Looking for info.: JD Smith model

Praxis

Praxis

Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
746
Hi Everyone,
I recently picked up a LNIB Spyderco JD Smith. From what I can find online, this model dates from around 1999. Mine has a numbered blade. Was this standard practice? I'd love to find out a little more about this older model. Anything you all can tell me will be appreciated!:D
 
Here ya go (from the 99 or 2000 catalog).

JD-Smith.jpg


It was first made in ATS-34, and later VG-10. The Collectors Club # on yours indicates it is from the first run. The ATS-34 ones are harder to find, but I'm not sure if they command a premium over VG-10. I have a PE in VG-10 and really like it. IMO, it is the best looking Spyder. I am hoping they will release a sprint run version one of these days.

Tom
 
Tom,
Thanks for the great information! :D Mine is an earlier PE ATS-34 model. I agree with you that it is a very nice looking knife. The action on mine is a little gritty, possibly from sitting in a display case for such a long time, so I need to clean and lube it, but otherwise it's great.

Thanks again!
Ben
 
The number isn't necessarily a Collector's club number. Finer knives (such as this one) often were serial numbered in this time frame.

What exactly does your number say? Any letters in the number?
 
The JD Smith is one of my all time favorites :thumbup: The ATS-34 models are getting rather scarce. The comfort of the handle geometry is beyond belief. It is as though it was custom built for me alone.

I am truly hoping that JD Smith himself and Spyderco will get back to the drawing board to do another great collaboration. The C-58 is truly a Spyder Classic. The only negative things I can say about it is that I wish that they would have made it with either screw or torx construction rather than rivet construction. I do like Spyders that I can work on myself.

However as well constructed as the JD Smith model is you would probably carry it for a long time before it ever would need any repair. Also I've often wondered what that knife would be like with a flat grind blade.
 
zenheretic said:
The number isn't necessarily a Collector's club number. Finer knives (such as this one) often were serial numbered in this time frame.

What exactly does your number say? Any letters in the number?
Click to expand...

No letters, just 452 etched in the blade. The label on the box also has 452 along with model number and name.
 
Praxis said:
No letters, just 452 etched in the blade. The label on the box also has 452 along with model number and name.
Click to expand...

Absolutely not a collector's club number (there is only 200 of those ;) ). It is the serial number.:cool:
 
JD Smith model?
Feels much like an old time buck-type folder, if you ask me.
Only much lighter!
Always wondered why that massive chunk of steel beneath the tang area.
Could have been sharpen all the way back, or at the very least had an index finger choil cut-out done.
But I suppose that would have altered the balance somewhat?
Still a nice collaboration... having an older fashion styling
Unfortunately kinda stiff to open when compared to peers of its time.
 
GIRLYmann said:
JD Smith model?
Feels much like an old time buck-type folder, if you ask me.
Only much lighter!
Always wondered why that massive chunk of steel beneath the tang area.
Could have been sharpen all the way back, or at the very least had an index finger choil cut-out done.
But I suppose that would have altered the balance somewhat?
Still a nice collaboration... having an older fashion styling
Unfortunately kinda stiff to open when compared to peers of its time.
Click to expand...

I've put some oil on the action and have been opening and closing it repeatedly, but I still find it is pretty stiff compared to other Spyderco lockbacks. I like the looks though. After a light polish with some Flitz, it looks really nice. Super sharp too.
 
Agreed!
Nothing seems to loosen it up.
Probably has no washers?
Also, the fault of pretty tight pivot pin perhaps?
Highly secure I suppose.
Would have been better with an adjustable screw, rather than pin.
Yeah, think that ought to do it somehow.
 
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