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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Some quick questions for Sal !
- Thread starter Nemo
- Start date
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,656
Nemo - some quick answers;
Only made a few plain edge Ladybugs on the initial run. Very rare. Have not had requests for any??
Credit card folder is still in R & D. trying to increase lock stength and lower cost. Should know more by Blade Show. You like this piece? Fred likes this piece?
Chinook is scheduled as a Y2K model. Well make the larger version first. With a Rolling Lock. Still going back and forth on handle material. Any opinions?
We have all of the information on the Milipol show that we need as to booking the show or to attend. We are curious as to why there are no other knife companies there and whether or not it would be good for us to attend.
sal
Only made a few plain edge Ladybugs on the initial run. Very rare. Have not had requests for any??
Credit card folder is still in R & D. trying to increase lock stength and lower cost. Should know more by Blade Show. You like this piece? Fred likes this piece?
Chinook is scheduled as a Y2K model. Well make the larger version first. With a Rolling Lock. Still going back and forth on handle material. Any opinions?
We have all of the information on the Milipol show that we need as to booking the show or to attend. We are curious as to why there are no other knife companies there and whether or not it would be good for us to attend.
sal
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 648
Chinook, chinook, what is this chinook? Only one I have heard of is a salmon on a John West ad (or is that something else again, things get confused when you spend your life standing on your head
). Is this another knife that I have to take food from my children's mouthes to buy?
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Take care,
Clay
"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire
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Take care,
Clay
"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire
Clay, someone else will most probably give you a more comprehensive reply but as far as I know the chinook is a Jim Keating (design) colaboration with Spyderco. A prototype (and history)can be seen on Jim's e-magazine Modern Knives (www.comattech.com./modernknives/).
- Joined
- Apr 26, 1999
- Messages
- 481
Regarding plain Ladybugs: I would certainly be interested. I recently bought a (plain-edged) Pegasus, which I figure is pretty close to an ideal airline travel knife, but a plain Ladybug might be even better. There are potential problems with serrations, as Mark Douglas has noted about his wife's Ladybug being confiscated due to serrations. That's why I have been surprised about the Co-Pilot model, touted as conforming to "all" airline regulations, but serrated. The security guards may or may not be going by any actual regulations, but the fact seems to be that they are in control of your ability to get on the plane and your ability to argue your case is limited at best. If they think serrations are not allowed, then serrations are not going on the plane. The Pegasus is cute, not pointy, and not serrated, but it is a bit on the hefty side. A plain-edged Ladybug would be a lot lighter. I'd certainly buy at least one, probably more than one. I get the feeling that there are more folks like me.
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Paul Neubauer
prn@bsu.edu
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Paul Neubauer
prn@bsu.edu
- Joined
- Oct 16, 1998
- Messages
- 1,697
Sal,
About the Credit Card Prototype
Fred dreams of it every night !!!
This is the most exiting project for him as it's really an Urban Tool...
About the handle for a "fighting" folder, a not flat handle could be a great idea for an improved grip.
Cheers,
JM
About the Credit Card Prototype
Fred dreams of it every night !!!
This is the most exiting project for him as it's really an Urban Tool...
About the handle for a "fighting" folder, a not flat handle could be a great idea for an improved grip.
Cheers,
JM
Sal.
If Nemo was refering to the Chinook for non-flat handles, I agree.
Perhaps, something along the lines of the Kershaw Randomtask? more rounded and contoured to the hand? Is it possible to 'round' and texture G-10? or is only a
polished finish realistic?
Though I love all the flat handled Spydercos I own, I'd like to see one with some contoured volume in the handle too.
thanks,
Ken
[This message has been edited by KenN (edited 12 May 1999).]
If Nemo was refering to the Chinook for non-flat handles, I agree.
Perhaps, something along the lines of the Kershaw Randomtask? more rounded and contoured to the hand? Is it possible to 'round' and texture G-10? or is only a
polished finish realistic?
Though I love all the flat handled Spydercos I own, I'd like to see one with some contoured volume in the handle too.
thanks,
Ken
[This message has been edited by KenN (edited 12 May 1999).]
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 648
Deon,
Thanks I will try to look that up. Do you have to subscibe to the 'zine to get to that article?
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Take care,
Clay
"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire
Thanks I will try to look that up. Do you have to subscibe to the 'zine to get to that article?
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Take care,
Clay
"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire
Fuller -
The correct URL is:
www.combattech.com./modernknives
Hope this helps.
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Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.
The correct URL is:
www.combattech.com./modernknives
Hope this helps.
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Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.
Guys, I am sorry for posting an incorrect URL for Comtech. One has to subscribe to the mag (I think it's $12 per year). I tried to get into the back issue with the Chinook article but could not. I am waiting for the editors reply about that - I will down load the article and send it by e-mail to those interested.
