NEW Moran arrived in Holland!

Mr Blonde · Oct 28, 1999

Well, after many explaining and phonecalls to both the distributor as my local dealer, I finally got my new Moran with concealex sheath. How hard is it: "OK there maybe two models, an old one with a brown leather sheath and a very shiny blade, and a new one with a black 'plastic' sheath and an ordinary finished blade, I want the new one!". Well they did have it, just very well may have been their first shipment, possible collector value

?
The Moran has been thoroughly promoted and reviewed so I will suffice by saying, 'Yes it is all true and Amen'. But this new kydex ...sorry... concealex sheath is absolutely great. Perfect fit and finish, no rattling blade here! There are absolutely no sharp edges anywhere on the sheath, and it functions quite well as a slip sheath. Just push down on the sheath with your thumb and the knife 'pops' out. I didn't care much for the clip lock, but it is very sturdy and keeps the knife very stable on your belt, in a variety of positions. The concealex is also thick enough to make me feel totally confident that this knife doesn't cut me when I wear it inside my waistband. The sheaths on most CS models I have seen (kobun, desperado, etc) are nothing compared to this sheath. Great work, and the total package is so light, and the knife feels so good in the hand. It feels like an excellent little micro fighter. I want another one! On to the kitchen to test this blade. That's why my girlfriend never complains about me getting a new knife, I get to do the cooking and cutting

PS: this Moran guy seems like a good knifemaker, do you guys think he can make me a custom version........perhaps in damascus? Could he do that?

[This message has been edited by Mr Blonde (edited 28 October 1999).]

Mr Blonde · Oct 28, 1999

I forgot to mention, that this essentially is my first spyderco. I did buy a police some 4 years ago, but wasn't impressed. The lock was very loose, if I squeezed the handle hard, the lock would fail (also when the handle is not 'squeezed'but merely a 'firm hold'). But this forum really showed that these Spyderco knives must be high quality knives. I even got over my feeling of detest for humps with holes in the blade, I want a military!The old police is now an excellent trainer for drop openings and testing what serrations can do for me, and testing my serrations sharpening skills.

Mr Blonde · Nov 1, 1999

I remember reading about a drop point bladed Moran being in the works, is still the case? If so, when can we expect it to come into production?

tallwingedgoat · Nov 1, 1999

One of the reasons the original Moran was so expensive to make is that the blade is distal tapered. Anyone notice that? The Moran could be made cheaper without it, but it'll be heavier and cut less well. Just like most other factory skinners out there.

[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 03 November 1999).]

Outlaw_Dogboy · Nov 2, 1999

OK, I'm going to have to show my ignorance...
What is "distal tapering"? I've got the original Spydie Moran, and have no idea what you're talking about.

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It's just a ***king staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy

tallwingedgoat · Nov 4, 1999

Distal tapering means the blade gets thinner as it approaches the point. As opposed to profile taper, which means the width of the blade gets narrower and pointier.

Forged knives tend to be distal tapered. In the old days, one of the first things you'd do to judge a knife is to look at the spine. To get the same tapering on a stock ground knife requires lots of grinding. And you almost never see this on a factory knife.

Distal tapering is most important for fighting knives and swords. Which can shave off a good pound or two of excess weight, and moves the point of balance closer to the handle. The part of the blade that receives the most stress -- the riccasso -- remains the thickest, while the cutting area remains thin.

[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 03 November 1999).]

Outlaw_Dogboy · Nov 3, 1999

Thanks tallwingedgoat. Another question, though. Does the Military do the same thing? I got a quick look at one personally a few months ago, and it appeared that it did.

Sounds like it certainly would increase the cost, because it seems that would be really hard to manage, grinding the metal away. Not to mention the loss of material.

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It's just a ****ing staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy

Clay Kesting · Nov 3, 1999

OD,

You're right about the Military blade having a distal taper. I've been using mine regularly in the kitchen of late, and the relatively thin point which results from the taper is great for getting in under the skin of kiwi fruit. Not that we Aussies need to do much to get under the skin of Kiwis now that they are out of the Rugby World Cup

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Take care,
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Outlaw_Dogboy · Nov 3, 1999

Ahhhh..... kiwi fruit: one of my favorite fruit out there. But I hate how every juice drink manufacturer is starting to throw it in with every other taste. Anyway, I digress.

The kiwi fruit. Possibly the single best reason to buy a Military that I have heard

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It's just a ****ing staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy