Spyderco Autonomy Coast Guard version?

[Hale Storm]

So I've seen there are 4 versions of this knife.

1. The Autonomy 2 in black G10 and stonewash with LC200 steel, plain edge. Looks like a Manix 2 XL handle shape. Leaf blade shape.
2. The Autonomy 2 in all black with black DLC coated blade. Sheepsfoot blade in H1 steel. WITH a safety lock.
3. The Autonomy 2 in Orange G10. Sheepsfoot blade in H1 steel. WITH a safety lock.
4. The Autonomy in Orange G10. COAST GUARD ISSUE. Sheepsfoot blade in H1 steel. WITHOUT a safety lock.

I've seen the C165GSOR (Orange with no lock) passed off as the Coast Guard version. The box says C165GSOR.
But, I've seen the C165GSORCG with the CG on the end of the model version. I've even seen the CG version with a pocket clip. The box says C165GSORCG
I know some Coast Guard versions were released in the wild by mistake and an effort made to replace them with the lock version.
So was there a non lock civilian version released with a pocket clip or was there a Coast Guard version released with a pocket clip?
Enlighten me on the difference between the C165GSOR and the C165GSORCG versions.
Thanks in advance BF.

 

[ScooterG]

 

[Hale Storm]

My understanding is that the C165GSORCG model number is the Coast Guard issued one. Is that correct? The orange civilian version is C165GSOR with no CG designation on the box.

I have also read that some were released in the wild to a dealer and maybe more than one, and there was an attempt to retrieve them and swap them out with civilian versions. But it is unknown how many are still in the wild.

It would seem to me that if the CG model is the one reserved for Coasties, then the CG on the box would be the designation for those. I don't know that so I'm trying to get answers here. I have one (C165GSORCG) so I'd like to know if it's the rare bird I think it is.

I've seen someone list the orange one as a Coast Guard model but the box just says C165GSOR, even though it has no safety.

Maybe Sal will chime in at some point and clear it all up.

 

[Hale Storm]

View attachment 1205315

Thanks for the reply ScooterG. Still on the hunt for more info.

 

[Hale Storm]

I was hoping a Spydie fan would clear this up rather quickly, or Mr. Glesser could just tell me what I have found. Interesting to note. I wentView attachment 1206211to the Spyderco forum looking for specific answers about a Spyderco knife that is quite unusual compared to most and have had zero replies.

Luckily I have a son in the Coast Guard and had a chance to ask him. He is an MES (8th year in), and actually asked me how I managed to get a Coast Guard issued knife?
He's not quite as educated as most of us knife knuts but he has seen this knife in around while on duty.

What I think I have is a Coast Guard designated Spyderco Autonomy (Orange) that was shipped to a small local dealer by mistake. The dealer was not aware that the model was LE or Military only and they tagged it with a price tag and bar code as a C165GSOR which would be the civilian version with the lock on the release button. The label on the box from Spyderco says C165GSORCG (Coast Guard) which I believe dedicates this knife as the one made for Military and Law Enforcement and not issued to civilians. I'm not sure I have this right.
I'm just looking for confirmation on how rare this knife is out in the wild.
If it's a rare Spydie, then I'm going to sell or offer up for trade for something else I need. If it's just a normal autonomy without the lock and the CG designation doesn't mean anything, then I'll start using it for some of my outdoor tasks or may trade it anyway for something else I need.

Hopefully someone can chime in and help. My internet searches have yielded multiple stories on the Coastie version vs. civilian versions, etc.

Thanks in advance if you can help.

 

[ez_rider]

Please excuse the dust! Just found this thread while doing some pricing research on the Autonomy. I have one of the no-safety Coast Guard models that came in one of the C165GSOR boxes. IIRC, I bought it here in the BF Exchange several years ago around when these were first released. I also have one of the black versions that I have carried and used, but honestly prefer carrying my yellow Atlantic Salt instead.