Old? New? Merlin

[ArtyZ]

I purchased a Merlin yesterday. I was surprised that it did not have an ambidextrous clip. I e-mailed Spyderco and Patti wrote that I have an older model Merlin. The box mine came in was plain red with no markings on it, just a bar code and product name.
The questions in my mind now are:

1. When did the change to an ambidextrous clip take place on the Merlin? I'm trying to find out just how old my knife is. What year of manufacture would you place on it.

2. Is the blade identical to the newer model?

3. Collectors Items? Should I store this particular knife and buy another one? What is the approximate value on this molded clip model?

4. Does my older Merlin have "David Boye's dent".

5. Was this knife made in Japan?

6. Does it still have a warranty through Spyderco?

7. Does it compare in function to "new" knives?


Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

Arty Z

 

[ThinkOfTheChildren]

1. Switch was made in '98 I believe
2. Think so
3. Nope. Plenty were made
4. Nope. The Boye dent is just a cutout in the lockbar. You'd see it if you had it but it wouldn't be on yours.
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. Yes as long as you don't mind the clip.

 

[K man]

Lots of people like the plastic clips Spyderco used prior to the metal clips. They dont scratch the paint on cars

 

[calyth]

I tend to find that my metal clips gets worn out more.
I got a ATS-55 Merlin with the metal ambi clip and the dent on the lockbar.
It's a wicked slasher

 

[Manji]

Originally posted by K man
Lots of people like the plastic clips Spyderco used prior to the metal clips. They dont scratch the paint on cars

i really don't like the molded plastic clips much, after awhile they tend to bend slight outwards making the "grip" onto your pants not as strong and you can really bend it back like metal clilps

 

[FC Yuk]

I haven't seen handled the plasic clip merlin yet but I've been liking my metal clip merlin. I think its not as bulky so its easier to carry IWB.