"Lite Weight" or "Lite Price"???

CD Fleischer

CD Fleischer

Joined
Oct 12, 1998
Messages
2,036
I have noticed some models (Calypso, Jr., Mini-Dyad, etc.) are slated to become "lite weight" models with Zytel handles instead of Micarta.

In the "Calypso Jr Lite" thread below it seems that the standard ELU (knife knuts, aside) doesn't care for Micarta much.

Do you think (forumites and Spydie reps alike) that this is because of increased cost?

I can think of no other reason. Unlined micarta knives don't weigh that much more than Zytel ones. I think it looks much better and is plenty grippy for most purposes (maybe not for a fishing knife, but...)

just wonderin' what ya'll think....

Thanks,

Clay

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Clay Fleischer
cdfleischer@yahoo.com

Picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue...

 
It almost looks like the move to Zytel is needed to keep the cost at a given level, while moving to higher end steels. Just MHO.

Also, just MHO, or desires...I think I would really like to have more selections in micarta. I'd almost rather have more micarta handles than the exotic <?> steels. Sacrilege?!
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O_D
 
Clay, you're probably right. Micarta doesn't weight that much and most non knife nuts would probably rather have a light wallet knife that a lightweight micarta with CPV440v or whatever steel grade that is being used.

I, however feel differently.......
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~Greg~

 
Aesthetics, strength and texture issues aside, I think the glass reinforced nylon resin (Zytel or whatever you call it) is cheaper to work with because it can be molded. If it's strong enough, it's good enough for me, especially if it's gonna be significantly less expensive.

Sure do love Micarta, though. Sure do love my Calpyso Jr. BM., and I'll be sorry if it disappears.

David Rock
 
Micarta is just classier. Look at a Calypso Jr. next to a Delica. Both function well but the Micarta is much...well..sexier. You can also have micarta bead blasted if texture is desired. A bead blasted zytel handle would not look too good. There is definitely room for both. I may just have to get a light weight Calypso with the better steel and have it custom handled!
 
I got my Viele today and I love the micarta scales. I am hoping for the full size Calypso now.


[This message has been edited by the4th (edited 13 April 1999).]
 
For what it's worth:

I do not like lighter knives. I know I'm in a minority here in the forums, but I have little desire to purchase a knife like a Delica or an endura in micarta (or zytel or whatever it is on the new endura/delicas), since the thing has no HEFT to it.

I was knife shopping for a daily carry and Spyderco was swiftly out of the race since, of the styles I was looking for, their 'hefty' knives were all stainless steel (read: slippery) or this micarta/zytel/whatever stuff (read: too light and too thin).

I ended up with a Benchmade Amazing Folding Chef Knife*, based largely on the way it felt in my hand. Even if it does not weigh more (no idea if it does...i haven't looked at the stats). It just FEELS better.

I know, I know...this is a style issue. I'm sure with prolonged exposure I'll come around a little. The shape of the blade has already made inroads on me...perhaps the thin light handles will as well.

Mike

*kudos to Tom Marker for introducing me to that expression.
 
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