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New Spydies for 2008/2009 - Amsterdam Meet Report with pics
- Thread starter Mr Blonde
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2004
- Messages
- 18,850
I would take the rookie and the rocklobster,and zdp lum.I wonder when I'll see
them in my local store fall maybe?or even some in 2009.
From the blades pictured above im only seeing the Phoenix in the 08 catalog.
Oops, almost forgot that the Superhawk also has a (peelply) CF handle. It still is a beast of a knife and entirely designed due to the forums.
The new Police model is big, very big. Or rather, very long. I think the blade was somewhere around 4,5 inches long. It's quite a handfull; but still not too heavy in the hand, much lighter than a Manix/Chinook. I liked the choil and the G10 makes a world of difference in this model IMO. The SS Police does feel a bit slippery, so I was always curious why this model is such a hit. Well, Sal wasn't too sure either. According to him, the Police is always in the top 10 best selling knives: "I'm not sure why, but we keep selling them, so we'll keep making them". It's a good bet that the SS model will exist along side this new variation.
And in case anyone is curious, this blade will not be etched with the model name. Even though dealers often request the model name on the knife, Sal told us that the afi's in general dislike it; so -in principle- no model names are put on the blades.
Moving from one pointy knife to another, the P'kal trainer was briefly demonstrated and shown as well. Sal is very quick with this knife. Eric explained a bit more about the engineering involved with this lock. I'm not too fond of MBC-only designs, and I really hope this caged ball lock gets used in other models as well. The P'kal trainer handled really smoothly. The live version was not at the meet.
Since we're firmly in the Save And Serve category of knives, I can't leave out the Citadel. These automatics were specifically designed for people who use them with gloves on, don't want to lose their grip on the knife under any circumstance, and who are most likely to be able to purchase them in the US; soldiers, LEO and rescue personel.
The bi-directional texturing is, apparently, a tiny tour de force for the manufacturing process (to get it right). Together with the guards -fron and on the butt end of the knife, it makes for one sure grip. The knife isn't as heavy as I expected. I really liked the smaller one, that one was just right for my (non-glove wearing) hand. The blade is pretty solid too, no fine Rookie tip for the Citadel.
The second automatic of the meet was the Embassy. This is one sweet auto-opener. This one is more geared towards people who need it for (secondary) rescue work I think. It's a lot thinner, sleeker and is easier on the pockets, compared to the Citadel. Compared to a Delica, the Embassy is a bit bulkier.
The Embassy reminds me a bit of the Mini Manix, same overall size and feel. The aluminum handle has a G10 insert, which feels really nice in the hand. The serrations on the around 3-inch blade looked really sharp. All the automatics came with safeties, but they were easy to manipulate. Even after firing the blade only two times or so, I got the hang of it.
The new Police model is big, very big. Or rather, very long. I think the blade was somewhere around 4,5 inches long. It's quite a handfull; but still not too heavy in the hand, much lighter than a Manix/Chinook. I liked the choil and the G10 makes a world of difference in this model IMO. The SS Police does feel a bit slippery, so I was always curious why this model is such a hit. Well, Sal wasn't too sure either. According to him, the Police is always in the top 10 best selling knives: "I'm not sure why, but we keep selling them, so we'll keep making them". It's a good bet that the SS model will exist along side this new variation.
And in case anyone is curious, this blade will not be etched with the model name. Even though dealers often request the model name on the knife, Sal told us that the afi's in general dislike it; so -in principle- no model names are put on the blades.
Moving from one pointy knife to another, the P'kal trainer was briefly demonstrated and shown as well. Sal is very quick with this knife. Eric explained a bit more about the engineering involved with this lock. I'm not too fond of MBC-only designs, and I really hope this caged ball lock gets used in other models as well. The P'kal trainer handled really smoothly. The live version was not at the meet.
Since we're firmly in the Save And Serve category of knives, I can't leave out the Citadel. These automatics were specifically designed for people who use them with gloves on, don't want to lose their grip on the knife under any circumstance, and who are most likely to be able to purchase them in the US; soldiers, LEO and rescue personel.
The bi-directional texturing is, apparently, a tiny tour de force for the manufacturing process (to get it right). Together with the guards -fron and on the butt end of the knife, it makes for one sure grip. The knife isn't as heavy as I expected. I really liked the smaller one, that one was just right for my (non-glove wearing) hand. The blade is pretty solid too, no fine Rookie tip for the Citadel.
The second automatic of the meet was the Embassy. This is one sweet auto-opener. This one is more geared towards people who need it for (secondary) rescue work I think. It's a lot thinner, sleeker and is easier on the pockets, compared to the Citadel. Compared to a Delica, the Embassy is a bit bulkier.
The Embassy reminds me a bit of the Mini Manix, same overall size and feel. The aluminum handle has a G10 insert, which feels really nice in the hand. The serrations on the around 3-inch blade looked really sharp. All the automatics came with safeties, but they were easy to manipulate. Even after firing the blade only two times or so, I got the hang of it.
I'm not sure how the Smallfly is a 'Save and Serve' knife, but rest assured; it's restricted like one 
. I really hope to get one of these, if only the trainer. I'm not an expert on the balisong, but the Smallfly seemed just right to me. The weight, size, materials and those holes on the handles for added opening tricks, make the Smallfly a very addictive knife to play with. I can see myself annoying my wife all evening long, just flicking and clicking with the trainer while watching TV.
The trainer's blade is made from 440C. The live version has a single edge, weehawk blade, from 154 CM I believe. Both blades are around 3 inches long and the handle slabs are G10. This one, like the automatics, is made in the Golden plant.
A classic revived; the Mariner Salt. I believe the original Mariner was the first folding knife ever to combine one-handed opening, clip carry and a serrated edge. The revamped Mariner Salt has a blade and handle made from the rust-impervious H1. This time around, the hole in the handle is not a drying vent. H1 doesn't rust, so drying the inside of the handle isn't necessary. The hole is intented to be a shackle key.
Since we're talking about H1, I'd better roll out the rest as well. The Aqua Salt was also at last year's Meet. To my eye, the blade has been refined a wee bit; it seems to have a bit more belly to the edge and the tip seems a bit pointier. I love that bright yellow handle. The sheath impressed me. I felt dubious about an FRN sheath. The injection molded Perrin Streetbowie sheath had a terrible rattle when the blade was sheathed (I fixed that BTW with a hairdryer and some thumb pressure). Not so with the Aqua Salt's sheath; the fit was tight, but with a small push of the thumb, the knife pops out.
The G-TekLok clip looked pretty solid as well. I'm not sure about the material, but it feels like heavy duty concealex to me. I'll be certain to get on of these aqua salts.
Naturally, I can't leave out the Rocksalt. Ed Schempp's design was not just intended for people who work around water. It should also be a great blade for people who want to use it in the jungle, or when you need a no-maintenance knife (save for sharpening). COmpared to last year's prototype, the handle seemed a bit more refined. The FRN texture feels similar to G10 IMO. with a sharpened swedge, this knife could make a really nice fighter.
Before we got to this knife, we got to handle some real fixed blades intended for bladesports (concept models, so no pics). After those, the Rocksalt seemed very light and small. My wife commented on how nice the handle felt on the Rocksalt, so she instantly gained 10 cool-points in my book.
I have no intended use for the Rocksalt, but I think I'll find a reason to order one anyways.
. I really hope to get one of these, if only the trainer. I'm not an expert on the balisong, but the Smallfly seemed just right to me. The weight, size, materials and those holes on the handles for added opening tricks, make the Smallfly a very addictive knife to play with. I can see myself annoying my wife all evening long, just flicking and clicking with the trainer while watching TV.The trainer's blade is made from 440C. The live version has a single edge, weehawk blade, from 154 CM I believe. Both blades are around 3 inches long and the handle slabs are G10. This one, like the automatics, is made in the Golden plant.
A classic revived; the Mariner Salt. I believe the original Mariner was the first folding knife ever to combine one-handed opening, clip carry and a serrated edge. The revamped Mariner Salt has a blade and handle made from the rust-impervious H1. This time around, the hole in the handle is not a drying vent. H1 doesn't rust, so drying the inside of the handle isn't necessary. The hole is intented to be a shackle key.
Since we're talking about H1, I'd better roll out the rest as well. The Aqua Salt was also at last year's Meet. To my eye, the blade has been refined a wee bit; it seems to have a bit more belly to the edge and the tip seems a bit pointier. I love that bright yellow handle. The sheath impressed me. I felt dubious about an FRN sheath. The injection molded Perrin Streetbowie sheath had a terrible rattle when the blade was sheathed (I fixed that BTW with a hairdryer and some thumb pressure). Not so with the Aqua Salt's sheath; the fit was tight, but with a small push of the thumb, the knife pops out.
The G-TekLok clip looked pretty solid as well. I'm not sure about the material, but it feels like heavy duty concealex to me. I'll be certain to get on of these aqua salts.
Naturally, I can't leave out the Rocksalt. Ed Schempp's design was not just intended for people who work around water. It should also be a great blade for people who want to use it in the jungle, or when you need a no-maintenance knife (save for sharpening). COmpared to last year's prototype, the handle seemed a bit more refined. The FRN texture feels similar to G10 IMO. with a sharpened swedge, this knife could make a really nice fighter.
Before we got to this knife, we got to handle some real fixed blades intended for bladesports (concept models, so no pics). After those, the Rocksalt seemed very light and small. My wife commented on how nice the handle felt on the Rocksalt, so she instantly gained 10 cool-points in my book.
I have no intended use for the Rocksalt, but I think I'll find a reason to order one anyways.
A different kind of Save And Serve model is the Jumpmaster. This knife was designed after a request from a ....yes...jumpmaster from the 82nd Airborne. After some back and forth, Sal visited the designer at his 'workplace' in South Carolina. There was even some actual static line at the meet, so we could see the material this knife was designed to cut. Sal gave all designing credit to the people who worked with the Spydercrew on this design.
The knife is made from H-1, to keep it as low-maintenance as possible. At first I wasn't too enthusiatic about the announce FRN handle and sheath, but I was pleasantly surprised. The FRN for the handle has a nice texture to it, very solid. Notice the Temperance lineage in the pattern.
Time for something smaller. In his presentation Sal explained a bit about his vision on the company and the design process. Spyderco is focussed on designing knives for the world of 15 years from now. I agree with Sal that the sad reality will be that in 15 years from now, our knives will be a lot smaller and they won't have any locks. The UKPK and the Urban are the first models for Spyderco to prepare for that world. It's a sad trend, but I'm glad that Spyderco is prepared.
With knives like the Urban, my hobby certainly won't become that much duller. I'm kind of excited about this knife, I didn't think I'd like it that much. I the bladelength is somewhere around 2,5 inches, but it genuinely feels like a real working folder (with a 3 inch blade or so). The notch joint action is a lot smoother than my black G10 UKPK I got about 2 years ago. The handle felt 'just right' for my hands.
As far as I'm concerned nothing needs to be changed on the Urban. I'll take one in Orange with a leaf shape blade. Other blade styles will be the pictured Wharncliffe and a safety point (rounded tip). One version of the Urban will feature a bolster, to create a more traditional look. The leaf shape blade has a subtle belly, moreso than a Caly III for example. The tip is needle sharp too!
I first handled the concept models of the Urban a few years ago, and they did feel rough and unfinished. These versions are really nice. But, what about adding some teeth to the mix Sal? Perhaps on the safety tip variant, to lessen the menacing look of the serrations?
Apart from the Urban and UKPK, word has it that the Kopa is an accepted knife for urban carry in the UK as well. This year's variants are Pacific Blue Bone, Stacked Wood (by Santa Fe in case you were wondering), Giraffe Bone and Three Flavors Pearl/Abalone. Here I am, confident that I won't be spending cash on a Kopa in 2008, and I get a hold ofthe Pearl Abalone Kopa. It shot up to the higher regions of my wishlist in seconds of handling it.
The giraffe bone will differ from one knife to the other, compared to the other inlay materials in this year's batch. Sal told an interesting story about the source of their giraffe bone. Asphalt roads are expanding in Africa and apparantly, giraffes can't walk on asphalt. Their hoofs aren't suited to the surface. Walking on asphalt is like walking on ice to a girafffe. The lions have noticed this and have actually changed their hunting strategies. Lions will drive a giraffe onto the asphalt so they can get at them. Otherwise a giraffe would simply escape or be too dangerous to take down. After the lions are done, a man with a pick-up truck collects the bones from the side of the road, and sells them to Spyderco, among other clients. Fascinating story.
The knife is made from H-1, to keep it as low-maintenance as possible. At first I wasn't too enthusiatic about the announce FRN handle and sheath, but I was pleasantly surprised. The FRN for the handle has a nice texture to it, very solid. Notice the Temperance lineage in the pattern.
Time for something smaller. In his presentation Sal explained a bit about his vision on the company and the design process. Spyderco is focussed on designing knives for the world of 15 years from now. I agree with Sal that the sad reality will be that in 15 years from now, our knives will be a lot smaller and they won't have any locks. The UKPK and the Urban are the first models for Spyderco to prepare for that world. It's a sad trend, but I'm glad that Spyderco is prepared.
With knives like the Urban, my hobby certainly won't become that much duller. I'm kind of excited about this knife, I didn't think I'd like it that much. I the bladelength is somewhere around 2,5 inches, but it genuinely feels like a real working folder (with a 3 inch blade or so). The notch joint action is a lot smoother than my black G10 UKPK I got about 2 years ago. The handle felt 'just right' for my hands.
As far as I'm concerned nothing needs to be changed on the Urban. I'll take one in Orange with a leaf shape blade. Other blade styles will be the pictured Wharncliffe and a safety point (rounded tip). One version of the Urban will feature a bolster, to create a more traditional look. The leaf shape blade has a subtle belly, moreso than a Caly III for example. The tip is needle sharp too!
