Medium MSRP compression lock?

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Apr 17, 2010
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Is there ever going to be a Spyderco compression lock knife with an MSRP less than $100? Not that I am not talking about street price, but list.


I think that since the compression lock is so nice, and is a lock that wears "in" rather than "out" that it would be nice if it were represented at more price tiers in Spyderco's lineup. Heck, a compression lock Byrd would not run amiss, but I'd like to see a compression lock knife in VG-10 in the same price range as the Delica.

The Superleaf is nice, but I can't justify using the hell out of a knife that expensive on my budget.
 
You won't be finding one anytime soon. The Delica has an MSRP of almost $95. The retail price is around $55-$60. The compression lock is something that Sal has to approve before someone other than Golden cranks it out. So with that in mind, the Superleaf is a tank of a knife. The blade is almost thicker than the handles. If anything given the materials, fit and finish, overall quality, & the fact that it is imported the price is a steal compared to other knives out there.
 
The compression lock is not as simple as it looks. It is trickier than a liner lock to get right, and from what Sal has said in the past, there are only a few makers (3 or 4) in the world that can make it to his standards.

The least expensive comp lock knives I am aware of were the Salsa and the S (essentially the Salsa 2), both out of production now. My S was a factory second and my Salsa I bought used, so I have no idea what MSRP was on either, but I gave less than $50 total for both of mine.
 
The Salsa's only real problem was the smooth aluminum scales getting slippery. I keep hoping they'll make a lined G10 version.
 
Is there ever going to be a Spyderco compression lock knife with an MSRP less than $100? Not that I am not talking about street price, but list.
There aren't that many Spyderco's with MSRP below $100 to begin with, certainly not ones that would merit the inclusion of the compression lock, which is the toughest, strongest and most reliable Spyderco make, IMO. It's a relatively expensive lock to make, I'm pretty sure, compared to a liner lock or a back lock.

The Superleaf is nice, but I can't justify using the hell out of a knife that expensive on my budget.
I think the knife is a steal for what you get. It's at the top of my list these days. It's the kind of knife I wish they'd build more of. Super lock, 4mm thick blade, FFG, not too delicate a tip. I have a Vallotton in the mail, the Superleaf is next and I am really curious which one I'll like better, for EDC and overall. They could make it with a 4" blade and I'd like it even more. 5mm blade and I'd gladly pay $200 for it, it would rival my SMF. :D
 
I think that's all just about right. Judging from the number of complaints over the years about vertical play, I would guess this is one of the more difficult and therefore more expensive locks to produce, but that's a guess. Interesting thought about the SMF. I'm not sure why, and I might be wrong about this, but I have thought of the SuperLeaf as less of a "hard use" (whatevertheheck that means ;) ) knife than an SnG or SMF. Maybe it's my irrational worries about nylon washers. :)

Phil, what on earth is that new Avatar, "ban Koo-Aid"???

There aren't that many Spyderco's with MSRP below $100 to begin with, certainly not ones that would merit the inclusion of the compression lock, which is the toughest, strongest and most reliable Spyderco make, IMO. It's a relatively expensive lock to make, I'm pretty sure, compared to a liner lock or a back lock.


I think the knife is a steal for what you get. It's at the top of my list these days. It's the kind of knife I wish they'd build more of. Super lock, 4mm thick blade, FFG, not too delicate a tip. I have a Vallotton in the mail, the Superleaf is next and I am really curious which one I'll like better, for EDC and overall. They could make it with a 4" blade and I'd like it even more. 5mm blade and I'd gladly pay $200 for it, it would rival my SMF. :D
 
Phil, what on earth is that new Avatar, "ban Koo-Aid"???
Well, it came about by me expressing my sincere opinion on the CRK Sebenza, which brought on an army of Kool-Aid drinkers. It got me thinking on the rationale for buying the knives people do. Nobody needs to explain to me why they buy an expensive knife (I own plenty myself), but for some reason too many people feel the need to rationalize it for themselves. Then, other people buy into the same rationale, hence the Kool-Aid.
So I'm saying, don't buy into it. Everyone is free to do whatever they want and they need to explain it to no one. But don't try to convince the rest that there are rational objective reasons for what you chose. It's laughable.

/offtopic
 
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