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,656
Now I have a question for you. Some have indicated that a "rounder" handle would be preferred because of the comfort in the hand. We have found that when the knife gets "too thick" it is not carried (worn) as often and consequesntly is of no value when you need it , if you do not have it.
The flatter knives seemed to get the most carry becuae the ELU hardly were aware that they were there. The thicker knives would create more mass in the pocket and become "in the way". I would appreciate some more opinions on this issue.
sal.
The flatter knives seemed to get the most carry becuae the ELU hardly were aware that they were there. The thicker knives would create more mass in the pocket and become "in the way". I would appreciate some more opinions on this issue.
sal.
I'd say it depends entirely on what sort of pants you wear. I prefer more, um, concealing loose pants like dockers or slacks, something along those lines. A personal frequent carry for several years is a modified AFCK that has thick, contoured micarta handles which make it very large and also add substantially to its weight (it's now heavier than a SS Police). That's not a problem for me, and I'm quite used to it. On the other hand, my skinny friends in their tight-fitting jeans have a hard time pocketing my knife, and far prefer a flat profile such as that of the Police Model.
Basically it's always a tradeoff between how a knife feels in your pocket and how it feels in your hands. What sort of pants you wear will dictate how much the first part matters to you. Because Spyderco seems to pursue a "higher diversity, smaller production runs" approach, and because you have a history of offering several handle types on the same model, I think a thick, contoured version of some patterns would be appropriate. This would let those who could carry such a knife purchase it and those who needed a slimmer profile get another version. After all, a large part of Spyderco's strength lies in trying new ideas and having something for everyone.
I'm giving my $0.02 so often I'll soon be broke!
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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
Basically it's always a tradeoff between how a knife feels in your pocket and how it feels in your hands. What sort of pants you wear will dictate how much the first part matters to you. Because Spyderco seems to pursue a "higher diversity, smaller production runs" approach, and because you have a history of offering several handle types on the same model, I think a thick, contoured version of some patterns would be appropriate. This would let those who could carry such a knife purchase it and those who needed a slimmer profile get another version. After all, a large part of Spyderco's strength lies in trying new ideas and having something for everyone.
I'm giving my $0.02 so often I'll soon be broke!
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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
Sal,
I think Corduroy pretty much covered my opinions to the handle thickness issue, so I'll try to expand a bit more from my perspective.
I'm assuming the Chinook(which I haven't yet seen, drawing or otherwise) coming from James Keating will most likely be a fighter? If so, it's utilitarian characteristics can take a back seat to its main focus, blade combatives.
I (personally)can accept a certain degree of trade-off in carry convenience for 'maximized' defensive capabilities. A couple of examples of this could be:
The Gerber A-F(large) combat folder, thicker and longer than average folder.
The CS Vaquero Grande and probably the entire 5" blade line, much longer than average folders.
None of these seem to be ultra popular, but they are 'specialized' pieces for a specific function, and they do sell.
True, you could give the Chinook flat scales and probably appeal to the masses, but like Corduroy stated, Spyderco is known for having something for everyone, and there are plenty of high quality flat scaled Spydercos that could fit the Tac-utility role. The Chinook doesn't sound like it's for everybody, so why try when you know you've got a smaller, locked in market? which probably will match the (small)production volume nicely?
Don't get me wrong, after a certain thickness, it *will* be 'too' thick to carry, even with maximized defensive qualities. I'm not suggesting simply to radically built up more mass in the center of the scale, but to shave off or round off some mass at the outer edges, so in a way, not much mass/volume is added, just reshaped a bit.
But I don't even know what the Chinook looks like, or even if it's function is truly a pure martial bladecraft knife or not, so I'm going to apply this rounded handle suggestion to any other models in the future that 'do' have a pure martial intent as well.
That's gotta be more than ¢2
Thanks,
Ken
I think Corduroy pretty much covered my opinions to the handle thickness issue, so I'll try to expand a bit more from my perspective.
I'm assuming the Chinook(which I haven't yet seen, drawing or otherwise) coming from James Keating will most likely be a fighter? If so, it's utilitarian characteristics can take a back seat to its main focus, blade combatives.
I (personally)can accept a certain degree of trade-off in carry convenience for 'maximized' defensive capabilities. A couple of examples of this could be:
The Gerber A-F(large) combat folder, thicker and longer than average folder.
The CS Vaquero Grande and probably the entire 5" blade line, much longer than average folders.
None of these seem to be ultra popular, but they are 'specialized' pieces for a specific function, and they do sell.
True, you could give the Chinook flat scales and probably appeal to the masses, but like Corduroy stated, Spyderco is known for having something for everyone, and there are plenty of high quality flat scaled Spydercos that could fit the Tac-utility role. The Chinook doesn't sound like it's for everybody, so why try when you know you've got a smaller, locked in market? which probably will match the (small)production volume nicely?