I first handled the concept models of the Urban a few years ago, and they did feel rough and unfinished. These versions are really nice. But, what about adding some teeth to the mix Sal? Perhaps on the safety tip variant, to lessen the menacing look of the serrations?
Apart from the Urban and UKPK, word has it that the Kopa is an accepted knife for urban carry in the UK as well. This year's variants are Pacific Blue Bone, Stacked Wood (by Santa Fe in case you were wondering), Giraffe Bone and Three Flavors Pearl/Abalone. Here I am, confident that I won't be spending cash on a Kopa in 2008, and I get a hold ofthe Pearl Abalone Kopa. It shot up to the higher regions of my wishlist in seconds of handling it.
The giraffe bone will differ from one knife to the other, compared to the other inlay materials in this year's batch. Sal told an interesting story about the source of their giraffe bone. Asphalt roads are expanding in Africa and apparantly, giraffes can't walk on asphalt. Their hoofs aren't suited to the surface. Walking on asphalt is like walking on ice to a girafffe. The lions have noticed this and have actually changed their hunting strategies. Lions will drive a giraffe onto the asphalt so they can get at them. Otherwise a giraffe would simply escape or be too dangerous to take down. After the lions are done, a man with a pick-up truck collects the bones from the side of the road, and sells them to Spyderco, among other clients. Fascinating story.
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2007
- Messages
- 7,680
That's more than a handful of awesome looking new knives!! Thanks for the great pics Blonde.
Jon
Jon
The Micro Dyad in black pearl is sure to turn a few heads among knifeknuts. I won't be one of them because I can't open these one-handed with my left hand.
Still, the material is stunning. 'Mrs. Blonde' nudged me during the meet after this one was passed around, in that way that you know what you have to get her for her birthday or christmas. The fit an finish on the Micro Dyad was really nice, up there with the Kopa.
Cheers,
Wouter
Still, the material is stunning. 'Mrs. Blonde' nudged me during the meet after this one was passed around, in that way that you know what you have to get her for her birthday or christmas. The fit an finish on the Micro Dyad was really nice, up there with the Kopa.
Cheers,
Wouter
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2006
- Messages
- 542
Rookie, Barong and Kuk for me. (Ed, you are killing my wallet 
)
**lesson #1- read second page before postin what you are excited about getting as Mr. Blonde sneaks stuff in.**
Add- all the autos, POLICE (thanks Sal, from the bottom of my heart. seriously.) wharnie Urban and a P'kal trainer.
BK6
)**lesson #1- read second page before postin what you are excited about getting as Mr. Blonde sneaks stuff in.**
Add- all the autos, POLICE (thanks Sal, from the bottom of my heart. seriously.) wharnie Urban and a P'kal trainer.
BK6
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2007
- Messages
- 662
The Ed Schempp Khukri is a wonderfully "odd" but ergonomic design. It looked kind of 'off' to me, but it certainly felt right in the hand. The cutting edge is right where you want it, there's hardly any need for moving the wrist in most cutting chores with this design. I suspect it could make a handy picknick folder too, cutting food on a board and such. The blade size is around 3 inches and the clip can be reversed for left-handed tip-up carry. It should carry very easily too, it's a slim folder when closed. I'm amazed how 'straight' the knife is when the blade is folded. The opened Khukri is extremely curvy. Again, like the Barong, this one is a linerlock folder, with a thick liner.
While I'm sure I'll end up with more than a few of the new models, I've got to say this is the one that makes my heartbeat faster. Looks like a FG g10 Ayoob thats tip up! Mr. Blonde, if your familiar with the Ayoob at all, would you say they feel/ point similarly?
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2007
- Messages
- 425
Thanks for all the great pictures. You're time is definately appreciated and your pictures are great!
Any word if the Embassy will be available with a plain edge?
Must buys:
Kiwi
Rookie
Phoenix
Citadel (smaller one)
Smallfly
CF Native
Maybe:
Embassy (if it's available in a plain edge)
Kopa (stacked wood and blue bone)
Anybody have any ideas why the blue bone Kopa has the bone screwed on while the Giraffe bone does not?
I hope that these are spaced out enough to allow my wallet to breathe a little.
Any word if the Embassy will be available with a plain edge?
Must buys:
Kiwi
Rookie
Phoenix
Citadel (smaller one)
Smallfly
CF Native
Maybe:
Embassy (if it's available in a plain edge)
Kopa (stacked wood and blue bone)
Anybody have any ideas why the blue bone Kopa has the bone screwed on while the Giraffe bone does not?
I hope that these are spaced out enough to allow my wallet to breathe a little.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2008
- Messages
- 55
Awesome!!! Thanks, Mr Blonde.
I really like the blade on the Native IV. It has a nice clean look to it along with
the carbon fiber.
I really like the blade on the Native IV. It has a nice clean look to it along with
the carbon fiber.