Spyderco - traditional slip-joints

I think this would be an excellent idea. Pretty much everything "the government" ^^ said is right on the money as far as I see it. I would love to see this become an occasion side project. Perhaps one or two a year that blows everything else "traditional" out of the way as far as materials go. Spyderco is very innovative with their steel selection/heat treat and it would just be awesome to have say a single blade wharncliffe with ZDP-189. Or, possibly even cooler, have two or three bladed folders with each blade using a different steel designed for different purposes. Say a three bladed slipjoint with a S30v wharnie blade for long edge holding utility, a CPM-M4 spear point for toughness, and a smaller ZDP-189 pen blade for light duty with extreme edge holding. Something like this would be amazing to see and try, I'd be all over it!
 
Itch Blade said:
That is irrelevant to traditional slipjoints.
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How so? While my own interest is in them would be low, I think the points made about the changing legal situation regarding "legal carry" in many places around the globe are valid. Those changes are already creating markets that, in turn, could cause Spyderco to reconsider their position regarding "traditional" style slipjoints. After all, in the last five years market demand has caused them to create non locking folders and even one with a non-functional (for one hand opening) Spyderhole. Even without legal issues as a consideration, market demand also caused them to change their position regarding non-stainless steels.

Paul
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I was only dreaming guys;). I was going to start a thread just like this until I searched and found out that it was a recent topic.

I wish that at least some companies would make traditional knives with non-traditional steels. M4 or ZDP-189 would be awesome.

I am totally satisfied with traditional steels, but I can appreciate a blade steel in the same way that I can appreciate a fancy handle cover. Stag and CPM-M4 seems like a knock-out combo IMHO:eek:.

One day, it will come. Oh yes, one day it will come...:D
 
Itch Blade said:
It's simply not in tune with the company philosophy to make them.
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I think that it would be consistent with Spyderco's philosophy to make a quality, high-performing traditional slip-joint. From the Spyderco website:

"We didn't go into business to rake in a mountain of dough we're here for more selfish reasons- indulging our passion for creating knives. Spyderco is definitely out of the norm in the knife industry in our dedication to researching and developing fresh, improved and better performing materials all with function and reliability being key. . . . Making knives that consistently deliver reliable high-performance requires an ongoing commitment to testing."

High quality traditional slip-joints could be made with performance and reliability being key.

There remains other questions such as whether Spyderco would want move in a slightly different direction in the market (as we all know Spyderco already makes slip-joints - but not the type discussed in this thread), would such models fit within the Spyderco brand or should another brand be created, what is the market interest, etc.
 
The Deacon said:
How so? While my own interest is in them would be low, I think the points made about the changing legal situation regarding "legal carry" in many places around the globe are valid. Those changes are already creating markets that, in turn, could cause Spyderco to reconsider their position regarding "traditional" style slipjoints. After all, in the last five years market demand has caused them to create non locking folders and even one with a non-functional (for one hand opening) Spyderhole. Even without legal issues as a consideration, market demand also caused them to change their position regarding non-stainless steels.

Paul
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I do not agree that a traditional slipjoint and a DKPK are somehow different in the eyes of the law, no matter how restrictive. Nor will they ever be unless they make blade WIDTH laws, or about how "scary" a blade appears.

Of course, I see the merit of carrying a traditional slipjoint because it's not as scary to NKP. Other than that, a Spyderco traditional slipjoint offers me nothing.

jurisprudence said:
I think that it would be consistent with Spyderco's philosophy to make a quality, high-performing traditional slip-joint. From the Spyderco website:

"We didn't go into business to rake in a mountain of dough we're here for more selfish reasons- indulging our passion for creating knives. Spyderco is definitely out of the norm in the knife industry in our dedication to researching and developing fresh, improved and better performing materials all with function and reliability being key. . . . Making knives that consistently deliver reliable high-performance requires an ongoing commitment to testing."

High quality traditional slip-joints could be made with performance and reliability being key.

