Prototype report with photos from the IWA show

Mmmmm.... I like the looks of the carbon fiber Chicago and Cat and the G-10 Dragonfly. :thumbup:

I have had a bit of a "bug" for small knives lately. While I love my big Police and Military folders, the fact that I can get so much more every day use out of the smaller knives is making them look more and more attractive these days. :D
 
Great photos! I don't know about everyone else but I really need to see the Leafstorm pics. The wait is killin' me.
 
The Kevin Wilkins designed Leafstorm is a folder with a titanium Reeve Integral lock combined with a transluscent G10 handle slab and spacer. The blade is around 2,5 inches long and the overall feel is hefty and strong. The jimping on the spine reminds me of that on the original Military.

I had the opportunity to shoot the Spyderco version together with a custom Leafstorm, featuring anodized titanium scales, transluscent onlay and a damascus blade by Markus Balbach. The custom Leafstorm is Jurphaas' personal knife. For carry and use, I preferred the Spyderco production version of the Leafstorm, it's thinner and has slighter better ergonomics (no onlay), compared to the pimped out custom. Sal did mention that they didn't need to tweak the overall ergonomics in the spyderization-process. The location of the hole and ergos were spot on. No surprise, when you consider that Kevin Wilkins was one of the first custom makers to license the opening hole about 18 years ago. The main differences between custom and production, is that Spyderco has used their own bushing system and the clip.

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Note that the lanyard hole begins in the flat of the scale and ends in the spacer on top of the spine of the handle.


spyderco_prototype_iwa09_leafstorm_lanyard.jpg


Wouter
 
The Temperance II is a fixed blade with an estimated 5 inch VG-10 blade. The blade is only 0,5 inch longer as the original Temperance. Due to ELU feedback the handle was made flatter so it would carry easier. It's still a great defensive blade that works great as a utility knife too. The handle is a brown canvas micarta. This knife looks very utilitarian and unassuming, but it is probably the closest Spyderco has come to a large full blown 'fighter'. Get one of these while you can, when this gem will is disonctinued in a few years time, you'll beat yourself up about it.

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Wouter
 
This Bushcraft UK model was introduced last year as a production prototype. This version is a bit more refined. There was no sheath to be photographed, but it will be leather. The burl handle is not the same as the production version. The scandi grind certainly looks the part, but it's also very sharp as your friendly photographer/author almost drew blood when he inspected the edge.


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Wouter
 
So does anyone know when these are coming out?

They look great!

I'm wondering what people will primarily use the Chokwe for - normal EDC, Military/LEO, collector's item, etc. I really like the design of that and the Leaf Storm.
 
The Poliwog makes a triumphant return with G-10 handles. Like the SS model, this model features a VG-10 blade of around 2,5 inches long and a left/right wireclip on the handle that also features a ball lock. I really liked this design, but after a year or so the SS handle started to become heavy, especially with smaller and lighter knives like the Lava coming out. The G10 version will make the Poliwog a regular player in my collection of carry knives.

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Wouter
 
The Rocklobster was first shown at last year's Amsterdam Meet and it's still in the prototype case. However, this time I think it will hit the streets soon. During the pre-production process a small detail was found that had to be remedied. I believe it has been mentioned on the forums, but the lower part of the front of the handle would not clear the hole, so when you opened the knife, your thumb would be pushed out from the hole. It's unfortunate, but the knife had to be modified until it could get into production. It's a big folder, right up there with the Military. Actually, Jens Anso basically told Spyderco that he really like the Military and that he'd like to see those design elements used in the Rocklobster. This is the reason why the Rocklobster has a liner lock, 'hidden liners' and the regular G10 finish on the handle as opposed to Jens' patented finish.

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Wouter
 
The Sage II is an hommage to the integral lock that Chris Reeve pioneered and made famous through his Sebenzas. This folder has a 3-inch blade, full titanium handle and a left/right carry wireclip. To me, it's not just the lock that reminds me of a Sebenza. The whole knife just seems like a 'spyderized' small Sebenza to me. Sure, it doesn't have the refined fit and finish of a real Sebenza, but the overall look and feel do remind me of a Sebbie. Funny thing is, that every time I'm tempted to get a Sebbie again I tell myself: "Too bad it doesn't have an opening hole and a lefty clip option, or a wireclip."

spyderco_prototype_iwa09_sage2_closed.jpg


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Wouter
 
Wow:eek: I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard now. I just love that knife. I hope it feels as nice in the hand as the military as well.
 
Rock Lobster looks fantastic! I am waiting as patiently as I can. Hope it's released soon.
G10 Poliwog is another must buy this year, since I held off on the SS.
The Sage II also looks great! Ti and S30v, what an awesome combo!
 
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