Peter Herbst model info needed

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Jun 18, 2000
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I recently noticed a newer aluminum handle Peter Herbst model in my local knife shop.
Does anyone here have one (not the titanium version), and if so, what are your opinions on this one?

Thanks,
Allen.
 
I own the ti version and have handled the aluminum version at a dealer. Personally, I like the ti (original) version alot more than the aluminum version. The difference? Smooth opening/closing (ti) vs. okay (aluminum). The blade grind on the ti seem to also have smoother edges (e.g., the transition from the hollow grind to the spine). And if my memory is correct, I think the ti has no (or fewer) visible screws holding the handle together vs. visible screws on the aluminum Herbst. Caution: It has been reported that some (or most) ti Herbsts were defective coming out of the factory and consequently were not readily available in larger numbers in the market--which speaks volumes for Spyderco quality control which ensures that the ELU will rarely purchase a lemon. Mine had some minor cosmetic flaws and who knows what else that did not meet Spyderco standards but I love it just the way it is anyway. (Others might feel otherwise).

I suggest that you try and handle both (if possible) before buying the aluminum handled Herbst. However, you will probably have to scour the secondary market--eBay, forum knife exchanges, etc.--should you decide to opt for the ti Herbst.

Is this a biased review? Uh, yeah.
 
I vetoed the production of the German made Titan Herbst due to quality issues.

One of the main problems was the ball bearing for the detent. They were made with soft bearings which means the bearing would wear out after enough openings.

There were also many that defeated when spine wacked.

Let's say that I had almost 200 of the old Titan pieces sittin' around???

Let's say that I was willing to sell them as is, (2nds, no warrantee - only those that passed the spinewack test) for $35 each + shipping??? (through SFO only)

Anybody out there interested?

sal
 
Well worth it for $35 + shipping. For light/occasional use (definitely not for MBC use) or for your knife collection (the only Spyderco made in Germany?). Probably not for everyone (especially if this is going to be your one and only knife) but if you know the limitations up front and can live with them--why not? Smooth operator.
 
Sal: I'd love to take one or two off your hands!

Thanks for the (possible) opportunity,


Greg :D :D :D
 
Credit card, paypal, or MO? I'd pick up one for sure. Just let me know when and where.
 
SAL: I also would like one, I have the alumn. model. When I call SFO will they know about this knife deal? Thanks
}{Collector #047
 
I will take 2 or 3 if avaialable. I have always wanted a Ti Herbst. BTW- I have one of the new Aluminum versions and I would highly recommend you getting one. They are really nice knives.
 
How will this impact those who paid a small fortune for the original pieces that passed Spyderco’s QC (Quality Control)? By flooding the market with these flawed pieces, it will depreciate the value of the Ti Herbst.
 
Thanx for the response. I'll try to put something together next week.

Hi Slick. These would have a small notch (indicating 2nd). I don't think there are more than 100 originals out there.

sal
 
Thank you for the response Sal. How is it fair for someone like me who paid a good amount of money for one of these original pieces? I personally don’t think a lot of people would care if there is a small notch on this scarce knife. If I had a choice between the two, especially with such a significant price difference, I would purchase the flawed Herbst without any hesitation. I would not have paid the premium for mine if I knew Spyderco was going to release the 2nds.

After these 2nds are released, how much will my Ti Herbst be worth? As much as an Endura?
 
It would still be worth more as it isn't a second, which means it passed QC and doesn't have a confirmed flaw. Or that would be my understanding. Lots of companies release seconds, and I've never seen it affect the value of an original quality model. ESP. one that was released in such limited numbers like an original TI Herbst
 
Just curious, what steel do these sport? I still want one whatever it is.:D :D

Edited cause too many people posted at the same time and it didn't make sense.
 
Hi Slick. that's a good question for which I do not have an answer. We have avoided re-making identical models for that very reason.

On the other hand, we lost our shirts on the original run. Only a hundred or so were sold and the tooling was scrapped (more than $25K). The currrent model was retooled. My guess is that the value down the road will be high for both the originals and the 2nds.

I guess I could donate a couple of the 2nds to you for your earlier support? That would give you samples of both? I'm open to suggestions. We always strive to be fair above all else.

Throwing away the 2nds would also not be fair to us or the few that might want an opportunity to get one, even if it is a 2nd. Charging what they are probably really worth would then require marketing, etc, which would cost time and money making the price even higher.

sal
 
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