materials question -gents folders

[gdtrfb]

I checked the Spyderco site and don't recally seeing anything specifically about the natural materials used on the gents folders like the kopa's.

Is apple corral really a preserved coral, or is it a synthetic?

Some of the materials on the Kopa's are pinned and others fixed via an adhesive. What are the pros cons to each in these knives?

What is it about giraffe bone that warrants a higher $? Is it as simple as controlled supply?

Thanks for the info. The kopa is on my shortlist for a gents folder.

While not necessarily a materials questions, does anyone have a review on the fit and finish? (any scale feedback is fine)

 

[yablanowitz]

I've never handled one, so I can't give you a review, but I can tell you that the natural materials used are really what they call them. Evrina is a synthetic ivory that is probably more expensive than real ivory, but they didn't claim it was anything other than what it is.

Giraffe bone is more closely regulated than cow bone. Supplies are limited and are bound to be more expensive. Ask anyone who has raised both cows and giraffes.

Pinned vs. glued. There are advantages to both. Pinned scales are generally less likely to pop off due to shock loads such as dropping the knife on a hard surface. On the other hand, many materials are most likely to crack at the pins over time. The metal liners expand at a different rate than the other materials used for scales, and these changes can induce stress cracks at the pin holes. On the other hand, the same expansion differential can cause adhesives to crack and release the scale if it isn't pinned in place. The people making these things have a lot more experience than me on which materials need to be done which way.

 

[bh49]

To the best of my knowledge Apple coral is natural. Out of all Kopas produces so far only Micarta and Evrina are synthetic materials, the rest are natural. Later this year Spyderco is planning to release CF Kopa, which is synthetic as well.
Regarding pinned vs non pinned construction, probably this is personal preferences. Probably there is a chance for scale to crack at pin, but many people consider that pinned constructed knife looks better. I love both, probably flat pins like on Cocobolo and micarta are my favorites.
All of my Kopas have outstanding fit and finish. IIRC, Kopas made by Moki, so expect the best.

What is it about giraffe bone that warrants a higher $?

Higher $ to compare to what? More expensive materials determine higher price. GMOP or Turquoise Kopas are more expensive.
Good luck.
If you will get any Kopa, you will not regret. Trust me. I have 16 of them and planning to get more.

more pictures can be found on Spyderco.com Forum. Pictures by WhyNot

 

[gdtrfb]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the pinned vs not was a no brainer, but I like to see what others think for a different perspective.

The more expensive ? was more so than regular cattle bone. I've seen a few options by other makes in camel, etc. and it I guess baring export type restrictions, it is just an economy of scale issue.

 

[The Deacon]

If you ever visit the tables of purveyors of scale materials at a knife show, you'll find that you can pick up a really nice set of dyed cow bone scales large enough for a Kopa for under $5. Same size in dyed camel bone will cost you close to $20 and giraffe bone might be closer to $30. Bound to make a difference in the price of a knife. From what I understand, both are suppose to be denser and tougher than cow, so there is some (at least theoretical) advantage to them.

Paul

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[gdtrfb]

I did get a giraffe bone model and have to admit the fit and finish is varied. The metal aspects are very good/excellent. The scale material on the one I received from a mail order were mediocre. The overall knife feels very very solid for a 'dress knife/gents folder'. Nice symmetrical grind lines, etc.

What I didn't like as much:
- very square edges spyderhole and blade spine aren't as comfortable against skin (do these wear over time?)
- it just doesn't feel good in my hand (opinions vary as everyone is different)
- not as easy of a draw as larger spyderco models (just a size issue I guess)
- blade/cutting edge to handle ratio may not suite everyone.
- natural material varies, the scales seemed more like tiger coral color than giraffe bone, i.e. not the amber color typically presented.
- one of the scales seems pitted a bit especially around one of the pins.
- The scale depth varied considerably (not just the contour)/ very asymmetrical

Perhaps I'm just picky, but I sent it back and will look for something different. Probably a slipjoint or lighter gents knife.