Spec/Speed Bump Question

Halfneck

Halfneck

Joined
Jun 30, 2005
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Looking at the various Spec/Speed Bumps I am trying to understand the differences. Not really interested in the Speed Bump with Akulon handles, handled one and did not like the plastic feel. That said, is there any difference other than blade steel and handles between the aluminum handled Speed Bump and the G10 Spec Bump?
 
Not really a difference other than what you stated. Now there is a Speed Bump with flat G10 scales. Very nice knife in all aspects.
 
Flashpoint said:
Not really a difference other than what you stated. Now there is a Speed Bump with flat G10 scales. Very nice knife in all aspects.
Click to expand...

They are still sculpted on the 154CM Specs just with a different texture.:thumbup:

No real difference between any of the Studlock Bumps blade shape wise. The blades are actually interchangeable between all of them.

Please refer to the Bumplopedia for further information.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533921
 
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Having handled all of them (and the Ti models), I'd say, if you have the money, upgrade to the G10/Ti models. I don't hate the handles on either the Speed Bumps, but I LOVE the handles on the G10 and Ti models. You do get an S30V steel upgrade for the move too.

But if I wasn't going to spend 100+ on a knife and wanted a Speed Bump, I'd take the aluminum one. I just don't like plasticky feels on my knives.
 
Flashpoint said:
Not really a difference other than what you stated. Now there is a Speed Bump with flat G10 scales. Very nice knife in all aspects.
Click to expand...
And where might I find this alleged "Speed Bump with flat G10 scales," pray tell? Have a part number?
 
Maybe he got confused since it's black aluminum. On a small photo, I could definitely see myself assuming it was G10.

IMG_0074.jpg
 
Well, everyone around knows I sometimes dream about Spec/Speeds becoming re-released, I hope they get out a G10/Sandvik combo too. But man, I want the 3D handles, not slabs.
 
Artfully Martial - that's the one I was looking at over at 2 Brother's site. The Spec Bump I was looking at actually had a 154CM blade and non-starburst G10 scales. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer 154CM to S30V. Nothing wrong with S30V, but if given a choice, there are other steels I would prefer. That said, I just dropped about $1k getting a new computer and I still need a new monitor, so I'm trying to limit my knife spending for a bit. Wanting to get a Kershaw to play around with and I keep going back and forth between the Speed Bump with aluminum handles and the Leek with the composite blade. Yea, I know, buy both.:D
 
Those are both tantalizing options you have on the table there. I can relate...I just bought a 2000ish dollar Macbook Pro a month ago. And I'm saving up for a trip to Vietnam.
 
riffraff said:
And where might I find this alleged "Speed Bump with flat G10 scales," pray tell? Have a part number?
Click to expand...

I could have sworn I saw some Speed Bumps made with the flat G-10 handles that came on the first run of the Spec Bumps before they went to the Starburst pattern. :o

I guess Artfully Martial was right. That Speed Bump does look like a great candidate for for some customization though. Like maybe a slab of Micarta.

greenmic.jpg
 
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Well, we should consult Thomas. There are tons of little editions that I don't know about. The black aluminum handles are relative recent too.

But there was definitely a different (still 3D) pattern prior to the starburst.

I'm not sure why Kershaw is so resistant to making more spec/speeds.
 
Flashpoint said:
I could have sworn I saw some Speed Bumps made with the flat G-10 handles that came on the first run of the Spec Bumps before they went to the Starburst pattern. :o
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No we never did.

We did so some 3-G machined aluminum scales samples that had some different splatter paint color combination anodizing on them, but never felt a need to build a run of them. Might have been cool though.

Artfully Martial said:
Well, we should consult Thomas. There are tons of little editions that I don't know about. The black aluminum handles are relative recent too.

But there was definitely a different (still 3D) pattern prior to the starburst.
Click to expand...
spiral is the expert on the different variations, and I'm sure he will chime in.

I'm not sure why Kershaw is so resistant to making more spec/speeds.
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Mostly because they are a pia to manufacture, plus I don't think the sales would be there.
 
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I would really like to see a run of Speed Bumps with the new 14C28N and some type of complementing micarta handles.

Hint Hint.;)
 
Thomas W said:
Mostly because they are a pia to manufacture, plus I don't think the sales would be there.
Click to expand...

Thomas beat me on the post.

I imagine they probably are a pia to manufacture. A lot of curves in that one, but they sure are sexy. :cool:
 
My Bumplopedia post seems to have been ignored, so, I will post some pice in this thread.

This is the older version of the Spec. Note the flat thumb stud, straight line texturing in the g10 and 154CM steel.
100_0433.jpg


Newest style. Note the stepped thumb stud, starburst G10 and S30v steel.
100_0434.jpg


Speed Spec, Older straight line textured G10, stepped thumb stud, bead blasted 13C26 blade, a few of these were marked S30V in error (if it has a silver blade with Kershaw markings in tact it IS 13C26).
100_0432.jpg


AL Speed Bump. Stepped thumb stud, Black anodized aluminum scales, 13C26 bead blast blade.
100_0427.jpg


Finally the straight up Speed Bump. Stepped thumb stud, akulon with stantoprene over-mold scales, 13C26 BB blade. (note this knife has been pimped)
100_0426.jpg
 
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I own probably 30 Bumps, over the last 2 years I have owned probably 50. It has been my experience that you will not find any features crossing over runs. What you see here is what there is (with the exception of a Snap-on Tools version). I have heard of a few things that I have not seen. So, I'll believe it when I see it.

To address the 13C26 BB blade on star burst scales: It was a pimp job. I have seen it too. The blades on all Speeds and Specs are interchangeable. If you wanna do one it's pretty simple. The last one I saw done, the guy wanted the Speed blade on Starburst handles. He then sold the Aluminum Speed handles with Spec Blade for Speed Bump MSRP. I think it made a nice comprimise.

If you have any questions about this stuff feel free to email or PM me.
 
spiralarchitect - thanks for the pics and the wealth of information.

I'd send a pm, but my membership level does not allow. Is the differences in the flat thumb stud and stepped thumb stud purely cosmetic, or is there a functional difference? Not real familiar with the lock type and assume the thumb stud has some part to play in it.
 
Yeah, the thumb stud moves onto the shelf formed on the edge of the handle. The difference in shape is somewhat functional. The stepped stud on the newer Bumps is a bit easier to get a hold on with your thumb. The flat ones are just like the top of a bolt.... just a little harder to articulate.
 
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