Next generation clips?

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
860
I've heard something about the next generation clips on new spyderco's.

I don't particularily like the one on my meerkat. Its far too tight.

I do like the old spyderco clips, though.

What's the deal with the new clips? Why change something that works? I can't imagine it costs that much less to make the clips out of wire.

Thanks!
-- Rob
 
I agree, some of these new clips are a solution looking for a non-existant problem.

My favorite clip? The simple, three-screw variety as seen on the Worker. Fast-forward twenty years and we've got clips like the Temperance Jr and the Meerkat. Don't get me wrong, they look cool, but they're a step back in terms of function, IMO.

It's gotten to the point where you can't even carry some of these Spydies out of the box without first bending, filing, or sanding the clip.
 
I think spyderco is trying to look for a good solution that would allow Tip up & tip down, left & right carry.
The regular barrel screw clip definately won't work with tip down, but I think the three screw would work well. Perhaps they've overlooked the obvious?
 
The three screw clips are by far my favorite as well. I like both the three-in-line variety and the circle-the-pivot (i.e: Military, Starmate) type. I much prefer either of these to the barrel bolt ones.

Regarding the "wire clip" models, I honestly can't imagine ever buying one of these.

Jeff/1911.
 
yes!!! the 3 screw clips are the best. they stay still. the clip on my endura wont stay still, moves around to much . and i gotta give 2 thumbs down for the wire clip .:barf:
 
I see I'm not alone.The wire clip on my Meercat,while it hides the knife well makes it hard to draw.You have to pinch the clip/knife to pull it up and the bend they put in it makes it real hard to slide over a heavy seam like on jeans pockets.But...if your wearing nylon shorts (like I wear in the summer)the clip doesn't hold tight to the pants and it slides out on its own.

Like the knife but oftem just drop it in my pocket.

Oh yes I also used some liquid nails to glue down the scale on the clip side 'cause it was poppin' up a little on the end.Made for a more solid feeling.
 
The only thing I don't like about my Lil Temperance is the clip. Too tight with two sharp "legs" that wear tracks in my jeans.
 
The original 3 screw clip has acutally been modified many times over the past 20 years. These minor refinements have served to improve the design. Some models, like the Chinese folder and the Military have dedicated 3 screw clips, which again, required much refinement before getting them just right. As we develop new clips, they will all go through refinement processes which will make them more effective and user friendly.

The problem with the original Meerkat clips was in the bend, not in the wire. We have since changed the bend on the wire clip for the Meerkat which makes retrieval much easier.

The Lil' Temperance clip was a mfg problem with finishing. Also solved.

At least we're always working on new and improved clips. I don't see too many other companies even working on clips. It's easier to just copy us.

sal
 
Gotta say, if it's possible to "do it right" with the wire clips, I think Spyderco should use 'em. Especially on "low profile" knives.

I'm a big fan of the looks-like-a-beeper-clip effect. :D
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser

At least we're always working on new and improved clips. I don't see too many other companies even working on clips. It's easier to just copy us.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. Spyderco is always in the forefront of technology.

I've gotten more used to my meerkat's clip, and I find it "useable" now, though it's still not my favorite.

-- Rob
 
I've only had one experience with a wire clip... the Q. Handled a Salsa last week, but didn't clip it(even to try). Price and lack of weight drove me away... might think differently after the Salsa passaround from DaveH...
 
The clip on the Q is just to flimsy, as was the whole knife, IMNSHO. Sorry to say that, Sal, but it is one of the very few designs that you have made that really does not work for me. But I have both the Meerkat and the Salsa, and I like both of them, a lot. The clip on the Meerkat is much more sturdy than that on the Q and it allows the knife to ride very low in your pocket, so low that it is almost invisible, but not quite. It is perfect as a "low observable" that is not a concealed weapon. The Salsa has a massively strong clip that defies just about anything, including its owners. That is ok, however, as I am right-handed and do not care too much about tip-up carry since it has such strong detentes holding it closed.

The clip on the Li'l Temperance did need to be loosened and I believe that rounding the sharp edges would benefit it, so that is a task that I plan for it. Thank you to those who have suggested that. It is an otherwise near perfect knife, one of a number that Spyderco makes.
 
I actually like the wire clips visually. However, after carrying a TI Salsa around for a while now, I've noticed that after repeated withdrawal from your pocket the wire clip tends to bend slightly and then hit the scales at a weird angle causing perpendicular wear marks. Again, not a big deal, but I fee the solid 3-screw configuration (like on the Calyps Jr., Navigator, Viele, etc. seem to be more ridgid and do not produce these anoying wear marks.

I'm pretty sure the TI Salsa's clip is solid titanium, which may explain the ability to twist. I haven't seen this problem on my Meerkat, but its a smaller clip, with different scale material. On a metal scale, I think the wire clips do more damage than their worth.

Just my .02 cents.
 
Spyderco needs to just do all the clips like the one on the Military.
 
Hi Fuller. That's one of the main reasons that we discontinued the "Q". The clips didn't work well at all. But we did learn a great deal about wire clips.

Hey Zombie. The Military Clip works great on the Military, but not as well on all models. The new Impala uses the Military clip.

The problems with the rigid 3 screw clips amd the metal clips that mount with a barrel was scratching things and tearing pockets when they got caught on something, because there was no "give". Wire clips might possibly offer some solutions to those problems. Do they need more development and refinement?, of couse. We have 20 years in making, refining and improving the "standard" clip. (You know, the one that it seems, the entire world has copied).

We appreciate the input, as always

sal.
 
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