Don't get me wrong, after a certain thickness, it *will* be 'too' thick to carry, even with maximized defensive qualities. I'm not suggesting simply to radically built up more mass in the center of the scale, but to shave off or round off some mass at the outer edges, so in a way, not much mass/volume is added, just reshaped a bit.
But I don't even know what the Chinook looks like, or even if it's function is truly a pure martial bladecraft knife or not, so I'm going to apply this rounded handle suggestion to any other models in the future that 'do' have a pure martial intent as well.
That's gotta be more than ¢2
Thanks,
Ken
It just hit me!
Spyderco does have an excellent example of the rounded scales. The Howard Viele collaboration! Though I haven't held one in my hands, it looks to be very comfortable, but not optimized for martial bladecraft. If you guys can fit a Keating designed(martial oriented) handle profile with 'rounded' classy black micarta scales like on the Viele, WOW...(but Business-style G-10 is fine too).
Ken
Spyderco does have an excellent example of the rounded scales. The Howard Viele collaboration! Though I haven't held one in my hands, it looks to be very comfortable, but not optimized for martial bladecraft. If you guys can fit a Keating designed(martial oriented) handle profile with 'rounded' classy black micarta scales like on the Viele, WOW...(but Business-style G-10 is fine too).
Ken
William Johnson
BANNED
- Joined
- Feb 5, 1999
- Messages
- 477
Maybe I am the odd man out, but I would love a thicker handle on the Military. Say a 10 weave G10 handle. I am pretty sure a few extra ounces aren't going to stop me from carrying that bad-boy.
Just my $0.02
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God bless!
Romans 10:9-10
"Military" Fans Unite!!
Just my $0.02
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God bless!
Romans 10:9-10
"Military" Fans Unite!!
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 883
Sal,
Here are some random thoughts on the subject of thicker, contoured handles for pocket knives:
1. Most knives spend many times more hours in your pocket than they do in your hand. Comfort in the pocket is more important than comfort in the hand, provided that the handle is "good enough" in all aspects pertaining to safety. In my opinion, the slippery, ultra-thin Endura II handle (for example) is not "good enough". generally speaking, I think flat is the way to go most of the time for most people.
2. I wear loose fitting Dockers on a daily basis, and I could carry a thicker-handled knife without much loss in terms of in-pocket comfort and convenience. I carry a CS Vaquero grande in my rear pocket, sans clip. No hay problema. I have also carried it in my front pocket without excessive discomfort. In its aftermarket Kydex slip sheath, even the relatively thick handle of the Moran Featherweight is not uncomfortable in the pocket. The human is a very adaptable creature. A person gets used to things after a while. I remember when I thought my SwissTool was heavy. After a year of carrying it during every waking hour, I hardly notice it any more. My advice to all: Don't wear tight pants, and "never carry a knife shorter than you schnoz".
3. On some knives the clip actually provides a bit of extra width where I want it. It's never like a truly contoured handle, but I actually miss it when it's not there (as when I reverse the clip on my Delica, for example, and it just doesn't feel right.) Perhaps if The Invincible Vince has time, he can come up with a clip shape that, properly integrated into the handle design, would provide the contour Nemo is asking for. (Make sure he finishes the Blue Native project first, though!
)
¡Viva Spyderco!
David Rock
Here are some random thoughts on the subject of thicker, contoured handles for pocket knives:
1. Most knives spend many times more hours in your pocket than they do in your hand. Comfort in the pocket is more important than comfort in the hand, provided that the handle is "good enough" in all aspects pertaining to safety. In my opinion, the slippery, ultra-thin Endura II handle (for example) is not "good enough". generally speaking, I think flat is the way to go most of the time for most people.
2. I wear loose fitting Dockers on a daily basis, and I could carry a thicker-handled knife without much loss in terms of in-pocket comfort and convenience. I carry a CS Vaquero grande in my rear pocket, sans clip. No hay problema. I have also carried it in my front pocket without excessive discomfort. In its aftermarket Kydex slip sheath, even the relatively thick handle of the Moran Featherweight is not uncomfortable in the pocket. The human is a very adaptable creature. A person gets used to things after a while. I remember when I thought my SwissTool was heavy. After a year of carrying it during every waking hour, I hardly notice it any more. My advice to all: Don't wear tight pants, and "never carry a knife shorter than you schnoz".
3. On some knives the clip actually provides a bit of extra width where I want it. It's never like a truly contoured handle, but I actually miss it when it's not there (as when I reverse the clip on my Delica, for example, and it just doesn't feel right.) Perhaps if The Invincible Vince has time, he can come up with a clip shape that, properly integrated into the handle design, would provide the contour Nemo is asking for. (Make sure he finishes the Blue Native project first, though!
¡Viva Spyderco!
David Rock