in the handle to keep it from freezing to your hand during the long winters. good luck.
Paul
Keep It Sharp
Paul
Keep It Sharp
Paul,
I'll have to run the Blade Show honeymoon idea past my GF...it will probably fly as well as her Dad's suggestion that we wear kilts (he's a Scot....), and my suggestion that plaid be the wedding color...
..
I got my VG when there was a huge sale on them..I think it was like $35...I couldn't pass it up...after I did my Dremel Mods to it, I packed it around just for the "Freak-the Squares-Factor"....but after a while, I got used to it. A big knife is handy...I use it in the kitchen, I have whacked trees with it...and I even threw it s hard as I could into some plywood just to see if it would stand up...and it is still pretty tight (I don't think a riveted zytel knife will ever be completely free of at least a little play). What I want now is a quality megafolder...and I don't think I can bring myself to use (read: abuse) a custom knife that cost me $500 as much a I would use a production piece. I have used a hammer on my VG to cut frozen burger packages in half....
In truth, what is killing me is wondering what a BIG Spyderco would look like. Would it have the "Leaf" shape of the Endura, or would it have the raised hole like the Khalsa, or a traditional shape like the Goddard? Personally I picture a spear/drop point with a raised hole like the Khalsa (I hope I am spelling that right..)..the hump could double as a hammer or pressure point "stimulator"...
"Hon, how aout going to the Blad*SLAP!*....nevermind..."
YeK
I'll have to run the Blade Show honeymoon idea past my GF...it will probably fly as well as her Dad's suggestion that we wear kilts (he's a Scot....), and my suggestion that plaid be the wedding color...
I got my VG when there was a huge sale on them..I think it was like $35...I couldn't pass it up...after I did my Dremel Mods to it, I packed it around just for the "Freak-the Squares-Factor"....but after a while, I got used to it. A big knife is handy...I use it in the kitchen, I have whacked trees with it...and I even threw it s hard as I could into some plywood just to see if it would stand up...and it is still pretty tight (I don't think a riveted zytel knife will ever be completely free of at least a little play). What I want now is a quality megafolder...and I don't think I can bring myself to use (read: abuse) a custom knife that cost me $500 as much a I would use a production piece. I have used a hammer on my VG to cut frozen burger packages in half....
In truth, what is killing me is wondering what a BIG Spyderco would look like. Would it have the "Leaf" shape of the Endura, or would it have the raised hole like the Khalsa, or a traditional shape like the Goddard? Personally I picture a spear/drop point with a raised hole like the Khalsa (I hope I am spelling that right..)..the hump could double as a hammer or pressure point "stimulator"...
"Hon, how aout going to the Blad*SLAP!*....nevermind..."
YeK
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
Yekim,
All I can say about the Blade Show honeymoon is "dodge and weave". Surprisingly my fiancee is pretty cool with the kilt idea. My family is pretty much all Irish or Scottish as they are all from the mountains in eastern KY. I'm unfortunately going to miss the Blade show this year because my family was inconsiderate enough to plan the Davidson family reunion for the same weekend. One of my cousins is even going to play the bagpipes for us. There's even a Davidson plaid and we've been trying to find one that won't break the bank.
I would definitely be curious about a Mega Spydy. For my tastes the hump on the Khalsa is a little high. Do you think it would inhibit a fast draw. I don't have much experience with that one so I'm just kind of guessing. What do you think about the hole/hump on the original Terzuola? It is a nice compromise between the Khalsa and say an Endura. I sold mine and I've regretted it ever since. Live and learn I guess.
Yek, do you think that you could post pictures of some of the knives that you have modified? If I remember right you said that you ground the sharp corner off the hump on your Calypso Jr. I would love to see what that would look like. I had actually thought about it but was a little chicken to try it on one of my favorites. I've got a Dremel sitting right behind me at the moment and maybe if I saw yours I would be inspired. If you can't post that's cool, I'm not much of a computer person myself, but I'm learning. Slowly. ;-)
I also understand how you feel about using a knife that you spent that much on for hard use. I have some expensive folders gathering dust in a drawer right now but I use my Sebenzas all the time. It was hard at first but it gets easier after that first time. Plus I know CRK has a great warrenty (as does Spyderco). People might be figuring out that I'm a big fan of Spydercos and Sebenzas! Gee, is it that obvious?
Paul
All I can say about the Blade Show honeymoon is "dodge and weave". Surprisingly my fiancee is pretty cool with the kilt idea. My family is pretty much all Irish or Scottish as they are all from the mountains in eastern KY. I'm unfortunately going to miss the Blade show this year because my family was inconsiderate enough to plan the Davidson family reunion for the same weekend. One of my cousins is even going to play the bagpipes for us. There's even a Davidson plaid and we've been trying to find one that won't break the bank.