There remains other questions such as whether Spyderco would want move in a slightly different direction in the market (as we all know Spyderco already makes slip-joints - but not the type discussed in this thread), would such models fit within the Spyderco brand or should another brand be created, what is the market interest, etc.
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High performance, for many, would include one handed opening. If you really want a two handed opener, the Spyderhole works for that as well. If you absolutely cannot own a one handed opener, as is the case for our Dutch friends, the DKPK fills that roll, while still maintaining sheering power of a broad Spyderco leaf blade.

Just because of the nature of the beasts, multiple bladed knives are not comfortable in the hand, whether it's a Stockman giving you a few hotspots, or the downright painful Dyad.

I concede it might be plausible to make a single bladed Dyad with a DKPK hole, but it's far from "traditional" and function is very plainly not central in such a design.

All of the aforementioned is strictly in my opinion of course...

Ted
 
It's not something I am accustomed to, but I think I could get used to it! The traditional knives seem to be alive and well with some great new makers making a good run at it. Does Spyderco need it? Not hardly, but if they offered the right product and could make a profit then I'd be interested. I don't think however that a traditional slippie needs to have a blade steel like ZDP but rather an easier sharpening steel maybe like VG10 & a good high carbon offering for the super traditional guys. I personally don't want to try and sharpen a 1.5" pen blade made of ZDP when most of it's chores will be cutting Irish pennants and other small tasks. :)
 
I'd buy a Spyderco constructed exactly like the UKPK, but with the lines of my GEC Scout in a New York minute. :D

I would absolutely love the pure simplicity of such a knife -- G10 slabs, back spring, a few screws and a blade.

EDIT: Heck, I'd say the same thing for lock backs -- something along the lines of a retro-styled Delica. Actually, come to think of it, Spyderco already does sell such a knife -- sort of -- the Centofante 3.
 
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I don’t think Spyderco would get a large market share, but it’s an interesting idea.

Personally I think the Spyder hole is a great asset. Not just for single handed opening, but for opening with two hands as well.

I Spyderco feels that there is a market for a slip joint knife without easy one handed opening (for legal reasons) I think it should be a small sheep foot knife with H1 steel and a FRN handle.

Such a knife should be marketed as a marine knife for recreational yachtsmen.
 
I think a small one hand opener like a small sunfish, barlow or canoe would be nice. Nice round lines for easy pocket carry (ie. no clips). Maybe the size of a kiwi, dyad or even cricket, with full flat grind, premium steel and decent scales. IMO the cricket comes closest if it had a more "traditional" shaped blade. I think the hole opener wouldn't work well with almost all of the regular traditional multi-blade patterns. Spyderco's use of materials, smart designs, and manufacturing consistancy could really pay off in making it tough, good looking, light weight, yet easy to open and close. The current slipits are more like regular Spydercos minus locks, which are definitely still a bit too tactical for many out there. The small stainless steel ones are more like novelties, since they aren't of the same premium materials and finish as other Spydercos. I really appreciate the looks and usefulness of traditional slipjoints (which are probably my only knives that cut better than my Spydercos). However, because I'm a stay-at-home dad to a toddler and another 5 yr old son with autism (both who are as quick as lightening), when I'm using a knife to cut something (inevitably child related), I need to do it quickly and easily, and often need a hand free to keep them safe. I no longer carry my Queens or GECs unfortunately, as two handed opening and closing is sometimes very difficult when trying to make a cut and keep a hold of a child.
 
What everyone needs to understand is that the primary appeal of a traditional slip joint is not its leeway towards law enforcement or tactical utility -the appeal is in the nostalgia, the beauty, and simple utility.

The reason for making them would have to be the same reason as Case, GEC, and other brands who specialize in traditional knives. Legality has little to do with it; if anything, it is just a bonus for those with heavy restrictions. Tactical utility also has nothing to do with it. We are talking about reproducing age old designs for those who love them - the only "new improvement" would be in materials and maybe in craftsmanship and production.

Traditional knife patterns have been time-tested more than any other American made knife and they remain desirable to enthusiasts today.

