Question for Kit Carson ( re: Folding Utility)

Wirebender · Jul 5, 2004

I just saw some pictures on the Custom Knives for Sale forum of a Folding Utility, and it reminded me that I had a question about one I own. There is a patent number on the clip. It says:

US PATENT 4347665
FOREIGN PATS PEND

Does this writing on the clip have any significance?

Also, the construction of the knife is a little different. The pivot is in "backward" (It's a right-handed knife, but the pivot screw is not on the clip side). The screws holding the handle slabs to the liner are also different. On the clip side, the handle is held on by the clip screws and only one other screw at the rear of the handle. On the other side, there are only two screws holding the handle on , one near the pivot and one at the rear.

Do I have a very early one? Thanks in advance.

Steven Roos · Jul 5, 2004

Not sure if this link will work, but it appears to be a patent on a folding knife with a pocket clip...

Go here

Wirebender · Jul 5, 2004

Hey, thanks for the link Steven. I didn't even think to try to look it up. That's Spyderco's pocket clip patent from 1981. That jogs my old brain a little bit, I seem to remember Sal Glesser saying that in the early "tactical folder" days, he used to sell clips to custom makers before clips were readily available from other sources. I could be wrong though.

Anyway, the link worked fine, Thanks!

lifter4Him · Jul 5, 2004

Yep, Kit and others used to use Spydie clips for awhile.

Kit Carson · Jul 5, 2004

Wirebender,
Yes, the clip is a Spydie. The knife is from the early 90s and I used them and a few Benchmade ones also.
I've did the pivots both ways. That is a forerunner of the Model 16. I'd add that some were made from laser cut parts back when that was in its infancy.
I'll look at the picture and add more if I need to.

Wirebender · Jul 6, 2004

Thanks Kit and Dave. Gee Kit, you made this knife when you were just a kid! Pretty good job for just a young pup!

gregvisser · Jul 9, 2004

Hi Kit,

I have been trying to send you some email, but my server is returning it claiming you don't exist on bbtel.com. Have you changed address?

My apologies for hijacking this thread....

Greg

lifter4Him · Jul 9, 2004

I would have sent you his new email but you dont accept emails according to profile.

gregvisser · Jul 9, 2004

My apologies. I hadn't yet configured up properly! Would you mind trying a send again?

Thanks

Greg