I would definitely be curious about a Mega Spydy. For my tastes the hump on the Khalsa is a little high. Do you think it would inhibit a fast draw. I don't have much experience with that one so I'm just kind of guessing. What do you think about the hole/hump on the original Terzuola? It is a nice compromise between the Khalsa and say an Endura. I sold mine and I've regretted it ever since. Live and learn I guess.
Yek, do you think that you could post pictures of some of the knives that you have modified? If I remember right you said that you ground the sharp corner off the hump on your Calypso Jr. I would love to see what that would look like. I had actually thought about it but was a little chicken to try it on one of my favorites. I've got a Dremel sitting right behind me at the moment and maybe if I saw yours I would be inspired. If you can't post that's cool, I'm not much of a computer person myself, but I'm learning. Slowly. ;-)
I also understand how you feel about using a knife that you spent that much on for hard use. I have some expensive folders gathering dust in a drawer right now but I use my Sebenzas all the time. It was hard at first but it gets easier after that first time. Plus I know CRK has a great warrenty (as does Spyderco). People might be figuring out that I'm a big fan of Spydercos and Sebenzas! Gee, is it that obvious?
Paul
Paul,
Yes, I have modified alot of knives, but The Calypso was someone else's doing...I do not own one...My two most extensively modified knives are my VG and Ascent....There is n old thread in the general forum that describes what I did(Modifying Knives......)...also I posted my Ascent mods in the reviews forum a ways back(Ascent & Goddard Lightweight)...I have been taking pictures of another project, and have snapped a few shots of these two knives, and of the Cetan I won. With Luck I will be able to have them posted.
Sal,
I don't know how I missed your post yesterday. Your insistance on making a product that stands up to abuse is another reason I want to see a Mega-Spyderco. I look forward to seeing the line of rolling locks.
YeK
Yes, I have modified alot of knives, but The Calypso was someone else's doing...I do not own one...My two most extensively modified knives are my VG and Ascent....There is n old thread in the general forum that describes what I did(Modifying Knives......)...also I posted my Ascent mods in the reviews forum a ways back(Ascent & Goddard Lightweight)...I have been taking pictures of another project, and have snapped a few shots of these two knives, and of the Cetan I won. With Luck I will be able to have them posted.
Sal,
I don't know how I missed your post yesterday. Your insistance on making a product that stands up to abuse is another reason I want to see a Mega-Spyderco. I look forward to seeing the line of rolling locks.
YeK
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 883
Paul: That was me who dremeled off the sharp angle on the spine of the Calypso Jr. Unfortunately I don't have access to a scanner. Trust me, though, it looks fine. Kind of neat, actually, and comfy as heck. I can now cut hard materials with my finger or thumb on the spine. If I wanted to, I could polish area where I did the grinding to make it look like it was made that way, but I sort of like the funky customized look. This knife (as all of mine) is a user.
Take your time, when you grind. The steel is soft enough that it won't take you but a few minutes. If you have a fairly steady hand, you can sort of clean up your line as you go. I found it to be quite forgiving of minor boo-boos.
Have fun.
On the merits of the Vaquero Grande, please refer to my post in the other thread entitled "Six-inch Military".
David Rock
Take your time, when you grind. The steel is soft enough that it won't take you but a few minutes. If you have a fairly steady hand, you can sort of clean up your line as you go. I found it to be quite forgiving of minor boo-boos.
Have fun.
On the merits of the Vaquero Grande, please refer to my post in the other thread entitled "Six-inch Military".
David Rock
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,710
Paul - on the 20 year ago routine, yes and yes. We did go to the factories and they did laugh. Gail and I went way out on a limb to make the first Clipit "Worker".
Cold steel can always be counted on to make a quality product. One can argue about or with Lynn all day long, but he is a friend of mine and he is a quality nut.
We've been trying to get Chris Reeve to design a Spyderco/Reeve/Sebenza for many years. I keep nagging Chris, he keeps smiling and saying no. Maybe you need to get on the Chris Reeve Forum...nag.
sal
Cold steel can always be counted on to make a quality product. One can argue about or with Lynn all day long, but he is a friend of mine and he is a quality nut.
We've been trying to get Chris Reeve to design a Spyderco/Reeve/Sebenza for many years. I keep nagging Chris, he keeps smiling and saying no. Maybe you need to get on the Chris Reeve Forum...nag.
sal
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
Yekim,
I was afraid I might have made a mistake.
You won a Cetan?! Lucky dog, that is an elegant little knife. Is it one of the Tallonite ones or a steel bladed one?