It is understandable if Spyderco does not want to move in this (somewhat) backwards direction, we have to dream however, because if Spyderco did move this direction the result would be amazing.

The biggest problem is probably the lack of demand. Most traditional knife collectors and enthusiasts do not really care about new blade steels. They like ease of sharpening and if it stays sharp throughout the day, then its fine with them. People like myself, who are interested in both tactical and traditional knives are few and far between -and within this small niche, not many of us are willing to shell out over $100 on a traditional knife with modern materials. I know I am, but we are a very small group.
 
I am big on this idea!

I'd really like a good large sodbuster in S30V and textured, G10 slabs. A 4 1/2" stockman with an added awl in similar, or even with a saw instead of a coping blade, would be nice too. A boat knife with a sheepsfoot and marlin - is another nicely :)

Any way they could be pinchgrip numbers - don't need nicks :)
 
We've been thinking about the concept for quite a while. I don't think we'd make nail nicks, but we do have other ways.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
We've been thinking about the concept for quite a while. I don't think we'd make nail nicks, but we do have other ways.

sal
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I for one will be watching closely. Good things could come from ideas such as this.:thumbup:
 
Itch Blade, threatning looking knives, one hand opening and locks are very problematic in europe. Forexample while blade length is limited in England to 3" and below, you cannot have any kind of lock. Even Spyderco Ladybug's would be considered offensive weapon in England due combination of one hand opening and especially the lock.

In Germany you cannot have lock and one hand opening in same knife. Its either but no both. In Denmark you cannot have one hand opening knife and lock.

Old continent is very different from the states. You can get harder sentence for carrying more offensive looking knife. Like Spyderco civilian. SAK's are legal almost anywhere and are widely recognized as tools in Europe.

So in my humble opinion, in terms of European legistlations considering knives, traditionals are very safe way to go. Sal and Spyderco haven't succeeded for nothing. Business men have to react when market is changing. Now its changing and I am glad Sal and team are considering ways to pull it off. I am eager to wait myself what kind of opening mechanism they can intoduce. Miniature spydie hole for pincher opening?
 
Thanks Jamppa. I think my previous response was a little close-minded. I have never been outside the Americas/ Hawaii. Thanks for your input.
 
thejamppa said:
I am eager to wait myself what kind of opening mechanism they can intoduce. Miniature spydie hole for pincher opening?
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I would like to see that myself. I like the UKPK and Urbans. Would love to see a multiblade version with the materials of a Kopa
 
protourist said:
I for one will be watching closely. Good things could come from ideas such as this.:thumbup:
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Yes, me too. I'd be very eager to see what Spyderco could do in the slip joint space. There's so much room for creativity and new ideas.
 
Itch Blade said:
I do not agree that a traditional slipjoint and a DKPK are somehow different in the eyes of the law, no matter how restrictive. Nor will they ever be unless they make blade WIDTH laws, or about how "scary" a blade appears.

Of course, I see the merit of carrying a traditional slipjoint because it's not as scary to NKP. Other than that, a Spyderco traditional slipjoint offers me nothing.
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You can disagree, but you'd still be wrong in many cases. I have been on forums with british cops, and even talked to cops here in the States who would view something like the UKPK as only meant to be a weapon, even if its function is the same as a SAK.

In many countries and localities, they leave the laws very open to allow for officer discretion, which means something like the UKPK can be just as illegal as a switchblade, if the wrong officer sees you with it. I've even seen threads where people have had their UKPK seized, and I think they got a fine or citation or something in the UK.
 
Not sure about that Goodeyesniper

In the UK there is a charge of carrying an offensive weapon - which can be anything from a a broken bottle or a bit of scaffolding to a knife. It is all to do with the perceived intention of the user, and the police's opinion of that

A few people have been picked up for the UKPK or asked questions, but no one has been charged with carrying it (per se) because it is legal. Though if you threatened to poke someone with it you'd rightly be in the slammer before you had wiped the foam from your mouth :)
 
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