Modified FB04 (Perrin)

[Colinz]

Hi,

The FB04 is probably the best fixed blade Spyderco ever has produced for EDC. I have used one of mine (yes I bought more than one when you could) extensivly since the first day I bought it.

However I didn´t like some of the features. One of the things that had to be canned was the sheath that was more a blade protector used for shipping. I bought some kydex, rivets and a heat gun. Problem solved.

The glued rubber inserts in the handle made the knife feel cheap and also made me drop the knife once when I carried it IWB. It caught on my shirt when I picked up something from a chair. Removed them and filled the cavities with epoxy. Used a brush and epoxied a thin layer over the whole handle. It got a little slippery so I decided to attach some skate tape to it.

While sharpening it I got a bit carried away... Sharpened the clip so now it is technically a double edge.

Now it works even better than before.


If only Spyderco would make one that is about 30% bigger (longer, wider, thicker) with G10 handles and full tang. Same weight distribution.

Thanks for looking.

C.

 

[jorski3000]

Hi Colinz, looking good. I should have jumped at the Perrin FB when they were available. But the Street Beat looks even better, I guess that'll be my next FB.

Your post made me dig up an old project, a Moran with swept up point. It felt so good and secure in my hand that I carried it as my outdoor/SD EDC for quite a while. Then I sharpened a portion of its spine, still leaving enough of it dull for choking and thumbing. I didn't want to weaken the tip too much, but near the tip it's sharp enough to cut both ways. Even the rest of the sharpened area will damage flesh as it is now, but my idea was to put on some very aggressive serrations there. Alas, I didn't have the right tools then so I just put the knife aside.

It's finally time to do some dremelin'.

I'm happy with the handle, but I'm dying to try some kydex work. You're in Sweden, which is right next door to me - what's your source for Kydex? What about G-10 and such, I haven't found any this side of Bottenviken...

 

[The Deacon]

I have both the Street Bowie and Street Beat. Both are very useful, each is better for certain things. Not sure I'd want a bigger one though. There was some talk a few months ago in this thread on the Spyderco Forum about a possible run of full tang Street Bowies in Micarta.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[Colinz]

jorski3000:
Yup, the Dremel tool is invaluable for some tinkering with knives and sheats. Kydex can be obtained from knifekits.com. Excellent service. Shipping not too bad. I would recommend you to get the rivets (check size when ordering the kydex) and the rivet dies while you are at it. Also the diamond cutter is very good for cutting kydex compared to the other cutting wheels.

The Deacon:
Yes I saw the discussion re a new release. Too bad the discussion early on seemed to be steered towards a limited run. It is a buyers market right now and you could get a custom knife cheaper than what a production knife from spyderco cost (Temperance or the Hossom line).

It would be great to see a Perrin in VG10, no sheath, G10 sculpted handles (like the FB04) and about 30% larger. Unlimited production.

/C.

 

[The Deacon]

jorski3000:
Yup, the Dremel tool is invaluable for some tinkering with knives and sheats. Kydex can be obtained from knifekits.com. Excellent service. Shipping not too bad. I would recommend you to get the rivets (check size when ordering the kydex) and the rivet dies while you are at it. Also the diamond cutter is very good for cutting kydex compared to the other cutting wheels.

The Deacon:
Yes I saw the discussion re a new release. Too bad the discussion early on seemed to be steered towards a limited run. It is a buyers market right now and you could get a custom knife cheaper than what a production knife from spyderco cost (Temperance or the Hossom line).

It would be great to see a Perrin in VG10, no sheath, G10 sculpted handles (like the FB04) and about 30% larger. Unlimited production.

/C.

Except in the sense that, in order to remain in business, all production must be limited to what can sold at a profit, the Hossoms are not limited production, so if you find their prices excessive what leads you to believe that a knife made in a country with a less favorable exchange rate would be cheaper? Selling a FB without a sheath might make it more attractive to you, and to me for that matter since I prefer leather to plastic, but would be a deal breaker for a lot of folks who don't want to be bothered having one custom made. As for the size change, since it's a collaboration model, assuming Spyderco would even be willing to consider it, I'd imagine that would also require Mr. Perrin's approval, since it's his design.

Then again, if, as you observed, it's a buyer's market and customs are cheap, perhaps Mr. Perrin himself could build you exactly what you want at a good price.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[Colinz]

Now I remember why I refrain from posting.

In the words of my favourite poster:

"Me test lawnmover blade on mankey in a djangle."

I am out of this thread.

/C.