David,
I'm might have to sit down to a shot of fine KY Bourbon (there's no other kind) and have a go. Scary though. All of mine are pretty much users and I'm getting ready to try to sell my dust gatherers.
I'm starting to change my attitude about the big folders a bit. Or at least open my mind to the possibilities.
Sal,
I actually just posted something about a Spyderco/Reeve collaboration before I got to this thread. I believe I mentioned this on the CRK forum a while back but maybe I need to get a bit more insistent (like DMP and his Worker 2000 idea). Is he totally opposed to letting you all use the integral lock? Some other companies seem to have "borrowed" the idea without asking so I don't see what it would hurt if he let a company use the lock design in a more legitimate way. Once again Sal, thanks for your timely replies.
Paul
I was afraid I might have made a mistake.
You won a Cetan?! Lucky dog, that is an elegant little knife. Is it one of the Tallonite ones or a steel bladed one?
David,
I'm might have to sit down to a shot of fine KY Bourbon (there's no other kind) and have a go. Scary though. All of mine are pretty much users and I'm getting ready to try to sell my dust gatherers.
I'm starting to change my attitude about the big folders a bit. Or at least open my mind to the possibilities.
Sal,
I actually just posted something about a Spyderco/Reeve collaboration before I got to this thread. I believe I mentioned this on the CRK forum a while back but maybe I need to get a bit more insistent (like DMP and his Worker 2000 idea). Is he totally opposed to letting you all use the integral lock? Some other companies seem to have "borrowed" the idea without asking so I don't see what it would hurt if he let a company use the lock design in a more legitimate way. Once again Sal, thanks for your timely replies.
Paul
Paul,
The Cetan I won is the ATS-34 model...it cuts like the dickens, and holds an edge better than any production knife I have played with. There is a review in the Reviews section..the title of it is CETAN!!!!!, or something along those lines...I am glad to see that you are warming up to the idea of a big folder. If anything a MegaFolder is a heckuva conversation piece to add to the collection.
Sal,
Yes, Lynn is seems like a quality nut, and yes his style is the subject of many an argument. I guess what my idea of what is an ideal large folder is different than what his idea of an ideal big folder is. He has made the inital venture into the new territory, but doean't seen to want to go any further. The concept can be taken much further than a Chirpractic nightmare with a zytel handle. It is much like Kel-Tec's not wanting to offer real choices when it comes to their replaceable grip frames on their pistols. Since the whole frame of the pistol is replaceable (The frame rail insert is the serialed part) they could go the distance and offer frames with finger grooves, integral lasers, etc....ooops...rambling...sorry...but you get the pic I hope...a Bladeforums special Mega-Spydie would be nice, but I think you have you hands full with the current Bladeforums project so I will not fan that fire(let's see, you have the police, military, civilian, rookie, worker, catcherman...we can call the Mega-Spydie the FireMan..
).
YeK
The Cetan I won is the ATS-34 model...it cuts like the dickens, and holds an edge better than any production knife I have played with. There is a review in the Reviews section..the title of it is CETAN!!!!!, or something along those lines...I am glad to see that you are warming up to the idea of a big folder. If anything a MegaFolder is a heckuva conversation piece to add to the collection.
Sal,
Yes, Lynn is seems like a quality nut, and yes his style is the subject of many an argument. I guess what my idea of what is an ideal large folder is different than what his idea of an ideal big folder is. He has made the inital venture into the new territory, but doean't seen to want to go any further. The concept can be taken much further than a Chirpractic nightmare with a zytel handle. It is much like Kel-Tec's not wanting to offer real choices when it comes to their replaceable grip frames on their pistols. Since the whole frame of the pistol is replaceable (The frame rail insert is the serialed part) they could go the distance and offer frames with finger grooves, integral lasers, etc....ooops...rambling...sorry...but you get the pic I hope...a Bladeforums special Mega-Spydie would be nice, but I think you have you hands full with the current Bladeforums project so I will not fan that fire(let's see, you have the police, military, civilian, rookie, worker, catcherman...we can call the Mega-Spydie the FireMan..
YeK
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 883
. . . or the Shopteacher or the Patentattorney or the Pizzadeliveryguy or the . . .
David Rock
David Rock
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
YeK,
How about the Vivisectionest?
------------------
Paul
Keep Em Sharp
How about the Vivisectionest?
------------------
Paul
Keep Em Sharp
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
I bet some of the guys around the forum would vote for the Pineapple Farmer! (that's not a slam on you all in Hawaii, just directed at those that like to cut spiky fruit with big folders)
It could be take off on the Melon Taster pattern name.
It could be take off on the Melon Taster pattern name.